This is the great work of a man: always to take the blame for his own sins before God, and toexpect temptation to his last breath.
Anthony The GreatRead
Our life and our death is with our neighbor. If we gain our brother, we have gained God, but if we scandalize our brother, we have sinned against Christ.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our actions toward others reflect our relationship with God; harming others is akin to sinning against Christ.
In this quote, Anthony the Great emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the moral responsibilities we hold towards one another. He suggests that our lives and our afterlife depend significantly on how we treat our neighbors. Gaining a brother symbolizes fostering love and kindness, which reflects a divine connection. Conversely, scandalizing others denotes causing harm and is portrayed as a serious offense against the essence of Christβs teachings, indicating that our spiritual health is tied to our relationships with others.
Themes
LifeDeathNeighborChristSinBrotherhoodMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the importance of community, this quote can illustrate the need for compassion.
More from Anthony The Great
All quotes βThe fruits of the earth are not brought to perfection immediately, but by time, rain and care; similarly, the fruits of men ripen through ascetic practice, study, time, perseverance, self-control and patience.
Anthony The GreatRead
When Abba Anthony thought about the depths of the judgments of God, he asked, 'Lord, how is it that some die when they are young, while others drag on to extreme old age? Why are there those who are poor and those who are rich? Why do wicked men prosper and why are the just in need?' He heard a voice answering him, 'Antony, keep your attention on yourself; these things are according to the judgment of God, and it is not to your advantage to know anything about them.'
Anthony The GreatRead
Regard as free not those whose status makes them outwardly free, but those who are free in their character and conduct. For we should not call men truly free when they are wicked and dissolute, since they are slaves to worldly passions. Freedom and happiness of soul consist in genuine purity and detachment from transitory things.
Anthony The GreatRead
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