"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hb. 3:7-8). Have you ever been struck by a verse of Scripture? Have you ever felt God was speaking directly to you? The Word of God is alive and powerful. Scripture can bring us great hope, wonder or tears.

Today we celebrate St. Anthony the Abbot. One day Anthony heard a line from Scripture: "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me" (Mt. 19:21). This changed his life. He left his land and family to go into the desert. He wanted to be together with Christ through the intimacy of silence and prayer.

Yet, in the desert Anthony faced many difficulties. The devil tempted him with boredom, laziness and lust. Anthony persevered by focusing on Christ. Though he wanted to be alone, many people followed Anthony into the desert. They too wanted to find intimacy with Jesus.

Anthony heard God's voice and followed. Today Anthony is considered the father of Christian monasticism.

What verse of Scripture has touched me deeply? What is the Lord expressing to me through this verse? What is the Lord inviting me to discover?