It was simply a fundamental but unobtrusive activity of their uncomplicated regime. To get deeper insight into the role that work plays in the eremitical life , we must turn to John Cassian. Cassian takes Paul the Apostle as the exemplar of work. Cassian quotes Paul s injunction to the Thessalonians to work with their hands and to be at peace. He sees manual labor as an antidote to distraction.
Work concentrates the mind and shuts out external noise.
It lifts the individual above the turmoil of the emotions. St. Anthony chides the healthy monk who lives off alms that should by right go to the weak. Astoundingly, he insists that everyone else in the world relies on the compassion of others with the sole exception of monks who live by the daily toil of their hands. Anthony reminds us that according to tradition, the monk gives alms, he does not receive them. St. Paul University, Ottawa, ONT 24pp.