"He (St. Anthony) subjected himself in sincerity to the good men whom he visited, and learned thoroughly where each surpassed him in zeal and discipline. He observed the graciousness of one; the unceasing prayer of another; he took knowledge of another's freedom from anger and another's loving-kindness; he gave heed to one as he watched, to another as he studied; one he admired for his endurance, another for his fasting and sleeping on the ground; the meekness of one and the long-suffering of another he watched with care, while he took note of the piety towards Christ and the mutual love which animated all. Thus filled, he returned to his own place of discipline, and henceforth would strive to unite the qualities of each, and was eager to show in himself the virtues of all." - Athanasius the Great of Alexandria "Life of St. Anthony"

I was absolutely rattled to the core by what Athanasius said of St. Anthony.  Anthony was a man that longed, both in word and action, to live the life of the kingdom.  He dedicated himself to assimilating all of those Christian practices that might bring him higher and closer to God.  He formed the man that he was to become by being a man of infinitate learning. 

Athanasius himself was an incredible man.  Educated at Alexandria and was only 35 when he became the patriarch of the same. 

I am overcome in this moment with the shear volume of character between these great men and my own life.  What does it look like to live a life of deep, life changing love.  The kind of love that transforms our actions, and beckons us to the heart of God. 

What prayer, what longing, can change the heart of a man?  For how long must he pray for change? 

O Lord, may you change my heart.  May you help me to take on those disciplines that will draw me into your heart!  Help me to opperate out of holy love.