Jesus’ invitation to “Come follow me” is closely related to the practice of prayer. Prayer is a participation in God’s love, the activity that takes us out of ourselves, away from the familiar, and conforms us to the path of Christ.
The legalization of Christianity by the Roman Empire in 313 drove Anthony the Great to start the monastic movement that is now known as the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Through their solitude, they learned to be sparing and intentional with their words and to preach more through their lifestyle.
There were few “doctrines” to prove at this time in Christianity, only an inner life to be experienced. They believed that “To live without speaking is better than to speak without living. For the former who lives rightly does good even by his silence but the latter does no good even when he speaks.”
When words and life correspond to one another, they are together the whole of philosophy – finally accepting Jesus’ invitation to “Come follow me.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything, give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
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