The path to God, vocation, prayer, and the righteous life is not always a straight one. More often than not, it isn't. That is why we need a reminder that some of our greatest saints had their own difficulties.
St. Paul the Simple of Egypt (4th century) is one excellent example. He was married, but discovered his wife was unfaithful. So, he left her and went into the desert to live the ascetical life with St. Antony the Great (January 17). Also, Paul was already 60 years old.
That's why St. Antony would not initially accept Paul. He thought that an old, previously married man could not handle the rigors of the life of solitude. But Paul proved him wrong by being repentant, humble, hardworking, prayerful, and attentive. After many years, Antony even appointed Paul to be an exorcist.
My point? There are times and places when there is nothing saintlier and more glorious than a band of broken brothers who show great courage in the name of God and His Church for the preservation of the faith and the protection of His people.
So, let us pray for those men, too.
Help us, most venerable and cross-bearing Paul! Raise up the forgotten, faithful disciples who seek not their own glory, but rejoice with the angels for an eternity spent with God!
An icon of St. Paul the Simple (with St. Antony, the founder of monasticism) who is commemorated on March 7 and October 4.
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