Desert Fathers Raised the Dead.
Throughout history there have always been
Christians who sought a more disciplined, ascetical way of self-denial in
following Christ. They sought (and today, seek) to open themselves to the Holy
Spirit while closing the door to the seductions and temptations of the world,
often seeking out desert or wilderness. In the Bible, Elijah had done so; so
did John the Baptist; so did St. Paul for a period of time in Arabia, the
Syrian desert (Gal 1:17).
By the end of the Third Century (AD
200's), many ascetics were following St. Paul of Thebes (aka Paul the First
Hermit) (c. 227-c. 341) and St. Antony of the Desert (251-356) into the
Egyptian Desert. They were seeking God and holiness of life through
self-denial, prayer, and by battle with the demons.
St. Macarius of Egypt (aka Macarius the
Great) (300-390) went into the desert about 330, becoming a disciple of St.
Antony. Both master and disciple, over their lifetimes, performed so many
miracles, healings, and wonders that all could never be told.
Now the Egyptian ascetics would typically
earn their keep by weaving palm leaves into mats and other useful items that
could be bartered or sold. Antony was working at his weaving one day with
choice palm leaves beside him. Macarius asked him for some of them and Antony
replied: “It is written, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.’” (Ex20:17; Deut 5:21.) And immediately all the leaves shriveled up as though dried
by fire. Antony took this as a sign that his “spirit” was now being transferred
to Macarius (as from Elijah to Elisha, 2 Kings 2:1-18). He said, “See, my
spirit has come to rest on you, and you will now be the heir to my virtues.”
One day Macarius was sent some fresh
grapes–quite a delicacy compared to what little the ascetics usually ate.
Macarius desired to eat them but chose instead to show self-control, so sent
them to an ill brother who he knew was fond of grapes. That ill brother also
desired them, but also chose to show self-control and sent them on to another
brother. The grapes ended up making the round of all the brothers in the area,
each deciding to exercise self-control and not eat them. Eventually they came
back to Macarius. Macarius recognized the grapes, inquired of the brothers and
then realized what had occurred. He gave thanks to the Lord for such self-control
among the brothers. And in the end – not even he ate any of the grapes.
It was said that once Macarius was praying
in a cave and a hyena came to the cave and began licking Macarius’ feet. Then,
taking Macarius gently by the hem of his tunic, she drew him out and brought
him to her own cave. The hyena then went into the cave and brought out her
cubs, laying them before Macarius. Each of them was blind. Macarius understood.
He prayed over each cub and each was cured, now able to see.
There was one brother who belonged to an heretical sect that did not accept essential Christian doctrines, especially not belief in the resurrection of the dead. To convince this brother, Macarius gave a sign. Through prayer and fasting, and by the power of God, Macarius brought a dead man back to life. The miracle was God’s proof of His power over life and death, and He has revealed the future resurrection of the dead.
Dibby Allan Green