Section 66

Antony was also granted this favor: while sitting alone on the mountain, whenever he became perplexed in his reflections, Providence revealed the answer to him in prayer. The blessed man was, as Scripture says, “taught by God.”

After this, he once had a discussion with visitors about the condition of the soul and what kind of place it will have after this life. That night a voice from above called to him: “Antony, rise, go outside, and look.”

He went out, knowing whom he ought to obey. Looking upward, he saw a figure standing there, hideous and terrifying, so tall that it reached to the clouds. He also saw others ascending as though they had wings.

The huge figure stretched out its hands. Some of those ascending were stopped by it, while others flew above it and, having escaped, continued upward without further anxiety. The giant gnashed its teeth at those who escaped but rejoiced over those who fell back.

Immediately a voice said to Antony: “Do you understand what you are seeing?” His understanding was opened, and he realized that this was the passage of souls. The tall being standing there was the enemy who envies the faithful. Those whom he caught and prevented from passing were people who remained answerable to him; but those whom he could not hold as they ascended had not submitted themselves to him.

After seeing this and receiving it as a reminder, Antony struggled even more each day to advance toward the things ahead.

He did not want to tell others about these visions. But because he spent a long time in prayer afterward and was visibly astonished, those with him questioned him insistently and pressed him until he was compelled to speak, like a father who cannot withhold something useful from his children.

He believed that, since his own conscience was clear, the account could benefit them: they would learn that ascetic discipline bears good fruit and that visions are sometimes given as consolation in the midst of labor.