Desert Father And Mothers Of The Second Through The 5th Century

In summary, the journey of the Desert Fathers and Mothers of the 2nd through the 5th century, like with the biblical survey, it essentially processes the experience of waiting through the lens of the parousia. However, one fundamental circumstance that influenced the Egyptian believer's journey into the desert practice an ascetic life in preparation for the return of Christ. While there were additional mitigating circumstances that also influenced a move to the desert including, societal temptations, the nominal Church and Roman dominance in society and the Church. Moreover, the Egyptian monk's desire to live in the presence of God on earth and in eternity was the primary concern.

The impetus for the desert saints’ separation from society and possessions, emanates from biblical teachings—of being set apart and holy, becoming more Christ-like, not indulging in the temptations of the world, desiring God more than anything else, and being found righteous when Christ returns. The Desert Father and Mothers so believed in the need for separation the Church itself was not

Athanasius recalled, “he [Antony] confirmed his purpose not to return to the abode of his fathers nor to the remembrance of his kinsfolk; but to keep all his desire and energy for perfecting his discipline. He worked…he gave to the needy. And he was constant in prayer.” His life was now centered around transforming into the words Jesus spoke "to be perfect" (Matthew 19:21a) or righteous and to "seek first the kingdom and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). This faith in Jesus' words was the foundation of Antony's move to the desert, and while he eagerly awaited the return of Christ, we find that the waiting was not the focus of his desert experience, but it was the daily opportunity to be considered righteous when Christ