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A legend of an especially holy Egyptian monk shows us the strength of the early Christians’ faith in angels. It seemed only natural that an especially holy man would be given angelic aid in overcoming an obstacle to his holiness.
Since I have already mentioned the monasteries of Egypt, this may be a good place to give a short account of them. They were probably founded at a very early period, but they were greatly enlarged and expanded by a devout man whose name was Ammoun.
It is said that Ammoun never saw himself naked: he used to say, “It is not appropriate for a monk to see even his own body exposed.” Once he wanted to cross a river, but he was unwilling to undress. So he prayed to God to allow him to cross without having to break his resolution. And immediately an angel transported him to the other side of the river. –Socrates Scholasticus, Ecclesiastical History, 4.23
IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Are there any principles of purity that I feel so strongly about that I would ask for angelic help in sticking to my resolutions? Should there be?
CLOSING PRAYER
Guardian Angel, I give you humble thanks for the charity and zeal with which you protect me, and I ask you to help me preserve my innocence whenever I am in danger from temptation.
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