The brothers came to Abba Antony and asked, “What must I do in order to please God?” He responded to them, saying, “Pay attention to what I advise you: wherever you go, always have God before your eyes; whatever you do, do it according to the testimony of the Scriptures. You have heard the Scriptures? They will do very well for you.”
In fact the brothers were not satisfied with this reply and said to him, “Father, we would also like a word from you”. Then Antony told them, “The Gospel says: if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also”. They said, “We cannot do that.” The old man said to them, “If you cannot offer the other one, at least allow him to strike you on one cheek.” Again, they said, “We cannot even do that.” So Antony responded “If you cannot even do that”, said he, “do not pay back the evil you have received.” And they said: “We cannot do this either”.
Then the old man said to his disciple: “Prepare a little broth of corn for them, for they are ill. If you cannot do this, and you will not do that, what can I do for you? You are in need of prayer.”
