Saying of the Day

Another time, another magistrate came to visit [Abba Simon]. The clergy went on ahead and said to the old man, "Abba, get ready, for this magistrate has heard of you and is coming for your blessing." So he said, "Yes, I will prepare myself." Then he put on a rough habit and taking some bread and cheese in his hands he went and satin the doorway to eat it. When the magistrate arrived with his suite and saw him, he despised him^* and said, "Is this the anchorite of whom we have heard so much?" and they went away at once.

Sayings. Simon. 2

^* The magistrate no doubt expected a famous monk to be fasting strictly.