Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

In episode 53, join Jamie Baxter of Exodus 90 and Bishop Erik Varden for a conversation all about filming Desert Fathers, what they learned, how the writings of the Desert Fathers have impacted them, and more.

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This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

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In the dark of night, while the monastery slept, St. Benedict kept vigil.

Standing at his window, he watched a light descend from heaven, brighter than the day itself.

And in that light, he saw something extraordinary.

For our final episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, we stand with St. Benedict in this holy moment.

It’s been a blessing to walk on this journey with you.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

________

Imagine a voice that shakes the heavens. A light that makes you radiant from within.

That’s what St. Benedict wants us to experience.

This week, we hear about the divine thunder and deifying light that rouses us into the fullness of life.

God doesn’t just illuminate our path, He transforms us into His image.

Let’s reflect on what that means for you.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

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St. Benedict saw the world differently. 

Others pursued knowledge, pleasure, prestige. He wanted more.

Once he grew up and could make his own decisions, he sought only what would last: God.

In this week’s episode, we reflect on Benedict’s journey from worldly ease to holy freedom, and how his courage challenges us to ask: “What do I really want?”

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

Imagine a narrow cave.  A little bell to signal a visitor. A rope lowered to bring food.

Alone, fasting, praying… Benedict spent three years here preparing for his sacred mission.

In this episode, we visit the very cave where Benedict emerged to give the world his “little rule for beginners.”

We’ll dive into the final chapter of Benedict’s Rule, reflecting on how he distills the desert fathers’ teachings for anyone seeking a life fully devoted to God.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

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What should we do with intrusive, impure thoughts?

The more we try to push them away, the harder they seem to stick.

If only we had a mental delete button. It’s exhausting to feel like our own minds are working against us.

This week, we see how the Desert Fathers faced this inner battle. 

They don’t promise quick fixes. But they offer a way to weaken these thoughts over time until they lose their grip.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

________

Abba Netras thrived in the desert. Life was simple. His soul was at peace.

Then the Church called him to be a bishop in the city. Suddenly his quiet life was over.

How did Bishop Netras respond?

This week, we see that true discernment means recognizing when your old routines no longer serve you—and having the courage to enter new modes of spiritual combat.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

________

Work can seem dull at times. Didn't God create us to praise Him, instead? That seems much preferred to work. Practical life, it can seem, gets in the way of the spiritual life. If only we could live like the angels in a state of constant praise.

But the fact of the matter is, we—humans—must attend to practical things as well as spiritual. As Bishop Varden says, "Angels have no need for supper."

This week's episode is a good reminder that the petty tasks we must undergo in life should not be a distraction from the spiritual life. We must hold them both in balance.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

________

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden articulates the importance that rest plays in our lives—particularly our spiritual lives. He discusses the monastic idea of "holy leisure," also called "recreation," and the differences between leisure and idleness. Bishop Varden reminds us that to be Christian, we must allow ourselves to constantly be "re-created" by God, which requires that we slow down and spend time in rest and leisure from time to time.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

________

When a friend or relative has been living in sin, how should we respond?

Do we confront him and risk pushing him away? Or do we stay silent and thereby condone the sin?

In this episode of Desert Fathers, we find a middle way.

An elder discovers a brother living a secret double life. Instead of calling him out, the elder waits patiently.

When the right moment comes, the elder offers a small but sincere gesture to the brother—which opens the door to repentance.

Fraternal correction seeks to win our brother back, rather than assert we’re right. Bishop Varden unpacks the elder’s example so we too can act with patience, wisdom, and love.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of detraction and judgment through the lens of a hermit's vision. The conversation covers the consequences of gossip, the importance of conversion, and the efficacy of sacraments, emphasizing that divine grace is not hindered by human flaws.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

________

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers and Detraction

01:09 The Hermit's Vision and Judgment

02:56 The Tragedy of Gossip Among the Consecrated

04:30 The Process of Conversion and Clarity

06:23 The Efficacy of Sacraments and Divine Grace

08:04 Hope and Redemption in the Face of Scandal

Tags:

Desert Fathers, Bishop Varden, detraction, judgment, gossip, conversion, sacraments, grace, redemption, spirituality

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of judgment through the lens of the Desert Fathers' teachings, particularly focusing on the story of Abba Isaac. He discusses the dangers of judging others, the importance of humility, and the potential for personal growth through self-reflection and repentance.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more.

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

________

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers' Wisdom

01:58 The Danger of Judgment

02:50 The Lesson from Abba Isaac

06:18 The Path to Humility and Grace

Tags:

Desert Fathers, judgment, humility, grace, Abba Isaac, Christian teachings, mercy, self-reflection, spiritual growth, forgiveness, Bishop Varden

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden reflects on the teachings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on the themes of forgiveness, community, and the transformative power of God's mercy. Through the story of Abba Anthony, Bishop Varden emphasizes the importance of hope and redemption in the Christian life.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more

Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, Coram Fratribus

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!

________

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers' Wisdom

02:51 The Story of Abba Anthony and Forgiveness

05:33 The Role of Community in Redemption

08:10 Hope and Transformation in Christian Life

Tags:

Desert Fathers, Bishop Eric Varden, forgiveness, community, transformation, mercy, Abba Anthony, Christian teachings, spiritual growth, redemption

In this Q&A session with Bishop Erik Varden, Jamie Baxter and Bishop Varden explore:

• The nature of love and self-forgetfulness
• Philosophical perspectives on progress
• The relevance of Stoicism
• The implications of artificial intelligence
• The importance of maintaining joy in celebratory seasons
• And more!

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit Exodus90.com to learn more

Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

________

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Q&A Session

03:07 The Nature of Love and Self-Forgetfulness

09:03 Philosophical Perspectives on Progress and History

18:45 Stoicism and Its Relevance to Christian Living

21:41 Artificial Intelligence and Wisdom from the Desert Fathers

29:19 The Solitary Life and Its Impact on Humanity

35:09 Challenges of Prayer and Asceticism

44:42 Living Joyfully in Celebratory Seasons

49:35 The Discipline of Speech and Communication

54:07 Practical Wisdom for Financial Responsibility

58:38 Navigating Romantic Relationships and Spiritual Priorities

01:07:57 Conclusion and Blessing

Tags:

Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, Q&A, love, self-knowledge, humility, progress, Stoicism, artificial intelligence, prayer, asceticism, financial responsibility, romantic relationships

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of humility through the teachings of the Desert Fathers, particularly focusing on Abba Moses and Abba Simon. He discusses how these figures exemplified humility by avoiding fame and recognition, and how Léonie Martin's story parallels this theme. Bishop Varden emphasizes the importance of self-deprecation and the dangers of seeking personal glory in spiritual life.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land.

Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit Exodus90.com to learn more

Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

________

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Desert Fathers and Humility

02:42 The Story of Abba Moses and Humility

05:20 The Role of Abba Simon in Avoiding Fame

07:53 The Example of Léonie Martin and Self-Deprecation

Tags:

Desert Fathers, humility, Abba Moses, Abba Simon, Léonie Martin, self-deprecation, Christian teachings, spiritual growth, authority, simplicity

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the themes of humility and vainglory through the teachings of Abba Serapion. He discusses the importance of aligning one's words with actions and the dangers of pride masked as humility. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-reflection and integrity in spiritual growth, encouraging listeners to practice humility in their daily lives.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land.

Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit Exodus90.com to learn more

Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

________

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers and Vainglory

01:42 The Story of Abba Serapion and Humility

09:08 Reflections on Authority and Integrity

Tags:

Desert Fathers, humility, vainglory, Abba Serapion, authority, integrity, self-reflection, spiritual growth, monastic life, Christian teachings

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the teachings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on the themes of humility, the dangers of vanity, and the importance of genuine spiritual practices. Bishop Varden discusses a saying from Abba Theodore, emphasizing that true light comes from God and that self-exaltation can undermine our spiritual efforts.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit Exodus90.com to learn more

Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

_________

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers' Wisdom

01:23 The Importance of Humility in Spiritual Practices

08:04 The Dangers of Vanity and Self-Exaltation

Tags:

Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, humility, vanity, spiritual life, fasting, grace, self-exaltation, wisdom, prayer

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden reflects on the teachings of the Desert Fathers, particularly focusing on the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.

Through the story of a young monk who performed a miraculous act but later fell into sin, the discussion emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and the understanding that no one is beyond temptation. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the significance of authentic faith.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026.

Download the Exodus 90 app or visit Exodus90.com to learn more

Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

_________

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers' Wisdom

02:06 The Story of the Young Monk and His Fall

09:03 Reflections on Repentance and Grace

Tags:

Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, spiritual wisdom, repentance, humility, Abba Antony, Christian teachings, monastic life, spiritual growth, humility in faith

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of fortitude through the lens of monastic life, using the analogy of a hound pursuing a hare to illustrate the importance of unwavering focus on Christ amidst distractions and scandals. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by monks and the necessity of maintaining a deep, personal relationship with Christ to persevere in faith.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026.

Download the Exodus 90 app or visit Exodus90.com to learn more



Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

_________

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Desert Fathers and Fortitude

01:40 The Pursuit of Christ: A Monastic Analogy

09:16 Overcoming Scandal Through Focus on the Cross

Tags:

Desert Fathers, fortitude, monastic life, Bishop Erik Varden, spiritual growth, overcoming scandal, Christ, perseverance, asceticism, prayer

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden and Jamie Baxter explore the theme of fortitude in the face of suffering, particularly through the lens of illness. They reflect on the teachings of Amma Syncletica, emphasizing the importance of embracing our struggles as opportunities for spiritual growth and grace. The conversation highlights the transformative power of faith and the belief that all experiences, even painful ones, can lead to greater good.

__________

This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026.

Download the Exodus 90 app or visit Exodus90.com to learn more



Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

_________

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fortitude and Suffering

01:27 Embracing Illness as a Spiritual Practice

03:53 The Life and Wisdom of Amma Syncletica

06:56 Finding Grace in Trials and Suffering

09:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

Tags:

fortitude, suffering, illness, spiritual growth, Amma Syncletica, grace, Desert Fathers, asceticism, faith, providence, Bishop Erik Varden

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of fortitude through the lens of Xeniteia, a call to solitude and trust in God.

He discusses the importance of preparing for trials in the pursuit of wisdom and the balance between comfort and challenge in spiritual growth.

The conversation emphasizes the need to surrender to God's will in everyday life and the significance of situational wisdom in the teachings of the Desert Fathers.

__________

Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app for a 40-day spiritual devotion. Go to exodus90.com to learn more!

Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

_________

Tags:

Desert Fathers, fortitude, wisdom, Xeniteia, solitude, spiritual growth, trust in God, Bishop Eric Varden, Christian tradition, discipleship

In this episode, Bishop Erik Varden reflects on the virtue of fortitude as taught by the Desert Fathers, emphasizing the importance of enduring hardship in the pursuit of wisdom.

The conversation explores how ancient wisdom can guide modern challenges. The episode concludes with a call to live logically and in alignment with the teachings of Christ, drawing inspiration from the lives of early Christian monks.

__________

Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app for a 40-day spiritual devotion. Go to exodus90.com to learn more!

Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

__________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

_________

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fortitude and the Desert Fathers

01:56 Philosophy and Hardship in Pursuit of Wisdom

09:22 Enduring Hardship and Living Logically

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Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, fortitude, philosophy, wisdom, hardship, trials, St. Gregory, Christian life, perseverance, spiritual growth

In this episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, Bishop Varden explores the teachings of the Desert Fathers on the theme of possessing nothing, emphasizing the dangers of materialism and the importance of generosity.

Bishop Varden delves into the complexities of need and the spiritual challenges posed by wealth, illustrated through a parable about a wealthy donor and the monks of Scetis. The episode concludes with reflections on humility and the true purpose of giving.

________

Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app for a 40-day spiritual devotion. Go to exodus90.com to learn more!

Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.

________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

_________

Chapters

00:00 Possessing Nothing: The Teachings of the Desert Fathers

01:48 The Challenge of Generosity and Need

08:44 Reflections on Wealth and Humility

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Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, trust, providence, possessions, spiritual growth, Christian life, almsgiving, discernment, work ethics

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of possession and trust through the story of a gardener who learns the importance of relying on God rather than hoarding wealth. The conversation delves into the nature of work, discernment, and the spiritual implications of our choices regarding possessions.

Bishop Varden explains how the gardener's journey from hoarding to repentance illustrates the transformative power of faith and the call to live in community and trust in divine providence.

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Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app for a

40-day spiritual devotion. Go to exodus90.com to learn more!

Visit Desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and

reflections.

________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers and Possession

01:26 The Gardener's Tale: Trust and Providence

08:39 Lessons from the Gardener's Experience

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Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, trust, providence, possessions, spiritual growth, Christian life, almsgiving, discernment, work ethics

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the themes of unity in early Christianity, the significance of books in monastic life, and the balance between possession and purpose in knowledge. Bishop Varden reminds us that even good things can be used in sinful ways.

Lovely Books emphasizes the importance of community, the role of literature in spiritual growth, and the call to share one's resources with those in need.

________

Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app for a

40-day spiritual devotion. Go to exodus90.com to learn more!

Visit DesertFathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and

reflections.

________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

_________

Chapters

00:00 Unity in Early Christianity

01:54 The Value of Books in Monastic Life

06:46 Possession vs. Purpose of Knowledge

Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, early Christianity, monastic

life, books, spirituality, possessions, charity, wisdom, teachings

Join Bishop Erik Varden, a Trappist monk and Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, in this episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, where he unpacks the timeless wisdom of the Desert Fathers through the lens of Abba Antony’s striking lesson. In this episode, titled "Lacerated Body," Bishop Varden reflects on a story from the sayings of the Desert Fathers, where a brother seeking to become a monk is instructed by Antony to place meat on his naked body, only to be torn apart by dogs and birds. This vivid metaphor reveals the spiritual danger of clinging to worldly riches while professing total commitment to God, a lesson that echoes the early Church’s struggles in Acts with Ananias and Sapphira.

Bishop Varden draws parallels between the brother’s divided heart and the “crooked generation” described in Acts, which stumbles in its self-sufficiency and aimless pursuits. He explores how the early Christians’ radical commitment to communal living—sharing all possessions with glad and generous hearts—challenges us to examine our own attachments. With his deep theological insight and pastoral warmth, Bishop Varden invites us to consider: Are we truly giving our all to God, or are we holding back, risking a “lacerated” spiritual life?

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Key Themes:

- The cost of true discipleship: Why half-hearted commitment tears us apart.

- Lessons from Acts: The early Church’s vision of unity and generosity.

- The Desert Fathers’ wisdom: Abba Antony’s call to radical integrity.

- Applying ancient teachings to modern life: Overcoming the temptation to hedge our bets with God.

Men - join us for St. Michael's Lent starting August 15, 2025 on the Exodus 90 app.

_________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

In this special Q&A episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, host Jamie Baxter welcomes Bishop Varden to answer listener questions, offering profound insights from the Desert Fathers’ wisdom. Recorded as Jamie prepares to travel to Norway to join Bishop Varden for future episodes, this session covers topics from the recent chapters on self-mastery and lust, as well as practical and personal questions about living a radical Christian life. From the communal nature of redemption to navigating temptation and fostering chastity, Bishop Varden’s responses illuminate how the Desert Fathers’ teachings remain relevant for modern believers. The episode also announces a simplified series name—Desert Fathers with Bishop EriK Varden—and a shift to monthly roundtables with guests for added variety.

Key Discussion Points:

• Series Updates: The series, now halfway through its year-long journey, is renamed Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden. Roundtables will move to a monthly format with guests to bring diverse perspectives.
• Recommended Reading: Bishop Varden suggests diving directly into the Desert Fathers’ sayings through Cistercian Publications’ editions translated by Benedict Ward, or exploring introductory works like Rowan Williams’ Silence and Honeycakes and Helen Waddell’s The Desert Fathers and Beasts and Saints for their accessible and engaging insights.
• Visiting Monastic Sites: Bishop Varden shares a transformative experience at Subiaco, St. Benedict’s first place of solitude, where a monk’s declaration of “this is paradise” captured the site’s spiritual depth.
• The Radical Christian Call: Responding to a listener’s question about embracing the Desert Fathers’ lifestyle today, Bishop Varden emphasizes that all are called to a radical Christian life, starting with small, intentional steps to curb destructive habits while aspiring to divine communion.
• The Two Brothers and Communal Redemption: Addressing concerns about the second monk’s “lie” in the sympathy episode, Bishop Varden explains that in the sacramental view of the communion of saints, one brother’s sin affects all, making the second monk’s shared penance a truthful act of solidarity. This teaches that redemption is communal, requiring us to bear one another’s burdens, especially in matters of sexual failure.
• Anger vs. Lust: Bishop Varden notes that the Desert Fathers likely viewed anger as a more fundamental sin than lust, as it often underlies other sins, drawing on Dorothy L. Sayers’ distinction between “hot” (passionate) and “cold” (calculating) sins in Dante’s Inferno.
• Reframing Chastity: Responding to questions about chastity, Bishop Varden advocates for a joyful, aspirational view of the virtue, integrated with other virtues to foster human dignity and freedom, rather than isolation or shame. His book Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses seeks to reframe chastity as a life-giving pursuit.
• Enduring Temptation: Bishop Varden offers practical advice for facing temptation without despair: recognize it honestly, trust in God’s healing purpose, share struggles with a wise confidant, and view temptations as opportunities for growth in courage and self-knowledge.
• Marriage and Openness: Reflecting on the “spitting the blood” saying, Bishop Varden clarifies that withholding hurtful words, not honest communication, is the goal. In marriage, openness about tensions fosters unity, while spiteful words risk harm.
• Balancing Radical Faith and Solidarity: Addressing a pastor’s tension between vertical commitment to God and horizontal solidarity with humanity, Bishop Varden affirms that both are united in God’s call to...

In this powerful bonus roundtable discussion for Episode 26 of Desert Fathers in a Year, host Jamie Baxter, joined by Adam, Doyle, and Jared, dives into the Desert Fathers’ wisdom on sympathy, focusing on a poignant saying from the systematic collection’s chapter on lust. This episode explores the profound Christian call to bear one another’s burdens, as illustrated by a story of two brothers—one who falls into lust and another who, through love and compassion, takes on his brother’s penance to win his forgiveness. The discussion highlights the communal nature of faith, the dangers of individualism, and the transformative power of sympathetic fraternity in overcoming temptation and despair.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Saying: Two brothers go to the market, and one falls into lust. The other, in an act of profound love, claims to have sinned as well, doing penance for his brother. This selfless act leads to divine forgiveness for the fallen brother. This is a vivid example of “giving one’s life for one’s brother” (Galatians 6:2).
• Communal Faith vs. Individualism: The panel reflects on how modern Christianity often views faith as an individual pursuit, missing the Desert Fathers’ teaching that “our life and death is with our neighbor.” Our sins and virtues impact the entire Church, from our families to our parishes.
• The Domestic Church and Parish Life: The family, as the domestic church, and the parish, as a communal shelter, are essential for living out faith in community. They provide support to face temptations like lust, which thrives in isolation and shame.
• Temptation and Perseverance: Temptation is inevitable, even in holy spaces like monasteries or homes. The Desert Fathers teach the importance of withdrawing for prayer, staying connected in community, and persevering through trials to grow in true virtue.
• Sympathy Over Surveillance: The discussion contrasts modern “surveillance accountability” with the Desert Fathers’ model of sympathetic fraternity, where compassion, not judgment, motivates conversion. This mirrors Christ’s sacrifice, taking on our sins as the innocent victim.
• The Role of Solitude and Mission: Balancing solitude for prayer, community for support, and mission in the world is key to the Christian life. The panel emphasizes creating “monastic enclosures” in our lives to shield against worldly distractions while remaining open to evangelizing others.

Resources:

• Submit questions for the upcoming Q&A with Bishop Varden at desertfathers.com or email hello@desertfathers.com.
• Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app for a powerful 40-day devotion. Learn more at exodus90.com.
• Explore the full series at desertfathers.com and subscribe to the email newsletter for updates.

_________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

In this episode of Desert Fathers in a Year, we delve into a poignant story from the Systematic Collection of the Desert Fathers about two brothers navigating the aftermath of temptation in the marketplace. This narrative, rich with lessons on compassion, repentance, and the power of communal support, serves as a mirror for our own struggles with sin and redemption. Host Jamie Baxter, with insights from Bishop Eric Varden, explores how the Desert Fathers’ wisdom applies to modern challenges when we step outside our familiar boundaries.

• Temptation in Unfamiliar Spaces: The Desert Fathers, living self-sufficiently, ventured into cities like Alexandria to sell their wares, facing temptations absent in their ascetic environment. This mirrors our own experiences in unfamiliar settings—business trips, urban wanderings, or unguarded moments online—where virtue is tested.
• Despair and Hopelessness: The brother who fell into lust succumbs to despair, believing his sin defines him and renders him unworthy of his monastic calling. This reflects the diabolical trap of thinking we are beyond redemption.
• Compassionate Solidarity: The faithful brother, displaying cardiognosis (charitable heart-reading), shares his companion’s burden by claiming to have sinned similarly. This act of compassion, akin to Christ’s redemptive love, restores hope and encourages repentance.
• Vicarious Penance: The faithful brother’s penance on behalf of the fallen one demonstrates the power of communal support. His love leads to the sinner’s forgiveness, illustrating the biblical call to “give one’s life for one’s brother” (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Balancing Justice and Charity: The story underscores that true redemption infuses justice with charity, allowing God’s grace to transform our failures into opportunities for spiritual growth.

Two brothers go to the market to sell their wares and part ways. One falls into lust and, overwhelmed by shame, refuses to return to their cell, feeling unworthy. His companion, sensing his despair, compassionately claims to have faced the same sin, urging repentance and return. They confess to the elders, who prescribe penance. The faithful brother performs penance as if he had sinned, and God, moved by this love, forgives the fallen brother. This story highlights:

• The danger of despair that isolates us from God and community.
• The healing power of compassionate solidarity, which restores hope and facilitates repentance.
• The Desert Fathers’ teaching that our burdens are shared within the mystical body of Christ.

The Desert Fathers remind us that sin does not define us, nor does it sever us from God’s mercy. In moments of failure, especially in unfamiliar or tempting environments, we are called to reject despair, seek confession, and rely on the love and support of our community. Like the faithful brother, we must bear one another’s burdens with compassion, trusting in God’s redemptive power to transform our weaknesses into opportunities for grace.

• Subscribe: Visit DesertFathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.
• Submit Questions: Share your questions for Bishop Varden’s upcoming Q&A in early July at DesertFathers.com or email hello@desertfathers.com.
• Join Kings of Summer: Live your baptismal call to kingship in Christ with Kings of Summer on the Exodus 90 app. Meditate on King David and Christian kings...

In this bonus roundtable for Episode 25 of Desert Fathers in a Year with Bishop Erik Varden, host Jamie Baxter and guests Adam, Doyle, and Jared dive into the powerful story of Amma Sarah, the first Desert Mother featured in the series. For thirteen years, Amma Sarah battled the demon of lust, never praying for the temptation to leave but instead seeking God’s strength. Her witness—“Not I have vanquished you, but Christ, my Lord has”—offers timeless wisdom on embracing crosses for spiritual growth. Join us as we explore how her example challenges modern notions of Christianity and calls us to holiness through trial.

Key Topics Covered:

• Amma Sarah’s 13-year battle with lust and her reliance on Christ’s strength
• The revolutionary role of Desert Mothers in showcasing holiness for all
• Rejecting “crossless Christianity” and embracing temptation as a path to virtue
• Practical wisdom: Controlling the controllables to face life’s challenges
• The importance of small crosses in daily sanctification

Action Item: Be attentive to the “little crosses” given each hour. Embrace them as opportunities for transformation, seeing each as “a kiss from the Crucified.”

Why Listen?

This episode challenges modern misconceptions of faith, offering Amma Sarah’s example as a call to persevere in spiritual combat. Perfect for those seeking deeper Christian wisdom, spiritual growth, or insights from the Desert Fathers and Mothers.

Get Involved:

• Submit questions for our upcoming Q&A with Bishop Varden at desertfathers.com or email hello@desertfathers.com.
• Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app. Visit exodus90.com to learn more about this powerful devotion led by CFR priests Fr. Innocent and Fr. Angelus Montgomery.

Resources:

• Bishop Erik Varden’s book, Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses
• Exodus 90 app for daily spiritual exercises and Saint Michael’s Lent

Subscribe and share with a friend to journey deeper into the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers!

_________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

Join host Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90 for Episode 25 of Desert Fathers in a Year, titled “Amma Sara and the Battle Against Temptation.” This episode dives into the fifth chapter of the Desert Fathers’ systematic collection on lust, featuring a powerful saying from desert mother Amma Sara. Guided by Bishop Erik Varden, the episode explores how to face demonic temptations with fortitude and reliance on Christ, situating Christian spirituality within the pursuit of truth and freedom. Recorded during the Kings of Summer initiative, this reflection offers timeless wisdom for men seeking to conquer vice through virtue.

• Amma Sara’s Saying: Amma Sara endured a 13-year battle with the demon of lust, never praying for the struggle to cease but simply asking, “My God, strengthen me.” When the demon, disguised as lust and later vanity, claimed defeat, she humbly replied, “Not I have vanquished you. Christ my Lord has,” showcasing reliance on Christ’s victory.
• Role of Desert Mothers: Women like Amma Sara were equals or superiors to male monks, correcting flawed perspectives (e.g., a nun’s quip to a monk avoiding women: “Had you been a perfect monk, you wouldn’t have noticed that we are women”). A pure heart sees God’s image in all, free from passion.
• Theology of Temptation: Temptations aren’t unfair disruptions but opportunities for growth, purifying and clarifying vulnerabilities. God allows them for salvation, not destruction, despite the devil’s suggestion of senselessness.
• Our Father Debate: Liturgical shifts (e.g., “let us not enter temptation” vs. “lead us not”) reflect modern discomfort, but the Greek text affirms God’s purposeful allowance of trials, balanced by human frailty and divine plan.
• Fortitude in Combat: Amma Sara’s ascesis and prayer model spiritual warfare, abiding in temptation as a crucible to emerge as “gold” through grace, rejecting both sensuality and vanity.
• Modern Misconceptions: Secular culture demands comfort, viewing temptation as unjust, but God prioritizes truth and freedom, using trials to mature believers.

• Galatians 3:28: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female,” reflected in the nun’s correction, emphasizing unity in Christ.
• Our Father (Matthew 6:13): “Lead us not into temptation” expresses diffidence, acknowledging human limits while trusting God’s salvific purpose.
• Athanasius’ Life of Anthony: Frames Anthony’s nuanced view of lust, setting the stage for Amma Sara’s similar reliance on Christ.
• Bishop Varden’s Writings: His reflections on peace as conquered, not passive, align with Amma Sara’s active combat (cf. Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses).
• Mary of Egypt’s Life: Her holiness humbled monk Zosima, paralleling Amma Sara’s exemplary virtue.

• Adopt Amma Sara’s Prayer: Pray “My God, strengthen me” when facing temptation to rely on Christ’s power.
• Reflect on Temptation’s Purpose: Journal how past trials have clarified weaknesses or spurred growth, fostering gratitude for God’s plan.
• Pursue Purity of Heart: Practice seeing others as God’s image, not threats, through daily acts of reverence (e.g., kind words, blessings).
• Engage with Kings of Summer: Join the Exodus 90 app’s challenge, meditating on King David and Christian kings to grow in...

Join us for a special bonus roundtable discussion in Desert Fathers in a Year with host Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90, alongside Adam, Doyle, and Jared. In this episode, we dive into Abba Anthony’s profound teaching on the three bodily movements related to lust: natural, fueled by overindulgence, and demonic. The panel unpacks the Desert Fathers’ timeless wisdom, exploring how these distinctions reveal the battle for chastity, the role of technology in amplifying temptation, and the power of discernment in fatherhood and faith. Discover practical ways to guard your environment and live virtuously.

Key Topics Covered:

• Abba Anthony’s three bodily movements: natural, overindulgence-driven, and demonic
• The psychological and spiritual insights of the Desert Fathers on human sexuality
• How demons exploit disordered desires to break communion and fruitfulness
• The role of fasting and asceticism in combating addiction, backed by modern science
• Practical discernment for fathers to guide sons toward virtuous manhood
• Overcoming modern temptations by guarding your environment and media consumption

Why Listen?

This dynamic discussion offers deep insights into battling lust and living freely in Christ, perfect for men and women seeking spiritual growth, practical faith, or guidance from the Desert Fathers. Learn how to apply Anthony’s wisdom to modern challenges like technology and fatherhood.

Announcements:

• Submit your questions for Bishop Erik Varden’s upcoming Q&A in July at desertfathers.com or email hello@desertfathers.com.
• Join the Kings of Summer Challenge on the Exodus 90 app, meditating on King David and Christian kings to embrace your baptismal call.

Subscribe for weekly episodes and share this podcast to explore the Desert Fathers’ wisdom with Bishop Erik Varden!

_________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

Episode Overview

Join host Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90 for Episode 24 of Desert Fathers in a Year, titled “On Discernment: Three Approaches.” This episode continues the exploration of the fifth chapter of the Desert Fathers’ systematic collection on lust, featuring a profound saying from Abba Anthony. Guided by Bishop Eric Varden, the episode situates Christian sexuality within human dignity and flourishing, distinguishing natural eros from destructive lust. Recorded during the Kings of Summer initiative, this reflection offers practical wisdom for men seeking to channel their desires toward Christ-like love.

Key Themes and Reflections

• Abba Anthony’s Saying: Abba Anthony identifies three types of bodily movement: (1) natural physical urges, neutral and good when guided by the soul; (2) lust fueled by overindulgence in food and drink, linked to gluttony; and (3) demonic impulses driven by spiritual malice, inducing sadness and despair. These distinctions provide a framework for discerning and combating lust.
• Chastity and Human Flourishing: Bishop Varden emphasizes that the Desert Fathers were not opposed to eros or sex within marriage but condemned porneia (lust as transaction, akin to prostitution). Chastity aligns body and soul, fostering love and happiness, not stifling desire.
• Reclaiming Anthony’s Wisdom: Contrary to Enlightenment views of Anthony as an unlettered ascetic, his letters reveal intellectual depth. His nuanced approach to lust—affirming natural urges while warning against imbalance and demonic influence—could prevent much pain if taught in seminaries and marriage preparation.
• Body and Soul in Harmony: Anthony’s teaching rejects the notion that bodily urges are inherently sinful. The pursuit of chastity seeks to restore the fruitful complementarity of body and soul, made in God’s image, through discerning reason and disciplined habits.
• Practical Discernment: To combat lust, Anthony advises moderating food and drink to equilibrate appetite, avoiding places of past sin, and limiting alcohol (e.g., “never take more than three cups”). Prayer and compunction drive out demonic impulses, elevating the mind toward God’s love.
• Cultural Misconceptions: The episode challenges the view of Christian sexuality as puritanical, highlighting how lust sabotages self and others. By understanding lust’s roots—natural, indulgent, or demonic—men can redirect passions toward life-giving love.

Scriptural and Literary Connections

• Ephesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery,” cited by Anthony to warn against lust fueled by excess.
• Luke 21:34: Jesus’ command, “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness,” underscores the need for vigilance.
• Athanasius’ Life of Anthony: Reveals Anthony’s rejection of pagan culture, not learning, affirming his intellectual depth.
• Bishop Varden’s Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses: Frames chastity as a path to flourishing, aligning with Anthony’s discernment of desire.

Action Items for Listeners

1. Discern Bodily Movements: Reflect on Anthony’s three types of lust. Are your urges natural, fueled by excess, or spiritually destructive? Journal your observations to grow in self-awareness.
2. Moderate Appetites: Limit food, drink, or alcohol this week (e.g., skip a second...

Do you have a question for Bishop Varden? Submit your questions here.

Episode Overview

Join host Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90 and guests Adam, Doyle, and Jared for the bonus roundtable discussion of Episode 23 of Desert Fathers in a Year, titled “Lust.” This episode marks the start of a new focus on the fifth chapter of the Desert Fathers’ systematic collection, exploring the timeless wisdom of Abba Poemen on combating lust and anger. With insights from Bishop Varden’s book Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses, the discussion reframes chastity as a path to human flourishing, not a restrictive rule. Recorded during the Kings of Summer initiative, this episode offers practical guidance for men seeking transformation in Christ amidst a culture wounded by the sexual revolution.

Key Themes and Reflections

• Abba Poemen’s Saying: A brother, struggling with lust and anger, seeks advice from Abba Poemen, who references David’s triumph over the lion and bear (1 Samuel 17:34-36) to illustrate cutting off anger and squeezing out lust through labor. Poemen warns that lovers of pleasure and money cannot live according to God, emphasizing disciplined effort to redirect passions.
• Chastity as Flourishing: Jared highlights Bishop Varden’s reframe of chastity as thriving, not a killjoy rule. Drawing from Deus Caritas Est by Pope Benedict XVI, he distinguishes eros (legitimate longing for love) from lust (self-focused distortion), countering cultural misconceptions that equate all desire with lust.
• Cultural Crisis and Wounded Healers: The sexual revolution has wounded both society and the Church, creating timidity in teaching chastity due to scandals and cultural malaise. Jared notes that even Church leaders are “wounded healers,” yet the Church upholds human dignity through teachings like John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.
• Lust vs. Fatherhood: Jared contrasts the vampire-like nature of lust—draining life for selfish pleasure—with fatherhood, which gives life through self-sacrifice. This aligns with Poemen’s call to redirect passions toward fruitful love, addressing the cultural confusion encapsulated in “love is love.”
• Historical Parallels: Doyle draws from Greek and Roman sexuality, citing Plato’s Symposium and Aristophanes’ works to show that modern sexual confusion is not new. Socrates’ view of love as a pursuit of reason (logos, fulfilled in Christ) prefigures Christian chastity, offering hope that ancient struggles found resolution in truth.
• Lust in Context: Adam shares a young man’s testimony that freedom from lust came not from fixating on it but by addressing deeper issues (e.g., anger, loneliness) through a holistic Christian life. Bishop Varden and Dorothy Sayers note the overemphasis on lust, neglecting other deadly sins like pride, which distorts virtue’s meaning.
• HALT Acronym: Adam introduces the HALT acronym (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) as a tool to identify underlying triggers for sin, including lust. Addressing these root causes—hunger, anger, loneliness, or fatigue—helps men make better choices and fosters human flourishing.

Scriptural and Literary Connections

• 1 Samuel 17:34-36: David’s victory over the lion and bear, referenced by Poemen, symbolizes overcoming anger and lust through disciplined effort.
• Deus Caritas Est by Pope Benedict XVI: Links eros and agape, affirming the legitimacy of human longing when ordered toward selfless love.
• Theology of the Body by St. John Paul II: Roots Catholic sexual morality in human dignity, freedom,...

Submit your questions to Bishop Erik Varden by emailing hello@desertfathers.com.

This episode delves into the Desert Fathers' insights on lust, drawing from Abba Poemen’s counsel to a brother wrestling with lust and anger. We explore how the Fathers understood lust (porneia) as distinct from eros, emphasizing its self-centered nature and its opposition to true freedom in Christ. The discussion challenges modern cultural myths about sexual liberation and situates Christian teachings on sexuality within a broader vision of virtue and human flourishing.

• Abba Poemen: “On account of this David said, ‘I smote the lion, I strangled the bear,’ which is to say, I cut off anger and by labours I squeezed the life out of lust.”
• Abba Poemen: “You cannot live according to God if you are a lover of pleasure and a lover of money.”
• Dorothy L. Sayers (1941, The Other Six Deadly Sins): “Perhaps the bitterest commentary on the way in which Christian doctrine has been taught in the last few centuries is the fact that to the majority of people the word ‘immorality’ has come to mean one thing and one thing only.”

1. Christian Teaching on Sexuality: Christian moral doctrine focuses on thriving, dignity, and freedom in Christ, not merely restriction. The Desert Fathers help reframe sexuality within this holistic vision.
2. Lust vs. Eros: The Fathers used porneia to describe lust, a self-focused desire akin to prostitution, contrasting it with eros, which seeks mutual connection. Lust isolates, while eros yearns for another.
3. Cultural Narratives: Modern culture often views lust as liberating, but the Fathers saw it as blinding, locking individuals in self-centeredness. Has “sexual liberation” truly freed us?
4. Lust’s Deeper Roots: Poemen links lust to anger, suggesting it may reflect deeper passions like rage or greed. This perspective sheds light on societal issues like sexual abuse and manipulation.
5. Transcendence and Meaning: In a secular age, sex is often a substitute for transcendence. The Fathers invite us to redirect desire toward God, fostering true freedom over fleeting pleasure.

• How do cultural views of lust as “freedom” shape our understanding of intimacy?
• What might underlying emotions like anger reveal about struggles with lust?
• How can the Desert Fathers’ wisdom help us live out a balanced Christian approach to sexuality?

• Bishop Erik Varden, Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses
• Dorothy L. Sayers, The Other Six Deadly Sins (1941, Public Morality Council address).
• The Sayings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on Abba Poemen’s teachings.
• The Book of Job, for reflections on embodied desire for God.

Share your thoughts or questions by emailing Bishop Erik Varden at hello@desertfathers.com. Join us for the next episode as we continue our journey with the Desert Fathers.

_________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, coramfratribus.com.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

•...

In this Bonus Roundtable for Episode 22 of Desert Fathers in a Year, host Jamie Baxter, joined by Adam Doyle and Jared, dives into the profound saying of Abba Makarios from the Systematic Collection of the Desert Fathers. The discussion explores the balance between personal austerity and communal charity, reflecting on how the Desert Fathers’ wisdom challenges modern tendencies toward vanity and self-centeredness. This episode concludes the series’ focus on self-mastery before transitioning to the topic of lust next month.

Abba Makarios’ Saying: Abba Makarios accepted wine from his brethren to honor their hospitality but compensated by abstaining from water for a day per cup consumed—a severe act of hidden austerity. His disciple intervened, urging the brethren to stop offering wine to prevent Makarios from over disciplining himself.

Reversing Vanity: Jamie highlights the human tendency to be indulgent at home while projecting austerity in public, driven by vanity. The Desert Fathers challenge this, urging hidden discipline and outward charity, aligning with Christ’s call to avoid performative piety (Matthew 6:16-18).

Charity as the Goal: Jared emphasizes that asceticism is not an end but a means to cultivate love for God and neighbor. The Fathers’ practices, like relaxing disciplines for others’ sake, reveal a deeper purpose: fostering communion over self-display.

Learning from the Body: Adam reflects on how the body’s natural longing for food mirrors the heart’s desire for God. Asceticism trains us to prioritize spiritual hunger, countering modern distractions that dull this longing.

Hospitality and Discernment: The panel discusses the importance of receiving others’ gifts with gratitude, even if they conflict with personal disciplines. Jamie shares Bishop Varden’s insight: “Principles are important, but more beneficial still is readiness to transcend one’s individual fixed ideas.”

Practical Challenges: Adam recounts personal anecdotes—offering a beer to a fasting Byzantine priest and a Benedictine monk eating unpalatable hot sauce out of courtesy—illustrating the need to prioritize others’ feelings over rigid rules. These stories echo the Fathers’ emphasis on joyful acceptance.

Avoiding Empty Practices: Jamie cites Bishop Varden’s warning that public displays of austerity can render practices meaningless, squandering spiritual rewards. He references a Newman sermon on St. John, who built his eternal inheritance through hidden sacrifices.

Receive with Gratitude: When offered food, drink, or hospitality, accept it with joy, even if it doesn’t align with your preferences or disciplines. Offer any discomfort as a small act of self-denial.

Practice Hidden Austerity: Follow the Fathers’ example by keeping your spiritual disciplines private, avoiding the temptation to showcase your piety.

Discern with Charity: When faced with conflicts between personal rules and communal needs, prioritize love for others, discerning when to relax or uphold your practices.

Reflect on Intentions: When offering hospitality, consider the recipient’s needs rather than your own desires. Ensure your actions build communion, not self-satisfaction.

“Principles are important, but more beneficial still is readiness to transcend one’s individual fixed ideas.” – Bishop Erik Varden

“A true ascetic will rejoice more in occasions to mortify self-will than in displaying the rigor of his or her observance.” – Bishop Erik Varden

“When we put on a show, we lose the reward. It loses its meaning.” – Jamie Baxter

Subscribe: Visit DesertFathers.com to join our email newsletter and submit questions for Bishop Varden’s upcoming Q&A in early...

In Episode 22 of Desert Fathers in a Year, we continue our journey into the wisdom of the Desert Fathers, focusing on self-mastery through the lens of Abba Makarios’ life. This episode explores the delicate balance between personal asceticism and communal charity, drawing from a saying in the Systematic Collection of the Desert Fathers. Host Jamie Baxter and Bishop Erik Varden reflect on how the Fathers discreetly practiced austerity while prioritizing love and fellowship with others.

• Self-Mastery and Speech: The Desert Fathers emphasized controlling speech, as it reflects the heart’s state. Examples include Abba Anthony’s visitor likening careless speech to an unkept donkey, Abba Aqilas spitting out an evil word turned to blood, and Abba Sarapion’s transformative confession.
• Hidden Austerity: Inspired by Christ’s teaching in Matthew 6:16-18, the Fathers hid their ascetic practices to avoid vanity. Abba Makarios exemplifies this by accepting wine from his brethren but secretly compensating with extreme self-discipline.
• Charity Over Rigidity: The Fathers valued courtesy and fellowship over strict adherence to personal rules. Refusing hospitality, like declining food during Lent, could dishonor hosts and reflect self-satisfaction rather than humility.
• Balancing Love and Discipline: Abba Makarios’ story illustrates accepting others’ kindness (e.g., drinking wine) to honor their generosity while privately maintaining his spiritual purpose through acts of renunciation, like abstaining from water for a day.
• Discernment in Charity: The episode cautions against using charity as an excuse for indulgence. Abba Sissos advises seeking rational, love-driven answers when navigating social obligations, avoiding intemperance.

Abba Makarios, when offered wine by his brethren, accepted it joyfully to honor their fellowship, despite its potential to hinder his prayer. To maintain his ascetic commitment, he disciplined himself by forgoing water for a full day per cup of wine consumed—a radical act in the desert’s harsh climate. His disciple, noticing the toll, urged the brethren to stop offering wine, revealing Makarios’ hidden austerity. This story underscores:

• The importance of accepting hospitality to build community.
• The need for personal discipline to remain true to one’s spiritual goals.
• The value of discerning higher goods, prioritizing others’ honor over self-display.

• Hospitality and Intent: The episode challenges listeners to consider whether their acts of kindness are truly for others or for personal gratification.
• Humility in Action: A story of Abbot John highlights choosing humility over correction, as he endured a night lost in the desert to avoid shaming his guide.
• Practical Application: Listeners are encouraged to practice tactful acceptance of others’ offerings and to discern when to relax or uphold personal disciplines for the sake of love.

The Desert Fathers teach us to balance personal austerity with communal charity. True asceticism lies not in rigid rule-following but in discerning when to set aside practices for love’s sake and when to take them up again in pursuit of self-mastery. As we approach Easter’s fifty-day season, let us emulate Abba Makarios’ example of hidden discipline and outward charity.

_________

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog,

In this bonus roundtable discussion for Episode 21 of Desert Fathers in a Year, host Jamie Baxter and guests Adam, Doyle, and Jared dive into the fourth chapter of the systematic collection of the Desert Fathers, focusing on self-mastery. The episode explores a powerful saying attributed to Abba Serapion, highlighting the liberating power of confession, the importance of vulnerability, and the role of spiritual fathers in overcoming sin. The discussion emphasizes the timeless wisdom of the Desert Fathers and its relevance for modern Christian life, encouraging listeners to embrace truth, communion, and accountability.

• Saying Summary: Abba Serapion, as a young monk, secretly stole rusks (hard bread) after meals, unable to resist the urge due to shame and silence. When visitors prompted his elder, Abba Theanas, to speak about hiding thoughts and self-control, Serapion was convicted, confessed his sin, and experienced a dramatic spiritual liberation, symbolized by a fiery lamp and sulfurous stink leaving his chest.
• Liberating Truth: The panel reflects on the transformative power of confessing sins, which breaks the isolation and despair fostered by hidden habits. Serapion’s confession not only freed him but became a testimony passed down through generations (from Abba Theanas to Abba Moses to Abba Cassian).
• Modern Relevance: In an individualistic culture valuing privacy, the saying challenges listeners to reject the “demonic” tendency to withhold weaknesses, emphasizing vulnerability as a path to communion with God and others.

• Relational Healing: Jared highlights Bishop Varden’s insight that Serapion’s sin created a relational wedge between him and his spiritual father. Confession restored this communion, underscoring the necessity of spiritual fathers to guide and reflect God’s fatherly love.
• Communal Beings: As bodily and social beings, humans need earthly mentors to embody divine accountability and love. The panel contrasts this with modern dualism, where one might rely solely on a distant “heavenly Father” without earthly guidance.
• Father Wound: The absence or rejection of spiritual fathers can hinder spiritual growth, mirroring the impact of a biological father wound.

• Legacy of Names: Doyle notes the saying’s chain of attribution (Cassian, Moses, Serapion, Theanas), reflecting the Desert Fathers’ humility and unity. They sought no personal fame, blending into a cohesive tradition rooted in St. Anthony, as Bishop Varden emphasized.
• Timeless Words: The careful preservation of these names and words, despite the “tsunami” of modern information, underscores their spiritual power, memorized and transmitted for 1,700 years.

• Confession as Icebreaker: Doyle shares a personal experience from an Exodus 90 Freedom Summit, where men’s vulnerable confessions of struggles (anger, alcohol, lust) united 200 participants, proving that shared accountability fosters communion and healing.
• Reciprocal Vulnerability: In small groups, leading with openness (e.g., Doyle’s sharing of past struggles with drugs and alcohol) sets a tone for authentic sharing, countering surface-level conversations.
• Bishop Varden’s Warning: Hidden habits and half-truths give the “hater of good” (the devil) an opportunity. Bringing sins to light through confession is the path to freedom.

🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year!

In today’s episode, we explore the powerful story of Abba Serapion, who struggled with a seemingly small vice—secretly stealing rusks after meals. What unfolds is a deeply human and spiritual lesson in shame, secrecy, and the liberating power of confession.

When Serapion finally confesses his hidden sin to Abba Theonas, he is immediately freed from its grip, spiritually and even physically. His story shows how silence can become a prison, and how naming our sin—however small—can break the devil’s hold on us.

We also contrast this with Abba John Kolobos, who fled rather than utter a single angry word, highlighting that while some words must be withheld, others must be spoken—for the sake of the soul.

• Hiding thoughts from spiritual guides: Why it damages us and delights the enemy
• Confession as liberation: The act of speaking the truth frees us from spiritual bondage
• The illusion of small sins: Why seemingly minor habits (like stealing dry bread) can form deeply ingrained patterns
• Subtle bondage: How secrecy fosters isolation, shame, and spiritual despair
• Spiritual psychology of the Fathers: Insight into how habits harden and how grace intervenes
• Right speech and restraint: Knowing when to speak—and when silence is an act of virtue

• James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
• John Cassian’s Conferences – Source of today’s account
• Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”

1. Are there small habits in my life that I excuse or hide?
2. Do I have someone I can speak honestly with—a spiritual director, a confessor, a trusted friend?
3. Am I holding on to silence that is wounding me?
4. When have I experienced the healing power of confession or accountability?

Challenge This Week: Take five quiet minutes today and ask the Lord: “Is there a word I need to speak?” Whether to Him, a priest, or a friend—step into the light, and say what needs to be said.

Subscribe & Share: If this story challenged or encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded that God’s mercy meets us in truth—and sets us free.

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

Episode Overview

Welcome to the bonus roundtable discussion for Episode 20 of Desert Fathers in a Year, hosted by Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90. In this episode, titled "Words That Wound," Jamie is joined by Adam, Doyle, and Jared to explore a powerful saying from Abba Achillas in the Desert Fathers' systematic collection, focusing on the theme of self-mastery. The discussion delves into the spiritual, literary, and practical implications of overcoming the temptation to respond to hurtful words with bitterness, drawing parallels to Christ’s example of sacrificial love.

Key Themes and Reflections

• The Saying of Abba Achillas: An elder visits Abba Achillas and sees him spitting blood, which Achillas explains is the result of a brother’s wounding words. Rather than speaking the hurtful word, he prayed for God’s grace, transforming the word into blood, which he spat out, finding peace and forgetting his grief. This vivid imagery highlights the spiritual discipline of resisting sinful speech and absorbing pain for the sake of love.
• Self-Mastery and Christian Heroism: The hosts contrast the classical heroism of Achilles in The Iliad—driven by rage and resentment—with the Christian heroism of Abba Achillas, who absorbs betrayal and pain in imitation of Christ. Jared reflects on Hebrews 12:4, noting that resisting sin to the point of shedding blood can mean taking on personal suffering rather than inflicting it on others.
• Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Drawing on René Girard’s scapegoat theory, Doyle discusses how mimetic rivalry fuels cycles of violence, which only an innocent party—like Christ—can break. Abba Achillas’ choice to “let the evil stay with me” mirrors this, stopping the cycle of verbal violence through self-control and charity.
• Words as Weapons: The hosts explore how sarcasm, gossip, and backbiting can wound deeply, especially when coming from those closest to us. Adam shares a workplace story of being publicly blamed via email, illustrating the temptation to retaliate and the wisdom of pausing before responding.
• Philosophical Insights: Doyle engages Friedrich Nietzsche’s critique of Christian morality as disguised resentment, arguing that Abba Achillas’ actions refute this by demonstrating genuine virtue rooted in love, not bitterness. Bishop Varden’s reflection underscores that acting on passions projects a “sick vision of the world,” while overcoming them reflects spiritual health.
• Practical Struggles: Jamie shares a personal story about reacting angrily on the golf course and later in family life, highlighting how petty annoyances can trigger uncharitable speech. He also recounts receiving constructive criticism from his wife about his podcast delivery, initially reacting defensively but ultimately embracing humility to improve.

Scriptural and Literary Connections

• Romans 12:17-21: “Repay no one evil for evil… If your enemy is hungry, feed him… Overcome evil with good.” This passage frames the discussion of transforming wounds into acts of love, likened to heaping “burning coals” that purify rather than shame.
• Hebrews 12:4: “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” This verse connects Achillas’ blood imagery to the Christian call to suffer for righteousness.
• The Iliad: The hosts contrast the rage of Achilles with Abba Achillas’ self-mastery, redefining heroism as sacrificial love.
• Lord of the Rings: Jamie likens Achillas’ stand against evil to Gandalf’s confrontation with the Balrog at the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, symbolizing the choice...

🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year!

In this episode of Desert Fathers in a Year with Bishop Erik Varden, we explore the story of Abba Achillas, who transforms a wounding word into a path of peace. Spitting blood after a brother’s hurtful remark, Achillas reveals the spiritual battle against anger and resentment. Through prayer and restraint, he refuses to spread harm, choosing instead to expel his grief and find Christ’s peace. Join us to uncover how the Desert Fathers teach us to overcome soul-sickness, halt cycles of verbal violence, and embrace non-violence in our hearts.

Key Topics Covered:

• Abba Achillas’s response to a hurtful word and its spiritual significance
• The danger of anger and resentment in extinguishing grace
• Christ’s teaching on what defiles the heart and the call to non-violence
• The Desert Fathers’ wisdom on mortifying grudges to restore peace
• Lessons from Abba Agathon’s silence and the power of restraining speech

Why Listen?

This episode offers profound insights into managing hurt and anger through faith, perfect for those seeking spiritual growth, Christian wisdom, or guidance from the Desert Fathers. Discover how to break cycles of harm and find peace in Christ.

Keywords: Desert Fathers, Abba Achillas, Bishop Erik Varden, Christian spirituality, overcoming anger, non-violence, spiritual growth, Desert wisdom, peace in Christ, restraining speech

Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts

Please visit DesertFathers.com to subscribe to our email newsletter and to download a free PDF of Athanasius's Life of Antony.

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

Jamie, Doyle, and Jared from the Exodus 90 team meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection on Episode 19: Donkey on the Loose.

Want to follow along? The Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks (Penguin Classics)

Each week, we'll meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection and what practical takeaways we can glean from it and apply to our lives. New Roundtable Discussions will be published every Thursday.

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is...

• ...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, CoramFratribus.com.

• ...produced by EWTN Global Catholic Network

• ...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today and get ready to start the Exodus 90 Challenge beginning on January 20, 2025.

You can listen to Desert Fathers in a Year on the Hallow app, YouTube, X (fka Twitter), Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year!

In this episode of Desert Fathers in a Year, we dive into a timeless Desert Fathers story where brothers journey to meet Abba Antony, joined by a silent elder who offers profound wisdom. His metaphor of a "donkey on the loose" critiques their unrestrained speech, revealing the power of self-mastery over words. We explore how this ancient lesson applies today, in a world of endless chatter and social media noise. Discover why restraint in speech, not just food, is key to spiritual growth and inner strength.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Desert Fathers’ journey to Abba Antony and the silent elder’s wisdom
• The "donkey on the loose": Why unrestrained speech drains inner vitality
• Antony’s legacy as a spiritual father through fidelity to his calling
• Self-mastery beyond fasting: Controlling the "movements of the soul"
• Applying ancient wisdom to modern habits of oversharing

Why Listen?

Perfect for listeners seeking spiritual wisdom, self-discipline, or insights into early Christian teachings. This episode unpacks how mindful speech fosters deeper connections and personal growth, inspired by the Desert Fathers.

Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts

Please visit DesertFathers.com to subscribe to our email newsletter and to download a free PDF of Athanasius's Life of Antony.

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year, Episode 18: Q&A - Ask Bishop Varden

In this special episode of Desert Fathers in a Year, we mark the one-third milestone of our series with a listener Q&A featuring Bishop Erik Varden. Bishop Varden answers questions submitted by listeners, covering topics from the organization of the systematic collection to practical spiritual advice inspired by the Desert Fathers. The episode also touches on the recent passing of Pope Francis and how the Fathers might guide us during this time of papal transition.

• Organization of the Systematic Collection: A listener asks if the chapters (e.g., perfection, peace, compunction) are stages to follow. Bishop Varden compares the collection to an encyclopedia or medical manual, designed for practical reference rather than sequential mastery. He advises using it to address specific spiritual needs as prompted by the Holy Spirit.
• Translation and Desert Mothers: Bishop Varden confirms he translates the sayings himself from the Greek text in the Sources Chrétiennes edition. He also teases upcoming episodes featuring Desert Mothers, responding to listener interest, particularly from women.

• Eschatology and the Second Coming: Listener Alexander asks about the Desert Fathers’ perspective on awaiting Christ’s return. Bishop Varden notes the strong eschatological thrust in the sayings, balancing hope for Christ’s return with personal preparation for judgment. He shares a story of Arsenius waiting for the sunrise as a symbol of awaiting Christ.
• Perfection and Slowing Down: Addressing a question on Anthony’s advice to “not move in a hurry,” Bishop Varden suggests practical steps like disconnecting from technology, practicing slow tasks mindfully, and embracing moments of stillness to counter modern freneticism.
• Peace and Discernment: A listener struggles with Moses’ advice to “stay in your cell” while feeling called to action. Bishop Varden emphasizes discernment, suggesting the cell represents a commitment to a task, not just a physical space. Another listener, Richard, asks about maintaining peace amid worldly storms. Bishop Varden reframes peace as dynamic, rooted in Christ’s presence, not a static possession.
• Compunction and Holy Grief: Bishop Varden explains the fear of God as reverence and trust, not dread, using the image of God’s “everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy). He advises cultivating truth spoken in love by practicing silence when motivated by bitterness, citing Dorotheus of Gaza. He distinguishes holy grief, which opens one to repentance, from unhealthy guilt, which fosters self-pity.

• Euthanasia and Peace: A Canadian listener laments Catholic support for euthanasia. Bishop Varden encourages clinging to Christ as peace, even in a culture of death, and walking step-by-step with Him, as the disciples did.
• Persistent Sin: A listener who lived in sin for years before conversion asks if lingering temptations are permanent. Bishop Varden shares the story of St. Mary of Egypt, affirming that healing is possible but takes time, encouraging persistent struggle and trust in God’s healing.
• Preferential Love in Community: A religious sister asks about managing particular friendships without harming the community. Bishop Varden warns against self-sufficient friendships that compromise celibate solitude, advising focus on consecrated purpose over seeking emotional consolations.

Jamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the Exodus 90 team meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection on Episode 17: The Fear of God.

Want to follow along? The Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks (Penguin Classics)

Each week, we'll meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection and what practical takeaways we can glean from it and apply to our lives. New Roundtable Discussions will be published every Thursday.

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is...

• ...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, CoramFratribus.com.

• ...produced by EWTN Global Catholic Network

• ...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today and get ready to start the Exodus 90 Challenge beginning on January 20, 2025.

You can listen to Desert Fathers in a Year on the Hallow app, YouTube, X (fka Twitter), Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Submit your question to Bishop Varden for our upcoming Q&A episode. You can submit your question here.

🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year, Episode 17: The Fear of God.

In this episode of Desert Fathers in a Year, we explore the profound teaching of Abba Peter on the "fear of God." Far from nervous anxiety, this fear is a reverent awe of God’s divine majesty, as Abba Isaiah’s wisdom explains that true fear of God arises from trusting Him alone. Drawing from Isaiah’s vision of God’s glory and the refining fire of faith, we unpack how trusting God in hardship—illness, loss, or betrayal—leads to redemptive purity. Discover how the Desert Fathers guide us to balance childlike trust with worshipful reverence.

Key Topics Covered:

• Abba Peter’s definition of the fear of God as trust in God alone
• Isaiah’s vision of divine glory and its transformative impact
• The refining fire of faith: Trusting God amidst life’s trials
• Balancing reverence and trust in the Christian spiritual journey
• Lessons from the Desert Fathers on awe and worship

Why Listen? This episode offers deep insights into the fear of God as reverent trust, perfect for those seeking spiritual growth, Christian wisdom, or understanding early Church teachings. Join us to explore how faith transforms fear into awe.

Keywords: Fear of God, Abba Peter, Desert Fathers, Christian spirituality, trust in God, reverence, Isaiah’s vision, faith in hardship, early Christianity, worship

Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts

Please visit DesertFathers.com to subscribe to our email newsletter and to download a free PDF of Athanasius's Life of Antony.

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

Submit your question to Bishop Varden for our upcoming Q&A episode. You can submit your question here.

Jamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the Exodus 90 team meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection on Episode 16: The Monk and the Actress.

Each week, we'll meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection and what practical takeaways we can glean from it and apply to our lives. New Roundtable Discussions will be published every Thursday.

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is...

• ...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, CoramFratribus.com.

• ...produced by EWTN Global Catholic Network

• ...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today and get ready to start the Exodus 90 Challenge beginning on January 20, 2025.

You can listen to Desert Fathers in a Year on the Hallow app, YouTube, X (fka Twitter), Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year, Episode 16: The Monk and the Actress.

Discover the profound story of Abba Pambo, a Desert Father, whose encounter with an actress in Alexandria reveals deep Christian compassion and humility. In this episode of Desert Fathers in a Year, we explore Pambo’s tears, sparked by the tragic loss of a soul and his own reflection on spiritual zeal. Learn how his relationship with St. Athanasius bridges the institutional and charismatic Church, and why his response to a "public sinner" offers a timeless pastoral model. We delve into themes of compunction, intercession, and speaking truth in love, inspired by the Desert Fathers’ wisdom.

Key Topics Covered:

• Pambo’s emotional response to an actress and its spiritual significance
• The bond between Athanasius and the Desert Fathers
• Why compassion, not condemnation, defines Christian correction
• Lessons in humility: Learning from those unlike us
• The Desert Fathers’ view on redirecting longing toward God

Why Listen? This episode unpacks how Pambo’s story challenges us to embrace empathy and self-reflection in our faith. Perfect for listeners interested in Christian spirituality, Desert Fathers, compassion, humility, and early Church history. Join us for insights that resonate today.

Keywords: Desert Fathers, Abba Pambo, Christian compassion, humility, Athanasius, compunction, spiritual zeal, early Christianity, pastoral care, speaking truth in love

Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts

Please visit DesertFathers.com to subscribe to our email newsletter and to download a free PDF of Athanasius's Life of Antony.

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

Jamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the Exodus 90 team meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection on Episode 15: Penthos.

Each week, we'll meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection and what practical takeaways we can glean from it and apply to our lives. New Roundtable Discussions will be published every Thursday.

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is...

• ...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, CoramFratribus.com.

• ...produced by EWTN Global Catholic Network

• ...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today and get ready to start the Exodus 90 Challenge beginning on January 20, 2025.

You can listen to Desert Fathers in a Year on the Hallow app, YouTube, X (fka Twitter), Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year, Episode 15: Penthos.

Please visit DesertFathers.com to subscribe to our email newsletter and to download a free PDF of Athanasius's Life of Antony.

Modern life is like a desert, parched for the life-giving water that Jesus promised to the woman at the well. The Desert Fathers offer timeless insights for our growth in self-knowledge, charity, and holiness.

We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is...

• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog.

• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN

• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today

You can listen to Desert Fathers in a Year on the Hallow app, YouTube, X (fka Twitter), Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts: https://desert-fathers-in-a-year.captivate.fm/listen