Words from the Desert

The first saying that the brothers discuss is from Abba Benjamin on thanksgiving, joy, and prayer at all times. The second considers the advice that Abba Biare gives to a young monk on what he must do and how it prevents acedia.

In this episode, the brothers discuss two more sayings from Abba Bessarion. The first deals with living in community, while the second considers the great heights of contemplation that the monk aspires to, not unlike the Cherubim and Seraphim!

The brothers go through one of Abba Bessarion's saying about the different responses to times of peace and trial. God gives both, and how are we to receive them from His hands? Moreover, there are different reasons that peace and trial might come along, and it is important to discern what those reasons and sources are.

Welcome back to season 2 of Words from the Desert! In this episode, the brothers discuss the simplicity of heart and profound faith of Abba Bessarion. The Abba's example and single-minded focus upon God is a beautiful portrait of Our Lord for all of us to imitate. Also, beginning this season, we are opening up the opportunity for you to show your support for our monastery and the continuation of our podcast. If you would like to donate as a kind of 'subscription' to the podcast, please click here to support us. Thank you!

In this final episode of the season, the brothers finish off the sayings of all the Desert Fathers whose names begin with the letter A (which means there's plenty more to go!). They cover topics such as humility in interactions with brethren, respect shown superiors, and prayers' efficacy in difficult situations (and everything else besides).

The brothers finish off the sayings of Abba Alonius with two beautifully concise sayings that manage to encapsulate the teaching of the Gospel. Dwelling upon the might of God and His power to build us up, and the single-hearted focus that we all ought to have, Alonius bids us farewell having been mightily enriched.

In this episode, the brothers are given quite the challenge with a single saying from Abba Alonius. It is short, simple, and yet extremely profound in advising us to a single-hearted focus upon God. The brothers also welcome a guest on this episode in Abba Paul the Simple.

The brothers tackle in this episode the sayings of Abba Amoun of Nitria, one the three great founders of desert monasticism and one who was married prior to taking on monastic life. The things he learns and teaches reflect this in some way, and are excellent counsel for all who would seek the path of perfection.

In this episode, the brothers discuss one saying from Abba Achilles and one from Abba Ammoes. The theme of how and when to bend to another's needs weaves through both of the sayings, though in different ways and from different directions. The stories that are recounted help us to understand when to say yes and no, when to help and when to not, and the insight and discretion involved in making those calls.

In this episode, the brothers discuss the sayings of the next father, Abba Ammonas. Being a disciple of Abba Anthony, the brothers return to some of the lessons that we learned from Abba Anthony and develop the key teachings of the Desert Fathers.