Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

By Exodus 90

Modern life is like a desert—a parched and barren expanse where the soul thirsts for the living water Jesus promised at the well. Amid the ceaseless distractions and allurements of materialism, God ca... more

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How many episodes does Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden have?

The podcast currently has 78 episodes available.

Best of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Episode 30: Foresight and Providence
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. ________ 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 the Desert Fathers and Possession 01:26 The Gardener's Tale: Trust and Providence 08:39 Lessons from the Gardener's Experience ________ Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, trust, providence, possessions, spiritual growth, Christian life, almsgiving, discernment, work ethics
July 22, 202514min
Number 2: Episode 31: Gold
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 _________ Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, trust, providence, possessions, spiritual growth, Christian life, almsgiving, discernment, work ethics
July 29, 202512min
Number 3: Episode 32: Philosophy
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 ------------- Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, fortitude, philosophy, wisdom, hardship, trials, St. Gregory, Christian life, perseverance, spiritual growth
August 05, 202513min
Number 4: Episode 29: Lovely Books
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
July 15, 202512min
Number 5: Episode 28: Lacerated Body
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? _____________ 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
July 08, 202515min