Submit your questions to Bishop Erik Varden by emailing [email protected].

Episode Overview

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.

Key Quotes

• 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.”

Discussion Points

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.

Reflection Questions

• 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?

Further Reading

• 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.

Connect with Us

Share your thoughts or questions by emailing Bishop Erik Varden at [email protected]. Join us for the next episode as we continue our journey with the Desert Fathers.

Desert Fathers in a Year: Episode 22 Bonus Roundtable - Austerity at Home, Charity AbroadEpisode Overview:

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.

Key Discussion Points:

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.

Practical Takeaways:

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.

Memorable Quotes:

“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

Call to Action:

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

Share the Podcast: If this episode blessed you, share it with a friend and leave a comment or review to support the show.

Join Kings of Summer: Embrace your baptismal call to kingship in Christ with Kings of Summer on the Exodus 90 app. Meditate on King David and Christian kings to cultivate virtue. Download the app or visit exodus90.com.

Resources:

Learn more about Desert Fathers in a Year at DesertFathers.com.

Explore Kings of Summer and other spiritual exercises at exodus90.com.

Austerity at Home, Charity Abroad

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.

Key Themes

• 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.

Featured Story: Abba Makarios

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.

Additional Insights

• 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.

Spiritual Takeaway

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.

Desert Fathers in a Year: Episode 21 Bonus Roundtable - Necessary WordsOverview

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.

Key Themes and Insights1. The Power of Confession and Vulnerability

• 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.

2. The Role of Spiritual Fathers

• 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.

3. The Unity of Desert Tradition

• 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.

4. Fraternity and Accountability

• 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.

5. Providence and Courage

• God’s Disposition: Adam reflects on Serapion’s realization that God orchestrated the visitors’ conversation, prompting his confession. This “disposition of God who loves mankind” reveals divine providence in painful circumstances.
• Courageous Response: Serapion’s choice to confess, seeing God’s hand in the moment, models the courage needed to respond to grace, leading to his liberation and potential sainthood.
• Application Today: The panel encourages listeners to trust God’s providence in their struggles, responding with perseverance and faith for transformation.

6. Practical Takeaway: Communal Accountability

• Adam’s Exercise: Form a group text with trusted friends to confess sins (e.g., pornography, gluttony) by texting “I failed.” Within 24 hours, group members fast from a meal for the person’s good. This practice:
• Facilitates self-examination by tracking habitual sins.
• Fosters communion through reciprocal love and support, as St. Thomas Aquinas defines it).
• Brings light to hidden struggles, breaking the devil’s strategy of isolation.
• Habit Formation: Small, consistent acts of confession and fasting can lead to profound spiritual growth, echoing the Desert Fathers’ emphasis on daily discipline.

7. The Danger of Habits

• Jared’s Reflection: Both good and bad habits, done daily, shape one’s life. Unchecked sins, dismissed as “just one time,” can lead further astray, while consistent virtues draw one closer to God, offering hope for transformation.

Memorable Quotes

• “Beware if you find yourself developing clandestine habits… You may be giving the hater of good an opportunity that he does not deserve.” – Bishop Varden

Call to Action

• Join the Kings of Summer Challenge: Download the Exodus 90 app or visit Exodus90.com to participate in a summer challenge reading 1 Samuel, focusing on the virtues of King David and Saul to overcome spiritual malaise.
• Engage with the Podcast: Visit desertfathers.com to subscribe to the newsletter, submit questions for Bishop Varden’s Q&A, or share the podcast with a friend. Leave a comment or review to support the show.
• Practice Accountability: As Adam suggested, form a trusted group to confess sins and fast together, growing in holiness through communal support.

Necessary Words: Confession, Freedom, and the Danger of Silence

🏜️ 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.

Key Themes:

• 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

Quote of the Episode:“By speaking out about yourself, you have slain the demon that wounded you through your silence.” – Abba TheonasRelated Scripture & References:

• 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.”

Reflection Questions:

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

Desert Fathers in a Year: Episode 20 Bonus Roundtable - Words That Wound

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 to absorb evil for the sake of others.

Action Items for Listeners

1. Examine Your Speech: Incorporate a review of your words in your nightly examen. Reflect on moments where you spoke charitably or uncharitably, and seek grace to grow in self-mastery.
2. Pause Before Responding: When emotionally triggered, especially in written communication like emails, wait until the next day to respond. This prevents reactive, wounding words.
3. Redirect Gossip: When conversations veer into backbiting, intentionally say something positive about the person being discussed to redirect the dialogue toward charity.
4. Embrace Silence: Building on last week’s action item, practice silence in conversations to cultivate patience and avoid hasty, hurtful speech.

Spiritual Context

This episode airs during the Easter season, a time of sustained joy and celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The hosts also express gratitude for the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, lifting him up in prayer. The discussion is framed by prayers for humility, integrity, and protection against idle chatter, invoking St. Michael the Archangel.

Call to Action

• Visit DesertFathers.com to subscribe to the newsletter or submit questions for the next Q&A with Bishop Varden.
• Share Desert Fathers in a Year with a friend and leave a review or comment to support the podcast.
• Download the Exodus 90 app to join the Easter 50 spiritual exercise, designed to deepen your joy and freedom in the resurrection.

Closing Prayer

The episode concludes with a prayer for grace to follow Abba Achillas’ example, to overcome wounding words, and to imitate Christ’s love. The hosts pray for Pope Leo XIV, the podcast community, and spiritual protection, closing with the St. Michael prayer.

Quote of the Episode

“This evil stays with me. I will not pass it on.” – Bishop Varden, summarizing Abba Achillas’ resolve.

Next Episode Preview

Join us next week for more wisdom from the Desert Fathers. Submit your questions for Bishop Varden at DesertFathers.com.

Saints of the Episode

St. Achillas, pray for us!

Episode 20: Words That Wound

🏜️ 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

To Speak or Not to Speak?

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.

Donkey on the Loose - Mastering Speech with Abba Antony

🏜️ 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

Episode Overview

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.

Key Topics DiscussedGeneral Questions on the Desert Fathers

• 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.

Thematic Questions

• 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.

Listener Struggles and Seeking a Word

• 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.

Papal Transition and the Church’s Needs

Reflecting on Pope Francis’ passing, Bishop Varden suggests the Desert Fathers would encourage detachment, prayer for the Church, and trust in God’s providence. He advocates fostering peace within the mystical body, akin to St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s “little way” of being love in the Church’s heart.

Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bishop Varden closes with the Glory Be and a blessing, invoking God’s presence to remain with listeners. The episode concludes with anticipation for the next chapter on self-mastery.

Next Episode

Join us next week as we explore the fourth chapter of the systematic collection, focusing on self-mastery.

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