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 <a href="https://exodus90.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">exodus90.com</a> to learn more! Visit <a href="https://Desertfathers.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Desertfathers.com</a> to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.________ Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers and Possession01:26 The Gardener's Tale: Trust and Providence08:39 Lessons from the Gardener's Experience________ 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. ________ 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. ________ 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

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 <a href="https://exodus90.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">exodus90.com</a> to learn more! Visit <a href="https://Desertfathers.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Desertfathers.com</a> to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.________ Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers and Possession01:26 The Gardener's Tale: Trust and Providence08:39 Lessons from the Gardener's Experience________ Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, trust, providence, possessions, spiritual growth, Christian life, almsgiving, discernment, work ethics

Episode 30: Foresight and Providence | Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

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 can seem absent. As the Desert Fathers of old fled the noise of the world to seek God in silence, we too have been been called into the desert. 

Guided by Bishop Erik Varden, this year-long series—beginning January 1, 2025—invites listeners to encounter the profound wisdom of the Desert Fathers. Drawing from their timeless Sayings, Bishop Varden illuminates the lives of figures like St. Anthony of Egypt, exploring themes such as purity, humility, self-mastery, and repentance. Through their struggles in the wilderness, these early Christians uncovered the transformative power of God’s grace—lessons as relevant today as they were in their time.

Though few of us are called to the monastic life, the spiritual combat of the Desert Fathers resonates with all who seek to follow Christ. As Jesus Himself entered the desert to confront temptation, their wisdom offers guidance for our own battles with distraction and despair, helping us find strength in prayer and discipline.

Bishop Erik Varden, a Cistercian monk and Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, is one of today’s leading Catholic voices. A convert to Catholicism during his studies at Cambridge, he was drawn to the monastic life, ultimately joining Mount St. Bernard Abbey in England, where he eventually became abbot. Through his writing and teaching, Bishop Varden speaks compellingly to a secular world, using the language of beauty to reveal the centrality of our search for God—even when we wander astray.

Join us as we step into the desert together, guided by the wisdom of the ancients, to rediscover the love of Christ that conquers all obstacles. Visit DesertFathers.com to learn more.

We owe a special thanks to our partners. The 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.

Society & Culture

Religion & Spirituality

Christianity

Education

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 can seem absent. As the Desert Fathers of old fled the noise of the world to seek God in silence, we too have been been called into the desert. Guided by Bishop Erik Varden, this year-long series—beginning January 1, 2025—invites listeners to encounter the profound wisdom of the Desert Fathers. Drawing from their timeless Sayings, Bishop Varden illuminates the lives of figures like St. Anthony of Egypt, exploring themes such as purity, humility, self-mastery, and repentance. Through their struggles in the wilderness, these early Christians uncovered the transformative power of God’s grace—lessons as relevant today as they were in their time. Though few of us are called to the monastic life, the spiritual combat of the Desert Fathers resonates with all who seek to follow Christ. As Jesus Himself entered the desert to confront temptation, their wisdom offers guidance for our own battles with distraction and despair, helping us find strength in prayer and discipline. Bishop Erik Varden, a Cistercian monk and Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, is one of today’s leading Catholic voices. A convert to Catholicism during his studies at Cambridge, he was drawn to the monastic life, ultimately joining Mount St. Bernard Abbey in England, where he eventually became abbot. Through his writing and teaching, Bishop Varden speaks compellingly to a secular world, using the language of beauty to reveal the centrality of our search for God—even when we wander astray. Join us as we step into the desert together, guided by the wisdom of the ancients, to rediscover the love of Christ that conquers all obstacles. Visit DesertFathers.com to learn more. We owe a special thanks to our partners. The 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.

Share Episode 30: Foresight and Providence | Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

Sign up to save your podcasts

Episode 30: Foresight and Providence | Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

Episode 30: Foresight and Providence | Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

More shows like Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons - Catholic Preaching and Homilies

The Thomistic Institute

The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

Pints With Aquinas

The Counsel of Trent

Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

The Road to Emmaus with Scott Hahn

Godsplaining

Evangelization & Culture Podcast

The Catholic Gentleman

Restore The Glory Podcast

The Poco a Poco Podcast with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

What God is Not

The Liturgy of the Hours: Sing the Hours

Sunday School; A Pillar Bible Study