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 <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 Possessing Nothing: The Teachings of the Desert Fathers01:48 The Challenge of Generosity and Need08:44 Reflections on Wealth and Humility _________Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, trust, providence, possessions, spiritual growth, Christian life, almsgiving, discernment, work ethics

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. ________ 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

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 <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 Possessing Nothing: The Teachings of the Desert Fathers01:48 The Challenge of Generosity and Need08:44 Reflections on Wealth and Humility _________Tags: Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, trust, providence, possessions, spiritual growth, Christian life, almsgiving, discernment, work ethics

Episode 31: Gold | 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 31: Gold | Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

Sign up to save your podcasts

Episode 31: Gold | Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

Episode 31: Gold | 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