Wisdom for the Desert of our Time
Episode 31: Gold
In the 31st 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.
Episode 30: Foresight and Providence
Join us for episode 30 of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, where Bishop 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.
Episode 29: Lovely Books
Join us for Episode 29 of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, hosted by Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90. In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Eric 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.
Episode 28: Lacerated Body
Join Bishop Erik Varden, a Trappist monk and Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, in episode 28 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.
Episode 27: Q&A with Bishop Erik Varden
Join us for Episode 27 of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, hosted by Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90. Join Jamie Baxter and Bishop Erik Varden for a special Q&A episode! Answering listener questions, Bishop Varden dives into the wisdom of the Desert Fathers, addressing chastity, temptation, and the communal nature of redemption. From reframing chastity as a joyful virtue to enduring temptation without despair, this episode offers practical and spiritual guidance for living a radical Christian life. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming episodes on freedom from possessiveness and exciting series updates! Don’t miss this chance to explore timeless truths with one of today’s leading spiritual voices.
Episode 26: Sympathy
Join us for Episode 26 of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, hosted by Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90. In today’s episode, we explore one of the most powerful and compassionate stories from the early monastic tradition — the tale of two brothers, one of whom falls into sin while away from his cell, and the other who walks with him back toward repentance, mercy, and restoration.
Episode 25: The Source of Strength
Join us for Episode 25 of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, hosted by Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90, as we delve into the profound wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. This week, we explore a powerful saying from Amma Sara, a desert mother who faced a 13-year battle with the demon of lust, never praying for the temptation to leave but simply asking, "My God, strengthen me." Discover how her unyielding faith and reliance on Christ’s victory offer timeless lessons for overcoming temptation and growing in virtue.
Episode 24: On Discernment
Join host Jamie Baxter from Exodus 90 for Episode 24 of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, titled “On Discernment: Three Approaches.” This episode continues the exploration of the fifth chapter of the Desert Fathers’ systematic collection on lust, featuring a profound saying from Abba Anthony. Guided by Bishop Eric Varden, the episode situates Christian sexuality within human dignity and flourishing, distinguishing natural eros from destructive lust. Recorded during the Kings of Summer initiative, this reflection offers practical wisdom for men seeking to channel their desires toward Christ-like love.
Episode 23: Lust
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.
Episode 22: Austerity at Home, Charity Abroad
In Episode 22 of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, 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, alongside Bishop Eric Varden, reflects on how the Fathers practiced austerity discreetly while prioritizing love and fellowship with others.
Episode 21: Necessary Words
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.
Episode 20: Words that Wound
In today’s episode, we explore one of the most powerful and raw stories from the Desert Fathers—Abba Achillas, a man who literally spat blood after holding in the wound of a brother’s hurtful word. What can such a stark image teach us about spiritual maturity, emotional honesty, and the hard road to interior peace?
Episode 19: Donkey on the Loose
In this episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, 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.
Episode 18: Q& A
In this special episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, 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.
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Wisdom for the Desert of our Time
Modern life is like a desert, parched for the life-giving water that Jesus promised to woman at the well. The Desert Fathers offer timeless insights for our growth in self-knowledge, charity, and holiness.
Meet Bishop Varden
Erik Varden is a Cistercian monk and the Bishop of Trondheim in Norway.
He has become a leading Catholic voice through his writings that engage our secular culture using the language of beauty to point us to the centrality of our search for God, even when we look in the wrong places.
A Catholic convert during his studies at Cambridge, he discovered the monastic tradition and the Desert Fathers, inspiring his own vocation at Mount St. Bernard's Abbey in England where he eventually became abbot.
He guides us through the insights won in the spiritual combat of the ancient desert which direct us to what we need most today: the love of Christ that conquers all obstacles.
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