Podcasts about Desert Fathers

According to Professor Hannah Fry, people's lives are enriched by artificial intelligence. It makes problem-solving easier, helps medical diagnosis, and can improve productivity. Yet as she points out in her new BBC2 documentary, AI Confidential, there are risks: that jobs will be lost to AI; that we might lose the bedside care that comes with human diagnosis as machine intelligence takes over. She also warns AI provides what she calls emotional junk food that demands nothing of us, by offering AI romantic partners. And then there's tech grief, highlighted in a recent EastEnders storyline, when video and voice notes are used to create an avatar of a dead character to console his father. Real mourning is put on hold. But it seems to me there's another risky aspect of AI – that it rewrites temptation. Temptation is traditionally thought to be about testing will-power. Take Lent and Ramadan, currently being observed by Christians and Muslims. If a Muslim fasting all day has a little snack at lunchtime, or a Christian giving up sweets for Lent, eats chocolate, they've failed in their discipline. But AI is a different, and remarkable tempter, encouraging people not to fail in some way but take the easier option that in some ways seems sensible. Why read a book, for example, when AI can give you a quick summary, or make the effort to cook for dinner guests when AI can help locate a fancy restaurant in seconds and order a takeaway. And instead of the regret that comes from conventional temptation, AI offers something else. It's all too easy to console yourself that you have done something good. You've saved time. The easy option has advantages. The Desert Fathers – early Christian thinkers who retreated to the desert – did so because they believed a hard life was good for them. They believed it brought them closer to God. And with temptation, even if you give in to it but then regret it you can grow as a person by learning something about yourself. Pope Leo who has expressed concern about the impact of AI on humanity has now urged priests to resist the temptation to use the short cut of AI to write sermons. AI might be clever, but there's something lacking in AI preaching: it doesn't come from the heart. Perhaps this Lent and Ramadan, it might be worth not only giving up something that tests our will, but pondering something that appears helpful yet is temptation on another scale, reducing our need to think. After all, as Descartes said, I think, therefore I am. What am I, if machines have seduced me to do so much less thinking for myself?

In this message, "Intensifying My Hunger for Holiness," we continue our Lenten journey, "Wisdom in the Desert,"by exploring the wilderness as a spiritual mirror that strips away our modern distractions and brings us eye-to-eye with our own brokenness. Drawing on the ancient wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, we move beyond viewing sin as a mere "lapse in judgment" to recognize it as a force that "desires to have us"—a force we are empowered to rule over through the Holy Spirit. By identifying the "Eight Thoughts"—patterns like Acedia (spiritual apathy) and Vainglory (image management)—we learn to stop "toying" with the thoughts that entangle us and instead embrace a proactive, grace-fueled pursuit of a Christ-shaped life.

    In a surprising turn of events, Julien opened up our new series with Lectio365. During the Season of Lent we'll be joining with other 24-7 Prayer churches worldwide to explore scripture and the witness of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. They were a radical counter-cultural movement that chose to live, work and pray away from civilised society, in the foreboding desert landscape during the third and fourth centuries AD. Far from being irrelevant to our situation today, the Desert Fathers and Mothers understood persecution, craved solitude and silence is a busy, noisy culture, and deeply desired the church to return to the teaching and lifestyle of Jesus and his disciples.   For us, the next forty days of Lent are a time to enter the wilderness with Christ, to push into prayer and deepen our spiritual formation. What better companions could there be for such a journey than these ancient, desert-dwelling, prayer warriors, whose witness echoes down the ages, and whose wisdom remains so relevant to our lives today?   Series Discussion Notes: The 24/7 Network has provided a summary of the sermon and discussion questions for missional families or your own study. To view these notes click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R2sOn47ciYmkboIFEAHTQ8I90IFd9wbe/view?usp=sharing  

The fathers did not endure silence. They loved it. This is the difference between a man who is forcing himself to be quiet and a man who has discovered God. One clenches his teeth and calls it discipline. The other falls silent because he has found Someone worth listening to. Abba Or never lied, never cursed, never spoke unnecessarily. Not because he was following rules. Because he had seen the damage words do when they are born from ego. He had watched how speech leaks the life out of the soul. How it dissipates grace. How it feeds the illusion that we exist by asserting ourselves. Every unnecessary word strengthens the false self. Every unnecessary word delays repentance. Every unnecessary word postpones intimacy. The fathers were not minimalists. They were realists. They had learned that most of what we say does not come from truth but from anxiety. We speak to control. We speak to secure ourselves. We speak to make sure we exist in the minds of others. We are afraid to disappear. Silence terrifies the ego because silence exposes that we do not sustain ourselves. God does. ⸻ St Ephraim says that he who speaks much multiplies quarrels and hatred. This is not moralism. This is anatomy. Words inflame the passions. Words solidify judgment. Words give form to resentment that would otherwise dissolve in the presence of God. A garden without a fence is trampled. A soul without silence is plundered. Every idle conversation opens the gate to distraction. Every irrelevant word invites the demon of listlessness. Antiochos names this with terrifying clarity. Loquacity does not merely waste time. It hands the mind over to the enemy. Because God is not found in noise. God is found where nothing of the ego remains to obscure Him. This is why silence is not empty. Silence is full. It is full of Presence. It is full of Light. It is full of a Word that cannot be manufactured by human thought. St Isaac the Syrian says that silence is the mystery of the age to come. Words belong to this age. Silence belongs to eternity. Because in eternity, God is not explained. He is known. Not through concepts. Through union. ⸻ When the fathers entered silence, they did not enter absence. They entered encounter. They discovered that beneath the constant internal narration of the mind there was Another Voice. A Voice that did not shout. A Voice that did not argue. A Voice that did not flatter or condemn. A Voice equal to God Himself. Because it was God Himself. The Logos. The Word through whom all things were made. This Word does not force Himself upon us. He waits. He waits for the noise to stop. He waits for the ego to weaken. He waits for the endless commentary to exhaust itself. He waits for the man to become poor enough to listen. And when He speaks, He does not merely inform. He creates. His Word heals what sin has disfigured. His Word restores what pride has shattered. His Word brings into existence a new heart. This is why the fathers guarded silence with ferocity. They were protecting the place where God is born in the soul. ⸻ Antiochos says that those who possess the Holy Spirit do not speak when they wish but when moved by the Spirit. This is freedom. Not the freedom to speak. The freedom to remain silent. The ego must speak to survive. The Spirit does not. The ego is restless. The Spirit is still. The ego needs witnesses. The Spirit is its own witness. This is why the saints speak few words. Not because they have nothing to say. But because they see the cost of speech. They know that every word must pass through fire. They have seen the devastation caused by words spoken without God. They have seen how words born from self obscure the Word who gives life. So they wait. They remain in silence until speech itself becomes obedience. Until speech is no longer self-expression but revelation. ⸻ We resist this silence because it feels like death. And it is death. It is the death of the self that must assert, explain, defend, and secure itself. It is the death of the self that believes it exists by speaking. In silence, this self collapses. And something else begins to appear. Something quiet. Something uncreated. Something that does not depend on being seen or heard. Christ Himself begins to live where the false self once ruled. This is why silence is not endured. It is loved. Because in silence we discover that we were never sustained by our words. We were sustained by Him. And when every unnecessary word falls away, when every inner argument dissolves, when every effort to secure ourselves finally collapses, there remains only this: God speaking His Word in the depths of the heart. And this Word is life. And this Word is light. And this Word is love. And this Word is enough. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:03:08 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/post/philokalia-ministries-lenten-retreat-2026 00:03:37 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.youtube.com/@philokaliaministries/videos 00:04:06 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 355 number 11 00:10:00 Janine: Father…still sick..but here…thank you for prayers 00:12:40 Mary and Al: Albert 00:16:30 Andrew Adams: Will the Lenten retread be on the podcast feed? 00:47:12 Jessica McHale: Interesting---I discerned contemplative monastic life at two different monasteries. In both experiences, the nuns were too social for me. They spoke during two meals during the day, and most of the talk was politics. Since I was discerning, I imagine they wanted my opinion on political topics to see if I would "fit in" with the community. They let me know that socialization and speaaking was part of commnity life. It just wasn't for me. It is hard to find a "community" tha understands the importance of silence. For me, silence is essential. It's a prayerful existence centered on God. 00:47:37 Maureen Cunningham: If someone is quiet , the mind can be  in constant thought. How  do you combine the silence and. Empty out the mind 00:51:22 Erick Chastain: Clear creek monks didn't know who Trump was not too long ago (after he ran for president) 01:00:49 John ‘Jack': Silence ultimately brought me back to the Church.  About 15 years ago my wife asked what I wanted for a birthday gift? After listening to an elderly freind speak so lovingly of her time spent at the Abbey of the Genesee, I decided to ask for a  weekend retreat. She gave it to me, best gift ever. The first evening I thought I was  going to lose my mind. I've grown to love silence! 01:01:21 Jessica McHale: Reacted to "Silence ultimately..." with ❤️ 01:02:04 Carol Nypaver: Reacted to "Silence ultimately b..." with

"People do not drift toward holiness." We live in a world that majors in three things: noise, hurry, and crowds. In an age where our attention spans are shrinking and our digital lives are louder than ever, how do we find the "lonely places" where Jesus met with His Father? In this Ash Wednesday message, we kick off our Lenten series, The Desert as a Place of Prayerful Pursuit. We draw wisdom from the ancient Desert Fathers and Mothers—radical believers who fled the distractions of the 3rd-century city to find deep intimacy with God in the wilderness. In this recording, you'll explore: The Theology of Effort: Why grace isn't opposed to effort, only to earning. The "Proskartereō" Life: What it means to have a "steely determination" in our prayer life. The Parable of the Bow: How to avoid the trap of "excessive religiosity" and find the unforced rhythms of grace. The Identity of the Beloved: Why we go into the wilderness because we are loved, not to prove we are worthy. Lent is not a season of passive waiting; it is an intentional journey. Whether you feel spiritually vibrant or completely parched, join us as we "shut the door" on the noise and step into the desert to reignite our passion for Jesus.

Send a textForty days can feel long when zeal fades by week three, yet Lent is meant to be a path of real change, not a test of willpower. We open a clear way forward: a Lenten reading plan that anchors daily prayer, teaches the heart to listen, and turns routine into renewal. From the first ash to the final Alleluia, we walk through practices and resources that help you stay grounded, attentive, and alive to grace.We start with the why: choosing the right spiritual reading keeps the heart centered when distractions swell. Then we move into the how with a simple, life‑giving walkthrough of Lectio Divina—reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation—so scripture shifts from information to transformation. Along the way, we draw from the Desert Fathers and Mothers, whose spare wisdom cuts through noise; Augustine's aching honesty in Confessions; Aquinas' clear vision of penance as liberation; and Francis de Sales' gentle road map for holiness in ordinary life. Together, these guides shape a Lenten plan that is practical, compassionate, and deeply Catholic.We also rekindle awe through Eucharistic miracles that reorient fasting and adoration around the living presence of Christ. Fridays receive special focus with the Stations of the Cross, using classic and contemporary texts to enter the Passion with courage and tenderness. For busy days, we share audiobook and podcast options that turn commutes, kitchens, and quiet corners into places of prayer, so your practice stays steady when the schedule will not. By the end, you'll have a toolkit—books, devotions, and audio companions—to help you pray with intention, fast with purpose, and adore with wonder.Ready to make these forty days truly fruitful? Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs a fresh start, and leave a review telling us the one resource you'll begin with today.Lenten Reading RecommendationsOpen by Steve Bailey Support the showDownload Journeys of Faith App for Iphone or Android FREE https://journeysoffaith.com/pages/download-our-app Journeys of Faith brings your Super Saints Podcasts Please consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith we are actively increasing our reach and we are seeing good results for visitors under 40! Help us Grow! ***Our Core Beliefs*** The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Catechism 132 Click Here “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4“ Click Here ... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Matthew 6:19-2 Click Here The Goal is Heaven Click Here...

In this episode of "Being Human with Steve Cuss," Steve and author and spiritual guide Andrew Arndt explore fallout from prominent Christian leaders' public confessions of wrongdoing. They explore the spiritual and psychological dynamics that lead to such failures, including the dangers of living a double life, the creation of a false self, and the importance of empathy and repentance. Andrew shares insights from his new book A Strange and Gracious Light: How the Story of Jesus Changes the Way We See Everything and reflects on personal growth, leadership, and the healing power of unconditional love within the church community. Steve and Andrew emphasize honesty, vulnerability, and the ongoing journey toward wholeness. Biblical Passages I Corinthians 13 (ESV) Luke 5:31 (ESV) Episode Resources: Andrew Arndt's A Strange and Gracious Light: How the Story of Jesus Changes the Way We See Everything Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov Frederick Buechner's Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man Rich Mullins on Salvation and "God in His Mercy" (video) Henri Nouwen's In the Name of Jesus More From Andrew Arndt: Andrew Arndt's Streams in the Wasteland: Finding Spiritual Renewal with the Desert Fathers and Mothers Andrew Arndt's All Flame: Entering into the Life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Sign up for Steve's Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He was a Phrygian by birth, a slave of Philemon, to whom the Apostle Paul addressed his epistle. Onesimos escaped from Philemon and fled to Rome, where he was converted to the Faith by St Paul. St Paul sent him back to his master, who at St Paul's urging gave him his freedom. He served the Church for many years before dying a martyr, beaten to death with clubs.   Saint Onesimos is also commemorated on November 22, with Sts Philemon, Archippus and Aphia; and on January 4 at the Synaxis of the Seventy Disciples. Our Venerable Father Dalmatius of Siberia (1697) Saint Dalmatius is venerated as a pioneer of the movement that took many ascetics to dwell in the wilderness of Siberia, establishing a new company of Desert Fathers and causing the Russian Far North to be called the 'Northern Thebaid.' He was born in Tobolsk and reared in piety by his family, recently-converted Tatars. When grown, he entered the imperial army as a Cossack and served with such distinction that the Tsar awarded him a noble title. He married and lived in Tobolsk in comfort and prosperity. One day — after the destruction of Tobolsk in a great fire in 1643 — struck by a realization of the vanity of worldly things, he left family, wealth and property and went to a monastery in the Ural Mountains, taking with him only an icon of the Dormition of the Theotokos.   He was tonsured a monk with the name of Dalmatius, and devoted himself to prayer and ascesis with such fervor that, a short time later, the brethren elected him Abbot. Fearing pride and fleeing honor, Dalmatius fled with his icon of the Theotokos to a remote cave, where he lived a life of silence and continual prayer. His presence did not long remain secret in that sparsely-settled region, and soon Christians were coming from far and wide to ask his prayer and counsel; many pagans came to him for holy Baptism. Soon his habitation became too small for those who had chosen to stay as his disciples, and the Saint received a blessing from the Bishop of Tobolsk to build a wooden chapel and some cells. This was the beginning of the great Monastery of the Dormition (also called the Monastery of St Dalmatius).   Over the years the brethren endured many tribulations. Once the Tatar Prince of the region, provoked by false rumors, planned to destroy the monastery and kill all the monks. The night before the attack, the holy Mother of God appeared to the prince in resplendent clothes, holding a flaming sword in one hand and a scourge in the other. She forbade the Prince to harm the monastery or the brethren, and commanded him to give them a permanent concession over the region. Convinced by this vision, the Prince made peace with the monks and became the Monastery's protector, though he was a Muslim.   In the succeeding years the Monastery was repeatedly burned down by the fierce pagan tribes which inhabited the area; once all the monks except St Dalmatius himself were butchered, but always the monastery was rebuilt. The Saint reposed in peace in 1697, and was succeeded as abbot by his own son Isaac, who built a stone shrine at the Monastery to house the relics of the Saint and the icon of the Mother of God which he had kept with him throughout his monastic life.

In this episode, Colin introduces our Lenten sermon series, Wisdom in the Wilderness: Journey with the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Drawing inspiration from the early Christian men and women who withdrew into the desert to seek God in prayer and devotion, we explore what it means to enter the wilderness in our own time.The desert mothers and fathers chose isolation not as punishment, but as preparation — a space to lean into God's presence, to listen deeply, and to learn daily dependence on Him. The wilderness is a place where distractions fade and trust is formed. Today, we live in a culture marked by constant interruption, low attention spans, and endless distraction. So it's important to intentionally seek solitude, prayer, and Scripture. Like the early desert monks, we must choose to step away and create space for devotion.Lent invites us to strip back the clutter, to resist excess, and to see clearly again. It calls us into deeper worship — not to earn God's love, but in response to it. Before we ever enter the wilderness, we are already beloved by God. And because we are loved, we journey into this season seeking Him with open hearts.

A lecture given at L'Abri Fellowship in Southborough, Massachusetts. For more information, visit https://southboroughlabri.org/ by Sarah Chestnut In this lecture we will ask, what is envy, what does envy do, and most importantly, what can we do with the envy we feel so that it does not lead to sin? Exploring the Biblical narrative, and drawing on the wisdom of Mr. Rogers and the Desert Fathers, we will seek to disarm the shame that keeps envy hidden and, by its hiddenness, poisonous. The Copyright for all material on the podcast is held by L'Abri Fellowship. We ask that you respect this by not publishing the material in full or in part in any format or post it on a website without seeking prior permission from L'Abri Fellowship. ©Southborough L'Abri 2026

What if the ache you feel on Sunday isn't a lack of passion, but a hunger for roots? Tony Nektarios Vasquez joins us to share how a Pentecostal upbringing, a non-denominational season, and eventually a Calvinist-leaning church plant still left him asking where the first 1,500 years fit in. His story is not a theory lesson—it's a family saga: a praying father discovering the Desert Fathers, a brother slipping out to Vespers, a wife and children encountering reverence for the first time, and a co-pastor who realized that history, Scripture, and worship belong together.We trace Tony's path from Pentecostal roots and a non-denominational church plant to a sober look at church history, liturgy, and apostolic succession. Family doubts, online study, and the beauty of Vespers turn hesitation into conviction as Scripture and tradition align.• questioning charismatic altar practices and emotionalism• moving from Reformers to the first 1,500 years• parish visits to St James and first Vespers• answers on icons, relics, and intercession from Scripture• liturgy as continuity with Old Testament worship• apostolic succession and the promise that the Church endures• closing a young church to enter Orthodoxy• finding healing and stability in the sacramentsWe walk through the uncomfortable questions most avoid. Are altar manifestations genuine or coached? Does sola fide stand when held beside James and the early Church? How do relics, icons, and the intercession of the saints square with the Bible? Tony takes us inside St. James Orthodox Church in Modesto, where incense and chant weren't novelty, but a doorway to Christ-centered prayer. He shares the moment his daughter said the hymns made her want to cry, the way Revelation reframed prayer as a communion of heaven and earth, and how apostolic succession answered the authority problem that haunted his independent church.This conversation is a guided tour from system to story, from proof texts to a living tradition. We touch on the continuity between Old Testament worship and the Divine Liturgy, the claim that the Church Christ founded never paused or rebooted, and the quiet courage it took to close a young church for a faith that felt both ancient and alive. If you've wondered where the dots connect—Scripture, history, and sacrament—this is an honest map drawn in real time.If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for more thoughtful journeys into the ancient faith, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your questions and stories shape future episodes—drop them in the comments and say hello to Tony.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

This section of the Evergetinos exposes slander not as a minor moral failure or social misstep but as a profoundly spiritual violence. The Desert Fathers present it as a force that wounds the heart, fractures the mind, and distorts reality itself, not only for the one who is slandered but especially for the one who speaks the lie and for all who consent to it by listening. In the lives of the two Gregories and Abba Makarios, slander arises from a familiar source: the refusal of sinners to endure the silent rebuke of holiness. The purity of Gregory the Wonderworker becomes unbearable to those who live dissolutely. Rather than repent, they must obscure the light that judges them simply by existing. Slander becomes their counterfeit leveling of the field. If the saint can be dragged down into accusation, then their own corruption can remain hidden and unchallenged. What is striking is not merely the cruelty of the accusation but the saintly response. Gregory does not defend himself, does not appeal to his reputation, does not expose the plot, does not demand justice. He refuses to enter the logic of the lie. He acts as though the accusation has no power over his inner world. By paying the woman calmly, he breaks the spell of outrage and self-justification that slander seeks to provoke. His silence is not passivity but clarity. He preserves the integrity of the heart by refusing to let the false word become an interior dialogue. The consequence is immediate and terrifying. The slander does not remain a neutral utterance. It reveals its true nature as communion with darkness. The demonization of the prostitute is not presented as an arbitrary punishment but as a manifestation of what slander already does invisibly. The lie fragments the person. The mind loses its harmony. Perception collapses. The woman becomes externally what slander makes one internally: disintegrated, driven, no longer master of oneself. Only the prayer of the one she accused restores her, revealing that the saint bears not resentment but intercession. The same pattern unfolds in the life of Gregory of Akragas. Years of imprisonment and suffocation are endured without bitterness. His patience becomes a slow purification that exposes truth without violence. When vindication finally comes, it is accompanied by healing, not triumph. The slanderer is restored, while the architects of the lie are left speechless and darkened, their inability to speak symbolizing the final sterility of falsehood. Slander ultimately consumes the voice of the one who practices it. Abba Makarios brings the teaching to its most intimate and terrifying form. He does not merely accept public humiliation. He inwardly consents to the burden placed upon him. He works to support the child he did not father. He rewrites the narrative within himself, not as injustice but as a providential call to greater humility and labor. In doing so, he is purified of even the desire to be seen rightly. When the truth finally emerges, he flees from honor as from fire, knowing that praise can undo what slander, paradoxically, had refined. Across these accounts, the Fathers reveal a severe mercy at work. God allows slander to touch the righteous not because He delights in injustice but because it becomes a furnace in which self-love is burned away. The saint emerges freer, simpler, more transparent. At the same time, slander unmasks itself. It darkens the intellect. It warps perception. It draws others into a shared unreality where suspicion replaces truth and noise replaces discernment. Left unrepented, it leads not to mastery but to loss of speech, loss of sight, loss of coherence. The Evergetinos does not leave the reader neutral. These stories are a warning and an invitation. To endure slander without retaliation is to enter the Cross where Christ Himself was accused, mocked, and condemned in silence. To participate in slander, even subtly, is to consent to a fragmentation of the heart that eventually spreads outward, shaping families, communities, and entire cultures. The Desert Fathers are uncompromising because they are physicians of the soul. They show that words are never merely words. They either heal or deform. And they insist that God, in His mercy, will expose the lie, whether through repentance and healing or through the terrible unveiling of what darkness does when it is allowed to speak unchecked. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:01:05 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 346 Letter B 00:07:13 Anna: Maybe my husband could be considered for sainthood 00:08:16 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Reacted to "Maybe my husband cou..." with

Wisdom from the desert fathers of early Orthodox monasticism regarding welcoming others, showing hospitality, fasting, breaking one's own fast, among other matters. Note: Geronda is Greek for "Elder"

St. Isaac the Syrian is not offering speculation about the afterlife. He is unveiling the inner logic of existence itself, now and forever. He begins, characteristically, not with heaven, but with humility—because for him humility is not a moral ornament but the measure of reality. You do not know humility, he says, by what you think of yourself when you are alone. You know it only when your self-image is wounded. If accusation disturbs you, if injustice burns you inwardly, then humility has not yet reached the marrow. This is not condemnation but diagnosis. Humility, for Isaac, is not self-accusation performed in safety; it is the quiet endurance of being diminished without revolt. Only such a heart can bear God. From this point, Isaac lifts the veil on Christ's words about the “many mansions” of the Father's house. He dismantles our spatial and competitive imagination. Heaven is not a collection of separate dwellings, not a hierarchy of visible comparisons. There is one dwelling, one place, one vision, one light. God is not divided. Beatitude is not parceled out. The diversity lies not in God's gift but in our capacity to receive it. Isaac reaches for images of profound simplicity. The sun shines equally upon all, yet each person receives its light according to the health of his eyes. A single lamp illumines an entire house, yet its light is experienced differently depending on where one stands. The source is undivided. The radiance is simple. What differs is the vessel. Heaven, then, is not the multiplication of rewards but the full revelation of what the soul has become capable of receiving. This is where Isaac's teaching becomes both consoling and terrifying. Consoling, because there is no envy in the Kingdom. No one with a lesser measure will see the greater measure of another. There will be no sorrow born of comparison, no awareness of loss, no inner accusation that another has been given more. Each soul will delight fully in what it has been made able to contain. God will not be experienced as deprivation by anyone who is in Him. But it is terrifying because Isaac makes clear that this capacity is not arbitrary. It is formed. It is disciplined. It is shaped through humility, suffering, obedience, and purification of the heart. The same divine light that gives joy to one will reveal limitation to another. The difference is not external but interior. Heaven does not change us at the threshold; it unveils us. Isaac goes further. He insists that the world to come will not operate by a different logic than this one. The structure of reality is already set. Knowledge beyond sense, perception beyond images, understanding beyond words—these already exist in seed form. Ignorance remains for a time, but it is not eternal. There is an appointed moment when ignorance is abolished and the mysteries that are now guarded by silence are revealed. Silence, here, is not absence but reverence. God is not fully disclosed to the undisciplined mind. Finally, Isaac draws a stark boundary. There is no middle realm. A person belongs either wholly to the realm above or wholly to the realm below. Yet even within each realm, there are degrees. This is not contradiction but coherence. Union or separation is absolute; experience within each state is varied. One is either turned toward God or away from Him, but the depth of that turning—or that refusal—determines the quality of one's existence. What Isaac is pressing upon us is this: life is the slow formation of our capacity for God. Salvation is not merely forgiveness; it is vision. Judgment is not an external sentence; it is the unveiling of what the soul can bear. Humility is not preparation for heaven—it is already participation in its light. And the tragedy of sin is not punishment imposed from without, but the shrinking of the heart's ability to receive the One who gives Himself entirely. In St. Isaac's vision, God remains eternally simple, undivided, and radiant. The question that decides everything is not how much God gives, but how much we have allowed ourselves to be healed, emptied, and enlarged to receive Him. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:04:59 susan: Hi I'm trying to transition from liturgy or hours on the phone to the 4 volume books.  Can anone tell me what week we are currently in?  tx 00:05:20 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Humility Real? - how heart reacts when another wounds us Is our understanding of the Kingdom and its light childish or rooted in mature faith Do we desire the kingdom or look for an in-between state Do we teach others before we are healed? Enemy is subtle - vainglorious to focus on sin or temptation. Should focus on virtue. Resolve and labor tied together Virtue must be practiced otherwise we are like a fledgling without feathers Humility, fervor, tears can be lost through negligence Affliction should ultimately give way to hope. Should not seek ways to avoid the cross Begin with courage.  Don't divide the soul but trust God absolutely 00:17:12 David Swiderski, WI: https://www.usccb.org/resources/2026cal.pdf 00:18:49 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 172, # 11, first paragraph 00:40:28 Ben: Anna; It seems to me that since Charity isn't something that we lose in heaven, that the glory of each soul will somehow communicate it's self to each other soul in such a way that we will each delight in the glory of the other. 00:41:40 Elizabeth Richards: It is so hard to invest and trust fully when our experience human relationships always disappoint (for me). It was easier when I was younger! 00:42:40 Elizabeth Richards: It I can be hard not to be protective in my relationship with God 00:44:05 Elizabeth Richards: The paradox is that I need Christ's strength & grace to have a vulnerable relationship with Him! 00:47:26 David Swiderski, WI: Youth is a struggle of acquiring- knowledge, career, house, family and growing older sometimes is a struggle of learning to let go until there is nothing of us to cling to but God.. (A saying from my Grandfather)  He also said more concisely we come into this world and leave the same way no teeth, bald and in diapers. 00:50:26 Nypaver Clan: Father, Do you have a good, detailed examination of conscience from the Desert Fathers? 00:50:33 Sr Barbara Jean Mihalchick: Replying to "Youth is a struggle ..." Do any of the Saints approach the circuitous routes of  the spiritual life and vocation with a holy sense of humor??? 00:50:58 Maureen Cunningham: Sometimes it feels like That God is treating me the same as my adversary s 01:01:20 Angela Bellamy: Is the joy simultaneous with the sorrow entangled forever? or will the joy win? 01:01:59 Art: Going back to paragraph 12 where Isaac speaks of “each according to the clarity of his eyesight” this reminds me of something from the margin of the Roman missal.  It says, “They will receive grace [at Mass] in the measure of their faith and devotion, visible to God alone.”  So it's as if at mass we are already experiencing this part of heaven.  There we are all in the same place, one abode, one place, one dwelling, yet each seeing “each according to the clarity of his eyesight” and absent any feelings of envy toward any other. 01:04:43 David Swiderski, WI: https://saintnicholas-oca.org/files/catechetical-resources/Self-Examination-before-Confession-From-Way-of-a-Pilgrim.pdf 01:19:47 Nypaver Clan: Father, you're awesome!

Dr. Alexander Harb and Kris McGregor explore The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East, his new book that gives both spiritual and theological insight into Eastern Christian spirituality through the lens of the Desert Fathers and the Philokalia. The post IP#508 Dr. Alexander Harb – The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Alexander Harb and Kris McGregor explore The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East, his new book that gives both spiritual and theological insight into Eastern Christian spirituality through the lens of the Desert Fathers and the Philokalia. The post IP#508 Dr. Alexander Harb – The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode of The Catholic Talk Show, Ryan, Ryan, and Fr. Michael explore the most extreme monastic saints in Church history, examining how silence, solitude, fasting, and radical withdrawal from the world shaped their pursuit of holiness—and what modern Catholics can still learn from them today. 00:00 The Essence of Spiritual Retreat and Monasticism 05:52 The Importance of Rest and Reflection 11:16 The Desert Fathers: A Journey into Solitude 16:51 Extreme Monasticism: Stylites and Anchorites 22:49 Modern Monasticism and Urban Hermits 28:30 The Call for Discipline in Modern Life 31:51 The Role of Asceticism and Fasting 35:37 Exodus 90: A Path to Freedom 39:03 Creating Sacred Spaces and Routines 49:55 Embracing Silence and Presence 53:22 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textWant a prayer life that feels like a real relationship, not a checklist? We dive into Lectio Divina—sacred reading—as a simple, time-tested way to hear God through scripture and grow in freedom. Rather than racing through chapters or playing Bible roulette, we slow down with a short passage, repeat it, listen for the phrase that stirs the heart, talk with God about it, and then rest in his presence. This isn't study or analysis; it's encounter with the living Word who gently convicts, comforts, and guides.We trace how the Church has heard God in scripture from the earliest communities through the Desert Fathers, Benedictine steadiness, and Carmelite contemplation. Along the way, we clarify what “inspired” means, why the canon matters, and how the Gospels shape every reading. Then we get practical: posture, breathing, choosing the day's Gospel, repeating a few lines, journaling, and handling distractions without shame. You'll hear a live walkthrough of Galatians 4–5 that shows how a single phrase—“stand firm” or “do not take the yoke of slavery”—can become a personal word that leads to concrete change.If your mind wanders, you're normal. If prayer feels dry, that silence can still be holy ground. We unpack the “ear of the heart,” how to notice interior movements, and why peaceful rest in God often bears the deepest fruit. Over time, Lectio Divina shapes identity: truth replaces cultural noise, freedom grows where fear once ruled, and trust deepens as you return to the same verses that quietly anchor you. Whether you're new to prayer or seasoned in contemplation, this gentle rhythm can steady your days and open space for real conversation with God.Subscribe or follow, share this with a friend who needs a simple way to pray, and leave a review telling us which verse keeps calling you back. Your words help others discover the path to a freer, quieter, more faithful life.Other Prayer EpisodesPrayer: Building a Relationship with God Beyond Words (Season 2 Episode 40)Relationship is at the Core of Religion (Season 2 Episode 35)Passing on the Faith: A Dialogue on Community, Relationship, and Personal Growth (Season 2 Episode 32)Navigating and Deepening Your Relationship with God (Season 2 Episode 18)Our Relationship with God (Season 2 Episode 8)Relationship (Season 1 Episode 7)Click here to support the Carmelite Friars! Have something you'd love to hear Fr. Stephen and John talk about? Email us at myfriendthefriar@gmail.com or click here!

Enroll in Dr. Joiner's class: https://myprofer.com/coursesContribute to the East West Lecture Series fundraiser: theeastwestseries.com Dr. James Joiner discusses libertarian free will, contrasting it with compatibilist and determinist positions through the lens of patristic theology and developmental psychology. The conversation examines Gregory of Nyssa's theological anthropology, the concept of synergistic cooperation in theosis, and cross-cultural evidence for the universality of free choice. Dr. Joiner argues that both ancient Christian thought and contemporary research support the view that human beings possess genuine self-determination, exploring implications for moral responsibility, bioethics, and the differences between Eastern and Western theological frameworks.All the links: Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastWebsite: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobsOther words for the algorithm… free will, libertarian free will, compatibilism, determinism, Gregory of Nyssa, Cappadocian Fathers, patristic theology, Eastern Orthodox theology, church fathers, theological anthropology, theosis, deification, synergy, moral responsibility, praise and blame, developmental psychology, moral agency, self-determination, Christian anthropology, Christian East, Christian West, philosophy of religion, free will debate, moral psychology, bioethics, applied philosophy, Basil the Great, John Chrysostom, patristics, Orthodox Christianity, Byzantine theology, ancient philosophy, Christian philosophy, systematic theology, philosophical theology, Aristotelian ethics, virtue ethics, moral philosophy, conscience, moral intuition, Augustine, Pelagianism, divine sovereignty, human freedom, image of God, imago Dei, salvation, soteriology, grace, divine grace, sanctification, spiritual formation, Desert Fathers, Maximus the Confessor, Origen, Irenaeus, moral development, character formation, passions, will and intellect, Thomas Aquinas, Thomism, Kant, autonomy, phenomenology, David Bentley Hart, Kallistos Ware, Vladimir Lossky, ecumenical councils, Nicene Creed, liturgical theology, mystical theology, apophatic theology, hesychasm, spiritual senses, nous, William James, neuroscience and free will, agent causation, Peter van Inwagen, Alvin Plantinga, natural law theory, Neoplatonism, Plato, metaphysics, causation

A reading of reflections and poems of Saint Symeon taken from various sources and translations including:~ The Book of Mystical Chapters: Meditations on the Soul's Ascent from the Desert Fathers and Other Early Christian Contemplatives, Translated by John Anthony McGuckin~ The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry, by Stephen Mitchell~ The Fire rises in Me - English version by Ivan M. GrangerSaint Symeon the New Theologian (949 -1022 AD) was an Eastern Orthodox monk and poet who was one of the three saints canonized by the Eastern Orthodox Church and given the title of "Theologian." "Theologian" was not applied to Symeon in the modern academic sense of theological study; the title was intended only to recognise someone who spoke from personal experience of the vision of God. One of his principal teachings was that humans could and should experience theoria (literally "contemplation," or direct experience of God).Symeon was born into the Byzantine nobility and given a traditional education. At age fourteen, he met Symeon the Studite, a renowned monk of the Monastery of Stoudios in Constantinople, who convinced him to give his own life to prayer and asceticism under the elder Symeon's guidance. By the time he was thirty, Symeon the New Theologian became the abbot of the Monastery of Saint Mamas, a position he held for twenty-five years. He attracted many monks and clergy with his reputation for sanctity, though his teachings brought him into conflict with church authorities, who would eventually send him into exile. Symeon is recognized as the first Eastern Christian mystic to share his own mystical experiences freely. Some of his writings are included in the Philokalia, a collection of texts by early Christian mystics on contemplative prayer and hesychast teachings. Symeon wrote and spoke frequently about the importance of experiencing directly the grace of God, often talking about his own experiences of God as divine light. Another common subject in his writings was the need of putting oneself under the guidance of a spiritual father. The authority for many of his teachings derived from the traditions of the Desert Fathers, early Christian monks and ascetics. Symeon's writings include Hymns of Divine Love, Ethical Discourses, and The Catechetical Discourses.Photography: George Digalakis ~ The Sound of Silence  / georgedigalakisphotography  https://www.digalakisphotography.com/Music: "Let My Love Be Heard" by Jake Runestad. Performed by the Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir.   • Let My Love Be Heard - Jake Runestad  Cousin Silas - Slow Rotations https://cousinsilas1.bandcamp.com/With thanks to Pat for his kind permission to use his music for this channel.

Men, the battle is here. We run it back with our Exodus episode with Dr. Jared Staudt when we talked about St. Michael's Lent. While St. Michael's Lent has ended, a new beginning is coming on January 5th, 2026 with the main Exodus challenge. Make sure you sign up today before you miss out!Your marching orders have arrived. We dive deep into the origins and spiritual power of St. Michael's Lent, a 40-day Catholic challenge inspired by the great St. Francis of Assisi and rooted in ancient tradition. Learn why this penitential season is critical for men today, how the Exodus 90 team has structured it for modern warriors, and why discipline, order, and sacrifice are the weapons we need now more than ever.You'll learn the why behind each discipline and how each is crafted to bring order to your soul, sharpen your spiritual edge, and strengthen your mission as a man of God.We discuss:The spiritual and psychological warfare men face todayThe demonic hatred of order and how discipline drives demons outThe role of St. Michael the Archangel in exorcisms and daily spiritual combatWhy rest, leisure, and celebrating the Lord's Day are battle strategies, not indulgencesHow true fraternity unlocks spiritual breakthroughs men cannot achieve aloneChallenge Issued in this Episode:Step into the breach. Find a fraternity. Get the app. Sign up for St. Michael's Lent. Offer your disciplines for your family. Wake up at 2 a.m. and pray like the Desert Fathers. Let your body rest and your soul fight. The Church needs men who are ready. Are you one of them?Three Powerful Quotes from the Episode:“When you wake up in the night and everyone else is asleep, you're not breaking off from work or putting your phone down — you're just entering right into prayer.”“We're not called to suffer pointlessly. Every act of self-denial must have a purpose — for God, for your wife, for your children, for your brothers.”“Saint Michael didn't negotiate with evil. He cast it out. Men today need that same fire in their hearts.”Featured Resources & Products:Exodus 90 App – https://exodus90.com --> SIGN UP TODAY!Books by Dr. Jared Staudt:How the Eucharist Can Save CivilizationThe Primacy of GodWords Made FleshFollow Exodus 90 on all social media platforms here

Contribute to the East West Lecture Series fundraiser: theeastwestseries.com Join Jacobs Premium: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/membershipThe book club (use code LEWIS): https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/offers/aLohje7p/checkouthttps://www.keipirestaurant.org/first-things-foundationDr. Jacobs delivers a talk on hospitality in the ancient world, exploring three stories: Abraham entertaining angels, John Cassian learning from Egyptian monks, and Abba Agathon's encounter with a divine visitor. The presentation examines the theological significance of hospitality in Hebrew and Christian traditions, particularly focusing on Eastern Orthodox patristic interpretations. Delivered at a Georgian Supra event hosted by the First Things Foundation in Greenville, South Carolina. Visit Keipi in Greenville for traditional Georgian cuisine. All the links: Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastWebsite: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobsOther words for the algorithm…Abraham and the angels, Hebrew Bible hospitality, ancient Near East customs, stranger ethics, John Cassian, Desert Fathers, Abba Agathon, Egyptian monasticism, asceticism, monastic hospitality, fasting and feasting, Georgian Supra, Eastern Orthodox theology, patristic theology, John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, church fathers, Orthodox ethics, Christian hospitality, biblical hospitality, sheep and goats parable, love of neighbor, theological virtue, practical theology, ancient world customs, virtue ethics, Christian ethics, moral theology, spiritual formation, monasticism, anachoresis, cenobitic monasticism, apophthegmata patrum, sayings of the Desert Fathers, patristic ethics, biblical interpretation, Old Testament theology, New Testament ethics, Hebrews commentary, Lot and the angels, Road to Emmaus, Tobit, Archangel Raphael, theophany, Christophany, angel visitation, divine testing, covenant theology, Abraham covenant, Sodom and Gomorrah, Job righteousness, ancient virtue, classical virtue, agape love, caritas, philoxenia, Christian hospitality tradition, early Christianity, Byzantine theology, Greek patristics, Eastern Christianity, Western Christianity, East-West theology, theological anthropology, imago Dei, image of God, Matthew 25, eschatology, heavenly feast, messianic banquet, bridegroom theology, joy and fasting, liturgical theology, sacramental life, communion, Eucharist theology, stranger as Christ, Matthew Mathewes, practical philosophy, applied ethics, charitable works, almsgiving, poverty theology, wealth distribution, social justice, Christian socialism, monasticism economics, voluntary poverty, detachment, ascetical theology, spiritual disciplines, prayer and fasting, desert spirituality, Egyptian desert, Palestinian monasticism, Scetes, monastic rules, obedience, humility cultivation, temptation, demonic warfare, spiritual combat, guardian angels, angelology, hierarchy of angels, divine messengers, supernatural encounters, mystical theology, contemplation, theosis, deification, divine energies, Gregory Palamas, hesychasm, Philokalia, nepsis, watchfulness, prayer rope, Jesus prayer, heart prayer, stillness, silentium

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody! Modern America is drowning in usury, perversion, cheap pleasure, and spiritual collapse, and most people are too numb to notice. In this episode, we tear into the real roots of our cultural decay: porn addiction, adultery, political hubris, weakened churches, and the abandonment of tradition. Featuring the raw fire of Scripture, the Church Fathers, and the Desert Fathers, we confront the demons we refuse to name and lay out the path to fight them: discipline, repentance, prayer, fasting, brotherhood, and personal responsibility. Fix yourself, and you can help fix the world. But the first battle? That one you fight alone.Here's the LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/caffcx

He lived in the desert of Skete (Scetis) in Egypt during the fourth century, the golden age of the Desert Fathers. Nothing is known of his life in the world. He spent many years as the disciple of Abba Ammoes, who was very severe with him. Once the Elder took a dry stick, stuck it in the sand, and commanded John to water it every day until it bore fruit. Though this was plainly impossible, John performed the task uncomplainingly, walking a great distance to fetch the water, for three years. At the end of that time, the stick bore fruit. Abba Ammoes brought it to church the following Sunday and called out to the brethren, "Come and eat the fruit of obedience!" Though he had never praised or thanked his disciple, before he died Abba Ammoes said of John, "He is an angel, not a man." After his elder's repose, Abba John withdrew further into the desert, devoting all his time to vigil and prayer. As he prayed he would weave baskets, which he sold to meet his few needs. Sometimes he was so rapt in prayer that he would keep weaving until the basket reached an absurd size, filling his cell.   When, after many years, Abba John was delivered from all evil thoughts, Abba Poemen (commemorated August 27) told him to pray to God for another temptation to struggle against, for only in this way does the soul make progress. He rejoiced when he was insulted, was never known to be angry with anyone, and would run away as fast as he could if he ever saw men quarreling. He reposed in peace.   "Pray earnestly with compunction and vigilance. Pay no attention to the faults of others. Do not measure yourself against other people, for you are lower than every creature." — Abba John the Dwarf

He lived in the desert of Skete (Scetis) in Egypt during the fourth century, the golden age of the Desert Fathers. Nothing is known of his life in the world. He spent many years as the disciple of Abba Ammoes, who was very severe with him. Once the Elder took a dry stick, stuck it in the sand, and commanded John to water it every day until it bore fruit. Though this was plainly impossible, John performed the task uncomplainingly, walking a great distance to fetch the water, for three years. At the end of that time, the stick bore fruit. Abba Ammoes brought it to church the following Sunday and called out to the brethren, "Come and eat the fruit of obedience!" Though he had never praised or thanked his disciple, before he died Abba Ammoes said of John, "He is an angel, not a man." After his elder's repose, Abba John withdrew further into the desert, devoting all his time to vigil and prayer. As he prayed he would weave baskets, which he sold to meet his few needs. Sometimes he was so rapt in prayer that he would keep weaving until the basket reached an absurd size, filling his cell.   When, after many years, Abba John was delivered from all evil thoughts, Abba Poemen (commemorated August 27) told him to pray to God for another temptation to struggle against, for only in this way does the soul make progress. He rejoiced when he was insulted, was never known to be angry with anyone, and would run away as fast as he could if he ever saw men quarreling. He reposed in peace.   "Pray earnestly with compunction and vigilance. Pay no attention to the faults of others. Do not measure yourself against other people, for you are lower than every creature." — Abba John the Dwarf

Is technology the source or salve of social isolation? Given the realities of increasing division, the epidemic of loneliness, and unwanted isolation today, how should we think about the theological, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of the human experience of aloneness?“AI technologies aren't capable of creating conditions in which grace can happen—it's endemic to personhood.”This episode is part 3 of a 5-part series, SOLO, which explores the theological, moral, and psychological dimensions of loneliness, solitude, and being alone.In this episode, sociologist Felicia Wu Song joins Macie Bridge to discuss the sociology of solitude, loneliness, and isolation, framed by today's most pressing technological challenges.Drawing from her work on digital culture and AI, Song distinguishes between isolation, loneliness, and generative solitude—what she calls “positive aloneness.” She explores how technology both connects and disconnects us, what's lost when care becomes automated, and why the human face-to-face encounter remains vital for grace and dignity. Together they consider the allure of AI companionship, the “better-than-nothing” argument, and the church's local, embodied role in a digitized age. Song invites listeners to rediscover curiosity, self-reflection, and the spiritual discipline of solitude as essential practices for recovering our humanity amid the noise of the crowd.Helpful Links and ResourcesFelicia Wu Song, Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age — https://www.ivpress.com/restless-devicesAllison Pugh, The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World — https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691240817/the-last-human-jobDavid Whyte, “Solace: The Art of Asking the Beautiful Question” — https://www.amazon.com/Solace-Art-Asking-Beautiful-Question/dp/1932887377Sherry Turkle, Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other — https://www.sherryturkle.com/alone-togetherEpisode Highlights“Even though I study technology, I'm really interested in what it means to be human.”“What happens when we have technologies that always bring the crowd? The crowd is always with us all the time.”“Loneliness is the gap between what I think I should have and what I actually have.”“AI technologies aren't capable of creating conditions in which grace can happen—it's endemic to personhood.”“We should cut ourselves a lot of slack. Feeling lonely is very human. It doesn't mean something's wrong with me.”About Felicia Wu SongFelicia Wu Song is a sociologist, writer, and speaker, and was Professor of Sociology at Westmont College for many years. She is author of Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age. Her research examines digital technology, culture, and Christian formation, exploring how contemporary media ecosystems shape our social and spiritual lives. Learn more about her work at https://feliciawusong.com/Show NotesTechnology, Humanity, and SolitudeSong describes her sociological work at the intersection of culture, technology, and spirituality.She reflects on how technology reshapes our sense of identity, community, and human meaning.“Even though I study technology, I'm really interested in what it means to be human.”The question of loneliness emerges from the expectation of constant accessibility and permanent connection.The Crowd Is Always With Us“What happens when we have technologies that always bring the crowd?”Song critiques how digital connectivity erases silence and solitude, making stillness feel uncomfortable.Explores the challenge of practicing ancient spiritual disciplines like silence in the digital age.Connection and DisconnectionSong traces the historical celebration of communication technology's power to transcend time and space.Notes the danger of normalizing constant connectivity: “If you can do it, you should do it.”Examines how connection can become a cultural norm that stigmatizes solitude.Defining Loneliness, Isolation, and Solitude“Social isolation is objective; loneliness is subjective; solitude is generative.”Distinguishes “positive aloneness” as a space for self-conversation and divine encounter.References David Whyte and the Desert Fathers and Mothers as guides to solitude.Youth, Boredom, and the Portal of LonelinessDiscusses the value of “episodic loneliness” as a portal to self-discovery and spiritual growth.Connects solitude to creativity and reflection through the “boredom literature.”AI, Care, and the Better-Than-Nothing ArgumentExamines the emergence of AI chatbots and companionship tools.Engages Allison Pugh's critique of “the better-than-nothing argument.”“It sounds altruistic, but it actually leads to deeper and deeper inequality.”Raises justice and resource questions around replacing human teachers and therapists with chatbots.The Limits of Machine Grace“AI technologies aren't capable of creating conditions in which grace can happen—it's endemic to personhood.”Explores embodiment, dignity, and the irreplaceable value of human presence.Critiques the assumption that “being seen” by a machine equates to being known by a person.AI, Divinity, and ProjectionNotes human tendency to attribute divine or human qualities to machines.References Sherry Turkle's early studies on human-computer relationships.“We are so relational that we'll even take a clunky computer program and give it human-like qualities.”Faith, Solitude, and Social ConditionsSong emphasizes the sociological dimension: environments shape human flourishing.“Let's not make it so hard for people to experience solitude.”Advocates for embodied, place-based communities as antidotes to digital disembodiment.Loneliness, Curiosity, and GraceEncourages gentleness toward oneself in moments of loneliness.“Feeling lonely is very human. It doesn't mean something's wrong with me.”Promotes curiosity and acceptance as pathways to spiritual and personal growth.Production NotesThis podcast featured Felicia Wu SongEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Hope Chun, Alexa Rollow and Emily BrookfieldA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

What does it mean to be dangerously tired - emotionally, spiritually, and physically? In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens, Matt Russell, and Geoff Wood unpack the ancient wisdom of Sabbath as more than a rule - it's a divine invitation to rest, resist compulsion, and reclaim our humanity.Drawing from the Desert Fathers, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Henry Nouwen, they explore what happens when we ignore our limits and how practicing Sabbath can help us recover joy, trust, and freedom from the tyranny of “always doing.”If you've ever found yourself weary, restless, or unable to slow down, this conversation might be the reminder your soul has been waiting for.

Visit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation. www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.In this episode of the Kingdom Crossroads Podcast, host Pastor Bob Thibodeau interviews T.S. Wright, exploring the historical context and theological developments of the Third Church Age. They discuss the impact of persecution on the growth of Christianity, the significance of Constantine's baptism, and the influence of the Desert Fathers on Christian theology. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding church history to grasp the current state of Christianity and its future.TakeawaysThe Kingdom Crossroads Podcast aims to spark a revival across the U.S.The Third Church Age is marked by significant theological developments.Persecution historically leads to the growth of the church.Constantine's baptism was a pivotal moment in church history.The Desert Fathers played a crucial role in shaping early Christian theology.The Edict of Milan marked the end of the Second Church Age.The church began to formalize its structure during the Third Church Age.Historical events often reflect God's timing and intervention.Understanding church history is essential for grasping current Christian practices.The blending of history and theology enriches the understanding of faith.

What does it mean to be dangerously tired - emotionally, spiritually, and physically? In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens, Matt Russell, and Geoff Wood unpack the ancient wisdom of Sabbath as more than a rule - it's a divine invitation to rest, resist compulsion, and reclaim our humanity.Drawing from the Desert Fathers, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Henry Nouwen, they explore what happens when we ignore our limits and how practicing Sabbath can help us recover joy, trust, and freedom from the tyranny of “always doing.”If you've ever found yourself weary, restless, or unable to slow down, this conversation might be the reminder your soul has been waiting for.

Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology.  Today's episode will help us understand how to holistically follow all of Jesus' commands, ensuring a balanced approach in personal discipleship and church community life. The episode revolves around understanding how thoroughly and holistically believers and church communities are adhering to the commands of Jesus. The speaker initiates the discussion by posing several reflective questions, emphasizing the potential neglect of specific commands either individually or within church groups. He highlights the Great Commission, which instructs disciples to obey all of Jesus' teachings, not selectively. A significant portion of the talk explores Jeff's sabbatical experiences, including his exploration of different Christian traditions such as the Jesuits, Desert Fathers and Mothers, and other historical church movements. These observations lead him to identify strengths and weaknesses in various church eras, such as the evangelical zeal of the early church and the doctrinal clarity but occasional superficial faith in later periods. Jeff advocates for a balanced approach to following Jesus' commands, cautioning against the common tendency to focus on preferred teachings while ignoring others. He stresses the importance of maintaining a holistic discipleship that includes personal spiritual practices, community life, and mission work. Practical implications for churches and individuals include reading the Gospels continuously, journaling to enhance obedience, focusing on the application of teachings rather than mere accumulation of knowledge, and consistently seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. Church programming should prioritize biblical exposition of the Gospels and foster a culture of obedience and testimony sharing. The episode concludes with suggestions for churches to evaluate their practices and leadership structures. A collaborative team approach informed by Ephesians 4:11-16 can help ensure a balanced ministry. Churches should develop new metrics to measure success in spiritual growth holistically, rather than simply numerical growth or attendance. Finally, Jeff encourages listeners to stay vigilant about their devotion to Jesus' teachings and praises the potential for varied expressions of obedience across different times, cultures, and communities. He invites feedback and ongoing conversation on achieving comprehensive obedience to Jesus' commands in both individual and church life.

The Gospel Without Varnish The Desert Fathers present the Gospel in its rawest form. Their words strike the heart not because they soften Christ's commands but because they echo them without compromise: do not resist the one who is evil, forgive seventy times seven, love your enemies, bless those who curse you. To modern ears, this sounds offensive—even impossible. How can one not seek justice, especially when faced with cruelty, violence, or grave injustice? Yet the Fathers insist: freedom in Christ means clinging to nothing but His love as the one thing necessary. When we are wronged, our sorrow should not be for what has been taken from us, but for the soul of the one who has inflicted harm. Their sin is their true wound. Our calling is not to avenge but to forgive, not to condemn but to pray. Hypothesis XXXVII presses this home with piercing clarity. A struggler carrying a corpse is told: “Bear the living instead.” To shoulder the weakness of our neighbor, to endure his sins and insults, is the harder burden—but also the one that unites us to Christ. The examples unfold like a mirror before us. The elder who restrains himself when boys blaspheme outside his cell reminds his heart: If I cannot bear this small vexation, how will I endure a greater trial? Another, who endures the disobedience of his companion without protest, embraces a hidden martyrdom. Still another teaches: To put up with your neighbor in a difficult moment is equal to the martyrdom of the Three Youths in the furnace. The lesson is relentless: daily forbearance is our Golgotha. To return angry words, to demand repayment, to run to courts for vindication—these reveal hearts still bound to the world. But to endure injustice with patience, to forgive without condition, to pray for those who wrong us—this is to share in Christ's meekness on the Cross. Abba Isaiah pierces deeper: how can we beg God's mercy for our sins while refusing mercy to our neighbor? To repay evil for evil is to declare, in effect, that God does not judge rightly. The Fathers show us how far we fall short: Christ bore poverty, betrayal, insult, and death without retaliation—yet we cannot endure even a word of offense without bitterness. Modern sensibilities stumble here. We demand rights, recompense, recognition. But the Fathers summon us to something purer and more terrifyingly beautiful: to love as Christ loves, even when it crucifies us. When wronged, our grief must be for our brother's soul, not our own loss. His sin wounds him unto death; our response must be prayer for his healing. This is no easy path. It is a crucifixion of the will, a death to self. It cannot be done without grace. Yet in enduring wrong with gentleness, in forgiving when wounded, in praying for those who hurt us, we enter the very marrow of the Gospel. The Desert Fathers offer no compromise. The way of Christ is the way of the Cross. To bear wrongs patiently is to drink His chalice. To forgive without measure is to wear His likeness. And to weep not for what we have lost but for the one who has harmed us—this is the freedom of those who live only in His love. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:15:19 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 284 number five: forbearing those who offend us and not taking vengeance 00:15:29 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 284, 5 00:21:21 Rick Visser: Has this any bearing on social media? A million small vexations......which we very often feel compelled to tell them off? 00:49:55 Catherine Opie: What does one say to someone who justifies anger by pointing to the righteous anger of Jesus driving people out of the temple? This is a common thing that I hear from people who wish to justify their own anger, including myself here. 00:55:34 Anthony: Jesus had already proved Himself to be Lord of the Sabbath, correct?  He demonstrated authority.  Plus they Knew Him from the prophecy of His birth and the disputation in the Temple at age 12/13 01:01:59 Rick Visser: What is the best book on the life of each of the saints? 01:03:24 Adam Paige: Replying to "What is the best boo…" The Golden Legend, the Roman Martyrology 01:04:19 Rick Visser: Replying to "What is the best boo..."

Dave Brisbin 9.21.25 When an event has the immense impact Charlie Kirk's assassination is having on us collectively if not personally, we need to stop and take a look around and inside. I was shocked at the news of his assassination, but even more at the worldwide response—hadn't realized the depth of his following. The political response was predictable, though, supporters and detractors alike making him a symbol for their respective positions. It was sad to see the real man, the complicated, imperfect human we all are becoming lost. Within Christian circles, one group is becoming militant, vowing to fight to bring the country back into alignment with Christian values. A second appears to be growing despondent, expressing a sense of despair over both the situation and the Christian response, feeling disenfranchised by their church, questioning traditional faith and beliefs. I can understand both camps. If you're seeing cherished values slipping away, you instinctively want to consolidate, organize, fight. In the 4th century, the Roman Empire finally recognized Christianity, protected it, and ultimately declared it the state religion. Many Christians celebrated, but at the same time, others—the Desert Fathers and Mothers—fled to the deserts of Egypt and Judea to find a faith and church they felt they'd lost in a sea of Roman power. We seem poised at such a moment again. Jesus taught in story and metaphor. Did he give us a primary metaphor for our spiritual lives? We seem to have decided as a church that it's the image of the warrior that suits us best. But Jesus never uses it. He gives us image after image of the gardener—quietly bent over the soil, flowing with wind and weather—rather than armored opposition. Are we warriors or gardeners? Never either/or, we'll need to be both over the course of our lives. But when it's time to fight, are we characterized by anger and anxiety, or are we happy warriors, still capable of compassion and patience, aware that outcomes are not under our direct control? Are we humble warriors with a gardener's heart, always looking longingly through the conflict to the silent fields of home?

In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, we explore the difference between work that flows from grace and love, and work that drains us because it’s fueled by fear, insecurity, or people-pleasing. Together we’ll talk about holy rhythms of work and rest, and what it looks like to return to the “easy yoke” of Jesus. If you’ve been feeling weary, overextended, or caught in workaholism, this conversation offers hope: you can lead from rest rather than rush. What You’ll Take Away from This Episode: How to discern between grace-energized work and soul-draining drivenness. Why busyness, according to Eugene Peterson, is not productivity but a form of laziness. The danger of “false vines” that drain life rather than nourish it. Small, sustainable practices for weaving sabbath and reflection into daily rhythms. How contemplative practices root us in God’s presence so our work becomes overflow, not overextension. Resources & References Mentioned in This Episode: Subversive Spirituality by Eugene Peterson New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton The Sayings of the Desert Fathers (various translations available) The Spiritual Life by Evelyn Underhill Jesus’ teaching on the easy yoke (Matthew 11:28–30) and the vine and branches (John 15) Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dave Brisbin 9.21.25 When an event has the immense impact Charlie Kirk's assassination is having on us collectively if not personally, we need to stop and take a look around and inside. I was shocked at the news of his assassination, but even more at the worldwide response—hadn't realized the depth of his following. The political response was predictable, though, supporters and detractors alike making him a symbol for their respective positions. It was sad to see the real man, the complicated, imperfect human we all are becoming lost. Within Christian circles, one group is becoming militant, vowing to fight to bring the country back into alignment with Christian values. A second appears to be growing despondent, expressing a sense of despair over both the situation and the Christian response, feeling disenfranchised by their church, questioning traditional faith and beliefs. I can understand both camps. If you're seeing cherished values slipping away, you instinctively want to consolidate, organize, fight. In the 4th century, the Roman Empire finally recognized Christianity, protected it, and ultimately declared it the state religion. Many Christians celebrated, but at the same time, others—the Desert Fathers and Mothers—fled to the deserts of Egypt and Judea to find a faith and church they felt they'd lost in a sea of Roman power. We seem poised at such a moment again. Jesus taught in story and metaphor. Did he give us a primary metaphor for our spiritual lives? We seem to have decided as a church that it's the image of the warrior that suits us best. But Jesus never uses it. He gives us image after image of the gardener—quietly bent over the soil, flowing with wind and weather—rather than armored opposition. Are we warriors or gardeners? Never either/or, we'll need to be both over the course of our lives. But when it's time to fight, are we characterized by anger and anxiety, or are we happy warriors, still capable of compassion and patience, aware that outcomes are not under our direct control? Are we humble warriors with a gardener's heart, always looking longingly through the conflict to the silent fields of home?

“Who were the Desert Fathers and their impact on Catholicism?” This episode explores the lives and teachings of these early Christian ascetics, while also addressing questions like why Mother Angelica has not been beatified and how to interpret the recent LGBT pilgrimage to Rome. Tune in for a rich discussion on the early church and its relevance today. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 12:35 – why has Mother Angelica not been beatified? 14:45 – How should we interpret the recent LGBT pilgrimage to Rome? 18:15 – If the early church had martyrs, are those martyrs saints. Also, if Charlie Kirk is considered a martyr, could one day he be considered a saint? 22:40 – Did the early church interpret Genesis literally, and then after we realized it doesn't really correspond to our scientific knowledge, we just started saying it's not literal? (this is what her son is claiming) 31:12 – I was raised in an independent fundamentalist Baptist church. I'm looking at Catholicism. I want to read writers of the early church. Where do I find that and how do I know if it's a good translation? 34:30 – How do we know if the early church fathers were Catholic? Because Protestants quote them too. How do we know St. Augustine wasn't Protestant? 41:15 – I understand for a sin to be mortal we need have knowledge that the act is sinful. But do we have to know the act is specifically a grave offence, or do we just need to know that it is sinful. For example, if one commits a grave offense, but things that act is only venially sinful, would it still be a mortal sin? 46:28 – The Bible says that Mary visited Elizabeth in her sixth month. I saw a video that says that means the sixth month of the year, not Elizabeth's sixth month of pregnancy. Which way does the Church teach? 50:40 – Were some of the early church fathers Eastern Orthodox? I know the Eastern Orthodox have their church fathers, so whose are right?

| S03 E02 | In this episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore the connection between spiritual freedom, discernment, and healthy decision-making. Drawing on the wisdom of Ignatian spirituality, they discuss how surrendering control to God leads to greater peace, joy, and clarity in life. Discover practical tools for: - Cultivating healthy detachment - Avoiding occasions of sin - Nurturing desires that align with God's will - Supporting both mental and spiritual well-being Whether you're discerning a major vocation, navigating daily choices, or simply seeking to deepen your faith life, this episode offers insights to help you grow in trust, freedom, and love of God. Share with a friend who could use encouragement in their discernment journey! #CatholicPodcast #IgnatianSpirituality #Discernment #FaithAndFreedom #SpiritualGrowth #ThinkingFaith 00:00 Introduction and Study on Decision Making 02:02 The Paradox of Spiritual Freedom 03:14 Discernment and Spiritual Guidance 05:32 Ignatius' Approach to Decision Making 08:20 Navigating Life's Choices 15:00 Living with Minimal Sin 20:18 The Temptation to Escape Sin 20:32 The Desert Fathers' Wisdom 21:04 Avoiding Occasions of Sin 22:10 Understanding the Trap of Pornography 23:58 The Limits of Willpower 25:20 The Importance of Accountability 27:12 Cultivating Healthy Relationships 30:07 Staying Busy with Good Things 36:08 Practical Tips for Avoiding Sin 38:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

"He was an Egyptian by birth and a great Egyptian ascetic. As a boy, he visited various spiritual teachers and gathered proven experience as a bee gathers honey from flowers. Pimen once begged the elder Paul to take him to St Païsius. Seeing him, Païsius said: 'This child will save many; the hand of God is on him.' In time, Pimen became a monk and drew two of his brothers to monasticism. Their mother once came to see her sons, but Pimen would not allow her in, asking through the door: 'Which do you want more: to see us here and now, or in the other world in eternity?' Their mother went away joy-fully, saying: 'If I will see you for certain there, I don't need to see you here.' In the monastery of these three brothers, governed by the eldest, Abba Anoub, the rule was as follows: at night, four hours were passed in manual work, four hours in sleep and four in reading the Psalter. The day was passed, from morning to noon, in alternate work and prayer, from mid-day to Vespers in reading and after Vespers they prepared their meal, the only one in the twenty--four hours, and this usually of some sort of cabbage. Pimen himself said about their life: 'We ate what was to hand. No-one ever said: "Give me something else", or "I won't eat that". In that way, we spent our whole life in silence and peace.' He lived in the fifth century, and entered peacefully into rest in great old age." (Prologue)   His name means "shepherd". Many of his words can be found in the Sayings of the Desert Fathers.

"He was an Egyptian by birth and a great Egyptian ascetic. As a boy, he visited various spiritual teachers and gathered proven experience as a bee gathers honey from flowers. Pimen once begged the elder Paul to take him to St Païsius. Seeing him, Païsius said: 'This child will save many; the hand of God is on him.' In time, Pimen became a monk and drew two of his brothers to monasticism. Their mother once came to see her sons, but Pimen would not allow her in, asking through the door: 'Which do you want more: to see us here and now, or in the other world in eternity?' Their mother went away joy-fully, saying: 'If I will see you for certain there, I don't need to see you here.' In the monastery of these three brothers, governed by the eldest, Abba Anoub, the rule was as follows: at night, four hours were passed in manual work, four hours in sleep and four in reading the Psalter. The day was passed, from morning to noon, in alternate work and prayer, from mid-day to Vespers in reading and after Vespers they prepared their meal, the only one in the twenty--four hours, and this usually of some sort of cabbage. Pimen himself said about their life: 'We ate what was to hand. No-one ever said: "Give me something else", or "I won't eat that". In that way, we spent our whole life in silence and peace.' He lived in the fifth century, and entered peacefully into rest in great old age." (Prologue)   His name means "shepherd". Many of his words can be found in the Sayings of the Desert Fathers.

Men, the battle is here. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jared Staudt from Exodus 90 to issue a bold call: prepare for spiritual war through St. Michael's Lent, starting August 15th.Your marching orders have arrived. We dive deep into the origins and spiritual power of St. Michael's Lent, a 40-day Catholic challenge inspired by the great St. Francis of Assisi and rooted in ancient tradition. Learn why this penitential season is critical for men today, how the Exodus 90 team has structured it for modern warriors, and why discipline, order, and sacrifice are the weapons we need now more than ever.You'll learn the why behind each discipline and how each is crafted to bring order to your soul, sharpen your spiritual edge, and strengthen your mission as a man of God.We discuss:The spiritual and psychological warfare men face todayThe demonic hatred of order and how discipline drives demons outThe role of St. Michael the Archangel in exorcisms and daily spiritual combatWhy rest, leisure, and celebrating the Lord's Day are battle strategies, not indulgencesHow true fraternity unlocks spiritual breakthroughs men cannot achieve aloneChallenge Issued in this Episode: Step into the breach. Find a fraternity. Get the app. Sign up for St. Michael's Lent. Offer your disciplines for your family. Wake up at 2 a.m. and pray like the Desert Fathers. Let your body rest and your soul fight. The Church needs men who are ready. Are you one of them?Key Takeaway:Order is a weapon. Demons hate structure. Your disciplines form a spiritual perimeter. Build it. Guard it. Live it.Three Powerful Quotes from the Episode:“When you wake up in the night and everyone else is asleep, you're not breaking off from work or putting your phone down — you're just entering right into prayer.”“We're not called to suffer pointlessly. Every act of self-denial must have a purpose — for God, for your wife, for your children, for your brothers.”“Saint Michael didn't negotiate with evil. He cast it out. Men today need that same fire in their hearts.”Featured Resources & Products:Exodus 90 App – https://exodus90.com --> SIGN UP TODAY!St. Michael's Lent  – Begins August 15thBeer of Norcia – Brewed by Benedictine monks (mentioned by Dr. Staudt)Books by Dr. Jared Staudt:How the Eucharist Can Save CivilizationThe Primacy of GodWords Made FleshFollow Exodus 90 on all social media platforms hereSend us a text Support the showPlease prayerfully consider supporting the podcast on our Buy Me A Coffee page. to help grow the show to reach as many men as possible! Thank you for your prayers and support. Be sure to follow us on X for more great content. As always, please pray for us! We are men who strive daily to be holy, to become saints and we cannot do that without the help of the Holy Ghost! Subscribe to our YouTube page to see our manly and holy faces Check out our website Contact us at themanlycatholic@gmail.com

What needs to be said or done in the world right now? Vanessa Maleare and Brandon co-share a message about how we sync with the Cosmic Christ and one another through a rich understanding of the incarnational and transcendent life of God. Seeing the world through the Cosmic Christ imbues our lives with meaning.  [Colossians 1:15-20]   Reflection What is my Big Idea that feels sacred? How can I connect with the Cosmic Christ, through small/humble moments? When do I feel the most in sync with God's presence,  and why? Resource Book: The Way of the Heart: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers & Mothers by Henri Nouwen Book: Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie

The Desert Fathers make it very clear that in every element of our faith life we are being drawn into the mystery of God and the kingdom. Therefore, we must become comfortable with living in mystery; of being immersed in a reality that is beyond intellect and reason and comprehended solely through the gift of faith and the light that God bestow upon us.  We often move very quickly to dissect what has been revealed to us by God, both for ourselves and others. Discussing matters of faith and reading books about dogma, however, can cause a man's compunction to wither and disappear. We often cling to the notional and the abstract rather than focusing upon our relationship with God and seeking purity of heart. The Fathes tell us it is the lives in the sayings of the elders that enlighten the soul and fill it with spiritual tears. Our lives then must be shaped by the Gospel and as one elder tells us we must seek to draw Christ into every part of our life. We love and follow a humble and crucified Lord; One who has been afflicted for our sin and who seeks our healing. Thus, our lives should mirror the simplicity of our Lord. We must not pamper the body in such a way that we weaken the spirit of contrition within our hearts. Neither must we fear affliction, but rather embrace it when it comes into our lives; knowing that God and his Providence allows it and through it perfects our virtue.  To a certain extent, we must be willing separate ourselves from the world and surround ourselves with those who seek and desire the same thing. How else can we maintain the spirit of contrition? The world itself and our culture has become antithetical to the gospel. The cross has been and always will be a stumbling block to those without faith. The more those in the world become focused upon material goods and comforts and a manner of life that is contrary to the teachings of the gospel, we must strive to genuinely and heroically to conform our lives to Christ regardless of the costs. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:09:31 Maureen Cunningham: I think it like a rally good restaurant it always word of mouth 00:10:56 Maureen Cunningham: What is sub stack and how is it different 00:11:10 Maureen Cunningham: You tube is also a big 00:11:38 Bob Čihák, AZ: substack.com in short. 00:11:50 iPad (2): Yes Father I agree with you 100% 00:11:56 Bob Čihák, AZ: Look & see. 00:15:53 Andrew Adams: I vote website, but I don't do social media anyway. I found you effectively by word of mouth. 00:16:23 Kevin Burke: I agree with Myles.. YouTube channel is the best.. 00:16:51 Mark South: I agree youtube is great 00:16:58 Maureen Cunningham: Yes  I agree 00:17:15 Bob Čihák, AZ: Please do let us know when you DO need support! 00:17:21 cameron: Suggest you think of making efforts to avoid being cancelled. 00:17:45 Maureen Cunningham: We love to support you 00:19:35 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 256, # 24 00:24:27 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 256, # 25 00:32:03 Forrest Cavalier: This footnote is on this page: https://archive.org/details/Evergetinos/Euergetinos%20II/page/423/mode/2up?view=theater 00:39:44 Anthony: R. C. Sproul of Ligonier Ministries commented on Martin Luther's long confessions, saying what did he confess? To coveting another's potato salad?   Little did Sproul know what monks face. 00:41:01 Andrew Zakhari: I am currently reading the Minor Prophets, and as messengers of God they seem to get angry at God's people for falling away.  How do you understand this prophetic anger? 00:42:05 Myles Davidson: Replying to "R. C. Sproul of Ligo..." Calvinists

What does it look like to prayerfully open up more fully to both suffering and hope?  Christopher Mack wonders how we attend to the Goodness of God as an invitation to grow in prayerful discernment, empowerment, and liberation. [Colossians 1:9-14]   Reflection What is one way I can grow in attending to God's Nonviolent Inclusive Kin-dom? Where do I need to grow my endurance for building Beloved Community? How might  I compassionately welcome this moment without feeling resigned to the status quo? Resource Book: The Way of the Heart: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers & Mothers by Henri Nouwen Book: Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie

In this final episode of their Easter series, Fr. John and Mary look back at yesterday's celebration of Pentecost and consider how the Holy Spirit is eager to use us to renew the face of the earth. Desert Fathers in a Year (DYIF) on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt3oFkBkM&list=PLwQJPNow77DpxWouk4-QGw4ngIPv7O4LS&index=24 Book Recommendations: Holy Spirit, Fire of Divine Love by Fr. Wilfrid Stinissen Sober Intoxication of the Spirit, Raneiro Cardinal Cantalamessa ========================== Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

This week we're joined by Bishop Erik Varden. Bishop Varden, Mother Natalia, and Fr. Michael talk about recognizing Jesus in others, living a contemplative life, the Syriac fathers, and the beauty of chastity.Be sure to check out Bishop Varden's podcast, Desert Fathers in a Year, in partnership with Exodus 90.Bishop Varden also has a website he posts to regularly.References:Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses by Bishop Erik VardenFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us a textSupport the show

What is it that forms and shapes us the most as human beings? What affects the way that we perceive reality and gives form to the thoughts that we have  throughout the course of a day? Do we have any awareness of an interior life or are we simply drawn along by the flow of external realities; demands, responsibilities or forms of entertainment?  According to the Fathers and Saint Isaac the Syrian, we are in a constant state of receptivity through our senses. Part of being a human being is that we see and perceive everything that is around us; all of which give rise to a multitude of thoughts, images and feelings. Our lack of awareness of reality and of the internal life and the effect that our thoughts have upon us means that we often allow or identity to be shaped by the changing tides of the times or the constant shifting of our emotions.  In so many ways, the Fathers were the first depth psychologists. Their movement to great solitude and the stillness of the desert allowed a greater awareness to emerge of what was going on internally. This of course didn't lead immediately to understanding or transformation. However, the awareness did allow them to begin to discern the source of their thoughts, what thoughts predominate, and where their thoughts were leading them.  Thoughts can be so strong and so deeply rooted that they become habitual - as well as the actions that follow from them. These habitual thoughts and actions the Fathers call “passions” and the passions as a whole are referred to as the “world”.  Our growing capacity to acknowledge the dominant passions and to struggle with them allows two things to begin to emerge: a good transformation of our way of life and a greater capacity to understand the nature of our thoughts. Simply put, one begins to be able to measure one's way of life by what arises from within.   In this Homily, Saint Isaac is setting the stage for guiding us along a path to spiritual healing and transformation in Christ. The fruit of the struggle promises wholeness, freedom, and the joy that our sin often prevents. When we are guided simply by our private judgment or by what satisfies our most basic needs, then our understanding of things becomes very insular and myopic and we lose sight of the dignity and destiny that is ours' in Christ.  The more that we desire the life and freedom that Isaac describes above the more discover that we need to have no fear of anything. One who has tasted the love and mercy of Christ also finds emerging within himself the courage of a lion. The fear of soul that once overshadowed him succumbs before this ever-present love like wax from the heat of a flame. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:08:36 Bob Čihák, AZ: Is this the book? Amazon has: The Secret Seminary: Prayer and the Study of Theology by Fr. Brendan Pelphrey  | Apr 28, 2012 00:16:08 Mary Clare Wax: It has all the bells and whistles! Love it 00:18:29 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 124, paragraph 14 00:19:08 Myles Davidson: Replying to "P. 124, paragraph 14" “Think to yourself…” 00:20:04 Suzanne Romano: Hey Studge! 00:20:29 Stephen Romano: Hey sis  :) 00:20:47 Suzanne Romano: Reacted to Hey sis  :) with "

Dr. Alexander Harb and Kris McGregor explore The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East, his new book that gives both spiritual and theological insight into Eastern Christian spirituality through the lens of the Desert Fathers and the Philokalia. The post IP#509 Dr. Robert D. Enright – Forgiving as Unity with Christ on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In our ongoing discussions of the Desert Fathers' writings, especially upon sexual desire and sensuality as a whole, one comes to the realization that we have to read in a discerning fashion. In other words, we cannot be lazy while sitting at the feet of the elders. Their wisdom grew out of experience. However, it was the experience of the desert and of monks. What they discovered and understood is unparalleled in its value for the life of the Church and our understanding of spirituality.  Yet, although they saw so very much it does not mean they saw everything or that they articulated it in a way that is going to speak to every generation in the same fashion. Every generation, every person, must embrace and embody the fullness of the gospel through striving to enter by the narrow way. The ascetic life is our exercise of that faith and every generation will have particular struggles and battles that are unique to it. In a time like our own, when so many aspects of the culture have been hyper-sexualized, living a life of purity of heart can seem to be not only a difficult but impossible pursuit. While we can see that the dignity of human sexuality and women change radically with Christianity, those changes were not immediate or complete and we see lingering vestiges where women are seen as the cause of sin. This implants in the spirituality of purity of heart and the struggle with temptation a kind of misogyny, a temptation to the hatred of the self and of sexuality. Inevitably this leaves a void in our understanding and practice of the faith that can be disastrous. Rather than seeing the dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God and our destiny in Christ to participate in the Divine life, we can drift into a lifeless moralism. Christianity must speak to the deepest part of a person‘s religiosity; capturing what it means to be a human being, fully alive and transformed by the grace of God. Even as we sit at the feet of the Fathers, we must keep our eyes upon Christ; for it is in Him alone, that we can plumb the depths of mysteries of God and the kingdom, but also the mystery of what it is to be a human being. Purity of heart is much more about what we can see having removed the impediment of the ego or of disorder desires. Far from being restrictive, it gives us a greater capacity to love and be loved. What is needed in our day are saints who embody this reality so fully that their lives reveal to us the deepest truths about ourselves and God. Only saints stand transparent to the fullness of truth revealed to us in Christ. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:12:51 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 227, I 00:14:06 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 227, I 00:24:18 Una: Let the past stay in the past, in other words 00:24:32 Diana Sciuto: Reacted to "Let the past stay in…" with ❤️ 00:24:49 Mary Clare Wax: This is why it is so important to live in the present moment. The past is dead, the future yet unborn. God is the God of "I Am", not "I Was," or "I Will Be." 00:25:05 Myles Davidson: Reacted to "This is why it is so..." with

In this continuation of their non-linear journey through the tarot, Phil and JF discuss the ninth Arcanum: the Hermit. Walking through darkness with his lantern and staff, the Hermit invites us to break from the collective and seek a direct relationship with the Real. This is the card of the seeker, the misfit, the sage, and the wanderer. As tends to happen in these tarot episodes, the hosts take the opportunity to range across many topics, connecting the Hermit to Jung's Red Book, the Desert Fathers, angels and demons, the I Ching, contemporary politics, and more. Support us on Patreon Order Christian Bunyan's Weird Studies poster here. Buy the Weird Studies soundtrack, volumes 1 and 2, on Pierre-Yves Martel's Bandcamp page. Listen to Meredith Michael and Gabriel Lubell's podcast,Cosmophonia. Visit the Weird Studies Bookshop Find us on Discord Get the T-shirt design from Cotton Bureau REFERENCES Carl Jung, The Red Book Stanley Kubrick, American filmmaker Samuel Beckett, Irish writer Emily Dickinson, American poet Temptation of Saint Anthony Our Known Friend, Meditations on the Tarot Weird Studies, Episode 103 on the Tower card The Gnostic Tarot Nigel Richmond, Language of the Lines Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back John Minford, The I Ching: The Essential Translation of the Ancient Chinese Oracle and Book of Wisdom William Butler Yeats, "The Second Coming" Alejandro Jodorowsky, The Way of the Tarot Wolfgang Petersen (dir.), The Neverending Story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After having a life-altering dream of a dragonfly, Williams contemplates the re-enchantment of our world to rediscover wonder, mystery, and meaning in our relationship with nature and the environment. He invites us to consider new perspectives on nature, consciousness, and the practice of re-enchantment in our modern world. Brooke Williams is a naturalist and environmental writer who covers subjects such as evolution, consciousness, and his own ventures exploring both the inner and outer wilderness. He advocates for the preservation of wilderness. His writings also take us with him on his many treks into the deserts of Utah, where he lives with his wife and partner, the writer and New Dimensions guest Terry Tempest Williams. He is the author of several books including: Half-Lives: Reconciling Work and Wildness (Johnson Books 1999) and · Encountering Dragonfly: Notes on the Practice of Re-Enchantment (Uphill Books 2025)Interview Date: 1/17/2025 Tags: Brooke Williams, Kathryn “Mimi” Blackett, dragonfly, enchantment, Galapagos, Desert Fathers, climate change, imaginal world, Ecology/Nature/Environment, Personal Transformation, Psychology

Dr. Alexander Harb and Kris McGregor explore The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East, his new book that gives both spiritual and theological insight into Eastern Christian spirituality through the lens of the Desert Fathers and the Philokalia. The post IP#508 Dr. Alexander Harb – The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.