Words from the Desert

The brothers go through one of Abba Bessarion's saying about the different responses to times of peace and trial. God gives both, and how are we to receive them from His hands? Moreover, there are different reasons that peace and trial might come along, and it is important to discern what those reasons and sources are.

In this final episode of the season, the brothers finish off the sayings of all the Desert Fathers whose names begin with the letter A (which means there's plenty more to go!). They cover topics such as humility in interactions with brethren, respect shown superiors, and prayers' efficacy in difficult situations (and everything else besides).

The brothers finish off the sayings of Abba Alonius with two beautifully concise sayings that manage to encapsulate the teaching of the Gospel. Dwelling upon the might of God and His power to build us up, and the single-hearted focus that we all ought to have, Alonius bids us farewell having been mightily enriched.

In this episode, the brothers are given quite the challenge with a single saying from Abba Alonius. It is short, simple, and yet extremely profound in advising us to a single-hearted focus upon God. The brothers also welcome a guest on this episode in Abba Paul the Simple.

The brothers tackle in this episode the sayings of Abba Amoun of Nitria, one the three great founders of desert monasticism and one who was married prior to taking on monastic life. The things he learns and teaches reflect this in some way, and are excellent counsel for all who would seek the path of perfection.

In this episode, the brothers discuss one saying from Abba Achilles and one from Abba Ammoes. The theme of how and when to bend to another's needs weaves through both of the sayings, though in different ways and from different directions. The stories that are recounted help us to understand when to say yes and no, when to help and when to not, and the insight and discretion involved in making those calls.

In this episode, the brothers discuss the sayings of the next father, Abba Ammonas. Being a disciple of Abba Anthony, the brothers return to some of the lessons that we learned from Abba Anthony and develop the key teachings of the Desert Fathers.

In this final episode on Abba Agathon, the brothers read his final two sayings that show a man full of divine charity and completely oriented towards God. The sayings are beautiful stories that show the image of a saint and are well worth dwelling upon. They wrap up their episode by taking a look back at Abba Agathon's sayings and considering what virtue he exemplified most and that we should bear in mind.

This special episode, recorded on the Feast of St Patrick, features an in-depth look at the Breastplate prayer of St Patrick and some key passages in the Confession of St Patrick that show us the true heart of this great saint.

In this episode the brothers have a visiting Abba on the podcast and continue the sayings of Abba Agathon. They cover a few particularly challenging sayings that demonstrate the lengths to which true charity draws us. Starting on the topic of friendship and then progressing to sacrifice, the episode is a helpful discussion on what true charity is.

In this episode, the brothers discuss three sayings that all have to do with different capital vices. Consequently, their discussion turns to the whole list of capital vices and how they relate to each other, as well as a few thoughts on how we might overcome them.

In this episode, the brothers continue their previous discussion on prayer, focusing on aspects of how the enemy tries to prevent prayer. After this, they spend some time on a saying that serves as a good introduction to the pivotal monastic and Christian virtue of obedience. Finally, they talk about about silence and carrying stones in their mouths...

The brothers begin the sayings of Abba Agathon first by discussing a saying of his on conscience and the importance of keeping it clear. After this, they explore an account about Abba Agathon and his community, they finish up with an extremely crucial saying on the importance of prayer and the warfare that accompanies it. The discussion on prayer will resume in the following episode.

The brothers finish off Abba Arsenius in this episode with three final sayings. They begin by talking about the role of prayer at night time and its fruitfulness in the spiritual life, and then go on to discuss a saying that touches on the topic of rash judgment. This takes them into a protracted conversation about compunction of heart, what it is, and how important it is for anyone who desires to grow in virtue.

In this episode, the brothers discuss a prayer that Abba Arsenius makes about new beginnings. So many moments throughout the year and throughout one's life allow us the opportunity to start anew, and with each new beginning we should always have recourse through prayer to the Author of all beginnings.

In this episode, the brothers focus on a couple of sayings of Abba Anthony that have to do with the strength of our fathers in the faith, and how we often can seem so weak. But don't despair! In our weakness God comes to our aid. So, at the same time, they consider how the great lesson that our fathers have to teach us is truly the mercy of God.