Desert Wisdom 
Collection of the Wisdom of the Desert Fathers. St.Benedict pointed to the the writings of the early Desert Fathers, specifically mentioning the St. Basil and John Cassian (RB 73:5) as sources for “further perfection.”
Loving Your Neighbor
Our holy father Abba John went again to the harvest and was with the brothers as leader. With great mercy he allowed all of them to rest whenever necessary, and when he labored he would not straighten his back at all until he first clapped his hands and allowed the brothers to rest. Afterwards he… Read More ›
Life of St. Antony
John Michael Talbot explaining the life of St. Anthony, the early desert fathers and how their example can help us solve the problem we face each and every day.
Those who seek humility …
Those who seek humility should bear in mind the three following things: that they are the worst of sinners, that they are the most despicable of all creatures since their state is an unnatural one, and that they are even more pitiable than the demons, since they are slaves to the demons. You will also… Read More ›
No one is good save God
The blessed Antony often used to say, “If the miller does not blindfold the eyes of his animal it will consume the fruits of his labour. In the same way, by the dispensation of God, we put a blanket over our good deeds so as not to pay any attention to them, lest we beatify… Read More ›
Repentance is a Contract with God
Repentance is the renewal of baptism. Repentance is a contract with God for a second life. A penitent is a buyer of humility. Repentance is constant distrust of bodily comfort. Repentance is self-condemning reflection, and carefree self-care. Repentance is the daughter of hope and the renunciation of despair. A penitent is an undisgraced convict. Repentance… Read More ›
The Invincible Armor of Faith
When a man walks in the fear of God he knows no fear, even if he were to be surrounded by wicked men. He has the fear of God within him and wears the invincible armor of faith. This makes him strong and able to take on anything, even things which seem difficult or impossible… Read More ›
Through Obedience the Dead was Raised
RB 7:34. The third step of humility is to submit to the superior in all obedience for love of God. In this, we imitate the Lord, of whom the Apostle says: “He became obedient to the point of death” (Phil 2:8).[1] Two brothers joined a monastery. One of them kept religiously to the rules, the… Read More ›
Take and Eat the Fruit of Obedience
RB 7:34. The third step of humility is to submit to the superior in all obedience for love of God. In this, we imitate the Lord, of whom the Apostle says: “He became obedient to the point of death” (Phil 2:8).[1] It was said of Abba John the Dwarf that he withdrew and lived in… Read More ›
I have seen the Holy Spirit dwelling in You
There were two brothers living together in a cell whose patience and humility were universally praised by many of the holy fathers. Hearing about this a certain holy man decided to find out whether their humility was really perfect and went to visit them. They greeted him gladly and after the customary psalms and prayers… Read More ›
You have had an experience; do not forget to give thanks.
The weather shifts from cloudy to clear and then back to rain; thus it is with human nature. One must always expect clouds to hide the sun sometimes. Even the saints have had their dark hours, days and weeks. They say then that “God has left them” in order that they may know truly how… Read More ›