Words from the Desert

Ep. 18: Peace in God Alone

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.

Ep. 17: A Married Man in the Desert

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.

Ep. 16: Bending to Others' Needs

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.

Ep. 15: Anthony's Successor Ammonas

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.

Ep. 14: A Man Full of Charity

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.