Words from the Desert

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 abbas discuss the importance of communion among brothers in the desert (and in the family) and how little things can go a long way to either creating or harming fellowship. After this, they tackle a saying that continues the theme of discretion in penitential practices, or any devout practices for that matter. Abba Arsenius shows that it is often too easy to take up a pious practice in one area and then, on account of the hardship experienced, compensate in another area in potentially harmful ways.