Modern life is like a desert—a parched and barren expanse where the soul thirsts for the living water Jesus promised at the well. Amid the ceaseless distractions and allurements of materialism, God can seem absent. As the Desert Fathers of old fled the noise of the world to seek God in silence, we too have been been called into the desert. Guided by Bishop Erik Varden, this year-long series—beginning January 1, 2025—invites listeners to encounter the profound wisdom of the Desert Fathers. Drawing from their timeless Sayings, Bishop Varden illuminates the lives of figures like St. Anthony of Egypt, explor...
Latest episodes
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38 min
Episode 53: Reflection Upon the Desert Journey
In episode 53, join Jamie Baxter of Exodus 90 and Bishop Erik Varden for a conversation all about filming Desert Fathers, what they learned, how the writings of the Desert Fathers…
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14 min
Episode 52: The World in a Ray of Sun
In the dark of night, while the monastery slept, St. Benedict kept vigil.Standing at his window, he watched a light descend from heaven, brighter than the day itself.And in that li…
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14 min
Episode 51: Thunderstruck
Imagine a voice that shakes the heavens. A light that makes you radiant from within.That’s what St. Benedict wants us to experience.This week, we hear about the divine thunder and…
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14 min
Episode 50: Facing the City, Leaving It
St. Benedict saw the world differently. Others pursued knowledge, pleasure, prestige. He wanted more.Once he grew up and could make his own decisions, he sought only what would las…
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13 min
Episode 49: From Egypt to Italy
Imagine a narrow cave. A little bell to signal a visitor. A rope lowered to bring food.Alone, fasting, praying… Benedict spent three years here preparing for his sacred mission.In…
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13 min
Episode 48: Endure Your Mind
What should we do with intrusive, impure thoughts?The more we try to push them away, the harder they seem to stick.If only we had a mental delete button. It’s exhausting to feel li…
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12 min
Episode 47: Modes of Combat
Abba Netras thrived in the desert. Life was simple. His soul was at peace.Then the Church called him to be a bishop in the city. Suddenly his quiet life was over.How did Bishop Net…
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13 min
Episode 46: No Angel
Work can seem dull at times. Didn't God create us to praise Him, instead? That seems much preferred to work. Practical life, it can seem, gets in the way of the spiritual life. If…
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13 min
Episode 45: Legitimate Rest
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden articulates the importance that rest plays in our lives—particularly our spiritual lives. He discusses the monastic idea of "h…
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13 min
Episode 44: To Gain a Brother
When a friend or relative has been living in sin, how should we respond? Do we confront him and risk pushing him away? Or do we stay silent and thereby condone the sin?In this epis…
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12 min
Episode 43: Detraction
Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of detraction and judgment through the lens of a hermit's vision. The conversation covers the consequences of gossip, the importance of conver…
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12 min
Episode 42: Scope of Judgement
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of judgment through the lens of the Desert Fathers' teachings, particularly focusing on the story of Abba I…
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13 min
Episode 41: Rejection
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden reflects on the teachings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on the themes of forgiveness, community, and the transformative powe…
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1 h 10
Episode 40: Q&A w/ Bishop Varden
In this Q&A session with Bishop Erik Varden, Jamie Baxter and Bishop Varden explore:The nature of love and self-forgetfulnessPhilosophical perspectives on progressThe relevance of…
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13 min
Episode 39: A Low Profile
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of humility through the teachings of the Desert Fathers, particularly focusing on Abba Moses and Abba Simon…
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13 min
Episode 38: Professions of Humility
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the themes of humility and vainglory through the teachings of Abba Serapion. He discusses the importance of aligning…
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11 min
Episode 37: At the Baker's
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the teachings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on the themes of humility, the dangers of vanity, and the importance of…
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13 min
Episode 36: A Fall
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden reflects on the teachings of the Desert Fathers, particularly focusing on the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.…
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13 min
Episode 35: On Hunting Dogs
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of fortitude through the lens of monastic life, using the analogy of a hound pursuing a hare to illustrate…
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13 min
Episode 34: Living with Infirmity
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden and Jamie Baxter explore the theme of fortitude in the face of suffering, particularly through the lens of illness. They refle…