Podcast Episodes

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 have impacted them,…

Published on 1 day, 13 hours ago

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 light, he saw somethi…

Published on 3 days, 13 hours ago

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 deifying light that…

Published on 2 weeks, 4 days ago

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 last: God.

In this week…

Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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 this episode, we v…

Published on 1 month ago

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 like our own minds ar…

Published on 1 month, 1 week ago

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 Netras respond?

This we…

Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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 only we could live …

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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 "holy leisure," also …

Published on 2 months ago

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 episode of Desert Fathe…

Published on 2 months, 1 week ago