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Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

Exodus 90 78 episodes Latest Jan 3, 2026

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 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, exploring themes such as purity, humility, self-mastery, and repentance.

Episodes

Episode 53: Reflection Upon the Desert Journey Jan 3, 2026 38:00 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, and more.__________This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the
Episode 52: The World in a Ray of Sun Jan 1, 2026 13:40 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 something extraordinary.For our final episode of Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden, we stand with St. Benedict in this holy moment.It’s been a blessing to walk on this journey with you.__________This Jan
Episode 51: Thunderstruck Dec 17, 2025 14:14 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 rouses us into the fullness of life.God doesn’t just illuminate our path, He transforms us into His image.Let’s reflect on what that means for you.__________This January, take up the example of the Fa
Episode 50: Facing the City, Leaving It Dec 10, 2025 14:06 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’s episode, we reflect on Benedict’s journey from worldly ease to holy freedom, and how his courage challenges us to ask: “What do I really want?”__________This January, take up the example of the
Episode 49: From Egypt to Italy Dec 3, 2025 13:01 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 visit the very cave where Benedict emerged to give the world his “little rule for beginners.”We’ll dive into the final chapter of Benedict’s Rule, reflecting on how he distills the desert fathers’
Episode 48: Endure Your Mind Nov 25, 2025 13:28 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 are working against us.This week, we see how the Desert Fathers faced this inner battle. They don’t promise quick fixes. But they offer a way to weaken these thoughts over time until they lose their
Episode 47: Modes of Combat Nov 18, 2025 12:03 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 week, we see that true discernment means recognizing when your old routines no longer serve you—and having the courage to enter new modes of spiritual combat.__________This January, take up the example o
Episode 46: No Angel Nov 11, 2025 13:00 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 like the angels in a state of constant praise. But the fact of the matter is, we—humans—must attend to practical things as well as spiritual. As Bishop Varden says, "Angels have no need for supper."Thi
Episode 45: Legitimate Rest Nov 4, 2025 12:38 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 called "recreation," and the differences between leisure and idleness. Bishop Varden reminds us that to be Christian, we must allow ourselves to constantly be "re-created" by God, which requires that
Episode 44: To Gain a Brother Oct 28, 2025 12:42 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 Fathers, we find a middle way.An elder discovers a brother living a secret double life. Instead of calling him out, the elder waits patiently. When the right moment comes, the elder offers a small but since
Episode 43: Detraction Oct 21, 2025 12:11 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 conversion, and the efficacy of sacraments, emphasizing that divine grace is not hindered by human flaws.__________This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leav
Episode 42: Scope of Judgement Oct 14, 2025 12:15 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 Isaac. He discusses the dangers of judging others, the importance of humility, and the potential for personal growth through self-reflection and repentance.__________This January, take up the example of the Fathers and em

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