Show Notes
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. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections. __________
We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is...
• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog
• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN
• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today!
________
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers and Detraction 01:09 The Hermit's Vision and Judgment 02:56 The Tragedy of Gossip Among the Consecrated 04:30 The Process of Conversion and Clarity 06:23 The Efficacy of Sacraments and Divine Grace 08:04 Hope and Redemption in the Face of Scandal
Tags:
Desert Fathers, Bishop Varden, detraction, judgment, gossip, conversion, sacraments, grace, redemption, spirituality
More from Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden
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 journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections. __________ We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is... • 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today! ________
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 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 journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections. __________ We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is... • 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today! ________
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.
St. Benedict saw the world differently. Others pursued knowledge, pleasure, prestige. He wanted more.
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’ teachings for anyone seeking a life fully devoted to God. __________ 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 journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections.