Show Notes
Donkey on the Loose - Mastering Speech with Abba Antony 🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year! In this episode of Desert Fathers in a Year, we dive into a timeless Desert Fathers story where brothers journey to meet Abba Antony, joined by a silent elder who offers profound wisdom. His metaphor of a "donkey on the loose" critiques their unrestrained speech, revealing the power of self-mastery over words. We explore how this ancient lesson applies today, in a world of endless chatter and social media noise. Discover why restraint in speech, not just food, is key to spiritual growth and inner strength. Key Topics Covered: The Desert Fathers’ journey to Abba Antony and the silent elder’s wisdom The "donkey on the loose": Why unrestrained speech drains inner vitality Antony’s legacy as a spiritual father through fidelity to his calling Self-mastery beyond fasting: Controlling the "movements of the soul" Applying ancient wisdom to modern habits of oversharing
Why Listen? Perfect for listeners seeking spiritual wisdom, self-discipline, or insights into early Christian teachings. This episode unpacks how mindful speech fosters deeper connections and personal growth, inspired by the Desert Fathers. Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts Please visit DesertFathers.com to subscribe to our email newsletter and to download a free PDF of Athanasius's Life of Antony. We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year 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
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.