These 4th-century monks have much to teach us today.Even though the Desert Fathers lived in 4th century, their lives and writings remain an inspiration for us even today.
Many of their sayings were compiled into a volume called the Sayings of the Fathers in the 5th century, representing a small example of their deep spiritual wisdom. It features an immense treasury of bite-sized quotes that pack a large spiritual punch. Here is a short sampling of five sayings that will help start your week off right.
Abba Poemen said, “A man who teaches without doing what he teaches is like a spring which cleanses and gives drink to everyone, but it not able to purify itself.”
Abba Anthony said,”Ι saw the snares that the enemy spreads out over the world and I said groaning, ‘What can get through from such snares?’ Then I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Humility.'”
Abba Poemen said, “If someone shuts a snake and a scorpion up in a bottle, in time they will be completely destroyed. So it is with evil thoughts: they are suggested by the demons; they disappear through patience.”
Abba Amoun of Nitria came to see Abba Anthony and said to him, “Since my rule is stricter than yours how is it that your name is better known amongst men than mine is?” Abba Anthony answered, “It is because I love God more than you.”
The blessed Epiphanius said, “Reading the Scriptures is a great safeguard against sin.”
Read more:
5 sayings from the Desert Fathers to get you through the week
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Who were the Desert Fathers and why do they matter?
