4 Desert Breezes
Breezes that criss-cross a desert can be as welcome as rain. Any refreshment from the arid heat pleases its chastened bodies and souls.
May these four thoughtful spiritual breezes from the desert fathers (and a mother) too refresh you:
1) Abba John the Dwarf once taught on subduing the flesh:
If a king wanted to take possession of his enemy's city, he would begin by cutting off the water and the food and so his enemies, dying of hunger, would submit to him. It is the same with the passions of the flesh; if a man goes about hungry and fasting the enemies of his soul grow weak.
2) An elderly Abba Mark who had long lived a solitary life replied to the question 'why do you avoid us?'
God knows that I love you, but I cannot live with God and men. The thousands, the ten thousands of the heavenly hosts have but one will, while men have many wills. So I cannot leave God to be with man.
3) Abba Evagrius spoke on the collecting of wise thoughts, living for that audience of one:
Keep the day of the resurrection and of presentation to God in remembrance.
4) Amma (mother) Theodora taught those who would seek heaven:
Let us strive to enter by the narrow gate. Just as the trees, if they have not stood before the winter's storms cannot bear fruit, so it is with us; this present age is a storm and it is only through many trials and temptations that we obtain an inheritance into the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)
Today's Soul Snippet:
"Righteousness will always prevail, wickedness cannot defeat righteousness."
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ENJOY too ~ Tales Strange & True from the Desert, A Parable of an Old Man and The Priest & the Prostitute