Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden
Exodus 90
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 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. Through their struggles in the wilderness, these early Christians uncovered the transformative power of God’s grace—lessons as relevant today as they were in their time.
Though few of us are called to the monastic life, the spiritual combat of the Desert Fathers resonates with all who seek to follow Christ. As Jesus Himself entered the desert to confront temptation, their wisdom offers guidance for our own battles with distraction and despair, helping us find strength in prayer and discipline.
Bishop Erik Varden, a Cistercian monk and Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, is one of today’s leading Catholic voices. A convert to Catholicism during his studies at Cambridge, he was drawn to the monastic life, ultimately joining Mount St. Bernard Abbey in England, where he eventually became abbot. Through his writing and teaching, Bishop Varden speaks compellingly to a secular world, using the language of beauty to reveal the centrality of our search for God—even when we wander astray.
Join us as we step into the desert together, guided by the wisdom of the ancients, to rediscover the love of Christ that conquers all obstacles. Visit DesertFathers.com to learn more.
We owe a special thanks to our partners. The Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden...
...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, CoramFratribus.com
...produced by EWTN Global Catholic Network
...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today and experience uncommon freedom in Jesus Christ with men from around the world.
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. Through their struggles in the wilderness, these early Christians uncovered the transformative power of God’s grace—lessons as relevant today as they were in their time.
Though few of us are called to the monastic life, the spiritual combat of the Desert Fathers resonates with all who seek to follow Christ. As Jesus Himself entered the desert to confront temptation, their wisdom offers guidance for our own battles with distraction and despair, helping us find strength in prayer and discipline.
Bishop Erik Varden, a Cistercian monk and Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, is one of today’s leading Catholic voices. A convert to Catholicism during his studies at Cambridge, he was drawn to the monastic life, ultimately joining Mount St. Bernard Abbey in England, where he eventually became abbot. Through his writing and teaching, Bishop Varden speaks compellingly to a secular world, using the language of beauty to reveal the centrality of our search for God—even when we wander astray.
Join us as we step into the desert together, guided by the wisdom of the ancients, to rediscover the love of Christ that conquers all obstacles. Visit DesertFathers.com to learn more.
We owe a special thanks to our partners. The Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden...
...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, CoramFratribus.com
...produced by EWTN Global Catholic Network
...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today and experience uncommon freedom in Jesus Christ with men from around the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 9, 2025 • 11min
Episode 37: At the Baker's
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the teachings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on the themes of humility, the dangers of vanity, and the importance of genuine spiritual practices. Bishop Varden discusses a saying from Abba Theodore, emphasizing that true light comes from God and that self-exaltation can undermine our spiritual efforts. __________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 moreVisit 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, coramfratribus.com.• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today_________Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers' Wisdom01:23 The Importance of Humility in Spiritual Practices08:04 The Dangers of Vanity and Self-ExaltationTags:Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, humility, vanity, spiritual life, fasting, grace, self-exaltation, wisdom, prayer
Sep 3, 2025 • 13min
Episode 36: A Fall
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden reflects on the teachings of the Desert Fathers, particularly focusing on the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. Through the story of a young monk who performed a miraculous act but later fell into sin, the discussion emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and the understanding that no one is beyond temptation. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the significance of authentic faith.__________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 moreVisit 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, coramfratribus.com.• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today_________Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Desert Fathers' Wisdom02:06 The Story of the Young Monk and His Fall09:03 Reflections on Repentance and GraceTags:Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden, spiritual wisdom, repentance, humility, Abba Antony, Christian teachings, monastic life, spiritual growth, humility in faith
Aug 26, 2025 • 13min
Episode 35: On Hunting Dogs
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of fortitude through the lens of monastic life, using the analogy of a hound pursuing a hare to illustrate the importance of unwavering focus on Christ amidst distractions and scandals. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by monks and the necessity of maintaining a deep, personal relationship with Christ to persevere in faith.__________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 moreVisit 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, coramfratribus.com.• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today_________Chapters00:00 Introduction to Desert Fathers and Fortitude01:40 The Pursuit of Christ: A Monastic Analogy09:16 Overcoming Scandal Through Focus on the CrossTags:Desert Fathers, fortitude, monastic life, Bishop Erik Varden, spiritual growth, overcoming scandal, Christ, perseverance, asceticism, prayer
Aug 19, 2025 • 13min
Episode 34: Living with Infirmity
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden and Jamie Baxter explore the theme of fortitude in the face of suffering, particularly through the lens of illness. They reflect on the teachings of Amma Syncletica, emphasizing the importance of embracing our struggles as opportunities for spiritual growth and grace. The conversation highlights the transformative power of faith and the belief that all experiences, even painful ones, can lead to greater good.__________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 moreVisit 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, coramfratribus.com.• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today_________Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fortitude and Suffering01:27 Embracing Illness as a Spiritual Practice03:53 The Life and Wisdom of Amma Syncletica06:56 Finding Grace in Trials and Suffering09:00 Conclusion and Call to ActionTags:fortitude, suffering, illness, spiritual growth, Amma Syncletica, grace, Desert Fathers, asceticism, faith, providence, Bishop Erik Varden
Aug 12, 2025 • 12min
Episode 33: Xeniteia
In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden explores the theme of fortitude through the lens of Xeniteia, a call to solitude and trust in God. He discusses the importance of preparing for trials in the pursuit of wisdom and the balance between comfort and challenge in spiritual growth. The conversation emphasizes the need to surrender to God's will in everyday life and the significance of situational wisdom in the teachings of the Desert Fathers.__________Join Saint Michael’s Lent starting August 15 on the Exodus 90 app for a 40-day spiritual devotion. Go to 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, coramfratribus.com.• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN• 🎙️ ...edited and supported by Saint Kolbe Studios• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today_________Tags:Desert Fathers, fortitude, wisdom, Xeniteia, solitude, spiritual growth, trust in God, Bishop Eric Varden, Christian tradition, discipleship
Aug 5, 2025 • 12min
Episode 32: Philosophy
Bishop Erik Varden, a Cistercian bishop and writer, reflects on the virtue of fortitude as taught by the Desert Fathers. He discusses how embracing philosophy involves enduring hardship and critiques the modern misconceptions of philosophy. Varden illustrates Plato’s broad vision and emphasizes that monastic life embodies lived philosophy. He connects the biblical notion of wisdom to Christ, arguing that true understanding arises from self-sacrificial love. The conversation culminates in a call to pursue philosophical fortitude in today's world.
Jul 29, 2025 • 12min
Episode 31: Gold
Bishop Erik Varden, a Cistercian bishop and spiritual writer, leads a deep reflection on the teachings of the Desert Fathers. He discusses materialism versus generosity and shares a poignant parable about a wealthy donor and the response of the monks at Scetis. Varden highlights the importance of distinguishing true needs from mere wants, stressing how wealth can challenge spiritual focus. The conversation culminates in lessons on humility and the purpose of giving, urging listeners to reconsider their relationship with possessions.
Jul 22, 2025 • 14min
Episode 30: Foresight and Providence
Bishop Erik Varden, a Norwegian Catholic bishop and monk known for his insights on monastic spirituality, dives into the transformative tale of a gardener. He explores themes of possession, trust, and the journey from hoarding to repentance. Varden highlights how the gardener’s struggle with avarice reveals the deeper spiritual implications of our choices. Through discernment and community, he illustrates the power of faith and the importance of relying on divine providence instead of material wealth.
Jul 15, 2025 • 12min
Episode 29: Lovely Books
Explore the profound themes of unity in early Christianity and the essential role of literature in monastic life. The discussion highlights how books can be both spiritual weapons and potential idols when misused. Bishop Varden shares touching anecdotes, including a monk selling his gospel to aid the poor, and critiques the hoarding of knowledge. Emphasizing generosity, he argues for sharing resources and maintaining an open-handed approach to learning. Dive into the delicate balance of purpose versus possession in the quest for spiritual growth.
Jul 8, 2025 • 14min
Episode 28: Lacerated Body
Bishop Erik Varden delves into the striking lesson from Abba Antony, highlighting the spiritual pitfalls of divided commitments. He weighs the dangers of clinging to worldly riches against true devotion to God. Drawing parallels with the early Church’s struggles in Acts, Varden emphasizes the beauty of radical generosity and communal living. This thought-provoking discussion challenges listeners to reflect on their own attachments and the cost of true discipleship in the journey of faith.
