The Wisdom of the Desert Fathers - 29

[Stylites]

29. One day the priest of Scetis went to blessed Theophilus, Archbishop of Alexandria, and when he returned to Scetis the brothers asked him, ‘What is the city like?’ He said to them, ‘Indeed, brothers, I did not see anyone there except the Archbishop.’ On learning this they were troubled, saying, ‘Then has everyone been destroyed, abba?’ He said to them, ‘No, but the temptation to look at anyone did not overcome me.’ On hearing this they were full of admiration and from this saying they drew strength to guard their eyes from wandering.

- The Wisdom of the Desert Fathers (Apophthegmata Patrum), Translated by Sister Benedicta Ward, SLG

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[Nimzovik]

Thanks!

 

[Aelred_Minor]

Something to be interpreted in light of the eremitic vocation I presume this priest had.

 

[TimothyH]

Wisdom indeed, followed to this day by monks who live the enclosed life according to the Rule of St. Benedict.

*Chapter 67
When brethren return from a journey,
at the end of each canonical Hour of the Work of God
on the day they return,
let them lie prostrate on the floor of the oratory
and beg the prayers of all
on account of any faults
that may have surprised them on the road,
through the seeing or hearing of something evil,
or through idle talk.
And let no one presume to tell another
whatever he may have seen or heard outside of the monastery,
because this causes very great harm.
But if anyone presumes to do so,
let him undergo the punishment of the Rule.
And let him be punished likewise who would presume
to leave the enclosure of the monastery
and go anywhere or do anything, however small,
without an order from the Abbot. *

-Tim-

 

[TrueLight]

I always hear talk of the Desert Fathers. Does anyone have a link to a list of these Desert Fathers? Thanks.

Stylites, Maybe this thread should be merged with this one?