Into the Desert: The Wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers

Feeling weighed down or crushed? We know the feeling well. Temptations and bad habits? We are not alone in the struggle. Life too complicated? Lack direction or purpose? We have all experienced darkness, disillusionment, doubt, and despair. These experiences are not unique, and they are same today as in early history. So, where do we turn?

Christ is the true light that came into the world (see John 8:12). He will show us the path to the abundant life God promises. We simply need to recognize his presence, allowing this true light to pierce the darkness. We must return to the basics of our faith, to the time of the Early Christians who tried to live their lives in imitation of Jesus Christ, and reconsider the core fundamentals associated with our personal journey to holiness. To accomplish this, we turn to the Ancient Church, to the Desert Fathers and Mothers who, beginning in the third century, withdrew into the deserts of Egypt and later Syria and Palestine to encounter God. The Desert Fathers and Mothers provide us with much wisdom as guidance for the journey to deepen our relationship with God and experience the true light.

Rediscover the beauty of our faith, ever ancient, ever new! God has a plan for us, whether we realize it or not. The only way to know his plan, to find happiness and fulfillment, is by coming to know and love his Son, Jesus Christ.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)