Episode 21: Necessary Words
Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden
Necessary Words: Confession, Freedom, and the Danger of Silence 🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year! In today’s episode, we explore the powerful story of Abba Serapion, who struggled with a seemingly small vice—secretly stealing rusks after meals. What unfolds is a deeply human and spiritual lesson in shame, secrecy, and the liberating power of confession. When Serapion finally confesses his hidden sin to Abba Theonas, he is immediately freed from its grip, spiritually and even physically. His story shows how silence can become a prison, and how naming our sin—however small—can break the devil’s hold on us. We also contrast this with Abba John Kolobos, who fled rather than utter a single angry word, highlighting that while some words must be withheld, others must be spoken—for the sake of the soul.Key Themes: * Hiding thoughts from spiritual guides: Why it damages us and delights the enemy * Confession as liberation: The act of speaking the truth frees us from spiritual bondage * The illusion of small sins: Why seemingly minor habits (like stealing dry bread) can form deeply ingrained patterns * Subtle bondage: How secrecy fosters isolation, shame, and spiritual despair * Spiritual psychology of the Fathers: Insight into how habits harden and how grace intervenes * Right speech and restraint: Knowing when to speak—and when silence is an act of virtue Quote of the Episode:“By speaking out about yourself, you have slain the demon that wounded you through your silence.” – Abba TheonasRelated Scripture & References: * James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” * John Cassian’s Conferences – Source of today’s account * Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Reflection Questions: * Are there small habits in my life that I excuse or hide? * Do I have someone I can speak honestly with—a spiritual director, a confessor, a trusted friend? * Am I holding on to silence that is wounding me? * When have I experienced the healing power of confession or accountability? Challenge This Week: Take five quiet minutes today and ask the Lord: “Is there a word I need to speak?” Whether to Him, a priest, or a friend—step into the light, and say what needs to be said. Subscribe & Share: If this story challenged or encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded that God’s mercy meets us in truth—and sets us free. We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is... • 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog. • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today
About Podcast
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.