The Wisdom of the Desert: Sayings from the Desert Fathers of the Fourth Century (Shambhala Library)
By Thomas Merton
November 11, 2008
Merton has given us a wonderful collection of sayings from the Desert Fathers. When I first picked this up, I thought I was in for some back-whipping, self-mortifying ways into the spiritual. But what I was fully surprised to find was the utter graciousness in which these desert fathers walked.
For example, one father would break his fast to welcome visitors, because it was more important to be hospitable than to keep his discipline. Isn’t that the right perspective? They’ve got it right: it’s more important to be loving than to be religious.
This is a book full of wisdom from ages past that feels fresh and relevant for anyone seeking to grow in the spiritual life.
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