Skip to content
TrackPodcasts
religionMay 14, 202511:23pending

Episode 20: Words that Wound

About this episode

Episode 20: Words That Wound

🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year!

In this episode of Desert Fathers in a Year with Bishop Erik Varden, we explore the story of Abba Achillas, who transforms a wounding word into a path of peace. Spitting blood after a brother’s hurtful remark, Achillas reveals the spiritual battle against anger and resentment. Through prayer and restraint, he refuses to spread harm, choosing instead to expel his grief and find Christ’s peace. Join us to uncover how the Desert Fathers teach us to overcome soul-sickness, halt cycles of verbal violence, and embrace non-violence in our hearts.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Abba Achillas’s response to a hurtful word and its spiritual significance
  • The danger of anger and resentment in extinguishing grace
  • Christ’s teaching on what defiles the heart and the call to non-violence
  • The Desert Fathers’ wisdom on mortifying grudges to restore peace
  • Lessons from Abba Agathon’s silence and the power of restraining speech

Why Listen?

This episode offers profound insights into managing hurt and anger through faith, perfect for those seeking spiritual growth, Christian wisdom, or guidance from the Desert Fathers. Discover how to break cycles of harm and find peace in Christ.

Keywords: Desert Fathers, Abba Achillas, Bishop Erik Varden, Christian spirituality, overcoming anger, non-violence, spiritual growth, Desert wisdom, peace in Christ, restraining speech

Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts

Please visit DesertFathers.com to subscribe to our email newsletter and to download a free PDF of Athanasius's Life of Antony.

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

Get every episode summarized

Each time Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.

Email me new episodes

Free for 3 shows. No card needed.

Hosts & guests

No transcript yet

This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.

Episode 20: Words that Wound

Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

0:00
11:23

More episodes

More from Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden

View all episodes →