Episode 19: Donkey on the Loose

Donkey on the Loose - Mastering Speech with Abba Antony🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year!In this episode of Desert Fathers in a Year, we dive into a timeless Desert Fathers story where brothers journey to meet Abba Antony, joined by a silent elder who offers profound wisdom. His metaphor of a "donkey on the loose" critiques their unrestrained speech, revealing the power of self-mastery over words. We explore how this ancient lesson applies today, in a world of endless chatter and social media noise. Discover why restraint in speech, not just food, is key to spiritual growth and inner strength.Key Topics Covered:The Desert Fathers’ journey to Abba Antony and the silent elder’s wisdomThe "donkey on the loose": Why unrestrained speech drains inner vitalityAntony’s legacy as a spiritual father through fidelity to his callingSelf-mastery beyond fasting: Controlling the "movements of the soul"Applying ancient wisdom to modern habits of oversharingWhy Listen?Perfect for listeners seeking spiritual wisdom, self-discipline, or insights into early Christian teachings. This episode unpacks how mindful speech fosters deeper connections and personal growth, inspired by the Desert Fathers.Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google PodcastsPlease 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