Monday, November 8, 2010

Apothegmata Patrum

I've been reading the Sayings of the Desert Fathers. When we think of the ascetic athletes of Skete, we think of austere men hardened by fasting and vigil and battle with the demons, keenly aware of their own sins, and intolerant of nonsense in others. Yet, when we read these stories we see nothing of what we might expect from a constant self-negation born of hatred, as the secular understands self-denial to be. Instead of judgment and pride, we see an otherworldly abundance of mercy, humility, and peace. The presence of such fruits, reaching far beyond the limitations of their culture and time, are the strongest proof the Spirit in their midst. As I read these stories, I wonder, what would I have done in these situations? The Fathers' actions are a constant surprise to me, like Christ in the Gospels, by the way they transcend the norms of the social order in service of love.

Here are two of these stories, both of Abba Ammonas.

8. ...Abba Ammonas advanced to the point where his goodness was so great, he took no notice of wickedness. Thus, having become bishop, someone brought a young girl who was pregnant to him, saying, "See what this unhappy wretch has done; give her a penance." But he, having marked the young girl's womb with the sign of the cross, commanded that six pairs of fine linen sheets should be given her, saying, "It is for fear that, when she comes to give birth, she may die, she or the child, and have nothing for the burial." But her accusers resumed, :Why did you do that? Give her a punishment." But he said to them, "Look, brothers, she is near to death; what am I to do?" Then he sent her away and no old man dared accuse anyone any more.

10. Abba Ammonas came one day to eat in a place where there was a monk of evil repute. Now it happened that a woman came and entered the cell of the brother of evil reputation. The dwellers in that place, having learnt this, were troubled and gathered together to chase the brother from his cell. Knowing that Bishop Ammonas was in the place, they asked him to join them. When the brother in question learnt this, he hid the woman in a large cask. The crowd of monks came to the place. Now Abba Ammonas saw the position clearly but for the sake of God he kept the secret; he entered, seated himself on the cask and commanded the cell to be searched. Then when the monks had searched everywhere without finding the woman, Abba Ammonas said, 'What is this? May God forgive you!' After praying, he made everyone go out, then taking the brother by the hand he said, 'Brother, be on your guard.' With these words, he withdrew.

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