It is good to rely on the wisdom of the ages. After all, such wisdom has the advantage of being proved by time. Yet, if I only listen to those who spoke in the past, if I never listen to the wisdom God puts into my own heart, am I not denying the gift of God in my own life? Did not Jesus himself say, God is the God of the living, not the dead?
Think for a moment of some of the teachings of the Abbas and Ammas of the desert. They offer great insights and solid advice. Yet, they also mirror the spirituality of their times, especially a spirituality that supported an extraordinary hatred of the flesh. We now know that such hatred is counter to both good spirituality and stable mental health.
That brings us to today. Should we not be producing new Abbas and Ammas of the desert with a spirituality resonate with present theological thought and sound psychological findings? Should not we become the new Abbas and Ammas of the desert? What is stopping us from accepting the gift of God within our own hearts and souls?
For what is a desert but a land devoid of refreshment. And there are many kinds of deserts in our lives. Each of us, I am sure, have spent time in one kind or another. It can be the desert of soul, or the desert of work, or the desert of spirit. There are so many kinds of deserts. It is during these times that our thoughts produce wonderfully rich insights, insights that proceed from the very depths of our souls.
These thoughts should be written down and shared. These thoughts can bring light, grace, inspiration, and hope to another struggling soul. These thoughts are the gift of God given to us in our own journey toward light.
So what are we waiting for? Share the insights God has bestowed upon you. And let the world know, the desert Abbas and Ammas are still alive.
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