I have been reading the ancient sayings of the desert fathers and mothers for over twenty years now. These early Christian ascetics were largely desert-dwelling, sometimes living in loose congregations or groups, some in larger monasteries and others living completely alone. Their goal was simple - to become as close to God as possible - though pursuing it in the manner that they did was arduous. Today we might think of them as somewhat mad for they turned their back on the world completely. Their lives were pared down to the simplest possible - lots of prayer, little food, no possessions nor comforts of the flesh, monotonous physical labour to pay for the few basic necessities they did consume. You get the picture.

Yet in many respects they were triumphant, for as others have found out too, the life stripped down to the bare minimum can offer a plenitude of meaning that would not be found otherwise. Now and then I come across a short passage that makes me chuckle. The spiritual point is made, even so. Here is an example:

A brother asked a monk,"Suppose there are two monks: one stays quietly in his cell, laying many hardships on himself; and the other ministers to the sick. Which of them is more pleasing to God?" He replied, "Even if the brother who fasts six days hung himself up by his nose, he wouldn't be the equal of him who ministers to the sick."

I can read a book of these sayings through and then start all over again, each time gleaning greater understanding. Their thoughts run contrary to contemporary thinking and we are all the worse for it.