Looking out the window of a large women's monastery after…
““Looking out the window of a large women's monastery after Divine Liturgy, my friend saw a few nuns walking toward the woods with satchels on their backs. Inquiring who they were, she was told they were ascetics who lived in the wilderness and had come to the monastery to attend Liturgy and to receive some food. Although we are much weaker in our times and far less ascetical than the early desert fathers and mothers, let it never be said that extreme Christian asceticism is extinct. Who knows how many St. Mary of Egypts are hidden in the wilderness?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote highlights that extreme Christian asceticism still exists today, though hidden, and calls for recognition of modern ascetics.
In simple terms: Modern ascetics may still be present despite appearing extinct.
Key Takeaway
Seek and support contemporary ascetics.
Themes
faith
asceticism
history
spirituality
modernity
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
Asceticism:1
Saints:0
Wilderness:0
Desert Fathers:0
Christian Asceticism:1
Asceticism Extinct:0
Told Ascetics:0
Ascetics Lived:0
When to use this quote
- monastery visits
- spiritual retreats
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Christian tradition
desert fathers
hidden saints
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we identify hidden ascetics?
- What role does community play in supporting ascetic life?
A Different Perspective
Quietism may overlook active ascetic practice.