The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130
“The memorable saying of an ‘old man’. ‘Give me a word’ is a key phrase in the desert tradition. The ‘word’ is not an explanation or a consoling suggestion; it is a word given in order to create life and bring the one who receives it to God and salvation. It is a word that is truly life-giving if it is not discussed or argued over, but simply received and integrated into life. These apophthegms were always given to individuals to fit their own needs and circumstances and this should be remembered when using a collection such as this.
Benedicta Ward in The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection, (Kalamazoo: Cisterian, 1975) 249.
We are living in times when people want “explanations or consoling suggestions” as in the days of the Desert Fathers when the Roman Empire was crumbling. There was chaos everywhere.
Let us consider what our most generous gift may be in such times. Give an apophthegm or a word that creates life and brings someone to God. Notice this word fits the person’s needs or circumstances.
God help us see the needs of those around us. Rather than try to explain away a the brokenness of people or try to solve their problems, help us give them a word that will lead them to You. Amen.
I hope you have enjoyed the last few weeks with the Desert Fathers. I’ve finished the book and will move on to other books tomorrow and reflect on my word for the year, remember, as it relates to generosity.