Into the Desert

The Wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers

by Edward Kleinguetl

 

Book Details

Experience spiritual renewal through tried-and-true lessons from the desert

Feeling weighed down or crushed? We know the feeling well. Temptations and bad habits? We are not alone in the struggle. Life too complicated? Lack direction or purpose? We have all experienced darkness, disillusionment, doubt, and despair. These experiences are not unique, and they are same today as in early history. So, where do we turn?

Christ is the true light that came into the world (see John 8:12). He will show us the path to the abundant life God promises. We simply need to recognize his presence, allowing this true light to pierce the darkness. We must return to the basics of our faith, to the time of the Early Christians who tried to live their lives in imitation of Jesus Christ, and reconsider the core fundamentals associated with our personal journey to holiness. To accomplish this, we turn to the Ancient Church, to the Desert Fathers and Mothers who, beginning in the third century, withdrew into the deserts of Egypt and later Syria and Palestine to encounter God. The Desert Fathers and Mothers provide us with much wisdom as guidance for the journey to deepen our relationship with God and experience the true light.

Rediscover the beauty of our faith, ever ancient, ever new! God has a plan for us, whether we realize it or not. The only way to know his plan, to find happiness and fulfillment, is by coming to know and love his Son, Jesus Christ.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

 

About the Author

Edward Kleinguetl

Edward Kleinguetl is a deacon in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and served the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh (Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic). Deacon Ed has been extensively involved in parish missions and retreats for varying age groups, both in the United States and China. He has written extensively on Eastern Christian spirituality including works on the Jesus Prayer and theosis. In connection with his interests on these topics, he has been on pilgrimage to St. Antony's monastery in Egypt (twice, Egyptian monasteries in the Wadi al Natrun, Mt. Athos in Greece, and monasteries in Romania. Ed holds a BSBA from The Ohio State University, a Diploma in Pastoral Studies from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, and a MA in Spirituality from Loyola University Chicago's Institute of Pastoral Studies. He was ordained to the diaconate on February 3, 2007 by His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston. In secular life, Ed is a partner with Grant Thornton, LLP, working in Transaction Advisory Services.

Also by Edward Kleinguetl

Choosing Life in Christ A Vocation to Holiness
The Fruit of Silence
The Fruit of Prayer
Mine Know Me
The Narrow Gate
Encounter
Rejoice in Hope
Knowing the Way