651 Abba Poemen: Wisdom from the Quiet Shepherd of Souls

Monday, December 1st: Episode 651 explores the life and teachings of Abba Poemen, one of the most influential Desert Fathers of the early church. Known for his profound gentleness and spiritual insight, Poemen became a beloved guide to monks seeking wisdom in the Egyptian desert. His teachings emphasize humility, honesty, and mercy—virtues often overshadowed by stricter ascetic traditions of his time. The episode highlights Poemen’s belief that transformation is slow and requires patience with ourselves and others. We discuss his approach to dealing with troubling thoughts, which involves endurance and prayer rather than panic. Several powerful stories illustrate Poemen’s emphasis on showing mercy rather than judgment, including his famous image of sins falling unseen behind one’s back. Poemen also taught that spiritual growth depends on deep dependence on God rather than confidence in our own virtue. The episode draws practical applications for modern believers seeking to follow Christ with humility and grace. Ultimately, listeners are invited to embrace a slower, gentler rhythm of discipleship rooted in God’s mercy.

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