The Sayings of the Desert Fathers (Apophtegma Patrum Latin - Words of the Fathers) are a set of precepts, anecdotes, and words attributed to hermits and monks who inhabited the Egyptian desert in the fourth century. These words were bandied orally for decades and then put in writing and indexed in the first half of the fifth century.
These sayings have an educational role: they teach us to love God, to strengthen our will. I chose to give a short overview, selecting stories and aphorisms that seemed most likely to enrich us in our personal elevation to God. I am drawing from the Te Deum Forum because this section appears to have a comprehensive selection. This is food for the mind.

http://messe.forumactif.org/t417-apophtegmes-des-peres-du-desert

Someone asked Father Antoine, "What must I keep to please God? "The old man replied:" Guard what I command you. Wherever you go, always have God before your eyes; whatever you do, have the testimony of Scripture; and in any place you get yours, do not move easily. Keep these three things and you are saved "

http://messe.forumactif.org/t417-apophtegmes-des-peres-du-desert

An archer saw Antoine one day that took some relaxation with the brothers and that he was, displeased. Then Anthony said: "Put an arrow on your bow and shoot. "He did it and as it was asked to do a second and a third time, Archer said." I could shoot well so many times that I will explain to sorrow to break my bow, "Antoine said:" He the same is true in the service of God; if we were to persist beyond measure it, we would be broken soon: it is therefore appropriate to relax sometimes. "When they heard this man, he retired edified."

http://messe.forumactif.org/t417-apophtegmes-des-peres-du-desert

A brother had renounced the world and distributed his property to the poor, but by reserving some. It came at Saint Antoine. He had been aware of the fact; he said: 'If you want to become a monk goes to the village, buy meat, you cover in-your naked body. and come back. 'The brother was executed; dogs and birds tore her body. Back at Anthony, who asked if he had obeyed him, and show him his torn body. Then Saint Antoine said, 'Those who renounce the world and want to have money and are torn when the demon attacks them'.

http://messe.forumactif.org/t417-apophtegmes-des-peres-du-desert

The Abbot Joseph of Thebes said, there are three kinds of men that find favor with God. First those who, when sick and tempted accept thanking God. Then those who perform their duties with purity in the sight of the Lord without trying to please men. Finally those who follow a spiritual father and renounce their own will.

http://messe.forumactif.org/t417-apophtegmes-des-peres-du-desert

One of the elders said, poverty, hardship and discretion are the three characteristics of the hermit's life. For it is written, "If only we had with us the three men: Noah, Job and Daniel. "But Noah represents those who have nothing, those suffering Job and Daniel those who can discern good from evil. If these three things are in a man, God in him.


http://messe.forumactif.org/t417-apophtegmes-des-peres-du-desert

It is said that at the very hour of his death, Father Pambo told the holy monks who surrounded him, "Since I arrived here in the desert, and I built a cell I inhabited, I do not remember having eaten bread until I have earned with my own hands, not having said a word I have to regret. And yet I go to the Lord as someone who has not even begun to serve God. "

http://messe.forumactif.org/t417-apophtegmes-des-peres-du-desert

These are beautiful sayings. Thanks.

There is great wisdom in the Fathers of the Desert. If you have problems and you do not have access to a spiritual director in whom you have confidence then I recommend studying the Fathers of the Desert.