I guess, based upon how often I cite it, Thomas Merton’s little volume Wisdom of the Desert: Some Sayings of the Desert Fathers must be one of my most important spiritual books. Here’s another anecdote from ancient Egypt.
It was said of one of the elders that he persevered in a fast of seventy weeks, eating only once a week. This elder asked God to reveal to him the meaning of a certain Scripture text, and God would not reveal it to him. So he said to himself: Look at the work I have done without getting anywhere! I will go to one of the brothers and ask him. When he had gone out and closed the door and was starting on his way an angel of the Lord was sent to him, saying: The seventy weeks you fasted did not bring you any closer to God, but now that you have humbled yourself and set out to ask your brother, I am sent to reveal the meaning of that text.
Like with so many great ancient texts, there is, sadly, an inclination to gild the lily in this little story. Frankly, I believe, this is where it should have stopped.
But it does go on a tad with the angel then revealing the meaning.
Of course the meaning was found in the heart of humbleness & presented vividly in his opening the door…
But, there I go, gilding the lily, myself…
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