Cistercian Studies Series,

The living link through whom the ascetic principles of hellenistic philosophers passed into monasticism, Evagrius molded christian asceticism through his own works and through his influence on John Cassian, Climacus, Pseudo 'Denis, and Saint Benedict.

Stories of conversion have always attracted mankind's attention, and this was especially so among the monks of the ancient and medieval world. In the literature of fourth-century Egypt, alongside the wise sayings of the Desert Fathers and the stories illustrating their way of life, there are also the accounts of the lives of the harlots, Pelagia, Maria, Thaïs, Mary of Egypt and a number of lesser figures, all of which were copied, translated and retold througout the Middle Ages. This is a commentary on early monastic texts with a discussion of the theme of Christian repentance. The author begins with St. Mary Magdalene, the archetypal penitent, and goes on to examine the desert tradition, concluding each chapter with new translations of those lives which were most influential in the early Church and for countless generations afterwards.

An Encomium on Saint Anthony by John of Schmun A letter to the Disciples of Antony by Serapion of ThmuisInstrumental in the conversion of many, including St. Augustine, The Life of Antony provided the model saint's life and constitutes, in the words of patristics scholar Johannes Quasten, 'the most important document of early monasticism.' Here is one volume are translations of the text in the Greek written by Athanasius (from the new critical edition of G. J. M. Bartelink) and in the Coptic, the language Antony himself spoke. Two short contemporary coptic texts further manifest the powerful influence of 'the father of monks.'

Evagrius Ponticus is the living link through whom the ascetic principles of Hellenistic philosophers passed into the mainstream of Christian monaticism. Although not known by name for generations, Evagrius molded the ideals of Western asceticism through his own widely-disseminated works and through his influence on intermediaries like John Cassian and, through Cassian, Saint Benedict of Nursia. To those seeking God alone, he counselled absolute solitude: the solitude of separation from the world and the solitude of the human soul.

In No Moment Too Small, Vest focuses on three of the foundations of the Benedictine way: silence, the exploration of Scripture and other spiritual writings (lectio divina), and the hours of prayer. These essentials of Benedict's sixth-century rule of life offer a practical framework for spiritual growth in our own day, a path to God through the events and people of ordinary lives. In her discussion of lectio-on-life, for example, Vest provides insight on the reading of our lives as the “text” in which we find God's Word written in the ordinary events of daily life. Exercises for individuals or groups follow each chapter on silence, prayer, and holy reading. Excellent for Lenten study groups as well as ongoing prayer or Bible study groups.