BE ON YOUR GUARD

A story from the Desert Fathers (250-400 AD) who lived a life of asceticism in the Egyptian Desert goes like this: “Abba Ammonas came one day to eat in a place where there was a monk of ill repute. Now it happened that a woman came and entered the cell (living quarters) of the brother of evil reputation. The other brothers in that place, having learned this, were troubled and gathered together to chase the monk from his cell. Knowing that Bishop Ammonas was in the place, they asked him to join them. When the brother in question learned this, he hid the woman in a large cask. The crowd of monks came to the place. Now Abba Ammonas saw the position clearly, but for the sake of God he kept the secret; he entered, seated himself on the cask, and commanded the cell be searched. Then when the monks had searched everywhere without finding the woman, Abba Ammonas said, “What is this? May God forgive you!” After praying, he made everyone go out; then taking the brother by the hand, he said, “Brother, be on your guard.” With these words he withdrew.”

Cynthia Bourgeault writes, “No one ever grows by being shamed. By finding a substitute compassion for humiliation, Abba Ammonas is able to call all the brothers to the higher instincts within them, and to create a genuine clean slate for a new beginning.”

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Jesus