St John of Egypt was born in Lycopolis, Egypt in the year 304. He worked as a carpenter with his father until the age of 25, when the Lord called him to seek solitude in the desert to live as a hermit. He felt the call to spend his life in prayer and sacrifice for God. He found an elderly hermit to teach him. He was tested with many unreasonable commands, such as rolling heavy rocks, tending dead trees, and other equally difficult pursuits. John distinguished himself through perfect obedience, for he executed all commands with the simplicity of a child. After the death of his mentor, John spent time living in monasteries, but eventually retreated to a life of solitude in a cave. He only had a tiny window through which he communicated with others. He eventually attracted many pilgrims who sought out his wise counsel and his preaching. His life is remembered for many miracles, including the gift of reading souls and prophesy. He was esteemed by St Augustine and St Jerome. He died in 394 at the age of 90.
The psalmist declares today: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. We can harden our hearts to God in a lot of ways, especially in the cynicism, sarcasm, and anger that is so pervasive in our modern world. We can feel entitled or proud sometimes on our journey of faith, not approaching God in our simplicity and humility. The desert Fathers such as St John of Egypt have become popular in recent years because their wisdom and simplicity speaks to us so strongly in our modern world. Even in the midst of our busy modern lives, we need to find the time to listen to the word of God and to hear God speak to us in prayer and in silence.
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