The following video (about an hour) is a BBC production documenting the journey of Father Peter Owen-Jones, an Anglican priest, to the monastery of St. Anthony in the Egyptian desert. Father Peter is going to the desert where “there’s no escape, there’s no distraction” and we face and deal with our “issues.” He will live alone in a cave for three weeks under the guidance of Father Lazarus, a hermit who lives in solitude on the Mount of St. Anthony.

Father Lazarus offers wisdom that is applicable to us all whether we dwell in the desert or the city. First he reminds Father Peter that unless he is conscious of his sins and has some sense of repentance the cave life will be useless, without meaning. Second, he says that Father Peter is there to bless the world by prayer; not by a long list of names but by being awake in the spirit, awake to his soul. This wakefulness is, Father Lazarus says, a blessing to the world in itself.

The interior spiritual work we each do is not just for ourselves but also for the blessing of the world. As we heal and grow in Christ so does the world. We either contribute to or help relieve the pain of the world. As St. Seraphim of Sarov said,

“Acquire a peaceful spirit, and around you thousands will be saved.”

Related post: “If you consider me wise, become as I am.”