Episode 45: Legitimate Rest

Episode 45: Legitimate Rest

From Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden by Exodus 90

November 4, 2025 · 13 min

About this episode

Bishop Erik Varden discusses the significance of rest in spiritual life and the concept of 'holy leisure'.

In this episode of Desert Fathers, Bishop Erik Varden articulates the importance that rest plays in our lives—particularly our spiritual lives. He discusses the monastic idea of "holy leisure," also called "recreation," and the differences between leisure and idleness. Bishop Varden reminds us that to be Christian, we must allow ourselves to constantly be "re-created" by God, which requires that we slow down and spend time in rest and leisure from time to time. __________ This January, take up the example of the Fathers and embrace a life of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Leave behind the pharaohs and idols that keep you enslaved and take up the journey to the promised land. Join tens of thousands of men from all around the world for the Exodus 90 Challenge. We start January 5th, 2026. Download the Exodus 90 app or visit exodus90.com to learn more. Visit desertfathers.com to join our email newsletter for updates and reflections. __________ We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden is... • 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog • 🎥 ...produced by EWTN • 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download…

People in this episode

Host: Bishop Erik Varden

Topics covered

  • rest
  • spirituality
  • holy leisure
  • Christianity
  • asceticism

Keywords

  • rest
  • spiritual life
  • holy leisure
  • Christianity
  • Exodus 90

Sponsors

Exodus 90

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: EWTN

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