Lent 2026 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:20:36 -0400 en-gb © 2026 Lent 2026 yes 9370844a-6c43-5f6b-9272-6a1ca8f7ad4b david@monasticretreats.co.uk Monastic Retreats episodic false Journey through Lent 2026 with our daily Lectio Divina podcast, beginning Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2026. Each day, we share a short Gospel teaching of Jesus paired with a brief saying from the Desert Fathers — or Mothers — offering a space for quiet reflection, prayer, and contemplation.


Episodes release daily from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Monastic Retreats david@monasticretreats.co.uk https://storage.buzzsprout.com/piaeqqd8tf525ypk0rbwjwckn5r0?.jpg Lent 2026 Sunday 29th March Sunday 29th March “When therefore it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle and said to them, “Peace be to you.” 

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit! - John 20:19–22 

“Peace is the sign of the resurrection.” Abba Serapion 

]]> “When therefore it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle and said to them, “Peace be to you.” 

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit! - John 20:19–22 

“Peace is the sign of the resurrection.” Abba Serapion 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18809911 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Saturday 28th March Saturday 28th March “Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.” - Luke 23:46 

“Entrust yourself to God, and fear will vanish.” Abba Anthony 

]]> “Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.” - Luke 23:46 

“Entrust yourself to God, and fear will vanish.” Abba Anthony 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18809910 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Friday 27th March Friday 27th March “At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” Which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” - Mark 15:34 

“Stay in hell and do not despair.” Abba Silvanus 

]]> “At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” Which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” - Mark 15:34 

“Stay in hell and do not despair.” Abba Silvanus 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18809908 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Thursday 26th March Thursday 26th March “even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:28 

“Serve others, and you will be free.” Abba Isaiah 

]]> “even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:28 

“Serve others, and you will be free.” Abba Isaiah 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18809900 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Wednesday 25th March Wednesday 25th March “saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” - Luke 22:42 

“Obedience is resurrection before death.” Abba Moses 

]]> “saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” - Luke 22:42 

“Obedience is resurrection before death.” Abba Moses 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18809895 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Tuesday 24th March Tuesday 24th March “Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.” - Mark 1:35 

“Solitude gives birth to prayer.” Abba Anthony 

]]> “Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.” - Mark 1:35 

“Solitude gives birth to prayer.” Abba Anthony 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18809891 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Monday 23rd March Monday 23rd March “But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” - Matthew 6:6 

“Teach your mouth to say what is in your heart.” Abba Poemen 

]]> “But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” - Matthew 6:6 

“Teach your mouth to say what is in your heart.” Abba Poemen 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734522 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Sunday 22nd March Sunday 22nd March “When he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven,  may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” - Luke 11:1-4 

“Often I have spoken and regretted it; never have I regretted silence.” Abba Arsenius 

]]> “When he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven,  may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” - Luke 11:1-4 

“Often I have spoken and regretted it; never have I regretted silence.” Abba Arsenius 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734505 Sun, 22 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Saturday 21st March Saturday 21st March “He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but by prayer and fasting.” - Mark 9:29 

“Fasting humbles the body; prayer humbles the soul.” Abba Moses 

]]> “He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but by prayer and fasting.” - Mark 9:29 

“Fasting humbles the body; prayer humbles the soul.” Abba Moses 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734489 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Friday 20th March Friday 20th March “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.” - Matthew 7:7 

““Knock with humility, and the door will open.” Abba Macarius 

]]> “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.” - Matthew 7:7 

““Knock with humility, and the door will open.” Abba Macarius 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734465 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Thursday 19th March Thursday 19th March “He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray and not give up, - Luke 18:1 

“Do not abandon prayer because it seems dry.” Abba Isaac 

]]> “He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray and not give up, - Luke 18:1 

“Do not abandon prayer because it seems dry.” Abba Isaac 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734446 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Wednesday 18th March Wednesday 18th March Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” - Matthew 26:41 

“Prayer is warfare to the last breath.” Abba Anthony 

]]> Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” - Matthew 26:41 

“Prayer is warfare to the last breath.” Abba Anthony 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734414 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Tuesday 17th March Tuesday 17th March “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 14:11 

“Remain low, and you will not fall.” Abba Poemen 

]]> “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 14:11 

“Remain low, and you will not fall.” Abba Poemen 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734387 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Monday 16th March Monday 16th March “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?” - Matthew 6:25-26 

“Trust God, and anxiety will flee.” Abba Macarius 

]]> “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?” - Matthew 6:25-26 

“Trust God, and anxiety will flee.” Abba Macarius 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734369 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Sunday 15th March Sunday 15th March “But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.” - Luke 9:62 

“Always be a stranger to the world.” Abba Arsenius 

]]> “But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.” - Luke 9:62 

“Always be a stranger to the world.” Abba Arsenius 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734344 Sun, 15 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Saturday 14th March Saturday 14th March “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it.” - Mark 8:35 

“Die before you die, and you will live.” Abba Anthony 

]]> “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it.” - Mark 8:35 

“Die before you die, and you will live.” Abba Anthony 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734323 Sat, 14 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Friday 13th March Friday 13th March “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” - Matthew 16:24 

“The cross is patience.” Abba Moses 

]]> “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” - Matthew 16:24 

“The cross is patience.” Abba Moses 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734305 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Thursday 12th March Thursday 12th March “He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.” - Luke 12:15 

“He who loves possessions cannot possess God.”  Abba Isaac 

]]> “He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.” - Luke 12:15 

“He who loves possessions cannot possess God.”  Abba Isaac 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734267 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Wednesday 11th March Wednesday 11th March “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21 

“Sell what you have within you.”  Abba John the Dwarf 

]]> “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21 

“Sell what you have within you.”  Abba John the Dwarf 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734182 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Tuesday 10th March Tuesday 10th March “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.” - Luke 23:34 

“Blessed is the monk who sees everyone as good.” - Abba Silvanus 

]]> “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.” - Luke 23:34 

“Blessed is the monk who sees everyone as good.” - Abba Silvanus 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734160 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Monday 9th March Monday 9th March “But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you” - Matthew 5:44 

“The sign of true love is praying for one’s enemies.” - Abba Ammonas 

]]> “But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you” - Matthew 5:44 

“The sign of true love is praying for one’s enemies.” - Abba Ammonas 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734146 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400 208 full false Sunday 8th March Sunday 8th March “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” - Luke 7:47 

“Love casts out fear.” - Abba Anthony 

]]> “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” - Luke 7:47 

“Love casts out fear.” - Abba Anthony 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734114 Sun, 08 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Saturday 7th March Saturday 7th March “When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” - Mark 2:17 

“When you fall, rise quickly.” - Abba Moses 

]]> “When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” - Mark 2:17 

“When you fall, rise quickly.” - Abba Moses 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734096 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Friday 6th March Friday 6th March “Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?”  Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.” - Matthew 18:21-22 

“Forgiveness is greater than fasting.” - Abba Poemen 

]]> “Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?”  Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.” - Matthew 18:21-22 

“Forgiveness is greater than fasting.” - Abba Poemen 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734075 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Thursday 5th March Thursday 5th March “Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.” - Luke 6:36 

“Be a place of refuge for all who suffer.” - Abba Isaac the Syrian 

]]> “Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.” - Luke 6:36 

“Be a place of refuge for all who suffer.” - Abba Isaac the Syrian 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18734048 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Wednesday 4th March Wednesday 4th March “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” - Matthew 5:7 

“The one who shows mercy becomes like God.” - Abba Zosimas

]]> “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” - Matthew 5:7 

“The one who shows mercy becomes like God.” - Abba Zosimas

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18733988 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Tuesday 3rd March Tuesday 3rd March “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:29 

“Where there is humility, there is rest.” - Abba Silvanus 

]]> “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:29 

“Where there is humility, there is rest.” - Abba Silvanus 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18733962 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Monday 2nd March Monday 2nd March “Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:41–42 

“Flee, be silent, pray always.” - Abba Arsenius 

]]> “Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:41–42 

“Flee, be silent, pray always.” - Abba Arsenius 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18733934 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Sunday 1st March Sunday 1st March “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.” - Matthew 5:27–28 

“Guard your heart, for it is the source of life.” - Abba Isaiah 

]]> “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.” - Matthew 5:27–28 

“Guard your heart, for it is the source of life.” - Abba Isaiah 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18731196 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Saturday 28th February Saturday 28th February “He said, “That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile the man.” -Mark 7:20–23 

“Withdraw from what feeds the passions, and they will weaken.” - Abba Moses 

]]> “He said, “That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile the man.” -Mark 7:20–23 

“Withdraw from what feeds the passions, and they will weaken.” - Abba Moses 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18731161 Sat, 28 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Friday 27th February Friday 27th February “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” - Matthew 6:22–23 

“Where there is simplicity, there is no fear.” - Abba Anthony 

]]> “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” - Matthew 6:22–23 

“Where there is simplicity, there is no fear.” - Abba Anthony 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18731143 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Thursday 26th February Thursday 26th February The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. - Luke 6:45

“A pure heart is a heart that sees God everywhere.” - Abba Poemen 

]]> The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. - Luke 6:45

“A pure heart is a heart that sees God everywhere.” - Abba Poemen 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18731112 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Wednesday 25th February Wednesday 25th February “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” - Matthew 5:8 

“If you are a theologian, you will pray truly; if you pray truly, you are a theologian.” - Abba Evagrius 

]]> “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” - Matthew 5:8 

“If you are a theologian, you will pray truly; if you pray truly, you are a theologian.” - Abba Evagrius 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18731084 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0500 208 full false Tuesday 24th February Tuesday 24th February “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 7:21 

“Do not measure your progress by words but by deeds.” - Abba John the Dwarf 

]]> “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 7:21 

“Do not measure your progress by words but by deeds.” - Abba John the Dwarf 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18688557 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500 208 full false Monday 23rd February Monday 23rd February “But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.” - Luke 11:28 

“Many have spoken, few have kept silence.” - Abba Arsenius 

]]> “But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.” - Luke 11:28 

“Many have spoken, few have kept silence.” - Abba Arsenius 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18688332 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500 208 full false Sunday 22nd February Sunday 22nd February “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” - Matthew 5:3

“Be poor in spirit, and you will become rich toward God.” - Abba Macarius 

]]> “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” - Matthew 5:3

“Be poor in spirit, and you will become rich toward God.” - Abba Macarius 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18688317 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500 208 full false Saturday 21st February Saturday 21st February “and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.” - Mark 1:15

“This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it.” - Abba Isaac 

]]> “and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.” - Mark 1:15

“This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it.” - Abba Isaac 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18688301 Sat, 21 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 208 full false Friday 20th February Friday 20th February “Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. - Matthew 6: 1-4

“Do not be afraid of humility; it is the dwelling place of God.” - Abba Anthony 

]]> “Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. - Matthew 6: 1-4

“Do not be afraid of humility; it is the dwelling place of God.” - Abba Anthony 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18688290 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500 208 full false Thursday 19th February Thursday 19th February He also spoke this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others: “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men: extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 18:9-14

“Sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.” - Abba Moses 

]]> He also spoke this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others: “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men: extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 18:9-14

“Sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.” - Abba Moses 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18688287 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500 208 full false Wednesday 18th February - Ash Wednesday Wednesday 18th February - Ash Wednesday From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” - Matthew 4:17 

“If a man truly repents, God will forgive him even if he sins again.” - Abba Poemen 

]]> From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” - Matthew 4:17 

“If a man truly repents, God will forgive him even if he sins again.” - Abba Poemen 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18688274 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500 153 full false What is Lectio Divina? What is Lectio Divina? In this introductory episode, we explore Lectio Divina, an ancient Christian prayer practice, meaning “divine reading.” Rooted in the early monastic tradition and shaped by figures like St. Benedict of Nursia, Lectio Divina is a slow, contemplative way of praying with Scripture. Rather than studying the Bible for information, this practice invites us to encounter God personally through His Word.

Lectio Divina unfolds in four traditional movements:

1. Lectio (Read) – We begin by slowly reading or listening to a short passage of Scripture. The focus is not on analysis but on attentiveness—listening for a word or phrase that stands out or gently captures our attention.

2. Meditatio (Reflect) – Next, we listen again and reflect on that word or phrase. We turn it over in our hearts, asking what God might be saying to us personally through this text. This is a moment of deeper pondering, allowing the Scripture to speak into our lives.

3. Oratio (Respond) – Then we respond to God in prayer. This response may be praise, gratitude, repentance, or a simple conversation flowing naturally from what we have heard in the Word.

4. Contemplatio (Rest) – Finally, we rest quietly in God’s presence. Here, words fall away. We simply remain with Him, allowing His grace to shape us from within.

In a world filled with noise and hurry, Lectio Divina offers a gentle rhythm of listening, reflecting, responding, and resting. It reminds us that Scripture is not just a text to be mastered—but a living Word through which God lovingly speaks to the heart. Every day in Lent we will be relapsing a daily script reading alongside a saying of one of the desert fathers. 

Daily episodes will begin on Ash Wednesday.

If you would like to purchase the accompanying journal you can find it on amazon globally or here. 

]]> In this introductory episode, we explore Lectio Divina, an ancient Christian prayer practice, meaning “divine reading.” Rooted in the early monastic tradition and shaped by figures like St. Benedict of Nursia, Lectio Divina is a slow, contemplative way of praying with Scripture. Rather than studying the Bible for information, this practice invites us to encounter God personally through His Word.

Lectio Divina unfolds in four traditional movements:

1. Lectio (Read) – We begin by slowly reading or listening to a short passage of Scripture. The focus is not on analysis but on attentiveness—listening for a word or phrase that stands out or gently captures our attention.

2. Meditatio (Reflect) – Next, we listen again and reflect on that word or phrase. We turn it over in our hearts, asking what God might be saying to us personally through this text. This is a moment of deeper pondering, allowing the Scripture to speak into our lives.

3. Oratio (Respond) – Then we respond to God in prayer. This response may be praise, gratitude, repentance, or a simple conversation flowing naturally from what we have heard in the Word.

4. Contemplatio (Rest) – Finally, we rest quietly in God’s presence. Here, words fall away. We simply remain with Him, allowing His grace to shape us from within.

In a world filled with noise and hurry, Lectio Divina offers a gentle rhythm of listening, reflecting, responding, and resting. It reminds us that Scripture is not just a text to be mastered—but a living Word through which God lovingly speaks to the heart. Every day in Lent we will be relapsing a daily script reading alongside a saying of one of the desert fathers. 

Daily episodes will begin on Ash Wednesday.

If you would like to purchase the accompanying journal you can find it on amazon globally or here. 

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18686822 Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 152 full false Introduction Episode Introduction Episode Journey through Lent 2026 with our daily Lectio Divina podcast, beginning Ash Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. Each day, we share a short Gospel teaching of Jesus paired with a brief saying from the Desert Fathers — or Mothers — offering a space for quiet reflection, prayer, and contemplation.

Whether you’re new to Lectio Divina or a seasoned practitioner, these daily episodes guide you to pause, listen, and encounter God’s Word in the stillness of your day. Embrace the ancient wisdom of the desert and let it deepen your Lenten journey.

Episodes release daily from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday.

]]> Journey through Lent 2026 with our daily Lectio Divina podcast, beginning Ash Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. Each day, we share a short Gospel teaching of Jesus paired with a brief saying from the Desert Fathers — or Mothers — offering a space for quiet reflection, prayer, and contemplation.

Whether you’re new to Lectio Divina or a seasoned practitioner, these daily episodes guide you to pause, listen, and encounter God’s Word in the stillness of your day. Embrace the ancient wisdom of the desert and let it deepen your Lenten journey.

Episodes release daily from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday.

]]> Monastic Retreats Buzzsprout-18577626 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500 82 full false