Michael | Stories of the Desert Fathers
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Abba John the Little Prays for Temptation's Return
The post recounts a story from the life of St. John the Short, a Desert Father. He had advanced in virtue until he attained freedom from evil and was no longer troubled by passions, worry, or anxiety. Following the advice of his own abba, he prayed to God. In response, God returned the passions to him so that he could contend in spiritual struggle and receive a greater crown and reward.
The saint came to understand that through these battles the soul grows in the richness of God's grace. From that day forward, Abba John ceased asking God to remove the passions. Instead, he prayed that in everything given to him, the Lord Jesus Christ would grant him power and patience forever.
Key moments
- St. John the Short progressed in virtue until he attained freedom and was without evil, with no passions troubling him and no worry or anxiety.
- Following his Abba's advice, he prayed to God.
- God returned the passions to him so he could contend and receive a crown and increase his reward.
- During battles, the soul grows in the richness of God's grace.
- From that day, Abba John did not make that request to God again.
- He asked God, Lord Jesus Christ, that in everything given to him, God would give him power and patience forever.
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