We continue our travels in the 4th century and go to Nitrea in the Egyptian desert. As with so many of the saints of this time, we don't have exact biographical data which tends to be so important to 20th century people. But, we have something so much greater. Stories of Pambo's words to those seeking spiritual counsel.

We do know however, that as a young man Pambo learned from the Father of Egyptian monasticism, St. Antony of the Desert, also known as Antony of Egypt. We also know that he lived a very strong ascetical life of long fasts, diligent manual labor and most of all prayer. He wore only the rags that others had discarded, seeing as no one else would bother to pick them up. 20th century religious might see his asceticism as extreme and unhealthy, but this was the norm for his time and place.

When we look at Abba Pambo the man, we find that there is much that he can teach us. The first Scripture his teacher gave him was Psalm 38, "I said I will be watchful of my ways for fear I should sin with my tongue." Abba Pambo responded, "that will do for today," and he went off to think about it. Six months later he returned ready to continue his lesson. Perhaps we too could spend time meditating on this Psalm and benefit from its fruits.

The story is told that a Roman widow brought Pambo 300 pounds of silver as a gift, he accepted it and said that it would be used to help the poor monasteries, but he did not thank her. When she reminded him that it was "300 pounds of silver," he responded, "He to whom you have offered this gift has no need for you to TELL Him it's value." Another time he was asked to "count" the money given to him to help those in need. He responded, "God does not ask how much but HOW."

St. Pambo is generally referred to as Abba Pambo, a common title for the holy men of the Desert Fathers time. He lived a very austere life and to some was a gruff and grumpy old man. But, when we listen to his words we hear the wisdom of God ringing through. It was said of him that he talked very little and it was perhaps the words he did say that influenced St. Benedict in his Rule, to advise the monks to restrain their speech because, "In a flood of words you will not avoid sin"(Proverbs 10:19). And Elsewhere, "The tongue holds the key to life and death"(Proverbs 18:21). Do our words bring life or are they a source of pain, violence or even death to those who hear them?

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© 1998 The Monastery of Christ in the Desert