While at the Holy Cross Abbey retreat center in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, I ask Monk A if he’s ever heard of Evagrius, whose writings I keep seeing referenced in stuff I’m reading. Eagerly, he says yes and that Evagrius (unlike me, he pronounces it correctly, ee-VAY-gree-us), a fourth-century Desert Father, is featured in a chapter of a 
book he’s reading on mysticism. He recommends a book by Driscoll that he thinks is on a table in the monastery gift shop.
book he’s reading on mysticism. He recommends a book by Driscoll that he thinks is on a table in the monastery gift shop.The next day, I go to the gift shop. I look on the table; no luck. I ask Monk B, working the gift shop register, about the book. He checks the computer; Driscoll’s not in the database. I wander around some more. I end up back at the table and am picking up another book… only to see this one next to it! I take it to the register along with other goodies. Monk B is delighted! He checks the database; the book still isn’t there. He smiles and shakes his head. “That’s the thing about Evagrius,” he says. “He’s profound, but he makes you work for it.”
And work for it this month I will as I learn about what Evagrius has to say about spiritual apathy, the Holy Trinity, and more.
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