I’m a little peeved at myself. There is a great story of St. Moses that I read some time ago that I will use for today’s article. But I don’t have the source for it. I thought I had it in one of my previous articles and couldn’t find it. For a cross reference, read the David and Bathsheba story in 2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 11:1 – 12:14). If anyone knows the story of St. Moses that I’m referring to, please let me know in the comments (I think it’s in something by Ignati Brianchaninov).
An older monk became sick with a fever. Other brothers came to attend to him. But he didn’t want to disturb anyone from their regular spiritual task. He decided to leave his monastic cell and go to a nearby village and see if a layperson would keep and tend to him until healthy again. Moses saw the monk leaving the desert and called out, “Don’t go to the town. Or temptation will overtake you.” The monk continued walking and muttered to himself, “For years I have given my mind and body to holiness. Surely I can bear a few days away from the monastery.”
In the village, a mother and maiden daughter took him into their home. In a day or two, the monk felt better. He was alone with the young lady one evening when the tempter came upon him and he laid with her. After a few years, the man returned to the church in the monastery for a feast with a toddler boy on his shoulder. Moses and some of his disciples saw him and mourned, “Alas, the fruit of disobedience.”
David and the older monk were supposed to be in the right place but were somewhere else. Neither had to be in a temple or actively worshiping. The king needed only to be in the barracks or somewhere encouraging his men in battle. The monk could have asked Moses for a spare cell or if a layman could come to his cell to aid him. Being in the right place would have spared them temptation and failure. David from the rooftop of his palace. The monk from a laywoman’s home.
We all sin and miss the mark of righteousness. One thing that can help us overcome the evil one is to be where he is not or, at least, where he is not as strong. Perhaps a maiden would be captured and given to David. But he could have her as a wife or concubine according to the law. Maybe a nun or unmercenary nurse could have been selected to aid the monk. But some sort of boundary could have been established. No matter where we are in the spiritual life, we must see that we can fall if we are not watchful. David was a man after God’s own heart. The monk had lived in purity for many years. Being in the wrong place brought them down.
Spend as much time as possible in a right place. A church is great but not all together necessary. A library usually works. Most trusted friends are okay. Except for David, staying at home is very good. Pray and listen to good advice for where to be mentally as well as physically. Don’t be too proud to ignore conventional wisdom or a warning from a respected peer.
Desert Fathers Dispatch 