Tell us about Being a Christian

In Soul-Making, Allen Jones shares an intriguing visit to the Coptic Monastery of St. Macarius out in the Egyptian desert. There, he meets Father Jeremiah, a monk who spins tales of the desert fathers, those ancient spiritual trailblazers.

One story tells of Saint Macarius, revered for his wisdom, who was asked by a young seeker, “Abba, tell us about being a monk.” With humility, Macarius replied,

“Ah! I’m not a monk myself, but I have seen them.”
Father Jeremiah echoed this sentiment with his own twist, telling Jones,
“I am not yet a Christian,…