Netras

It was said of Abba Netras, a disciple of Abba Silvanus, that while he lived in his cell on Mount Sinai he treated his body with measured care. But when he became bishop of Pharan, he disciplined himself severely. His disciple asked him, “Abba, when we were in the desert, you did not practice such severity. Why do you do so now?” The elder said, “There we had the desert, stillness, and poverty. I wanted to manage my body so that I would not become sick and need things I did not have. But now we are in the world and have resources. If I become sick, someone will care for me. So I guard myself, so that I do not lose my monastic life.”