One day, in the fourth century, a young hermit was traveling alone through the countryside. His mind was filled with questions, all about the mysteries of our Faith. No matter how much he had thought about these things, he had no chance of finding the answers on his own.

But now, at last, he had hope! Some time ago, word had reached him of the great Abbot Pambo, who was renowned throughout all of Egypt for his wisdom and knowledge. The young man lost no time to leave his hermitage, and undertake a long journey to the monastery of St. Pambo.

When he arrived, he was received most kindly by the abbot in his cell. Pambo told the hermit to sit down by his side. Once seated, the young man put forth his first question. Silence followed, and the hermit waited a moment for the wise abbot to think about it.

He didn’t wait long though, as he had many other questions. The young man eagerly asked about very difficult points of the Holy Scriptures, and asked him to explain certain theological mysteries.

One question after another was met with silence. All the while, the visiting hermit grew more and more frustrated and confused. This was the abbot famous for wisdom and knowledge? How did this silent man ever get that reputation?

After the poor young hermit had asked his last question, he despaired of getting any help from the abbot. Disappointed and disgusted, he stood up and left the cell.

Outside, he met one of St. Pambo’s disciples, and vented to him.

"I might have spared myself the trouble of this long journey, for your abbot seems to know nothing. He could not give me an answer even to one of the questions I put to him!"

The disciple was neither surprised nor ashamed to hear his famous master criticized like this. Instead, he gently explained the true wisdom of abbot Pambo.

"My dear brother, our holy Abbot does not spend his time in searching into the hidden things of God, which our poor limited minds cannot comprehend. What he does know is how to lead a holy life on earth, that we may one day be worthy of seeing God in Heaven."

The hermit was silent for a little. Then he went straight back to the cell of the abbot, and asked him.

"My Father, perhaps you will tell me what I have to do to lead a holy and pious life, and so one day get to Heaven."

Hearing this, St. Pambo looked up; there was a smile on his face, as he replied.

"Now your questions begin to please me, and now I shall be able to answer you."

The holy man then spoke to him of the great love of God in sending His only begotten Son that we poor sinners might one day be saved. He spoke of our eternal home in Heaven, and of the sufferings our Blessed Redeemer endured out of love for us.

After an edifying conversation with the saint, the young man began the long journey homeward. It had been more than worth the effort. Now he knew that true wisdom is found not in understanding the deep mysteries of God - but in living our lives well, returning to God the great love He has for us.