The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter XXVI: On Discernment, Part IX

Philokalia Ministries

We come to the end of Step 26 on Discernment and in doing so we begin to see, or at least get a glimpse of, its importance for the spiritual life. So often sin distorts are perception of reality. It prevents us from seeing with clarity both the dignity and the blessings that come from being a son or daughter of God, baptized into Christ - as well as preventing us from seeing the darkness of sin.

Christ tells us in the gospel that when the eye has been darkened completely, how great is the darkness! When the eye of the heart, the eye of the soul is darkened by sin then all that we see is the world before us in its most basic form. We see it as an object of consumption or we covet the things that we do not possess.

In this we can become more like beasts who walk on all fours with their eyes cast down to the earth. It is discernment that allows us to see the glory of God in Christ Jesus. In the end, discernment gives rise to the acquisition of love - that is to say, the perfect dwelling of God.

---

Text of chat during the group:

00:13:56 David: Father Mike Schmidt and neuroplasticity as well say with defects to right out the story or triggers. What leads to what and one often fines one needs to focus on the triggers and write a different story. 00:16:18 David: Like a dog returning to vomit. Can't get that out of my head now 00:27:38 Wayne: Very timely as suicide is being offered as an option if one finds their suffering overwhelming. 00:29:07 David: In one of my darkest times and despair I realized I had belief but no faith which is tied with hope. Now I just think what am I to learn from this situation and it will pass. 00:34:33 Anthony: There is a particularly horrible thought: curse God and die 00:35:00 Anthony: That cuts at rather suffering soul's very hope 00:48:47 Anthony: Father, remember cooking and baking are arts, to be done well...like the Cathdral of Monreale. 😉 but yeah, I get you. 😀 00:52:27 Maureen Cunningham: Christ dwell with in us when we gather we bring the body of Christ together 00:52:48 David: I think it got worse after COVID few shake hands and it seems there is little small talk. 00:57:58 Anthony: I've studied heresies and heretics for years. I observe that along with with religious differences - maybe preceding them - is a break in communion or a lack of peace: nationalism or personal trauma 01:10:51 Susanna Joy: My heart is still back at the dog and the priest... 01:10:57 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂 01:11:00 Andrew Adams: Great class tonight! Thank you, Father! 01:11:02 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You 01:11:46 Cindy Moran: Thank you Father...excellent session! 01:11:48 David: God Bless thank you Father David! 01:11:49 Art: Thank you 01:11:50 Jeff O.: Thank you!! 01:11:58 Sheila Applegate: Thanks Father!