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

Philokalia Ministries

As we have discussed, the fruit of humility is discernment. But what is that? Is it simply private judgment, a human wisdom that has deepened over the course of the years?

St. John gradually begins to reveal to us that it is a freedom that emerges from the removal of the impediments of our passions. A sole passion, the desire for God, begins to direct and guide our lives as well as reveal to us the truth about our actions and the realities around us.

Yet, it is humility that must continue to guide and direct this gift of discernment. It is to see things as God sees them only because we are allowing ourselves to trust in His providence in the warp and woof of day-to-day life. Whether we are embattled or at peace, whether we are called to be obedient or to guide others, we must rely upon the grace of God. It is His love, the love of He who is the truth that allows us to comprehend the realities of this world and the world come. Thus, St. John shows us, we can never think of ourselves or the gifts that we experience abstracted from a deep intimacy with the Lord. It is only in Him and through Him that we can live the life to which he has called us and through Him that we who were blind can see!

---

Text of chat during the group:

00:18:44 Arthur Danzi: I'm sorry, what chapter are we reading? 00:19:53 Barbara: lost sound 00:19:59 Rebecca Thérèse: no audio 00:30:48 Anthony: Maybe another example is the miser who wears shabby clothes, just to save money? 00:45:18 Cindy Moran: Would oriental catholics call this yin-yang? 00:55:50 Cindy Moran: Replying to "Would oriental catho..." ... 01:03:06 Anthony: Another thing to be careful of is to try observing what is a true state of affairs but to stop short of having unholy judgment or even feelings or inclination to hound something bad out or to resent something. 01:08:23 Carol Roper: Beware the leaven of the pharisees 01:09:21 David Swiderski: I used to waste a lot of time thinking and rethinking about decisions and people. Even doing this I often made bad decisions and was taken advantage by or attacked by people. I now simply concentrate on - does this lead me closer to God or further away from God. I also pay attention to the mood, other things around me much more. 01:11:42 Cindy Moran: Would oriental catholics call this yin-yang? My ? maybe not seen?? My relatives say that all religion is the same... 01:13:03 sam: I think he (John Climacus) also says elsewhere that vainglory has no birthdate but with pride is the mother of all vices. Humility he also says is one of the destroyers of its fruit and source. 01:16:05 Cindy Moran: It's always a struggle for me . They are new age. 01:18:12 sam: Could we say that the all religions are equal idea is from a vainglorious attempt to please everyone and avoid real arguments about ascetical struggle? 01:20:41 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂 01:21:10 Maureen Cunningham: Blessing 01:21:20 Cindy Moran: Thank you, Father 01:21:27 David Swiderski: Thank you Father!!! 01:21:29 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father! 01:21:29 Jeff O.: Thank you Father! 01:21:34 Art iPhone: Thank you Father! 01:21:36 Arthur Danzi: Thank you father!