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

Philokalia Ministries

Discernment, as we have said, is the fruit of humility. Having removed the impediment of pride and having purified the heart of the passions, one comes to comprehend the things of the kingdom and the will of God. St. John gives us one example after another of how discernment helps us to perceive the things that lead us to God and that teach us to embrace that which endures. As one progresses in the spiritual life, however, discernment is not simply the ability to know God‘s will, but rather also the ability to fulfill it in the way that God desires. In this, a soul can begin to trust in the action of the Spirit within the mind and heart. Therefore, although spiritual guides may be lacking one is not abandoned by God. Rather, God makes all things work for the good of those who love him. In fact, the more one lays side ones will and turns to God in prayer and fasting, the more one lets go of the need to be driven by creativity, productivity, and one’s own intentions as a whole. The deeper the communion becomes with God, the more one finds joy in being drawn along whatever path He desires.

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Text of chat during the group:

00:08:12 FrDavid Abernethy: page 204 number 105 00:46:02 Rebecca Thérèse: I think Teresa preferred the priest to be learned rather than just intelligent because she thought that even holy priests could be misled. A learned priest wuld be better able to communicate the infallible teaching of the Church, in her view. 00:50:33 Michael Hinckley: Re: lack of elders… we miss not having enough monks & nuns available in communities. 01:00:37 Susanna Joy: This is so similar to a practice I learned from muslim friends, where one fasts and prays 3 days begore taking decision, that God may clarify what action one should take...The fast is called istakharra...means the right path. :) 01:03:21 Susanna Joy: It is so good to rest in God's wisdom before taking action. 01:06:32 Michael Hinckley: Modernity and technology have much to blame since many things can be created ex nihilo. Tempts thinking “ye shall be like Gods" 01:10:48 Anthony: Yes 01:10:50 Rachel: Id love to see that 01:11:38 David: I volunteered for catechism but was surprised there was no assignment with a spiritual director and it seemed to become more of a quasi entraining push by those who were the directors by the parish. The focus was keeping the kids coming back and making faith "fun". It seemed so different from my experience here an in Spain. 01:13:42 Susanna Joy: https://youtu.be/LOcCXt1n-fI?si=EGIJbH3UquEgdU0C 01:13:43 Michael Hinckley: Replying to "I volunteered for ca..." Precisely the problem. 01:14:40 Susanna Joy: Here is a beautiful song for you all. "Who puts his trust in God most Just" 01:14:41 Anthony: Pierogi making brings my parish together 01:14:58 Michael Hinckley: TLM communities also see the young coming b/c of lack of “fun” things 01:15:08 Ambrose Little: I’m not “young” and feel more or less that way. 01:15:25 Adam Paige: You’re young at heart, Ambrose ! 01:15:31 Ambrose Little: Reacted to "You’re young at hear..." with 😅 01:15:35 Jeff O.: Reacted to "You’re young at hear..." with 😆 01:15:46 Jeff O.: Reacted to "I’m not “young” and ..." with 👍 01:16:08 Susanna Joy: Reacted to Pierogi making bring... with "❤️" 01:16:17 Michael Hinckley: Gnocchi are pierogis 01:16:20 Rachel: haha I need to go to PA 01:16:54 Rachel: Can activism be another way of intellectualizing the faith? 01:17:08 Susanna Joy: Thank you so much, Father. God bless you.🙏🏻💗 01:17:09 Anthony: Reacted to Gnocchi are pierogis with "😂" 01:17:13 Rebecca Thérèse: thank you🙂 01:17:50 Sophia: Thank you so much fr.Abernethy. God bless you! 01:17:51 Louise: Thanks, Fr. Abernethy! 01:17:55 Jeff O.: Amen, thank you! 01:17:56 David: Thank you father! 01:18:01 Rachel: Thank you Father Thank you evryone