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

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May 9, 2024

Dive into the essence of faith as described in Step 26 of Discernment, emphasizing the importance of seeing with clarity amidst worldly distractions. Explore the struggles of pursuing spiritual growth in a materialistic world and the role of virtues in receiving the gift of eternal Truth. Reflect on the significance of humility, faith in times of despair, and the balance between being spiritual and religious in modern society.

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INSIGHT

Faith and Works

Right belief without action is like being blind.
Conversely, good deeds without faith are like pouring water into a leaky barrel.

INSIGHT

Spiritual But Not Religious

The "spiritual but not religious" mindset lacks historical context.
It prioritizes present pleasures and often centers on the self.

ADVICE

Church Attendance

Attend church, especially if interested in Catholicism.
The Eucharist and liturgical practices can deeply impact faith.

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Every week it is as if we are diving into living waters that renew and refresh the soul. This is particularly true of step 26 on Discernment and St. John’s summary towards its conclusion. So often as is true with the Fathers, St. John makes use of concrete and colorful imagery to capture for us the nature of the spiritual life and in this case discernment.

What one gathers in so many of the teachings is that Faith involves seeing; a pulling back of the veil that allows us to see with perfect clarity the love and the mercy of God. St. John describes the many things that hobble us in that regard: Avarice, pride, attachment to our appetites and desire for the things of this world. It also describes the things that sharpen that vision and open us up to receive the gift of faith. Our pursuit of the virtues, and of the truth in our life lays the foundation to receive the greater gift of eternal Truth. This kind of seeing is not passive but rather involves the whole self. The deepest part of ourselves, the Nous, must be purified by Grace and asceticism so no impediment prevents us from moving toward God. The Nous becomes the “helmsman” then to lead us through the rough waters of this world.

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Text of chat during the group:

00:12:54 FrDavid Abernethy: page 219 number 42 00:49:30 Lisa Smith: It reminds me of the verse where Christ asked if there would be faith in the end time. 00:51:43 Wayne: How do you respond to the remark I am spiritual but not religious? 00:58:48 Lisa Smith: Thoughts on church attendance? I'm struggling with this presently. I'm not Catholic, but I'm interested in this faith. Thank you Fr. 01:00:34 Lisa Smith: 🙏 Thank you 01:03:14 Cindy Moran: Teilhard de Chardin comes to my mind as an example. 01:03:40 Cindy Moran: Too complicated 01:15:07 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂 01:15:10 sprou: did you see that a blind woman Dafne Gutierrez was healed by St Charbel? 01:15:12 Lisa Smith: God bless you Fr. Thanks for sharing 01:15:51 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father! 01:16:02 Jeff O.: Thank you! Great to be with you all.