A glimmer of light begins to shine through the writing of St. John in regards to the perfection of virtue. John starts by putting before us list of those things that we should focus upon as beginners in the spiritual life or those who have reached an intermediate level. He also puts before us the resolution of those who are advanced; that is, the virtues that one possesses at this level and that they must protect. John is trying to paint with broad strokes the image of life in Christ. As one begins to share in that reality more deeply Christ image begins to manifest itself and we become imitators of Him.
As John unpacks for us the nature of discernment he shows us the things that it allows us to perceive. One of the valuable teachings he offers us is our responsiveness to the grace of God in times of illness. In our infirmity the demons will seek to afflict us on spiritual level. Yet John also shows us that our minds and hearts can be purified at such times and that Christ can cleanse “clay by clay”. In the severity of our illness we can be delivered from certain passions.
These last steps of the Ladder of Divine Ascent must be read closely and slowly. It is solid food upon which we are being fed and a deep wisdom that is being set before us. Glory to God!
---
Text of chat during the group:
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXI, Part IV
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter III: On Exile, Part IV
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXI, Part III
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter III: On Exile, Part III
The Evergetinos - Hypothesis XXI, Part II
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter III: On Exile, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol I, Hypothesis XX, Part VI and Hypothesis XXI, Part I
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter Two: On Detachment, Part II and Chapter Three: On Exile, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol I, Hypothesis XX, Part V
The Evergetinos - Vol I, Hypothesis XX, Part IV
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter Two: On Detachment, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol I, Hypothesis XX, Part III
The Evergetinos - Vol I, Hypothesis XX, Part II
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter One: On Renunciation, Part VII
The Evergetinos -Vol I, Hypothesis XX, Part I
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter One: On Renunciation, Part VI
The Evergetinos - Vol I, Hypothesis XIX, Part IV
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter One: On Renunciation, Part V
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIX, Part III
The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter One: On Renunciation, Part IV
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Devoted To Prayer
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
Rudolf Steiner Audio
Conspirituality