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!
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Text of chat during the group:
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Five, Part II and Letter Seventy-Six, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XVIII, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XVII
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Five, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part V and Hypothesis XVI
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Four
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part IV
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Three, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part III
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-Two, Part II and Letter Seventy-Three, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part II
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-One, Part III and Letter Seventy-Two, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XV, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy-One, Part II
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part VI and Hypothesis XIV, Part I
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Seventy, Part II and Seventy-One, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part V
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Nine, Part III and Letter Seventy, Part I
The Evergetinos - Vol. I, Hypothesis XIII, Part IV
Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Sixty-Nine, Part II
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