I have already covered 25 of John’s 30 Steps of the Divine Ascent. The 26th step, which I introduced in last week’s Bulletin, is Discernment. This step truly deals with real self-knowledge. We must, however, also be aware of our limitations. Some strive to pray and fast beyond their ability, which often leads them to giving up and losing hope. Being too austere can be just as detrimental to our spiritual life as being too lax. It is suggested, therefore, that we engage a “spiritual father or mother”- someone we feel has advanced in the spiritual life – help us along the way. They become a sounding-board for us as we progress in the spiritual life.

The second stage of discernment is “discerning Good and Bad.” Everyone is endowed with the ability to discern between good and bad. Sometimes this discernment is distorted by our passions. But the distinction between good and bad can be further distorted by externals. Our perception is limited to what we see. The gift of discernment is to acquire the eyes of God, who looks at the inner person.

For example, because of our modern world many see as “bad” any thing that is a challenge, anything that causes pain or suffering. And yet, pain is life’s way of telling us that something is wrong and so is not necessarily bad. Some people feel that any discomfort is bad. The only true way to growth is typically through discomfort and even pain. It is all a matter of perception. No where in the Gospels is it suggested that life should be without pain, suffering or discomfort. In fact when you look at the life of Christ you find that pain and suffering were a vital part of His life and, eventually, led to Resurrection and the fullness of life.

Our inability to discern accurately is one reason why we must never judge others and must engage in thoughtful assessment of our own lives. We are called to know ourselves as God does.