The power of discernment

The power of discernment

One of the main attributes of a “life in the Holy Spirit” is discernment. Unfortunately, it appears that this characteristic has been neglected, if not forgotten. One reason for this is that great emphasis has been placed on a form of morality that has been labeled as “spirituality”.   This “spirituality” cultivates a esoteric type of ethos.  It confines the individual to one’s self while cultivating guilt. It neglects the dimension of philanthropy in that it limits the human person’s perception of the world in general. Thus, it does not cultivate a concern for humanity that suffers and is tested in many ways on a global scale.

Another reason is that many place great emphasis on preserving and defending what they consider a “true Faith” that distorts the meaning and mode of Truth itself; the Truth that is expressed in the philanthropic love, in the grace, and in the communion of God. Thus, we have neglected the weightier matters of the law (which based on love):  justice (the just stance toward our fellow humans), mercy and faith (our trust and hope in God’s love and grace) (Matthew 23:23).

The Fathers of the Church were very cautious regarding zealous proclamations of “truth” and austerity. They stressed that many have afflicted themselves with labors and tribulations, and because they had not in them the power of discernment, they did not know the way of truth.[1]

The third and most predominate reason we cannot cultivate discernment is that we are overoccupied with gaining possessions, something which characterizes many of the consumption societies of our times. Again, the Fathers of the desert say that when our possessions increase, our love diminishes; when our love diminishes, the remembrance of God departs from our hearts; when the remembrance of God departs from our hearts, the mind is darkened and understanding is blinded; when  understanding is blinded, the power of discernment is obscured; when the power of discernment is obscured, the soul loses its vision; when the soul loses its vision and direction, our hearts are stirred up in a way where we cannot find peace; and where there is no peace, we will not be able to gain the knowledge of things that cannot be seen.

What is discernment? It is the ability to perceive God's will in every circumstance and to recognize one's thoughts. One cannot have discernment if one does if does not have humility. It is cultivated through listening, silence, prayer, and openness toward others — not through remaining in isolation[2], through disregard for others, self-sufficiency and self-certainty.

Discernment is connected to freedom. The more a person is enslaved by the unwillingness to change, by greed or anger, the less capable one can clearly perceive truth and will lack the ability to love.

One who is discerning is not harsh but compassionate. True discernment does not produce condemnation but radiates mercy. Whoever possesses discernment can recognize the truth that exists in another person. He or she will not remain confined to what appears externally but will be able to recognize what exists internally. Discernment does not allow us to remain in the past, but gives us a perspective toward the future, toward a love that is eternal.

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[1] Budge, Sir Wallis. Paradise of the Desert Fathers: Volumes 1 & 2 (p. 1179). (Function). Kindle Edition.

[2] Monasticism is not regarded as isolation. A monk becomes part of a community of people. Hermits, on the other hand, live in constant prayer and remain connected with the community of the saints and the angels.

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