...we must first scrutinize thoroughly anything appearing in our hearts or any saying suggested to us. Has it come purified from the divine and heavenly fire of the Holy Spirit? Or does it lean toward Jewish superstition? Is its surface piety something which has come down from bloated worldly philosophy? We must examine this most carefully, doing as the apostle bids us: 'Do not believe in every spirit, but make sure to find out if spirits are from God'.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of discerning the origins of our thoughts and beliefs to ensure they align with divine truth rather than human superstition or worldly philosophy.
John Cassian highlights the necessity of critically examining our inner thoughts and the messages we receive. He urges us to evaluate whether these influences are genuinely inspired by the Holy Spirit or if they stem from misguided beliefs and worldly philosophies. This reflection is crucial to ensure that our understanding and convictions are rooted in divine truth rather than in human tradition or superficial piety.
In practice
During a spiritual retreat, one might share this quote to encourage participants to reflect on the authenticity of their beliefs.
We are often indifferent to our brethren who are distressed or upset, on the grounds that they are in this state through no fault of ours. The Doctor of souls, however, wishing to root out the soul's excuses from the heart, tells us to leave our gift and to be reconciled not only if we happen to be upset by our brother, but also if he is upset by us, whether justly or unjustly; only when we have healed the breach through our apology should we offer our gift.
If you wish to attain to true knowledge of the Scriptures, hasten to acquire first an unshakeable humility of heart. That alone will lead you, not to the knowledge that puffs up, but to that which enlightens, by the perfecting of love.
The Doctor of our souls has placed the remedy in the hidden regions of the soul.
Those who have a tolerable knowledge of human nature will not stand in need of such lights.
A southern moon is a sodden moon, and sultry. When it swamps the fields and the rustling sandy roads and the sticky honeysuckle hedges in its sweet stagnation, your fight to hold on to reality is like a protestation against a first waft of ether.
Providence so orders the case, that faith and prayer come between our wants and supplies, and the goodness of God may be the more magnified in our eyes thereby.
Life is simple. Everything happens for you, not to you. Everything happens at exactly the right moment, neither too soon nor too late. You don't have to like it... it's just easier if you do.
True perfection is a bold quest to seek. Only the willing and true of heart will seek the betterment of many.
Every decent man of our age must be a coward and a slave. That is his normal condition. Of that I am firmly persuaded. He is made and constructed to that very end. And not only at the present time owing to some casual circumstance, but always, at all times, a decent man is bound to be a coward and a slave.
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