Obtaining Discretion

We cannot obtain discretion by ourselves--it is a gift from God (1 Cor. 12:8-11).  Nevertheless, we must always seek to obtain discretion in order to avoid errors and waywardness (The Conferences: 2.1.4).

In this conference Abba Moses shares a short discourse given by St. Anthony the Great on discretion.  St. Anthony points out that when discretion is lacking, our thoughts and deeds fall into darkness (Matt. 6:22-23).  How can we avoid such darkness?  By obtaining the virtues and being filled with the gladsome Light Who is Christ.  Only by discretion can we assure that the virtues will endure in us to the end (2.2.4; 2.4.4), because thoughts and deeds themselves proceed from discretion (2.2.6).  We always have the free will to discretely allow or disallow whatever thoughts come into our minds.  Thus, discretion is needed to preserve inner peace.

A Pilgrim's Way

"If Christ was punished on our behalf, then we are never forgiven, because punishment and forgiveness are mutually exclusive.... This is the concept of God, which is really the foundation of modern atheism." - Archbishop Lazar Puhalo

Cassian on His Conferences

"Our ignorance, O holy brothers, has cast as much light for you as it could on the knowledge and teaching of the illustrious fathers. Even if perchance our unskilled language has confused it instead of clarifying it, I pray that our blameworthy rudeness not nullify the renown of our Judge to lay bare this magnificent teaching, if one reflects upon its sublime insights, the offensive boorishness of our words cannot hinder the reader's profit. And we ourselves are concerned more about usefulness than renown. To be sure, I advise all into whose hands these little works may fall to realize that whatever is pleasing in them is from the fathers, whereas whatever is displeasing is ours." (The Conferences: 17.30.3)

"It remains for the spiritual zephyr of your prayers to accompany me now, tossed about as I have been thus far by a most dangerous tempest, to the safe harbor of silence." (24.26.19)

Now to that great harbor of silence...