...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.
It's interesting because I think class is a heavy, heavy part of 'Moonlight,' and I think, in a certain way, through the sum of all these parts, it's become a commentary on the black experience in America.
Do you ever suddenly find it strange to be yourself?
Repentance is the key with which we can unlock the prison from inside. We hold that key within our hands, and agency is ours to use it.
To find a cause that's larger than yourself and then to give your life to it.
I never came across anyone in whom the moral sense was dominant who was not heartless, cruel, vindictive, log-stupid, and entirely lacking in the smallest sense of humanity. Moral people, as they are termed, are simple beasts.
If we have never had the experience of taking our commonplace religious shoes off our commonplace religious feet, and getting rid of all the undue familiarity with which we approach God, it is questionable whether we have ever stood in his presence.
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