Discernment
of Spirits
The appearance
of this little work is most timely because there is such a proliferation of
false visionaries and prophets who unfortunately succeeded in deceiving the
uninformed.
A word of
advice is in order. When we
consider the seriousness of this present life and the eternal consequences we
must inevitably face, there is no greater or more important knowledge that we
should have than to know something about the workings of God’s grace and
the workings of Satan’s wiles. Also, let the reader be persuaded that if
the great fathers of the desert and other saints have been most cautious in
judging spiritual matters how much more so those who have little or no
experience in these things.
One day, the
monks of the desert were gathered at a conference to examine which virtues
merit the first place.
Interestingly enough, the views were different. Since there were differing views as to
which virtues were to be given first place, St. Anthony stood up and said:
“All the means which you have recommended are useful and necessary for
those who thirst for God and would find him; but the experience of many and the
great number of failures does not permit us to believe that you have indicated
that principle infallible way.
How many times
have we seen religious observe vigils and rigorous fastings,
hiding themselves in solitude and depriving themselves
of the least bit of the means to nourish themselves for a single day. They have practiced with great zeal all
the works of charity and nevertheless fallen suddenly into tragic
illusions. And, instead of
terminating their task in fervor and holiness, have ended in a deplorable
state. In order to understand the principle
virtue, which leads to God, it suffices to find the cause of the illusions and falls
of the solitaries. They practiced
perfectly the virtues of which we have spoken. But, they lacked discretion and were
unable to persevere to the end. If
they have fallen, it is only because they have not listened to the teachings of
the ancient Fathers. They do not know how to acquire this virtue of discretion,
which leads between extremes and teaches religious to follow the royal
road. Neither loosing themselves on the right by an excess of fervor nor falling
into the folly of presumption nor allowing themselves to be enticed on the left
by vices which lead to mediocrity and laxity under the pretext of preserving
the body.” (Cassiien, Coll.2,c2)
Such a work on
the discernment of spirits is most timely as was said because the traditional
guidance once available from competent individuals is practically
nonexistent. Even those who would
pretend to guide others soon betray their incompetency.
Modern errors can only breed errors in spirituality. The accompanying false spirituality that
is inevitable with Modernism is the Charismatic Movement. False philosophy and
false theology can only lead to a false spirituality and clearly a false
spirituality can only lead to eternal disaster.
The material
presented in this booklet is based on the sound and approved principles of
spirituality leading generous souls along the safe paths of authentic
mysticism.
It is my
sincere prayer and wish that all those who read and study to apply the
principles collected in this little work might soon learn the peace and blessings
of following Christ correctly.
Fr. Louis
Vezelis O.F.M. D.D.
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