“We have not understood the need to chart a middle course through the shoals of extremes. Rather, we delight in subjecting ourselves to such extremes. This is not the path of (discernment).”
That quote is from a discussion of the Desert Fathers St. Anthony and John Cassian. Reading the quote took me into a deep dive both of Latin and spiritual seeking to understand. Cassian talked about discernment (the power of choosing our way with discretion-Latin discretio).
The writer of the discussion continues, “We have become saturated in ineffectual decorative feelings and activities without aim.”
I am not sure why my eyes were brought to this passage. Was it the extreme of emotions of the recently completed (thank God) political campaign season? Was it because I need a message to remind me of the need to discern the way? To remember to navigate through the shoals with a strong inner spiritual life? Not blown into the rocks of extreme emotions or aimless activities?
Reading ancient spiritual leaders reminds me always to ground myself in the spirit of God.
Faith Venture 
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