“If we keep to the point of reference we will proceed with all assurance, as though along a carefully drawn line. If our minds wander a little from this we can come back to it again and keep our eyes on it, using it as a standard by which to give ourselves sure guidance.” Instead of setting the monk up for failure, knowing full well the tricks of the heart, he accepts missteps, while calmly yet forcefully giving them a way back to the right course of action.  

While personal honesty and a willingness to examine one’s conscience goes without saying, only a fool would believe, Cassian counsels, that purity of heart can be achieved alone. The tendency to ignore or deny parts of our personality that are in need of healing is so easy. Even good deeds and thoughts can become a cover that blind us to our true self.

Cassian acknowledges how we all prefer to be guided by our own ideas and our tendency to let pride cover proper thinking. The best way to avoid these traps is to be humble. Everything “is submitted to the scrutiny of our elders.” This is to ensure that one trusts one’s judgement in nothing.” The ongoing discernment with an elder (not simply someone old but must be a person who is wise) becomes a way of life that examines one’s motives and is constantly in search of the way to perfection. Couple this with a life lived in community, leads to a life that is less likely filled with fuzzy thinking and/or arrogance.  

Cassian gives us much to reflect upon during these winter months.