St. John of the Ladder writes “we ought first to question and examine, and even, so to speak, test our helmsman, so as not to mistake the sailor for the pilot, a sick man for a doctor, a passionate for a dispassionate man, the sea for a harbor, and so bring about the speedy shipwreck of our soul.” While he was writing for monastics, it is also important that non-monastic believers use discernment when selecting a spiritual father. In this episode, Fr. Anthony talks with Fr. Gregory about this, starting with the idea that the way the priest preaches and interacts with people during coffee hour serves as a sort of job interview for selection as confessor. Fr. Gregory is an ideal interlocutor on this, not just because he has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Spiritual Direction, but because he has faced significant challenges during his priestly service and come through them stronger and, glory to God, wiser. You can read Fr. Gregory’s work at his substacks, Father Speak a Word (on the Desert Fathers) and Orthodox Social Thought, from Cruelty to Charity. You can also follow him on X/Twitter at @frgregoryj. He is the priest of Sts. Cyril and Methodius mission in Madison WI. Enjoy the show!
Preaching as a Job Interview for Confession
November 18, 2023 By
