Basic Discernment

To conquer oneself and regulate one’s life without determining oneself through any tendency that is disordered (Spiritual Exercises) As I have grown in my journey to the heart of Christ, I have realized that only in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, is there the grace that is necessary to recognize my sinfulness, to recognize apostolic opportunities, and the ability to read and contemplate Scripture as well as meditate in prayer. In our secular world that we live, work, and play in there are a multitude of voices that can take even a person with good intentions and turn them into one who is working not for the betterment of the Kingdom of God, but rather helping the Evil One accomplish his plan. St. Ignatius realized that it was necessary to carefully discern and test those influences to see if one was "moving towards God." From Father Timothy Gallagher's The Discernment of Spirits we read " The early Christians community knew, too, that it had to discern and test the various influences that affected it. St Paul understood that only through the Spirit could the community differentiate authentic from false prophetic utterances and charismatic phenomena. Even leaders has to pass the test the test of the Spirit, for they could sometimes be false and deceitful workers". " The early Christians were thus exhorted to follow the Spirit, and to be guided by the Spirit" How do we know we are working in cooperation with the Holy Spirit and not being fooled? St. Ignatius established a " Set of Rules" for becoming aware and understanding the "movements" which are caused in the soul. Jesus says in Matthew 5:48 "Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect". Through a method of discerning you can recognize your failings, make decisions that are bringing you closer to God, develop a deeper prayer life, and work daily towards the perfection we should all strive for. God Bless