DISCERNMENT

Per Ignatius, we are constantly battling two yearnings: ours influenced by the world and Gods. To help us make decisions, he developed the discernment of the spirits.

But how do we decide what God wants? WE DISCERN & BE INDIFFERENT

Discernment means to constantly search for the truth that aligns our life to the will of God. Indifferent means be completely open to what is God is asking you to do in order to honor and glorify Him. It also means having the faith that God desires your happiness. You may not understand why He is asking you to do it, but you are willing to trust Him because He loves you and wants to see you glorify Him through everything and anything.

How do we do this?

1. 2. 4.

Figure out the decision that needs to be made.

Pray for guidance and indifference. 3. Make a list of positives and negatives of the decision and weigh possible outcomes. Listen to the yearning of the spirits? Are you in consolation or desolation? What is the definition of spiritual consolation and spiritual desolation? Counselor Inclination towards Emotional reaction Causes Spiritual Consolation Good spirit removes obstacles and allows you to go forward in doing good. Being infused by love of / for Christ and to do His work Tears shed, whether for joy or sorrow, are for the praise and service of God. Increase of faith, hope, love, and an interior joy that attracts peace and quiet of the Lord. Spiritual Desolation Evil spirit raises obstacles, clouds your vision of good, and does not allow you to advance. Darkness of the soul, turmoil of the spirit, and has an inclination for the low and earthly. Tears shed are of sadness and loneliness, as if, fully separated from God. Disturbance and temptation which leads to a want of love, a want of faith, and a want of faith.

Why am I suffering spiritual desolation? Does God not love me? We have been neglecting our faith and we turn to ourselves. God wants to see how much we our worth. God wants to reveal to us a true understanding and knowledge of ourselves (That we are not the ones who achieve consolation, but by His grace and love He gives it to us.). What should I do if I am experiencing spiritual consolation or desolation? Spiritual Consolation Make decisions and continue to pray that they being made in honor of God and not yourself. Be humble and recall how weak you were in desolation and how you need to use this time wisely. Remember your desolation and strengthen yourself in Lord for the next time you are faced with desolation. Spiritual Desolation Do not make decisions or changes to previous decisions, but remember what brought you here. We must pray, meditate, examine ourselves, and have patience and perseverance. Remember God allows us to be tested and gives us the strength and the grace to overcome it. Spiritual consolation will eventually return.

Decision Action

Reminder

5. Pray and ask God to confirm your actions and to continue to guide you. Questions Am I allowing Him to guide me? What do I want the Lord to for me? .. Am I a false follower? .. Scriptural response Galatians 5:16-25 Mark 10:46-52 Luke 9:57-62

My burden is heavy and I am weak, help me! .. Is my hear divided? .

Matthew 11:25-30 Matthew 13:4-9, 18-23