What St. Francis and St. Dominic have done, that, by God's grace, I will do.
Saint IgnatiusRead
Little by little he came to recognize the difference between the spirits that agitated him, one from the enemy and one from God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the gradual understanding of the influences that motivate us, distinguishing between positive divine inspiration and negative impulses.
Saint Ignatius speaks to the journey of self-awareness and spiritual discernment. Over time, he came to recognize that the thoughts and feelings that stirred within him could be attributed to either divine guidance or opposing, negative forces. This realization underscores the importance of being attuned to our inner experiences and the dual nature of influences we experience in life, allowing for better choices and personal growth.
Themes
SpiritualityDiscernmentUnderstandingInfluenceSelf-Awareness
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the importance of discernment in spiritual practices.
More from Saint Ignatius
All quotes βRemember that the good angels do what they can to preserve men from sin and obtain God's honor. But they do not lose courage when men fail.
Saint IgnatiusRead
In the matter of learning, the difference between the earnest and the careless student stands out clearly. The same holds true in the mastering of passion and the weaknesses to which our nature is subject, as in the acquiring of virtue.
Saint IgnatiusRead
It is proper to ask for sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, tears and deep grief because of the great affliction Christ endures for me.
Saint IgnatiusRead
Be slow to speak, and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings, and wishes of those who do speak. Thus you will better know when to speak and when to be silent.
Saint IgnatiusRead
It is a great delusion in those whose understanding has been darkened by self-love, to think that there is any obedience in the subject who tries to draw the superior to what he wishes.
Saint IgnatiusRead
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