Discernimiento Espiritual - 7. Gerardo Aste, SJ

Understanding the Connection Between Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual Bodies

The physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of an individual are intricately linked. Self-reflection aids in understanding one's spiritual state to make decisions aligned with it.

The Significance of Spiritual Body

• The psychological and physical bodies interact closely with the spiritual body.

• Self-examination helps detect one's spiritual state for making correct decisions.

Discerning Decisions Based on Consolation and Desolation

Decisions made in consolation are likely aligned with God's will, while those made in desolation may not be. Distinguishing between these states is crucial for decision-making.

Consolation vs. Desolation

• Decisions made in desolation are unlikely to align with God's will.

• Consolations may not always be from God; discernment is essential.

Exploring Spiritual Forces Behind Consolations and Desolations

Understanding the spiritual forces influencing internal movements aids in discerning decisions accurately.

Identifying Spiritual Forces

• Delving into the source of consolations helps distinguish between good and evil spirits.

Discernment Process: Separating Divine from Non-Divine Elements

Discerning involves distinguishing between what is divine (clear, open, transparent) and non-divine (murky, secretive).

Levels of Discernment

• Initial discernment involves recognizing divine traits like clarity versus non-divine traits such as secrecy.

Perceiving Satisfaction as a Sign of Divine Guidance

Satisfaction indicates alignment with God's will, while dissatisfaction signals a potential misalignment requiring further introspection.

Indicators of Divine Will

• Satisfaction after a decision suggests alignment with God's will.

• Dissatisfaction signifies potential misalignment requiring deeper examination.

Moving Beyond External Perceptions for Accurate Discernment

External perceptions can be imprecise; delving into internal motivations enhances decision-making accuracy.

Internal Examination

• External perceptions may lead to imprecise discernment; internal exploration is necessary.

Navigating Between Consolation and Desolation for Decision-Making

Choosing based on consolation or desolation requires self-awareness to ensure alignment with divine guidance.

Decision-Making Process

• Choosing during consolation aligns decisions with divine will.

Alternative Forces in Spiritual Battle

The discussion delves into the concept of two opposing spiritual forces that constantly vie for influence over individuals, representing a perpetual struggle between good and evil.

Understanding the Spiritual Conflict

• Two spiritual forces, diametrically opposed, engage in a perpetual battle with distinct objectives.

• Life is depicted as a cosmic struggle between these forces, with individuals choosing which force to align themselves with through their decisions.

• The forces aim to sway individuals towards either alignment without directly forcing them, solely suggesting paths through attraction.

Influence of Good and Evil Spirits on Decision Making

Explores how good and evil spirits influence decision-making processes by generating feelings of consolation or desolation.

Impact on Decision Making

• Good and evil spirits attract individuals through consolations and desolations, subtly guiding decision-making processes.

• Desolation induced by the evil spirit should deter immediate decision-making to avoid straying from God's path.

• The good spirit instills genuine consolations leading towards choices that align with God's will.

Discerning Between True and False Consolations

Discusses discernment between true consolations from the good spirit and false consolations from the evil spirit to make informed decisions aligned with divine will.

Identifying Consolations

• True consolations prompt choices that draw individuals closer to God by serving, uniting, forgiving, and facilitating positive actions.

• False consolations mislead individuals into temporary satisfaction but ultimately lead to emptiness due to their fleeting nature.

Remorse of Conscience: Good vs. Evil Influence

Explores how remorse of conscience can be influenced by both good and evil spirits, guiding individuals towards righteousness or deception.

Influence on Conscience

• Remorse of conscience induced by the good spirit aims at correcting wrongful actions for spiritual growth.

• The bad spirit generates true desolation or discomfort resembling remorse but serves to maintain individuals in sinful behaviors.

Manipulation Through Thoughts: Ignacio's Insights

Examines how thoughts are manipulated by spiritual forces for deceptive purposes as highlighted by Ignacio's perspective on three types of thoughts.

Manipulation of Thoughts

• Three categories of thoughts exist: those planted by the good spirit, those instigated by the bad spirit, and those originating from personal choice.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the presence of three types of thoughts: one's own thoughts stemming from true freedom and two external thoughts—one good and one bad. Examples are provided to illustrate how these thoughts influence decision-making processes.

Types of Thoughts

• The speaker introduces the concept of three types of thoughts: personal thoughts arising from genuine freedom, along with two external influences—one positive and one negative.

• An example is given where a negative thought arises, suggesting that it is futile to change due to age, discouraging positive action.

• Contrasting this, the speaker references biblical examples like Abraham to emphasize that age should not hinder change, highlighting the perspective of the good spirit.

• The discussion continues with an example where individuals justify actions by conforming to societal norms without questioning morality, indicating influence from the negative spirit.