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Little by little he came to recognize the difference between the spirits that agitated him, one from the enemy and one from God.
Saint Ignatius
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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

What St. Francis and St. Dominic have done, that, by God's grace, I will do.
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Remember 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A little wisdom, now and then

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