Conference 4 – The Trinitarian Reality of Self-Giving Love /w Msgr. Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan
Summary: <br> <br> Conference 4 – The Trinitarian Reality of Self-Giving Love /w Msgr. Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan – Discerning Hearts Online Retreat<br> Retreat Directors: Monsignor John A. Esseff and Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM <br> Conference Four<br> The Principle and Foundation/Discernment of Spirits<br> If a person is to be helped to make good choices or to reform his/her life, the “why” and the “wherefore” of creation must be clearly understood.<br> The true spiritual foundation of life is the acceptance of the truth that we were made to praise, reverence, and serve God. We are to choose only what God wants us to choose…to be “unrestrictedly ready for whatever God wants for us”.<br> As the foundation of Judeo-Christian beliefs, traditions and laws, the Bible contains a range of stories that highlight humans’ relationships with each other and with God. In many instances, biblical stories depict conflicts between the expectations of God and the actions of humankind. It is often within these stories of disobedience that significant lessons regarding actions and outcomes can be found.<br> All things on the face of the earth are created with a view to us; they are many proofs of the Creator’s esteem and care for us. All things on the face of the earth have been created to help us, to be of service to us. This brings out the sovereignty of human beings over the whole of creation.<br> However, because of original sin, we are fallen creatures who are by no means able to handle well all created things. The only things that were left to Adam and Eve after their disobedience were human life and free will. Whatever has been made and given to us constitutes a potential danger – even good things like health, riches, honor, a long life.<br> Those who desire from their hearts to be united with the will of God, so as to<br> gain salvation, must of necessity serve God and His only begotten Son with their<br> whole minds and with an entire will. “Perfection is neither more nor less than the soul’s faithful co-operation with God.” (Jean Pierre De Caussade)<br> Discernment of Spirits<br> Galatians 5: 16 “If you are guided by the Spirit (Holy Spirit) you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence…by their fruits you shall know them.”<br> Discernment means to sift through, distinguish, separate and divide the interior movements that result from a lifelong relationship with God. It is the process of noticing, paying attention to one’s feelings, thoughts, experiences, and relationships. Discernment is the process of distinguishing between/among two or more good paths, directions or choices. It is the disciplined inner work of an individual or group to sift through what is a private/personal good and what is the common good – for something greater than oneself.<br> St. Ignatius’ Principles for Making Prayerful Decisions – 7 basic attitudes:<br> openness, generosity, courage, interior freedom, habit of prayerful reflection,<br> having one’s priorities straight, not confusing ends with the means.<br> Fundamental Question:<br> What does God want of me? To find God’s Will.<br> 1 John 4: 1-6 In this text, John points out different spirits; one has to test<br> them to see if they come from God…to try to discern them.<br> John distinguishes the “world”. He means there are two principles operating in a person: 1) true: God loves the world<br> 2) false: language of the world, stressing what you do, not who you are…avoid suffering…you must succeed<br> …you must achieve…you cannot fail<br> GOOD —-EVIL Spirit. These are not entirely identified with the common<br> meanings. They may come from within or outside.<br> GOOD SPIRIT (interior or exterior) John: “Every spirit which acknowledges<br> that Jesus the Christ has come in the flesh…is from God.”<br> EVIL SPIRIT (interior: Sum total of all refusal to love in the human condition<br>
