Episode 1392: The Devil hates our Intuition. Why?

If you ever get into the funk or you find yourself waking up somewhat dejected remember always “Don’t worry start praying”. Christ will always work through your intuition. So, you may ask “what’s that mean?”

He is best known for his works on moral theology, spirituality, and devotion, but he didn't delve extensively into the topic of intuition.

Intuition, in a general sense, refers to the ability to understand or know something without the need for conscious reasoning or analysis. It is often associated with insights or gut feelings. St. Alphonsus Liguori had many spiritual and theological traditions that focused on the role of inner discernment and inspiration in the context of faith and the Catholic life. That is why I spoke about the retreat at the beginning.

If you have never gone on a weekly Ignatian retreat you do not know what you are missing. Why? Because like the Rosary the devil hates this spiritual discipline.

The Ignatian retreat was created by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the 16th-century Spanish Basque priest and theologian, is best known for founding the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and for his significant contributions to spiritual and theological thought, particularly through his work "The Spiritual Exercises." This work, a compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices, has had a profound influence on Christian spirituality and emphasizes the role of inner discernment and inspiration. Here are some key aspects of Ignatian spirituality related to this topic:

Discernment of Spirits: One of the central teachings of St. Ignatius is the "Discernment of Spirits." He believed that God communicates with individuals through the movements of their interior spiritual experiences, which he referred to as "spirits." These spirits can be either "good" (from God) or "bad" (from the enemy, referring to the devil or negative influences). The process of discernment involves recognizing and understanding these spiritual movements to make choices that align with God's will.

Inner Freedom: Ignatian spirituality stresses the importance of cultivating inner freedom. By detaching from inordinate attachments, desires, and fears, individuals become more open to God's promptings and inspirations. This inner freedom allows for a deeper surrender to God's will and the ability to make decisions with greater spiritual clarity.

Prayerful Reflection: Ignatian spirituality encourages prayerful reflection and imaginative contemplation. The Spiritual Exercises guide individuals through various scenes from the life of Christ and other biblical passages, inviting them to enter the narratives with their imagination and emotions. Through this practice, individuals can experience a personal encounter with God and gain insights into their own lives.

"Consolation and Desolation": Ignatius introduced the concepts of "consolation" and "desolation" as part of the discernment process. Consolation refers to experiences that bring spiritual joy, peace, and a deeper sense of God's presence. Desolation, on the other hand, involves experiences of spiritual unrest, doubt, and feelings of being distant from God. Understanding these interior movements can aid in making spiritual decisions and discerning God's guidance.

Ongoing Discernment: Ignatian spirituality views discernment as a continuous process, not just a one-time event. Individuals are encouraged to bring their daily experiences, decisions, and challenges to God in prayer, seeking guidance and inspiration regularly.

Overall, Ignatian spirituality is deeply centered on the belief that God actively communicates with individuals through their inner experiences and that by attentively listening and discerning these movements, one can come to a deeper understanding of God's will and purpose for their lives.

Now let's hear from the good father who does a much better job than me.