In his catechesis at the audience, Pope Francis reflects on how to understand if we are making the right decisions. He indicates two elements: inner peace and freedom.
(Vatican News Network). In order to establish whether the decision we made was correct, some important elements help to interpret it at a later time. On the morning of December 7, during the public audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis continued his catechism on spiritual discernment, emphasizing the above.
According to the Pope, the signs of our lives can confirm whether the decisions we have made are correct. “One of the hallmarks of goodwill is the communication of lasting peace. This peace brings harmony, unity, passion and zeal,” he said.
For example, the Pope said, if a person decides to add another half hour to his prayers. Later, he discovered that he lived better throughout the day, that he was less worried, that he was more attentive to work and that he had more serene relationships with usually difficult people. This is the sign of a good decision. “Spiritual life is cyclical: a good choice benefits all aspects of our life because it participates in God’s creative work”.
The Pope then recalled that there are two elements that help us discern the decisions we make. The first element is a feeling of “clear conscience” in life, usually part of a larger plan.
The Pope cited the example of St. Peter’s Square, from where the foci of the two ellipses see Bernini’s colonnades perfectly aligned. Similarly, when our day is organized and new energy is added, we know that we are making a good decision.
Furthermore, another element of discernment in making good decisions is being “free” about the decisions we make, accepting criticism of these decisions and trying to find God’s teachings in them. precious to us, but live freely with it without attachment. Only God knows what is truly good for us,” the Pope said.
Pope Francis has also emphasized that possessiveness is the opposite of good intentions. Many cases of domestic violence are often caused by a desire to own the feelings of others. “One can love only with freedom, for this reason the Lord created us to be free, even to say no”.
The Pope concluded by affirming that “the fear of God is respect for God”, which is an indispensable condition for receiving the grace of God’s wisdom (see De 1,1-18), which helps to discern spiritually. “This awe casts out all fear, for it longs for the Lord of all things.”
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