One way to discern between good and evil is to look within and question one’s thoughts, including the negative thoughts that poison our lives – this is what Pope Francis spoke about in his catechism at his public audience. He recalled the experience of Saint Augustine and Saint Ignatius.
(Vatican news network) On the morning of October 19, Pope Francis hosted a public reception in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, continuing the theme of the catechism on spiritual discernment. This time the pope reflected on “another essential ingredient” of discernment: his own life story. “Our lives are the most precious ‘books’ they give us,” the Pope explained.
“Unfortunately, many people don’t read this book, or they read it when it is too late. However, it is in this book that people find what they have otherwise earned in vain.”
Quoting Saint Augustine, the Pope pointed out that the “exceptional seeker of truth” went through this entire interior journey, saw the presence of God in his life and even wrote these words: “You are in me and I am outside. I am looking for you; I am ugly, I run towards the dazzling things you have created. You are with me, but I am not with you. (“Confessions”, Vol. 10, 27)
St. Augustine then launched this invitation: “Return to yourself, and the truth resides in the inner world of man. See how you walked. Look calmly and come back to yourself”.
“Many times we have also had the experience of Augustine and we have found ourselves trapped in cliched messages that are far from our own minds and hurt us. For example: ‘I’m worth nothing’ and you are down; ‘I am everything If it doesn’t work out. well, ‘you are lethargic;’ I will never be able to do anything ‘, then you are broken and life goes on like this. These pessimistic words make you unable to hold your head up. “
“Looking at one’s life story also means recognizing the existence of these ‘toxic’ elements, but then expanding the plot of our story, learning to notice other things, making the experience more fulfilling and respectful of its complexity,” he said. the Pope. sex, but also appreciating the kind way God works in our lives ”.
The question posed by the exercise of discernment, the Pope explained, prompts us to reflect deeply on our actions, not to stop at each one, but to interpret them in a broader context. Let us ask ourselves, for example, where does a thought come from and where does it lead us? Looking at the events of our life allows us to see precious details, the Pope said.
“For example, a reading, a service, an encounter that at first glance seems irrelevant, then conveys serenity, joie de vivre and inspires new acts of kindness. Stop and recognize that this is Essential. Pause for discernment: this is important for discernment, the work of collecting those precious and hidden pearls that the Lord has sown in our land ».
The Pope said: “Goodness is secret and silent, and needs to be brought to light slowly and continuously. This is because God’s style is discreet: God loves to act with discretion, secretly and not forcing people. As well as we breathe air, we cannot see the air, but we live it, and it is only when it is missing that we notice it “.
The Pope went on to say that looking back on one’s life helps to “train the eye” to see the “little miracles” that God has done for us and to show us new ways. “It has been wisely pointed out that people who don’t understand their past are bound to repeat it.” The Pope invites everyone to tell others about their life because “it is the most beautiful and intimate form of communication”.
“The life of the saints is also a precious help to recognize God’s style in our life and to familiarize ourselves with the way He acts. Some manifestations of saints invite us, show us new meanings and new times. So it happened with Saint Ignatius of Loyola, for example. “
The Jesuit patriarch wrote that he found “some thoughts to grieve him, others to delight him”. Slowly, he began to “recognize the different factors that bothered him.” We can learn to do the same, the Pope said.
“For example, at the end of each day we ask ourselves: what happened to my heart today? Some think that this examination of conscience is an account of the sins committed. It is true that we have committed many sins, but this examination is not, No. It is about what is going on inside of me. I’m happy? What makes me happy? I’m sad? What makes me sad? In this way we can learn to discern what is going on inside of us. “
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