Spiritual Integrity and Discerning the Spirits

We once had a visiting priest who, in his homily, spoke of the importance of intellectual honesty, integrity of the intellect. He emphasized not to accept small lies, little things we know not to be true. He used his own example of being told he had a lousy voice which he believed all his life until an inspired choir director told him he should sing. However, there are many more common and detrimental ways that we accept small lies and ignore the voice inside us that objects to them. That little ‘voice’ is the Holy Spirit protecting us by firing up unrest in our conscience at the presence of untruths. 

Yet how easy it is to ignore the Spirit and go with the lie. Growing up it was called our “God-given conscience” that directed us. And I liken it to having Jiminy Cricket inside shouting “Pinocchio, don’t listen to that man, don’t go with those boys!”. How often poor Jiminy was ignored; how often we ignore the Spirit inside us. 

In his classic book Spiritual Theology, the esteemed spiritual theologian Fr. Jordan Aumann gives us a list on how these bad spirits work practically in our lives (adapted with my explanation). These give us much material for our daily examen:  

• The spirit of falsity Scripture tells us the devil is the father of lies and that there is no truth in him (John 8:44). He conceals his deceit by half truths. A half-truth is half a lie! And while he cannot read our thoughts, since our conception he has been observing our expressions and body language as well as life experiences. Unfortunately, he is more determined to steer us away from God’s truth than we are to embrace it. ☹ The examen question is: why am I grasping for partial truth rather than allowing God to form me in His truth?
• The spirit of morbid curiosity This spirit lures people into desiring mystical phenomena or have a fascination with the occult or preternatural. Often underlying this is a false confidence in our own belief and knowledge of the faith. Even if we believe ourselves to be in a ‘state of grace’ (no mortal sin, receiving the Sacraments), this pride is the door opener to diabolic activity in our life. Examen question: all I need in life is that which serves me in serving God. Why am I seeking these things that I don’t need? Why am I risking my salvation?
• The spirits of confusion, anxiety, and sadness These often erupt suddenly and without reason (which distinguishes them from natural desolation). We lose confidence in God’s love for us, lose perseverance in practices of the faith like praying or daily mass attendance. The spirit of confusion can even attack you as you wait in line for confession or approach the Eucharist for Holy communion! Remember Ignatius’ rule 5: make no changes when in spiritual desolation. Also keep in mind that merit is in proportion to the love with which the good action is done. Persevering in faith while under desolation brings more grace into the world—the world needs your perseverance! Examen question: Do I persevere in my spiritual practices come rain or shine… in consolation and in desolation? Or just when it is easy?
• The spirit of obstinacy There are only two standards, God’s and Satan’s, and the Holy Spirit doesn’t inspire stubbornness! Examen question: why am I so attached to my opinions, thinking, preferences and having things my way? Can I let go of my false rationale for my choices? Why is it so tempting not too?
• The spirit of constant indiscretion and a restless spirit Those who go to extremes in their work hours… in their apostolic activity… in their penitential exercises… while neglecting their primary obligations to provide and care for their family. Examen question: Am I doing what God wants me to do with my life? Or what I want to do? Is my lack of moderation in activities an escape from something that troubles me?
• The spirits of pride, vanity and false humility These are the people who walk around speaking softly as if they are always in a mystical state with God. They weave into conversations their ‘visions’ or ‘revelations’. A true experience of God in the soul leaves it humbled. Rather than eager to be on parade, they protect these intimate experiences. Examen question: Am I willing to pray, work, and suffer in secret – to please God alone? Why do I desire attention or affirmation?
• The spirits of disobedience and hardness of heart Obedience is foundational to humility; it is an exercise in humility. We must be humble because God is humble. Disobedience is an exercise that hardens the heart. Examen question: Am I truly willing to follow God’s will? ? Does this effect my obedience and loyalty to the Holy Mother Church?
• The spirits of impatience in suffering and stubborn resentment Any resentment towards another has some root of resentment towards God. The root of impatience is a lack of trust in God. Examen question: Am I willing to suffer for the love of God and the salvation of souls? Or do I resist the cross by constant complaining, losing precious graces for myself and others? If the latter, when and why?
• The spirits of uncontrolled passions and strong inclination to sensuality When this occurs in prayer, it is typically a desire for interior experiences with God or the fruits of His Spirit active within us. We want to ‘feel’ Him sensibly and what we deem (even insist) to be mystical experiences are actually our own psyche. Exteriorly, the person appears very holy while at the same time passively self-absorbed and seeking sensible comforts in both spiritual and non-spiritual matters. Examen question: Why am I afraid to admit that which I deem to be God is really just my imagination?
• The spirit of excessive attachment to sensible consolations, a close sibling of the previous spirit for sure! This person is seeking the gifts rather than the Giver. Those who seek the hand of God think “what’s in it for me?” whereas those who seek the face of God only want to love God for who He is. Examen question: Am I faithful to my holy hour and other spiritual practices when dryness or desolation drives out consolation? Do I give my all to God, even when I have nothing left to give? Or do I find it ‘unfulfilling’?
• The spirits of hypocrisy, simulation, and duplicity A lack of true integrity, not walking the talk of faith. Sometimes trying to be all things to all people or feigning to appear a certain way. Examen question: In my communications and relations with others today, have I been sincere and authentic? When I go to confession, am I transparent to my Confessor?
• The spirit of a lack of devotion to Jesus and Mary Intellectually we may know the importance of devotion to Jesus and Mary, but in desolation our will and zeal to do so is suppressed. Examen question: What can I learn from Jesus’ love of His mother? What can I learn from Mary’s love of her Son?

Warning: when reflecting upon these, have pen and paper handy as a confession list is sure to form! You can see how each of these compromises the integrity with which we live our faith. And yet none of these spirits can withstand the Glory of our Lord who loves you so much. 

”When a soul recognizes the will of God and shows a readiness to submit to it entirely, then God gives himself to such a soul and renders it most powerful succor under all circumstances” (Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade, SJ)

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam 😊

(Image by Emma Shappley on Unsplash)