Discover how confession, repentance, and love for God lead to lasting spiritual transformation utilizing Ignatius” second rule of discernment, and most importantly, learn how to begin your fight against habitual sin. 🔥You know that there are battles all around us. But did you know about the battle in – and for – your mind? Learn … Read more
“At the earlier stages of the spiritual life, the emphasis falls on weeding out the sinful and self-centered habits that are constricting the action of God’s grace in our lives. As we grow, the emphasis changes.” – Fr. John Bartunek
Sin blocks emotional healing so we need God's grace to help us. How do we get into a state of grace? By making a good confession. Check out free resources below for making a good confession. Free root sin workbook download here: https://bit.ly/44G8QKR Free examen of conscience download here: https://bit.ly/3ZYrURT 🎥Please consider subscribing! What questions … Read more
Do you find yourself confessing the same sin every week in confession? Habitual sin isn’t just about weakness—it’s spiritual warfare. In this short, we introduce Ignatius’ Rules of Discernment and explain why Rule 1 is the wake-up call many need. Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/5y08u4m33Tg 🎥Please consider subscribing! What questions do you have after watching … Read more
In this episode of The Devil is in the Details, Dan and Jordan Burke dive into Rule One of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Discernment of Spirits—a rule that exposes how many are cycling down the drain of sin, and how the enemy can put thoughts into your mind. They unpack how the enemy flatters and … Read more
“His mercy is free except for this price: we must surrender our pride, admit our need, and open the door.” – Monsignor Charles Pope
A Reflection from “God’s Influencer” by Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano Carlo Acutis’s Plan of Life Carlo was mature as a child and mature as an adolescent. He didn’t waste time, but rather used it in the best way possible. Carlo always repeated that time and life are a gift that God gives us to … Read more
“In the First Luminous Mystery, Jesus humbly and obediently repeats both consent and descent—this time taking His own deliberate step into the waters of the Jordan to be baptized, a sign He is willing to take on not only our physical condition but our spiritual condition as well. – Grace Abruzzo
“What the monks learned by experience was that such practices prepare the mind to receive special illuminations from Holy Spirit for purposes of understanding Scripture.” – Fr. James Brent
Appendix D – Quotations on Hell St. Alphonsus Liguori: Our most important affair is that of our eternal salvation; upon it depends our happiness or misery for ever. This affair will come to an end in eternity, and will decide whether we shall be saved or lost forever; whether we shall have acquired an eternity of … Read more
“The Lord is inviting us to regularly inspect our own fortress—our invaluable soul—to learn its vulnerabilities and build up our defenses with His help.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“I knew deep down that I was likely being tempted, but it was difficult to cut through the noise on my own.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“St. Benedict leaves us with this sound advice from his renowned Rule: ‘As soon as wrongful thoughts come into your heart, dash them against Christ and disclose them to your spiritual father.’” – Megan Hjelmstad
“Though everything for 1,875 square miles around the chapel’s 5-acre property burned (by way of comparison, the Great Chicago Fire burned 3 ½ square miles), the flames never touched the land where Mary had appeared.” – FB Smit
“St. Ignatius entreats us to labor, to be patient, and to remember God’s opposing truth: this desolation is passing in nature.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“There is a restlessness in your soul, and you seek out a director who will guide you in your desire to know God.” – Deanna Bartalini
“A commitment we have previously discerned is our predetermined weapon; it is our confidence in employing it that can make all the difference when the spiritual battle heats up.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“I began to feel unwell; a chronic illness flareup had come out of nowhere. By the next morning, I was doubled over in pain.” – Megan Hjelmstad
© 2026 Spiritual Direction. All rights reserved.
