“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
Jesus presents Himself to us today as the Good Shepherd who does not want to lose even one of His sheep, nor does He spare any pains to lead them all to salvation. – Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalen
“This is why St. Ignatius invites us to both humility and confidence in Rule Eleven, reminding us of God’s merciful grace in consolation and sufficient strength in desolation.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“When we feel strong and consoled in our relationship with the Lord, it is the perfect time to earnestly beg His loving help for times of future weakness, doubt, and desolation.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“This is a humbling realization for those of us often tempted by self-reliance, perfectionism, or productivity: we cannot manufacture consolation any more than we can manufacture authentic connection in any human relationship.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“St. Ignatius entreats us to labor, to be patient, and to remember God’s opposing truth: this desolation is passing in nature.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“Satan suggests that God has abandoned us or does not care enough help us, which seems to confirm our natural feelings of fear, isolation, or confusion.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“With heavenly matters, we must sometimes wait patiently, for years, until God chooses, in His own perfect timing, to act.” – Glenn Dickinson
“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