“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
“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
“As we persevere against one desolation, it’s not uncommon for Satan to pivot and distract us with another.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“Consolation increases our confidence in God and helps us to rely more on His unfailing strength.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“As we start responding to God’s “pricks” of grace and stop allowing unhealthy pleasures to rule over reason, we begin to overcome sinful enticements. In response, the actions of God and Satan seem to switch.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“St. Ignatius tells us that when we’re committing sin, Satan will try to keep us enslaved to ongoing sin by making it look attractive or feel good.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“Saint Ignatius created the Rules of Discernment for us as a sort of spiritual ‘flare’ or night vision device to cut through the fog.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“Legend tells of the seamless robe which the Blessed Virgin wove for Jesus; but, for us–and in reality–she has done much more. She has cooperated in obtaining the garment of our eternal salvation, the wedding garment in which we shall enter the banquet hall of heaven.” – Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalen
“As motives continue to be examined, the retreatant prays an exercise known as the Three Classes of Men. The purpose of this exercise is ‘to choose that which is better’ (Sp. Ex. 149).” – Debra Black