“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
