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General Discussion
St. Ignatius says in Rule 2 of his first set of rules that the enemy will "bite, sadden, and place obstacles, disquieting with false reasons" those who are striving to go from good to better. I have noticed that these obstacles and false reasonings often begin with the words: "What if . . ." Here are some examples:
“What if my family or my friends reject me when they see that I'm changing?"
"What if I tell a spiritual director or priest about this sin and he yells at me, laughs at me, or just loses respect for me?"
"What if I commit myself to regular prayer and I just can't keep it up?"
"If I get married, what if I turn out to be a bad father?"
"If I enter the seminary, what if I don't make it and have to go home a failure?"
"If I become a spiritual director, what if I give someone bad advice and hurt them?"
"What if God keeps asking me for more and more?"
While observing confidentiality and discretion, can you describe any other pattterns (not necessarily "What if's") that you have noticed in this biting, saddening, disquieting, etc. of the enemy in such persons? The discussion might help us to more easily and quickly recognize these tactics of the enemy within ourselves and those we assist.
I am from Melbourne, Australia. Baptised Catholic from birth. Grew up in India and educated by Loreto nuns. Growing up Catholic was a way of life at home and in community. I had school friends from other religions but we didn't argue about who is right. Neighbours too. They enquired of us about our traditions and observed us going to church and festival celebrations. I never questioned other faiths. I owe my faith today through trials to my parents, teachers, priests and nuns. Now I am a grandparent and semi retired. Worked as secretary all my working life. I love my Catholic faith and attend weekly Mass, other Catholic programs and prayer groups. I have watched Fr Gallaghers programs and have one of his books.