REJOICE AND BE GLAD CHAPTER FIVE 19

5 Spiritual Combat,
Vigilance and
Discernment

In this final section of Gaudete et Exsultate, we are

reminded that the Christian life is not easy, being a
battle not only with the world, but also with evil. Much
discernment is required.

OPENING PRAYER
Jesus, give me the courage to live out the Christian
path of holiness that you are calling me to. I the steps towards holiness. We can’t be ‘neutral’ in this
acknowledge that it will not be easy. I pray for endeavour, but should strive to foster goodness and
strength and perseverance in my journey. I trust that continually grow in love. Vigilance is required, so that
you are with me: send your Spirit to guide me in the we don’t become complacent and self-satisfied. We
way that leads to fullness of life. Give me a discerning need to be attentive even to subtle ways that we can be
heart so that I can follow your will for me in my life. deceived by evil or forms of self-centredness, so that our
Amen. spiritual life does not get weakened or corrupted.

CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A BATTLE FOR REFLECTION / DISCUSSION

There are many battles in attempting to live out an Q. How would you describe a ‘worldly’ mentality
authentic Christian life. We can be deceived when we give compared to God’s way?
in to the world’s values and a worldly mentality; and our
own human weaknesses pose obstacles as well. However, Q. How do you understand the role of evil in people’s
there is also a real and constant struggle with evil which is lives or in the world?
present in our midst. Q. What helps you to stay strong in your spiritual life?
Pope Francis speaks of the reality of the devil, not as just Q. Can you describe a time when you overcame a
an idea or figure of speech, but rather as a personal being negativity in your life? How did you do it?
who assails us. If we water this down and let down our
guard, then we can be more vulnerable to despair, hatred
and other negative practices that can be destructive in our DISCERNMENT
lives.
In order to work out which path to take, we need to be
Thankfully, in this constant struggle, we are given the able to discern what comes from the Holy Spirit and what
spiritual tools to persevere and overcome: “faith-filled does not. Discernment is more than just common sense,
prayer, meditation on the word of God, the celebration of but rather a gift from the Spirit that we should ask for and
Mass, Eucharistic adoration, sacramental Reconciliation, cultivate through prayer, reflection and guidance.
works of charity, community life, missionary outreach”
Discernment is really needed today given the many
(GE, 162).
options presented to us which all seem valid and good.
Jesus rejoices every time we make progress with little With the prevalence of an online culture, it is easy to
victories where we overcome any opposition. These are become caught up in every passing trend and not be able
20 REJOICE AND BE GLAD CHAPTER FIVE

to determine what is best for us. With each new element and interpret the inspirations we receive from God. We
in our life, discernment can help us to hold on to, and must have a readiness to listen - to the Lord, to others,
move forward, with what is good. We need to examine our and to reality itself. Listening allows us to put aside our
desires and anxieties within us, as well as the signs of the usual way of seeing things so that we can be open to
times around us, so that we can recognise the paths that the ‘more’ that God is offering us. This ‘more’ can be
will lead us to full freedom in Christ. “Test everything; challenging, but is always for our benefit. Let’s be open
hold fast to what is good” (1 Thess 5:21). to these disruptive calls.
This discernment is not only needed in extraordinary “In this way, we become truly open to accepting a call
situations, but all the time. It is the tool that will help us that can shatter our security, but lead us to a better life.
to “recognise God’s timetable” and be able to hear the It is not enough that everything be calm and peaceful.
promptings of the Spirit which is always inviting us God may be offering us something more, but in our
to grow. Pope Francis points out that “Often discernment comfortable inadvertence, we do not recognise it”
is exercised in small and apparently irrelevant things, (GE,172).
since greatness of spirit is manifested in simple everyday
It is important to remember that we are not discerning
realities” (GE, 169). We should strive for all that is
what we can get out of life for ourselves, but rather we
great, but at the same time also focus on each day’s
are discerning how to better live the mission we received
responsibilities and commitments. A daily “examination
at our Baptism - to continue the mission of Jesus of
of conscience” is a worthwhile exercise in this regard, to
bringing about the Kingdom of God in the world. This
help us see the workings of the Spirit across our day, and
involves some sacrifice on our part, and we are reminded
where we moved away from the path of holiness.
that the logic of God that we are following is that of the
We must remember that discernment is a grace, a gift Cross. This is the dynamic that leads Pope Francis to
that allows us to tap into the “unique and mysterious” remind us once again, as he did at the start of Gaudete
plan that God has for the real purpose of our lives. We et Exsultate, that God asks everything of us, yet God
have to be open to hearing this. God can reveal this to us also gives everything to us. Let’s not be afraid to open
in many ways, but it is essential that we make time for ourselves to the Holy Spirit to allow God to enter so that
silence in prolonged prayer so that we can better hear our lives can be brought to fulfilment as we carry out the
mission that is ours in the world.
 REJOICE AND BE GLAD CHAPTER FIVE 21

FOR REFLECTION / DISCUSSION Q. Is there anything holding you back from giving
Q. Do you take time to discern what God might be more to God?
calling you to? Do you make time for prolonged, Q. Are you open to a newness that might disrupt you?
silent prayer? In what ways could you incorporate Could you say ‘yes’ to this?
this style of prayer in your life?
Q. What do you think is the ‘everything’ that God
Q. Have you experienced a disruptive call of God? wants to give to us?

THE EXAMEN 2 Give thanks

The Examen is a Jesuit practice originating from St Give thanks for the gift of today and the many ways you
Ignatius of Loyola that looks prayerfully at our thoughts, have been blessed. Call to mind two or three things from
words and actions of each day. Through this spiritual today that you are grateful for. Thank God for them.
exercise, we become attentive to our lived experience,
and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we become aware 3 Review the day
of God’s presence in each part of our day. It allows us to
discern where we acted with love and where we failed to, Guided by the Holy Spirit, look back prayerfully at your
and resolve to better co-operate with God’s will tomorrow. whole day, at your thoughts, words and actions at each
Pope Francis encourages us to adopt this practice as a way moment. Notice how you acted in each situation, your
to grow in holiness each day. Try it now. If you are doing feelings and motives. Where were you loving? Where did
this exercise during the day, look over yesterday. If you are you turn away from loving? Think about specific people,
doing this exercise in the evening, look over today. Take places and events.
your time - allow 15 minutes. Where was God in each of these moments?
- Start with getting up in the morning – what was it like?
1 Ask God to be with you Where was God?
Take a moment to quieten down and let yourself enter - Move to the rest of your morning
into God’s presence. - Think about the middle of your day
- What was your afternoon like? Where was God there?
- Now move to the evening – what happened?
- Remember the end of your day - where was God present
to you?

4 Ask forgiveness
In the reflection on your day, you may have come across
some shortcomings and things that you regret. Remember
these, and express sorrow to God, asking God’s forgiveness
and the grace to do better.

5 Look to tomorrow
Was there anything especially meaningful that has come
up in your reflection? Speak to God about this.
Look toward the day to come, asking for God’s grace for
tomorrow, especially in the areas that you feel called to
improve. Resolve to cooperate and trust in God’s guidance.
22 REJOICE AND BE GLAD CHAPTER FIVE

JOURNALING – WORKING AT HOLINESS IN MY

LIFE
• What has spoken to me deeply during this time of
prayer?
• How do I see Jesus and my relationship with him
differently?
• What is one new insight I have gained about holiness
in my life?
• What is one thing I can practice this week as a result of
my reflection?
At the end of your journaling time, you may wish to share
your insights with each other in the group.

ST TERESA OF AVILA
“May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are
meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are
born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and
pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow
your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.”

Q. Am I able to ‘rejoice and be glad’ as a child of

God?

FINAL PRAYER
Our Father
Jesus taught his followers
to pray that they might be
delivered from evil. Let’s
conclude this series with
‘The Lord’s Prayer’.

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