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Discernment of Spirits – the word “spirit” refers to
two different types of motivating powers. The spirit of an individual
refers to the internal inclination to good or evil, and it manifests
itself with such regularity that it must be considered a personality
trait. But it is also possible for an individual to come under the influence
of a spirit that is extrinsic to the personality, whether from God or
the devil. Hence it is the function of “discernment of spirits”
to judge whether a given act or repetition of acts flows from the Holy
Spirit, the diabolic spirit or the human spirit.
There are two types
of discernment of spirits : acquired and infused. Acquired discernment
of spirits is complementary to ordinary spiritual direction and can
be cultivated by all who use the proper means. Infused discernment of
spirits is a charismatic gift, which is granted by God to certain individuals.
ACQUIRED DISCERNMENT
OF SPIRITS
Acquired discernment
of spirits is absolutely necessary for a spiritual director or prayer
group leader, since it helps him/her to determine the spirits that are
leading a person away from God, and on the other hand, the action of
the Holy Spirit leading one towards God. The various means by which
one can acquire the art of discernment of spirits are:
- Prayer –
this is the most important means
- Study –
Leaders should also become familiar with the general principles of
spiritual theology contained in the Bible, the masters of the spiritual
life, and the lives of the saints. One should have a broad and sympathetic
understanding of a variety of “schools” of spirituality.
- Personal experience
– While it is true that each person has unique traits and characteristics,
there is also a common pattern possessed by all, and unless one understands
oneself, it will be very difficult to understand the condition of
those one seeks to guide.
 Spirits
can be summarised under three headings: the Holy Spirit, the diabolical
spirit, and the human spirit. God’s Spirit always inclines us to
the good, working either directly or through secondary causes; the devil
always inclines us to evil, working by his own power or through the
allurement of the things of the world; the human spirit may be inclined
to evil or to good, depending upon whether the individual follows right
reason or selfish desires.
Due to the basic indifference
of many natural inclinations, it is evident that they may be used for
good and for evil, and while grace does not destroy nature but perfects
and super-naturalises it, the devil utilises human weakness and the
effects of original sin to further his evil aims. Moreover, it may happen
that, in one and the same action, various spirits are intermingled.
Even when the Spirit predominates in a given action, it does not follow
that the antecedent or consequent movements are supernatural. It can
happen that purely natural movements introduce themselves, consciously
or unconsciously, and cause the action to lose some of its purity. For
example, God’s spirit may inspire me to fast regularly, but my
spirit may subsequently tell me to fast only nominally (so I don’t
get the spiritual benefit of fasting) or the devil may influence me
to overdo or to extend my fast over several days ( and so ultimately
ruin my health.)
DIVINE SPIRIT
– the following
are some general signs
- Truth. If a person maintains opinions that
are manifestly against revealed truth, the infallible teaching of
the Church, or proven theology, or philosophy, or science, it must
be concluded that he/she is deluded by the devil or is the victim
of excessive imagination or faulty reasoning.
- Docility. Persons moved by the Holy Spirit
accept with true peace the advice and counsel of those with authority
over them. They manifest sentiments of humility and self-effacement.
- Discretion. The Holy Spirit makes the person
discreet, prudent, and thoughtful in all his/her actions. There is
nothing of precipitation, frivolity, exaggeration or impetuosity;
all is well balanced, edifying, and full of calmness and peace.
- Peace. The person experiences a profound and
stable serenity in the depths of his/her spirit.
- Purity of intention. The person seeks only
that God’s will be done and that God be glorified in all that
he/she does, without human interest or motivation out of self love.
- Patience in suffering. No matter what its source,
or whether or not it is justly received, the soul bears it with equanimity.
- Simplicity. Together with veracity and sincerity,
this is never lacking in those who are truly motivated by the Spirit.
Any duplicity, arrogance, hypocrisy, or vanity must be attributed
rather to the devil.
- Freedom of spirit. First of all there is no
attachment to any created thing, even the gifts received from God.
Second, all is accepted from the hands of God with gratitude and humility,
whether it be a question or consolation or trial. The opposite would
be done in the case of those with a rigid and unyielding will, who
are controlled by self love.
HUMAN SPIRIT
There is a constant
struggle between grace, and the human spirit wounded by sin and strongly
inclined to self-love. The human spirit is always inclined to its own
satisfactions; it is a friend of pleasure and an enemy of suffering
of any kind. It readily inclines to anything that is compatible with
its own temperament, its personal tastes and caprices, or the satisfaction
of self-love. It will not hear of humiliations, penance and renunciation,
but seeks success, honours, applause and pastimes.
DIABOLICAL SPIRIT
Normally, diabolical
influence on the individual is restricted to simple temptations, though
sometimes the devil may concentrate his power on an individual by means
of diabolical obsession or even possession. (Detailed study of this
is beyond our scope here). The various signs are:
- Spirit of falsity. The devil is the father of
lies, but he cleverly conceals his deceit by half-truths and pseudo-mystical
phenomena, by hypocrisy, simulation and duplicity.
- Morbid curiosity. This is characteristic of
those who eagerly seek out the esoteric aspects of mystical phenomena
or have a fascination for the occult or preternatural.
- Confusion. Anxiety and deep depression. Also
despair, lack of confidence and discouragement – a chronic characteristic
that alternates with presumption, vain security and unfounded optimism.
- Obstinacy. Disobedience and hardness of heart
- Constant indiscretion and a restless spirit.
Those who constantly go to extremes (in penitential exercises/apostolic
activities) or neglect their primary obligations to do some personally
chosen work
- Spirit of pride and vanity. Very anxious to
publicise their gifts of grace and mystical experiences.
- Impatience in suffering and stubborn resentment
- Uncontrolled passions and strong inclination
to sensuality. Also excessive attachment to sensible consolations,
particularly in prayer.
Reprinted from the ICCRS newsletter, Vatican City.
Used by permission
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Discerning
Spirits