If someone told you, "Follow me" how do you know to follow? How do you know the Will of God? According to the Ignatian Spirituality, there are three ways to discern the will of God.
Rule 1--Understand: There are three sound and good moments:
Certain: Direct Call from God such as Paul and the Apostles did.
Clear: Understanding the situation from the experience of discernment of consolation and desolation and that of the Spirit.
Calm: Tranquil. The soul is not agitated. It is not confused by different spirits. It is able to use its natural ability freely with tranquility. (1)
Rule 2--Know what He wants.
God never wants evil, harm, temptation, sin or hell for us.
God wants good, act as God does, help to give and forgive, to think as Jesus, to pray to go to heaven and love to do Holy work. (1)
Rule 3--To Serve how God wants us to serve.
What do you want? And once we know what we want then we ask God if our plans please Him. Listen to the Holy Spirit or conscience. Will God work with you with what you decide? (1)
The most direct route is the clearest and most definitive. There is a "clarity beyond any doubt". You know without a doubt that is what God wants you to do. This is a special grace from God.
The story of Levi being called is reported both in Mark and Matthew. Levi was working and it is not mentioned that He knew Jesus. But he dropped everything and followed Jesus. He did not go home and discuss with his family, he did not do critical thinking, there was not a long list of pros and cons.
I have personally had a "clarity beyond doubt" moment and it is just that--you know exactly what needs to be done or how the Holy Spirit is directing you. Even when others question your decision you are convinced that you are doing what the Holy Spirit wants.
So Levi, later known as Matthew, got up and followed. His friends were led to Jesus. His friends were called by Jesus. Are you ready to follow the Lord and to lead others to Him? As Pope Francis said, "We do not have to wait until we are perfect and have come a long way following Jesus to witness to him; no, our proclamation begins today, there where we live” .
God Bless You
(1) Retreat teachings by Father Michael , PAPA spiritual director
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