Discerning Growth: How to Proceed
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As sons and daughters of God we are all called to be saints, to be in loving union with God
The road map is already laid out for us by spiritual theology (purgative, illuminative, unitive)
Mental prayer is the privileged means that we have for growth
There is no objection (I don’t know how, I don’t have time, I am fleeing from the world) or
obstacle (distractions, discouragement) which cannot be overcome
Wrong criteria for discerning growth:
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Strong feelings and emotions in prayer (not bad in themselves, but not a good measuring stick)
Beautiful thoughts and pious intentions about living the Gospel (thoughts and intentions only, as
opposed to action; obviously thoughts and intentions of living the Gospel are good, but cannot
be a criteria for saying that we are growing in our spiritual life)
My thoughts = the voice of the Holy Spirit
Multiplication of devotions (devotions are good but holiness is not measured by the amount of
novenas one says)
Lots of activity which revolves around religious things, and even acts of service if they are not
done in a spirit of charity
We must always keep a healthy fear and doubt about the origin of our thoughts and feelings!
The first and by far most important criteria for the canonization of a saint is: not prayer experiences, but
heroic virtue.
Proper criteria for discerning growth:
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“From their fruits you will know them.” (Mt 7: 20) – “It is by the effects of their prayer and by
the actions which follow it that the genuineness of the experience must be tested.” (St. Theresa
of Avila, Interior Castle, Chapter 2, Mansion 4)
Growth in generosity in living the Gospel, a totality
Growth in desire for God – notable through a stronger pull towards healthy solitude and silence
Undivided heart, being more centered on God
Serving others, love of neighbor
Growth in desire to suffer for God, with Jesus on the cross – specifically the suffering of
humiliation
Simplicity of life - greater detachment from material things
The ability to suffer with love
An ever stronger determination to avoid sin
Rejection by the world, which does not accept its own
Fidelity to contemplative prayer
Less selfishness
More sensitive conscience
Vigilance, not only regarding sin but also the near occasion
Obedience – especially to circumstances of life, to one’s vocation
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Humility
Use of speech – a reflecting mirror for what is in the heart
Holy dissatisfaction – with mediocrity
Joy
Openness to the truth, receptivity and docility, especially regarding correction
A love for the Church – obedience, obedience, obedience
These important criteria give us important standards for measuring our growth, but also give us
particular virtues to focus on in our spiritual journey
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Generosity
Recollection
Humility
Docility
Fear of sin
Obedience
Temperance
Docility