hello God – is that you? how to discern what God is telling you

Earlier in my life, before I seriously thought about being a priest, I was trying to discern whether or not the Catholic Church was the true church. Should I stay in it? It is a good question to wrestle with, because if we want to be true to God, we should seek what is right and true. To be more united to truth is to be more united to God!

One weekend I was on a camping trip with some wonderful Christians. Some of them were trying to convince me to leave the Catholic Church because they did not believe it was true to Scripture. I didn’t know my faith very well and that was my first problem! If we do not know our faith, it is easy to be misled by someone who can quote Scripture well.
That Sunday, they had a Bible study of John, chapter six. In it, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life ... ” I asked them what they thought that meant. No one mentioned holy Communion.
At the time, thank God I did believe that Jesus meant it when he said, “This is my body given for you, take and eat.” When Jesus said He was the bread of life, He meant it. Jesus doesn’t lie!
The truth was becoming clearer for me. But I had a problem. Sure, we’d read sacred Scripture and prayed, but in my heart I felt there was something missing. I had missed Mass.
Here I was sitting in the forest on Sunday when I knew the Lord had invited me not only to read the menu, but to share in the meal itself! I had to get up. I really wanted to go somewhere alone and pray. I wanted to go to Mass, but it was too late in the afternoon. I was out in the woods miles from everywhere. I didn’t know where I was nor did I have a map. But I knew Jesus had pointed me to the truth, and I wanted to go and pray. I got in the car and started to drive, “Do I stay in the Church or continue looking elsewhere? I believe in the Eucharist, but what about all the other things that were being said? Which way do I go, dear God?”
As I came to a fork in the road, I felt a little nudge to turn, so I did. I saw something bright shining in the distance. As I got closer, I realized it was the reflection of the sun off a metallic cross! A church! Maybe I could go in and pray there. When I stepped through the door, I realized a Spanish Mass had just begun. I was totally astounded. I had not missed Mass after all and I was able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
I cannot describe my joy or excitement that day. I knew Jesus had seen the condition I was in and wanted me to see the truth. It was right in front of my face all the time. He wanted me to remain strong in faith to his teachings revealed through the Catholic Church. The church was his bride and body. It was the means for all people on the face of the earth to come to know him, love him and serve him. He told his apostles at the Last Supper to “Do this in memory of me,” and that is exactly what has happened ever since, during every Mass for nearly 2000 years!

For our Spiritual Fitness this month, we look at the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, and examine the “spirits” that influence us:
1. The spirit of our flesh and its appetites seek selfish fulfillment. Mmm – look at all that food – I want more! Look at that beautiful body – I want it! Money – I’ve got to have more, more, more! I want the best job, the best house, the best ... you name it.
St. Paul has a great discussion of the spirit of the flesh in his Letter to the Romans. For an exercise, read Romans: chapters 7 and 8. Make a list of the various desires and appetites that pull you to action each day. What are the little pulls of the flesh that influence your behavior and thinking? Practice dying to the flesh by denying yourself in those areas.
2. The evil spirit also is at work on us. When our minds are directed toward God, the evil spirit tries to move us the other way.
For an exercise, examine the times where you have been tempted to leave the church, to skip Mass, to stop praying, to put something other than God as first in your life, to lie to yourself and others. Jesus said the devil is the “father of lies,” whereas “the household of God is the church, which is the pillar and foundation of truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15) If you want truth, then stay in the church’s heart. Go to the sacrament of reconciliation, which is an expression of humble trust in God. The evil spirit flees from trust, truth and humility.
3. God the Father sends us the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth, to be our advocate and guide. That is the third influence that acts on us. The Holy Spirit inspires us to love. The Holy Spirit inspires us to live virtuous lives – lives that reflect Jesus. The Holy Spirit inspires us to die to self, to mortify ourselves through self-denial. Jesus said you will know a tree by its fruit. The Holy Spirit will produce fruit in our lives of “love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Gal 5:22) The Holy Spirit is like gentle rain on our souls that refreshes us. If we are going the wrong way, the Holy Spirit will convict us – sometimes strongly – for God chastises those he loves. But love will be there always! That is how you know it is God, for God is love. The evil spirit makes us feel judged, forsaken and unwanted in an attempt to bring us to despair.
For an exercise, list some of the good intentions and inspirations that have been placed in your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to come and help you accept as first importance the commitments you have made to God; as second, your daily duty in whatever state of life you are in; and as third, the inspirations or good intentions in your heart that will help you love God and neighbor more. The Holy Spirit moves us to be like Jesus. Ask for the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit of truth, come to be with me. In my search for what is true, enlighten me. In my time of confusion, bring me clarity of mind. In my doubt, fill me with faith. In my despair, let me hope. In my dryness, enable me to love. Come, Holy Spirit, come.

By: Fr. Bill Ashbaugh is pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Howell
Originally Published: November 2004