Knowing how and when to move forward in spiritual progress is a true artform. Knowing when to make a change, and what needs to change is a key component in growing closer to God. St. Ignatius reminds us in the fifth rule to not change those good aspirations that we agreed to do before the spiritual desolation hit. St. Ignatius recommends that instead of changing those good aspirations that we have made, that we change how we approach prayer.
For example, St. Ignatius recommends adding more time to prayer, if we find prayer to be dry. He also recommends that we change our perspective of the desolation. It is during the difficult times of life, that it is helpful to reflect upon past moments of grace. In remembering how God has worked in our life, we can look forward to how He will work in our future. Therefore, the Church continues to have the beautiful readings from the Old Testament and Psalms. The constant repetition of salvation history stands as a reminder to us of how God provides for His people. It is a reminder that no matter how dark life may seem, that no matter how harsh things are in the Church, God has not abandoned us. It is important for us to keep a positive outlook on what God is doing in our life.
Blessed John Henry Newman, in a beautiful prayer, once stated: “I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.”
Blessed John Henry Newman was able to state this, because he knew that we have a God who has created us, and who will continue to provide for us no matter what happens in life.
~Fr. Will
