Thought for the Day – 29 February – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)
“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5
XXV: … The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All
which May Disturb His Peace of Mind
(Part Two)
“Besides, when the heart is unquiet, it is always exposed to manifold assaults of the enemy and, moreover, in such a state, we are incapable of understanding and discovering the correct path and the sure way of holiness.
Our enemy, who, above all things, hates this peace because, the Spirit of God, dwells therein and inspires marvellous works, the devil often seeks, in a friendly disguise, to rob us of such God-given peace, by instilling into our hearts, sundry desires which have a semblance of good.
But ,their deceitful nature maybe detected by this test, among others, that is – they rob us of our peace of mind!
Therefore, to avert so great an evil, when the sentinel gives notice of the approach of some new desire, on no account give it entrance into your heart, until, with a free and unbiased will, you have first presented it to God and, confessing your ignorance and blindness, have earnestly prayed to Him for light to discern whether it comes from Him or from the enemy.
Have recourse also, if possible, to the judgement of your spiritual father.
And, even if the desire should be from God, do not begin to carry it into execution until you have mortified your own eagerness; for a work preceded by such mortication, will be far more acceptable to Him, than if performed with all the impetuosity of nature.
Nay, sometimes it maybe that the mortication will please Him better than the work itself.
Thus, casting from you all evil desires,and not venturing to carry even good desires into effect, until you have first repressed your natural impulses, you shall keep the fortress of your heart in security and peace.
And, in order to preserve it in perfect peace, you must also guard and defend it from certain inward self-reproaches and remorseful feelings which are sometimes from the devil, although, as they accuse you of some failing, they seem to come from God.
By their fruits shall you know whence they proceed!
If they humble you, if they make you diligent in well-doing, if they do not take from you, your trust in God, then receive them with all thankfulness as coming from Him.
But, if they discourage you, if they make you fearful, distrustful, slack and feeble in good deeds, then, be assured, they come from the enemy!
Give no ear to them but continue your exercise.”
Dom Lorenzo Scupoli
AnaStpaul 