“Discerning, what is and is not of God, we begin to see where and how to act. When we find where God's mercy is waiting to overflow, we can open the gates and work with all people of goodwill to make the necessary changes." 

(Pope Francis, Let Us Dream).

Pope Francis stresses the importance of discernment - of recognising what is of God and what is not. Using the language of St Ignatius of Loyola, he talks about how we distinguish the voice of God from the voice of the false spirit. He says that we can notice that the voice of God, even when it corrects us, is always “gently encouraging, consoling, giving us hope.” It opens our horizons and helps us to move ahead in the here and now. The voice of the false spirit, he says, is “strident, insistent and monotonous”; it sometimes offers “dazzling illusions and tempting sensations", but these do not last. Instead, it encloses us in fear and resignation. 

When we can distinguish between the two voices, we are enabled to discern and choose the path of God. Many situations require us to discern where and how we to act. 

We start by becoming aware of what is going on in us. Where do I feel drawn to a greater sense of hope and freedom – to a listening to God that invites an overflow of new, as yet unseen possibilities? Conversely, where do I feel paralysed, "pinned to the wall," by the circumstances in which I find myself where the voice of the false spirit may push me to believe that none of my choices can make a positive impact?

Perhaps we can quickly shut down, especially concerning the care of our typical home and climate change, because the voice of the false spirit can be overwhelming. We see the impact of climate change and know that the situation we find ourselves in is hugely concerning. Yet, our dominant responses as good people tend to be fear, helplessness, overwhelm and guilt. These are very uncomfortable feelings, so we may resist looking at the situation. 

But these are not the feelings that the voice of God inspires. On the contrary, these paralyse us rather than energise us to positive action. Instead, God's voice invites us in each moment to decide for life, protection and care of our common home. The false spirit tempts us to think there is no point in even trying. But God invites us into the joy and peace which comes from choosing to share in what God is doing, moment by moment, in creating and renewing the earth.

Notice today what "voice" I am giving space to. Am I being prompted by God's spirit and a greater sense of hope and freedom, or is the false spirit trying to snuff out my hope?

Ask for the grace to discern God’s voice of encouragement and invitation and to act on it. 
 

Loving Creator,
Please give me the wisdom to discern your voice
To listen and respond generously
so that I may be a part of what you are doing in our world.
Amen.