In the Spiritual Exercises, St Ignatius says that the consolation of the Holy Spirit rests upon us as water soaks into a sponge. The evil spirit, by contrast, brings desolation like water splashing against a stone.
I am a bit of a perfectionist by nature. As a result, I find myself easily tempted into fretting, worrying, and knit-picking. Even when I am trying to do good things and serve God through my actions, I often observe how quickly I become anxious and how my efforts begin to feel like water splashing against a
stone.
The Holy Spirit works differently. She characteristically works without worry. She brings understanding without fretting, counsel without worry, and strength without knit-picking. Sometimes we sit in silence and gently become aware of the direction in which God calls us. She also
gives us the power to follow this path.
Take time today to reflect on your experiences of consolation and desolation. Remember those days when you felt like you were
being pushed around like a stone under a waterfall. Recall those peaceful moments when the Spirit soaked into you, led you gently and strengthened you from within.
