Seized by Christ

They are experiencing Christianity as joy and hope, having thus become lovers of Christ.

Tag: christianity

  • Ancestors, Spirits, and the World of Meaning:

    A Biblical and Petersonian Reflection

    1. The Ancient World of Meaning

    In ancient times, the spiritual and the meaningful were one and the same. What we might call “psychological phenomena” today—thoughts, memories, inner voices—were not seen as internal or private. They were experienced as coming from beyond oneself, from the realm of the spirits.

    When a person remembered the voice of a father, mother, or teacher, it was not merely a recollection. It was heard as the voice of a living presence. In Peterson’s terms, the world of meaning was populated with spirits. Words spoken aloud and words heard inwardly carried the same spiritual weight.

    2. Reason as the Highest Spirit

    Jordan Peterson notes that ancient traditions spoke of “Reason as the highest angel.” This was not a metaphor in the modern sense. Reason itself was seen as a transcendent spirit that could guide, protect, and order one’s life. In the ancient imagination, the ability to reason was not a mere mental function—it was a divine presence within the hierarchy of spirits.

    In biblical theology, this insight resonates with the understanding of God’s Word (Logos) as the ordering principle of creation: “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God” (John 1:1). The highest “spirit” of Reason finds its fulfillment in Christ, the eternal Logos, who brings light to human thought.

    3. Ancestors, Memory, and Spirit Voices

    Consider the act of recalling advice from a grandparent. In the ancient world, this was not simply remembering. It was an encounter with their living presence through spirit. A remembered phrase might even come in the voice of the departed loved one, as though spoken anew.

    We still experience this today. A sudden memory, a phrase rising unbidden in the mind, can feel like a message received. In Peterson’s language, this is the psyche encountering the structures of meaning embedded in past relationships. In biblical language, this can be seen as memory participating in the communion of saints—the ongoing presence of those who have gone before us.

    4. From Memory to Worship: Where It Went Wrong

    But here lies the danger. What begins as memory or reflection can become worship. Many cultures formalized ancestor reverence into ritual sacrifice, prayers directed to the dead, or attempts to control the spirit world.

    The Bible consistently warns against this. Why? Because when spirits, ancestors, or inner voices are elevated to the place of divine authority, they usurp God’s rightful place. “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).

    The Christian understanding is not that memory or honoring one’s ancestors is evil, but that worship belongs to God alone. Christ alone mediates between the human and the divine. The wisdom of our ancestors is real and meaningful—but it must be discerned in the light of God’s Word, not treated as an autonomous source of salvation.

    5. Toward a Biblical Integration

    From a Petersonian perspective, the voices of the past are structures of meaning that guide and warn us. From a biblical perspective, they can be part of God’s providence, reminding us of truth. But they are not to be worshipped as gods.

    Instead, they are to be received as gifts within the larger order of God’s Logos. The “world of spirits” points to the deeper reality that all meaning finds its source in God. The living Word, Christ, is the fulfillment of Reason as the highest angel—the true voice that interprets all other voices.

    Invitation to Reflect

    Have you ever experienced a memory or inner voice that felt more like a message than a thought? How do you discern whether it is meaningful, misleading, or truly from God?

    Share your reflections in the comments below. And if you found this exploration helpful, consider liking, sharing, and subscribing to stay connected as we continue exploring the world of meaning through both ancient and biblical eyes.

  • Christ Lives in Us

    Have you ever thought about what it really means to invite Christ into your life? For many of us, it can feel like something far away—like we are reaching out to someone who is distant. But the truth is far more personal: when we open our hearts to Him, Christ actually comes to live within us.

    This is not just a comforting idea. It’s the very heart of the Christian life. The Son of God, who is holy and perfect, chooses to dwell in people like you and me—imperfect, weak, and still struggling. On our own, we fail. We fall short. But with Christ living in us, His strength begins to shine through our weakness.

    That changes everything. Being a Christian isn’t about trying harder to be “good enough.” If it all depended on us, we would never measure up. Instead, it’s about allowing Christ to transform us from the inside out. As St. Paul said, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

    And this truth is both humbling and hopeful. It humbles us, because we can no longer take pride in our good works—they belong to Him. But it also fills us with hope, because even if we feel small, broken, or unworthy, God is still at work in us. Through Him, even the smallest act of love becomes something eternal.

    So when you walk into your day—into your family, your workplace, your community—remember this: you are not just following Christ. You are carrying Him. His presence goes where you go. His light shines where you let it shine.

    But How Do We Know Christ Dwells Within Us?

    This is a question every believer asks. How can we be sure? How do we perceive His presence?

    Christ’s indwelling is not usually seen with our eyes, but it is perceived in the quiet, steady signs of His life at work within us:

    1. Peace beyond circumstances – A calm that remains even when life is difficult.
    2. A gentle inner voice – Nudges to forgive, to turn from sin, to act with mercy.
    3. Hunger for God – Prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments no longer feel like duties but like food for the soul.
    4. Change in desires – Old sins lose their grip; a yearning for goodness grows stronger.
    5. Love that surprises – Patience, kindness, or forgiveness that feels beyond one’s own capacity.
    6. Strength in weakness – Grace that carries us when our own strength fails.
    7. Joy in sacrifice – Even in suffering, meaning and light break through.

    These are the fruits of Christ’s presence, the evidence that faith is not just an idea, but a living reality.

    To perceive Him is to notice how He changes us, often slowly, often quietly, but always surely. If you see even the smallest trace of this new life in yourself, it is not from you alone—it is Christ dwelling within you.

    🙏 Thanks for reading!
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  • Jesus: The Perfection of Man

    How Christ embodies the fullness of love, virtue, and unity with God

    When Christians speak of Jesus as the “Son of Man,” it’s not just a title—it’s a truth about who He is for all humanity. Jesus does not merely show us what it means to be human; He is humanity perfected. He reveals in Himself what man was always meant to be, and in doing so, He calls each of us to become fully alive in Him.

    1. The Perfection of Love
     Love is the greatest commandment and the highest calling of humanity. In Jesus, we see love without limit—love that heals, forgives, sacrifices, and redeems. His compassion for the poor, His mercy toward sinners, and His willingness to lay down His life for the undeserving all reveal a love that is not sentimental but costly. This love is not merely an emotion but a total self-giving that fulfills the law and the prophets.

    2. The Perfection of Virtue
     The word “virtue” originally meant “manliness” or “strength of character.” In Jesus, every virtue is present in its fullness—courage, justice, temperance, prudence, humility, fortitude. He is bold before the powerful, gentle with the brokenhearted, and unwavering in the face of temptation. His life shows that true manhood is not domination or pride, but the disciplined strength to serve, protect, and do what is right even when it costs everything.

    3. The Perfection of the Image of God
     Humanity was created in the image and likeness of God, yet sin has distorted that image. Jesus is the perfect and uncorrupted image of the Father. He reflects God’s nature perfectly in His thoughts, words, and actions. To look at Christ is to see what man was meant to be—fully aligned with God’s will, radiating truth, beauty, and goodness.

    4. The Perfection of Unity with the Holy Spirit
     From His conception, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. In His baptism, ministry, miracles, and prayer, we see a life completely guided by the Spirit of God. This unity was not partial or occasional—it was constant. His words carried divine authority because they were Spirit-led. His works carried divine power because they were Spirit-filled. In Jesus, humanity is in perfect communion with the Spirit, showing us what it means to walk with God in every moment.

    5. The Invitation to Follow
     If Jesus is the perfection of man, then following Him is not simply a religious act—it is the path to becoming fully human ourselves. He does not remain a distant ideal; He offers His Spirit so that we can share in His life. We are called not just to admire Him, but to be transformed into His likeness.

    In Christ, we see not only the perfection of man, but the perfection of our destiny. To follow Him is to walk toward the fullness of love, virtue, unity, and divine image for which we were created.

    If this reflection stirred something in you, don’t keep it to yourself. Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s start a conversation on what true humanity looks like in Christ. If you found this post helpful, click “like,” subscribe for more reflections, and share it with someone who needs to be reminded of who they were made to be.

    Written with assistance from ChatGPT–5

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  • 10 REASONS TO SEEK JESUS

    1. Jesus Christ is the perfection of man, because He is the perfection of love. If we wish to be the best we can be, we must aspire to be like Christ. However, we will not be able to achieve this on our own.
    2. When we invite Christ into our lives, He becomes present in and through us. Thus, while we are hopeless sinners, we become carriers of the perfection of man. In fact, there is no place for pride, because all the good we do comes from Him. We cannot take credit for it.
    3. Through His grace we overcome sin, suffering, and death. Our past sins and any future faults have already been paid for by the price of His death and resurrection. Most new sins can be avoided by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.The torture of suffering is replaced by loving sacrifice for Christ, our purpose. Suffering only exists in the areas of self that we still cling to. In those areas where we have died to ourselves and surrendered to Him, death no longer has its sting. For many saints this has been simply a step through a veil.
    4. We have the eyes and heart of Christ. We see how much Christ loves everyone around us, and we see where they have been wounded.
    5. Everything we have—skill, effort, motivation, and knowledge—is worthless if it is not in the service of love, of Christ.
    6. We live in true joy, peace, and love. If we are doing His work—the work we were created for—it will be the greatest adventure we could ever have (with the best ending).
    7. We are washed in His love. We appreciate that Jesus loved us so much that He died for our sins. And He who died for us will never abandon us. We can know that when we speak, He hears us. He is always waiting for us in the stillness of our hearts. We gain the understanding that whatever happens to us is His blessing for us. It is the best thing that could happen.                                                                    
    8. Letting Him live through us, we can be better spouses, parents, children, employees, bosses, business owners, salespeople, customers, coworkers, students, teachers, friends, and citizens. By showing respect, being willing to put others first, with honesty, diligence, patience, perseverance, love, mercy, and loyalty, we gain the ideal character in all these areas.
    9. By keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, we can sacrifice to help overcome sin and suffering in the world around us. We can turn the other cheek instead of seeking revenge. Instead of adding to chaos, we can be a source of healing. Christianity has been the origin of showing respect and dignity to all humanity, as well as to animals and the environment. These have been the foundations for most of civilization’s progress since Christ. In areas where Christianity has been eliminated, such as under communist regimes, it is clear what the reign of evil brings.

    …As for the miseries and sins he heard of every day in the world, he was far from reproaching those people. On the contrary, he was surprised there were not more, considering the malice of which sinners were capable. For his part, he prayed for them, but knowing that God can remedy the harm they caused whenever He wishes, he himself did not trouble himself further.

     —Brother Lawrence in Christ

    1. We can help others come to know the love of Christ. It will take a billion martyrs to overcome the evil done in Christ’s name. It will take many more living martyrs to bring Christ to all the hopeless people in this world. If Christianity is a personal encounter with Christ, the Christ people meet must be presented through us.

    If You Really Knew Jesus, Then You Would Really Love Jesus

    Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s start a conversation on what true humanity looks like in Christ. If you found this post helpful, click “like,” subscribe for more reflections, and share it with someone who needs to be reminded of who they were made to be.

  • A Word If Spoken

    I’ve carried this meditation for a while.

    I believe that for every person, there is a word—a message—that, if spoken, would cause them to freely and joyfully choose faith and to live for Christ.

    Everyone I’ve ever known who serves Christ with sincerity has heard this word. Maybe not in the same form, not the same message or tone, but they’ve received a word that reached the core of their heart. Something called them—not by force, but with the unmistakable pull of truth and love.

    And because I believe Jesus came that all might be saved, I also believe such a word exists for every person. A message capable of lighting up the heart.

    The only problem?
    I don’t know what that word is.

    The Work-Around

    So here’s what I try instead.

    I tell people: I know there’s a word that, if you heard it, would make you want to seek God with everything in you. I don’t know the word itself. But I’m asking you to assume that maybe it has not yet been spoken to you. 

    And if that’s true, then the most logical response is to begin seeking. Listening. Asking.

    Because if you can believe that at some point the door will be opened, … now it’s just a matter of stepping through.

    What This Says About Grace and Free Will

    This meditation walks a fine line between two deep truths of the faith:

    • That God desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4),
    • And that faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17).

    Why This Matters to Me

    This belief gives me two things:

    • Hope: That no one is beyond the reach of grace.
    • Humility: That I don’t have to be the one to say the perfect thing. I just have to point toward the Word, however I can.

    In some cases, I believe people are simply too “high up”—too successful, too secure, too self-assured—to look up. They haven’t been brought low enough to feel the need for God. But if they become curious now,… perhaps it will prevent that fall. Or prepare them for it.

    How About You?

    Have you ever had a moment where something clicked—a word, a thought, a memory—that stirred something deeper in you?

    Or maybe you’re still waiting for your word to be spoken?I’d love to hear your reflections, questions, or stories.

    You can leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your reflections, questions, or stories.

    Written with assistance from ChatGPT

  • Is Hell Still in the Bible?

    Understanding Modern Catholic Translations and Why It Matters

    Q: Why doesn’t the word “Hell” appear in modern Catholic Bibles like the NABRE?

    You’re not imagining it. In the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE), the word “Hell” rarely — if ever — appears. This has caused confusion among faithful Catholics who are used to older translations like the Douay-Rheims or hearing homilies about Hell as a real place of punishment.

    So what changed?

    It’s not the doctrine — it’s the translation. Scholars decided to preserve the original words used in the Bible:

    Original TermLanguageMeaning
    SheolHebrewThe grave / abode of the dead (neutral)
    HadesGreekThe Greek underworld (similar to Sheol)
    GehennaGreekA place of fiery judgment — used by Jesus

    These words are now translated more literally instead of using “Hell” as a catch-all. But that doesn’t mean the Church denies the existence of Hell.

    Q: So is there still a Hell?

    Yes. The Catholic Church absolutely affirms Hell as:

    “The state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed.”
    — Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1033

    It is not just a metaphor or ancient idea. It’s the final, eternal consequence of dying in unrepented mortal sin.

    Q: Why would translators avoid the word “Hell” if it’s real?

    Because over the centuries, the word “Hell” took on very specific imagery and connotations — often shaped more by culture than Scripture. By using original words like “Gehenna,” translators aim to:

    • Reflect the nuance in the biblical text
    • Avoid oversimplification
    • Encourage deeper catechesis and understanding

    But here’s the problem:

    Most lay Catholics have no idea what “Gehenna” means.

    Q: Does this cause confusion?

    Absolutely. When the word “Hell” disappears, many assume the Church is backing off from the doctrine. This confusion is compounded by:

    • Homilies that never mention judgment or sin
    • Liturgy and hymns stripped of sacrifice or spiritual warfare
    • A growing trend toward universalism (the idea that everyone goes to Heaven)

    Q: So what does the Church teach about the afterlife?

    Traditionally, Catholicism affirms:

    1. Heaven – Eternal union with God for those who die in His friendship.
    2. Purgatory – Temporary purification for those on their way to Heaven.
    3. Hell – Eternal separation from God for those who freely reject Him.

    Before Christ’s resurrection, even the righteous dead went to Sheol — a holding place, not Heaven. That’s why we say in the Apostles’ Creed:

    “He descended into Hell” — meaning the abode of the dead, not the damned.

    After His resurrection, Heaven was opened — and now judgment is final.

    Q: Why does it matter if we talk about Hell?

    Because without Hell, morality becomes optional.

    • If there’s no eternal consequence, why repent?
    • If everyone goes to Heaven, why choose holiness?
    • If God never judges, why did Christ die?

    “Do not fear those who kill the body… fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” — Matthew 10:28

    Q: What’s behind the move away from talking about Hell?

    Let’s be honest:

    • “Hell” makes people uncomfortable.
    • Modern theology often trades truth for sentiment.
    • Cultural pressure values inclusivity over conversion.

    But:

    Real love warns.

    God is love — and because He loves us, He warns us. Jesus spoke of Hell more than anyone else in Scripture. Not to scare us pointlessly — but to wake us up.

    ✅ Layperson Summary:

    • Is Hell in the Bible? Yes, but often under original terms like “Gehenna.”
    • Does the Church still teach Hell? Yes, as an eternal state of self-exclusion from God.
    • Is it just a metaphor? No. It’s a real and final consequence.
    • Why avoid it? Some translators aim for accuracy, but clarity suffers.
    • Why it matters: Without Hell, we lose the urgency of repentance and the meaning of salvation.

    What You Can Do:

    • Read Scripture with traditional commentary (e.g., the Catena Aurea)
    • Use catechisms and older missals to understand Church teaching
    • Teach your children and friends the full truth — not a softened version
    • Speak up in your parish — charitably but firmly — when the doctrine is blurred

    Because the God who is Love… is also the God who warns.

  •  Why Does Pope Benedict Connect New Testament Love with Old Testament Commandments?

    Understanding the continuity of love in salvation history through the lens of Deus Caritas Est

    In Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict XVI teaches that Christian love isn’t something radically new—it grows from the soil of Israel’s covenant. By connecting the New Testament emphasis on love with Old Testament commandments, he roots Christian charity in the very heart of divine revelation. His point is not to discard the old, but to show how Christ fulfills it with new depth and clarity.

    Continuity of the Covenant

    From the beginning of his encyclical, Pope Benedict makes this continuity clear:

    “The Christian faith, while retaining the core of Israel’s faith, gives it new depth and breadth.” (Deus Caritas Est §1)

    He quotes the great Shema of Israel:

    “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…” (Deuteronomy 6:4–5)

    Love of God, then, was never absent from the faith of Israel—it was central. What Jesus brings is not a break from the past, but its true fulfillment.

    Jesus Fulfills the Law in Love

    Jesus joins this vertical command to another, found in Leviticus:

    “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)

    In the Gospel of Mark, He unites the two into one supreme law of love:

    “There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29–31)

    Pope Benedict highlights this to show that Jesus didn’t abolish the commandments, but revealed their full meaning. Love, properly understood, is the essence of the Law.

    From Obligation to Response

    Why do we love? Because “God has first loved us.” (1 John 4:10)
    This shifts everything. Love is no longer a heavy demand—it’s a response. Benedict writes that when love begins in God’s gift, the “command” to love is transformed into an invitation to relationship.

    Thus, keeping the commandments becomes a matter not of fear or duty, but of joy. Love of God leads naturally to love of neighbor.

    A Two-Fold Orientation: Vertical and Horizontal

    By presenting these two commands as one, Jesus shows that Christian love must always move in two directions:

    • Vertical – Toward God in worship and devotion
    • Horizontal – Toward neighbor in service and charity

    Pope Benedict stresses that these cannot be separated. True love of God leads to care for others, and real love for others flows from communion with God.

  • What Does “God Loved Us First” Really Imply About How We Should Respond?

    Understanding our response to God’s initiative of love in Deus Caritas Est

    Pope Benedict XVI, drawing from 1 John 4:19—“We love because he first loved us”—teaches that Christian life begins not with obligation, but with a gift already received. Deus Caritas Est emphasizes that the initiative always belongs to God. This simple truth changes how we see love, discipleship, and mission: not as burdens we must carry to earn God’s favor, but as responses to a love that came before we even asked for it.

    1. Our Response Is Rooted in Gratitude, Not Obligation

    If God loved us first, our love isn’t about earning approval—it’s about responding with thanksgiving.

    “Gratitude over guilt”: Love becomes a joyful act, not a duty pressed by fear.
    “Freedom to love”: Knowing we are fully accepted frees us to forgive, serve, and give without fear of failure or rejection.

    2. Trust Before Understanding

    God’s love often reaches us before we understand it. That means faith begins not with full comprehension but with trust.

    “Leap of faith”: As St. Paul says, nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38–39), even when life is confusing or painful.
    “Perseverance in trials”: Because “while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8), we know His love doesn’t waver in our weakness.

    3. Imitation of Divine Initiative

    If God made the first move, so must we—especially in a world where love often waits to be earned.

    “Be the first mover”: Take the first step in kindness, reconciliation, and service.
    “Mercy and forgiveness”: We love not because others deserve it, but because we ourselves have received undeserved love.

    4. Mission and Witness

    Pope Benedict reminds us that love is never private. Our response to God’s love becomes public through action.

    “Proclamation through love”: Our quiet sacrifices and small acts of care preach the Gospel more clearly than words alone.
    “Communal dimension”: In the parish, “loving first” means reaching out to newcomers, showing compassion to the overlooked, and making space for everyone at the table.

    Follow Up Question:

    Can you share an example of when someone loved you “first”—unexpectedly or unconditionally—and how that changed the way you related to them afterward? How might we imitate that in our parish community?

  •  Why John 3:16 Still Matters

    (and How to Hear It Anew)

    Q4: “Why does John 3:16 matter so much—haven’t we heard it so often that it loses meaning?”

    Answer:

    John 3:16 may be the most familiar verse in all of Scripture, but that familiarity can dull its impact. When we pause to truly reflect on what it says, we uncover the entire Gospel in one line—a line that reveals who God is, what He does, and how we are called to respond.

    1. The Gospel in One Sentence

    • God’s Initiative:
       The verse doesn’t begin with our effort. It begins with God’s love. “God so loved the world…” means He made the first move. His love is not reactive—it’s freely given.
    • The Gift of His Son:
       Love isn’t just a feeling here—it’s action. God gave His only Son. That’s not poetry; it’s the painful reality of the Cross, where divine love bore real suffering to save us.
    • Belief That Brings Life:
       Believing in Jesus means entrusting ourselves to Him. The result? Not just avoidance of perishing, but the gift of eternal life—a transformed life starting now.

    This is why the early Church, the Reformers, and modern evangelists have all held this verse so dearly. It’s a compact version of the entire Christian message.

    2. The Danger of Over-Familiarity

    • We Hear Without Listening:
       We’ve seen John 3:16 on signs, T-shirts, and bumper stickers. It becomes background noise—true, but unengaging.
    • We Lose the Weight of It:
       The words are simple, but their meaning is not. This verse speaks of cosmic love and costly redemption—things we shouldn’t glide past.
    • It No Longer Moves Us:
       Familiarity can harden the heart. But the Word of God isn’t meant to be skimmed. It’s meant to pierce, comfort, and renew.

    3. Ways to Hear It Anew

    • Reimagine the Scene:
       Imagine being at the foot of the Cross or standing before the empty tomb. What does it mean for God to give His Son there?
    • Personalize It:
       Insert your name into the verse: “For God so loved [Your Name]…” That’s not self-centered—it’s the point. God’s love is deeply personal.
    • Use Lectio Divina:
       Slowly read John 3:16 four times, focusing each time on a different word or phrase—like “loved,” “gave,” or “eternal.” What stirs in your spirit?
    • Share It Anew:
       Try telling a friend why John 3:16 matters to you today. Giving voice to Scripture helps break the dullness of repetition.

    4. Biblical and Historical Echoes

    • Early Church:
       Used John 3:16 as a summary creed for new Christians, especially at baptisms.
    • Reformation Era:
       Luther and Calvin frequently returned to this verse to emphasize grace and faith, countering legalism and works-based salvation.
    • Modern Witness:
       This verse still appears in hymns, testimonies, and public evangelism—not because it’s cliché, but because it’s central.

    Discussion Prompt:
     When you hear John 3:16 today, which word or phrase jumps out at you? Why? How might focusing on just that one part reshape how you see God’s love for you?

    Composed and edited with assistance from ChatGPT

    Related Posts:

    “Deus Caritas Est” Summary Sections 1 thru 8

    What Does It Mean to Truly Meet Jesus?

    Why Does Christianity Feel Like It’s All About Rules?

    How Do I Know If I’ve Truly Encountered God’s Love?

  • How Do I Know If I’ve Truly Encountered God’s Love?

    Five signs of a real encounter with God

    Q: How Can I Know If I’ve Really Encountered God’s Love Personally?

    A:
     A real encounter with God’s love is both deeply personal and unmistakably transformative. It may not always come with fireworks or dramatic emotion—but it always leaves lasting marks on the heart and life. Here are five key signs that point to a genuine experience of God’s love, followed by four ways to discern if it’s truly from Him.

    Five Signs You’ve Encountered God’s Love

    1. Inner Peace and Assurance

    You experience a deep, unshakable sense of being loved and secure—even during trials. It’s not just surface-level calm or emotional joy, but the “peace of God that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

    2. Conviction of Sin—Tempered by Mercy

    You become aware of areas in your life that need change—but instead of crushing guilt, you sense God’s gentle invitation to grow. His love convicts without condemning.

    3. Desire for God and Goodness

    You feel drawn to prayer, Scripture, the Eucharist, and works of mercy—not because you “have to,” but because you want to. God becomes not a duty, but a delight.

    4. Transformation in Relationships

    You find yourself becoming more patient, forgiving, and sacrificial. Love overflows into how you treat others, and your priorities shift from self-interest to the good of those around you.

    5. Perseverance Even in Dryness

    Even when you don’t feel God’s presence, you continue in prayer, community, and the sacraments. You trust that His love remains, even when your emotions don’t.

    How Can I Be Sure This Is Really From God?

    Here are four time-tested ways to spiritually discern if your experience is a true encounter with God’s love.

    1. Test by Scripture

    Ask: Does this experience draw me deeper into Christ and His teachings? God’s love always aligns with the Gospel. “Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 John 4:2–3).

    2. Examine the Fruits

    Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Lasting spiritual fruit—joy, patience, kindness (Galatians 5:22–23)—is a strong sign of authentic divine encounter.

    3. Seek Spiritual Counsel

    Bring your experience to a trusted priest, spiritual director, or mature believer. Outside perspective often confirms what God is doing internally.

    4. Repeat and Reflect

    Journal your experiences of prayer, consolation, and even dryness. Over time, patterns will emerge. A genuine encounter isn’t fleeting—it leaves a spiritual imprint that shapes your life.

    A Brief Historical Insight on Discernment

    • The Desert Fathers (4th Century):
       They taught that God often follows moments of consolation with periods of dryness—not as punishment, but as a way to detach us from relying on feelings alone.
    • St. Ignatius of Loyola (16th Century):
       Through his Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius taught how to distinguish “consolation” (God’s loving presence) from “desolation” (spiritual discouragement), encouraging consistency in prayer through both.

    Reflection & Discussion Prompt

    “Think of a time you felt especially close to God. What lasting changes—big or small—did you notice afterward in your thoughts, actions, or relationships?”

    We invite you to share your experience in the comments below. Your story might help someone else recognize God’s love in their own life.

    Developed with assistance from ChatGPT