Concerning Discerning

  Chapter 2 Spiritual Sweetness vs. Spiritual Consolation Sweetness Source in us, ends in God Like a basin filled by our own action “the water…comes from a long distance, by means of numerous conduits and through human skill…” “…produced by meditation. It reaches us by way of the thoughts; and when at last, by means of our own efforts, it comes, the satisfaction which it brings to the soul fills the basin, but in doing so makes a noise…” Consolation Source in God, ends in us  Like a basin made at the source “…has been constructed at the very source of the water and fills without making any noise…the water is flowing all time.” “..the source, which is God, and, when it is His Majesty’s will and He is pleased to grant us some supernatural favour, it’s coming is accompanied by the greatest peace and quietness and sweetness within ourselves."  Water (consolation) overflows through every mansion until it can’t help but affect the body too (which is why we say consolation 'ends...

This blog post was originally published by Evangelion, a new movement with a mission of evangelising New Zealand. Check it out here:  https://www.evangelion.co.nz/ Who likes being vulnerable? Who likes sharing their secret struggles with another trusted person, opening up about their weaknesses, failures, insecurities, deepest desires, mistakes or hurts? Who likes exposing themselves to possible ridicule, judgement, shame or rejection?  I bet you’re all saying ‘me, me, me!’   For so many years, I have secretly struggled, feeling so alone and isolated. Not because no one cared or understood, but because I was too afraid to open up and to allow someone else to come alongside me in my brokenness.   As I was reflecting recently, we live in a world that says ‘vulnerability is weakness, weakness is shameful and shame is deserved.’ We’re taught to not say a word about our struggles because we’re meant to be perfect right? We’re meant to live up to this impossible ...