Light and Shadow

‘The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness—

on them light has shined.’

 (Isaiah 9:2)

A key to Ignatius’ wisdom about making wiser choices (the art of discernment)  is his understanding of spiritual consolation and desolation. These words derive from the Latin con sol (with the sun) and de sol (away from the sun). When we think of the ‘sun’ as the Light of Christ, to be in spiritual consolation means to be focused on that true Light, that enlightens all our choices and actions. To be in spiritual desolation is to be turned away from that Light and to be focused instead on our own shadow.

Perhaps when we were young, if we sat doing our homework with our backs to the light from the window or from a lamp, our parents warned us that we were sitting ‘in our own light’ and would not see clearly what we were doing. If we turned round, the light would shine on our work and we would be much more likely to get the right answers.

We easily turn aside from the Light of Christ and ‘sit in our own light’, trying to find our way forward through our own flawed and limited understanding. This is spiritual desolation, leading us into confusion and potentially harmful choices. 

The good news is that whenever we realise we have turned away from the Light, all we need to do is turn back, so that the Light is once more shining on us and guiding our steps through the gift of spiritual consolation.

Reflection

In the situation that concerns me the most at present, am I facing the light and letting it shine on the problem, or am I sitting, facing my own shadow?

When have I felt the Light of Christ illuminating my path and the Holy Spirit guiding my steps? The way ahead looked much clearer then. I give thanks to God for these times.

Sometimes spiritual consolation floods over us, unbidden. When have I experienced such unexpected grace, and how has it challenged or changed me?

Prayer for Today

I ask for the grace to recognise when I am turning away from the Light of Christ and trying to find my way forward by my own flawed understanding. Please give me the humility to turn round and let your Light shine fully upon my mind and heart in the gift of spiritual consolation. Protect me from the illusion that ‘I know best’ and renew my faith in you alone, all-knowing, all-loving God.

Novena prayer

Lord, I come into your presence, drawn by your Holy Spirit, inspired by the life and teaching of your servant Ignatius and bringing before you my own intention in this special time of prayer (name your personal intention). Like Ignatius, I desire to know you more clearly, to follow you more nearly and to love you more dearly. Echoing his words and in the power of your Spirit, I dare to pray: Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours, dispose of it according to your will. Give me only your love and grace. This is enough for me.’