Through Journaling, Prayer And Discernment – I See God’s Will
It is a lovely opportunity for me to share with you about the spiritual life I have been going through. I am extremely grateful and happy with the journey of life because of wonderful experiences in MAG+S TL.
I have never thought of joining and taking part in MAG+S -TL before. However, it is God’s blessing and grace to know and to take part in this youth Community. I joined MAG+S -TL in 2023 and started to learn about Ignatian Spirituality, the Jesuits and the founder of the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius of Loyola. Being a member of the MAG+S -TL community is a self-learning and self-growth experience. Through this I am aware of God’s call for me to refine my relationship with him and bring me to know Him more deeply, to love Him intensely and to follow Him more closely. This call helps me to see clearly my direction and the purpose of my life and helps me to build a deeper relationship with God in my everyday life. The Ignatian Spirituality becomes an instrument in transforming emotional and spiritual aspects of life.
‘To be men and women with and for others’ has been a great value and a marvellous witness on how the process of self-learning and growth as part of my transformation. In my real missions as a child in the family, a youth in and for the church and society, a doctor for the patients and a team leader for some groups in MAG+S, I strive every single day to be a person with and for others.
Examination of Conscience helps me to discover, recognize and feel the presence of God in my everyday life. There is a joy when I am with the people. There is also a satisfaction when I am able to give my best in everything I do. Many times I experience desolation too when it comes to making a decision for my jobs, however, I always remain firm and continuously grow because I always put God as the center and reference in and for my life.
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius has led me to learn and practice what is called Ignatian Discernment and Indifference. For me Ignatian discernment helps me distinguish and justify what is right and wrong. Ignatian Indifference means that people do not want or choose one thing better than another but only want to choose what gives more glory to God (AMDG).
Spiritual discernment has changed and transformed me. It also has molded me to be a mature person and to see this life with the eyes of Christ. I am not only growing in one aspect of life but holistically I am able to sense the difference within me with regards to my character, attitudes and the way of serving and seeing others. Let me share with you one of the best experiences of mine where I practiced discernment and indifference – when I had to choose between two job opportunities. At that time I was in a dilemma to decide because there is some personal affection and attachment that was still within me. However, through the practice of spiritual discernment, I was able to decide which one is better for God, me and others.
Finally I am aware that human beings are created by God through love to experience his divine MAG+S. Therefore, as a human being I need to help, share and collaborate the grace that I have with each other. I always keep in mind that the simple actions that I do in my everyday life is always to give glory to God.
Written by: Dilgia, MAG+S Timor-Leste