By Shannon Wei
KUCHING — Nearly 190 individuals filled the Mater Domini auditorium at ACCPC for an Easter Formation on the “Discernment of Spirits”, led by Fr James Tan, SJ from Singapore on the morning of 27 April 2024.
Organised by the Jesuit Development Office of Malaysia-Singapore, the formation delved into spiritual insights drawn from the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola.
To begin, Fr James made the distinction between the good spirit—the source of strength, encouragement and joy in seeking God—in contrast to the bad spirit which triggers dissatisfaction, doubts and anxieties about God’s love, as well as prideful thoughts in a bid to lead a virtuous life.
Adding on, he explained Spiritual Consolation, describing it as “a gift that God gives us… when we find ourselves so on fire with the love of God, that we can freely give ourselves to God.”
Participants were reminded that “in experiencing His mercy, we realise that we are sinners before a loving and compassionate God, in the face of Jesus’ Passion.” Spiritual consolation, thus, “leads us to praise, thank and serve God more.”
The session offered guidance for Spiritual Consolation, urging the importance of foresight, gratitude and humility, while also addressing Spiritual Desolation—when thoughts of rebelliousness, despair and selfishness appear.
Participants were told that Spiritual Desolation can arise from neglecting our life of faith. Alternatively Fr shared, it could be a trial period allowed by God, prompting an encounter with our own poverty and need which begs the question: “Do we love God, or just love the gifts of God?”
Adding on, Fr warned against the deceptive tactics used by the bad spirit, which include manifesting in spoilt behaviour, manipulation and subtle attacks on spiritual humility.
In dealing with such, participants were told to maintain steadfastness, intensify prayer, exercise patience and remember, “God is always with us.”
The session concluded with Holy Mass, providing attendees with a time of spiritual communion and reflection.
