The Struggle with Our Thoughts
One does not arrive at virtue except through knowledge of self and
knowledge of Me, which knowledge is more perfectly acquired
in the time of temptation, because then man knows himself to be nothing,
being unable to lift off himself the pains and vexations which he
would flee; and he knows Me in his will, which is fortified
by My goodness, so that it does not yield to these thoughts.
knowledge of Me, which knowledge is more perfectly acquired
in the time of temptation, because then man knows himself to be nothing,
being unable to lift off himself the pains and vexations which he
would flee; and he knows Me in his will, which is fortified
by My goodness, so that it does not yield to these thoughts.
The Love Crucified Community.
The Simple Path to Union with God (p. 74). Kindle Edition.
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The Simple Path to Union with God (p. 74). Kindle Edition.
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The growth in self-knowledge is not an easy task. When we run from the truth about ourselves it will often lead to trouble and suffering. “Fear of facing ourselves can back us into tight corners, and there is no escape if the inner journey is not started.
Sometimes repression is something that can be needed. Our inner world is deep, perhaps bottomless, filled with billions of experiences buried so deep that they cannot be remembered or considered. This can be a good thing if we are not prepared to experience them. It allows us to live our lives without too much conscious baggage. Yet, the depths of our unconscious still have a strong hold on us and can cause havoc if they move close to the surface just below consciousness.
Our everyday struggle can let us know even if dimly what we are dealing with. Our thoughts and fantasies will show us hints about the source of our inner struggle. However, if we do not have a strong ego, it may be impossible for us to deal with these issues without causing us a great deal of shame or self-hatred. This can be a serious roadblock that can keep us from taking the inner journey.
When prayer comes into the picture, which is an opening of one’s heart and mind to God, it is then that we are called to trust in God and His leadership in our lives. It is true, that trust can be a difficult choice, but once we accept that we are loved by God, and as a Christian, Jesus fulfills that role, we can face the most painful, and yes violent, inner issues before the gaze of Our Loving God. We learn to trust from experience that flows from a deep prayer life. Prayer allows us to step back and observe thereby learning that we are not our emotions or feelings, but are important aspects of our inner life. They pass, and there is a flow. When this becomes a reality for us we can find it easier to stay focused and rooted in our faith in God’s presence in our lives.
Jesus commands us to love ourselves, for otherwise, we will run from this necessary but daunting task of true growth in God’s love. BrMD
