Salesian Literature

Chapter 12  :  The second proof of inspiration – peace of soul

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That is the way to react, then, Theotimus, to inspirations which are unusual only to the extent that they impel us to perform ordinary Christian practices with extraordinary fervour and do them extraordinarily well.

 

There are other inspirations, however, which are called extraordinary; not only do they lift the soul out of the common rut, they also lead it to perform actions contrary to the usual laws, rules and customs of holy Church.  For this reason they are more to be admired than imitated.

 

St. Paul the first hermit, St. Anthony, St. Mary of Egypt, did not bury themselves deep in deserts, deprived of Mass, communion, confession, deprived too – young as they were – of guidance, of every help, without a powerful inspiration.  Simeon Stylites led a life that no human being would have dreamed of doing but for the promptings and assistance of grace.  Unknown to his clergy, St. John (a bishop nicknamed the Silent) left his see for the monastery of Laura, where he spent the rest of his days, and no more was heard of him.  Surely this was contrary to the rules of residence binding on all bishops!  Then there was St. Paulinus, who sold himself to ransom a poor widow’s son.  How could he do this under the usual legislation?  By his Episcopal consecration he belonged not to himself, but to the Church and to his people.

 

One of the best proofs that any inspiration is a good one, especially if it is extraordinary, is peace of soul in the recipient.  The Holy Spirit is indeed violent, but there is a gently charm, a peace about his violence.  He came like a strong wind blowing at Pentecost (Acts 2:2,3), like thunder from heaven, yet he did not utterly disconcert the apostles; he scarcely disturbed them at all.  The fear they felt at the sound of his coming was but momentary; it was instantly followed by a calm assurance.

 

The evil spirit, on the contrary, is wild, violent, disturbing.  Those who follow suggestions from hell, taking them to be inspirations from heaven, are easily known as a rule.  They are restless, obstinate, haughty, meddlesome busybodies.  They are men who, under a cloak of zeal, turn everything upside down, find fault with everyone, upbraid everyone, condemn everything.  They are people who will not be guided, who will give way to nobody, put up with nothing; they simply gratify the passions of self-love in the name of zeal for God’s honour.

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