How to Tell if a Thought is from God or the Devil w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, OP

In this clip, Fr. Gregory Pine provides a framework for understanding if a thought or idea is from God, from yourself or from the Devil-also known as: Discernment of Spirits.
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[@andrewangelopacheco9960]

St. Catherine of Sienna in the "Dialogue" asks God the question, "How do we know when an inspiration is from God or if it's from the devil", God gave her the answer, "When inspiration is given to you and your first reaction is joy followed by confusion then it is from the devil as the devil cannot grant Peace. When inspiration comes and you react with fear followed by a greater desire to love and serve me then it comes from heaven". I find this a perfect measuring stick.

[@amorbayani]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@lorraineniece8813]

Thanks for posting this it's easier to grasp than what Father said. I'm a simple person.

[@gsaenz90]

I don’t know. Muhammad first had fear when he had his visions but after he had a desire for paradise (heaven). Yet we hold that his visions/inspirations were demonic. Perhaps the explanations presented here are a better point of reference.

[@andrewangelopacheco9960]

@@gsaenz90 Perhaps Muhammad read this information from Catholic Spiritual writers. Muhammad copied his false religion from the Catholic Faith and from the Jewish Faith. If it were true that Mohammad had this experience then it came from heaven and Islam would be the true religion. Muhammad was a son of his father, satan the father of lies as Jesus tells us in the Gospel. A certain Pope declared Muhammad was burning in hell for eternity. A fresco in some Church in Europe depicts Muhammad burning in the eternal fiery pit. At the time Muhammad lived there were many spiritual men and women and also Mystics, I'm sure that such an evil demonic man was seen by the spiritual men and women along with the Mystics who witnessed Muhammad's descent into hell.

[@gsaenz90]

@@andrewangelopacheco9960 Im not sure since Muhammad died in 632AD and St. Catherine was born in 1347AD. I agree with you that Muhammad was not inspired. I’m simply saying that St. Catherine’s measuring stick of whether inspiration is from God or Satan is not absolute and the real measuring stick is a bit more complex like what the father talked about here.

[@ChildofGod98765]

God will provide, all we have to do is have faith. Me and my children are facing eviction this month. I’m suffering I lost my job because I declined the vaccine. I declined due to my pre existing health condition (Lupus) and heart disease. I’m on a bunch of medications already including blood thinners. I’m a single mom, my husband passed away three years ago around this time it’s so hard I feel alone. But it’s my faith in God that will carry me through this hard time.

[@angelaa1979]

Praying for you 🙏✝️

[@anthonyrocco6767]

Hey Angela. I’m sorry to hear that you and your family are going through a tough time. Look into the 54 Day Rosary Novena! The story behind the Novena is amazing, and I hope it helps. I will keep you all in my prayers!

[@ilonkastille2993]

May God give you the strength to continue.

[@kdiaz7166]

✝️💘🛐💓💖💞

[@WarriorPrincess717]

Praying for you 🙏🏼

[@FrJohnBrownSJ]

Thank you. It's interesting to see a good Thomist look at the methods St. Ignatius is known for. Pray for good men to answer God's call to enter the Society of Jesus.

[@josephzammit8483]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWfNm4Ggo9mqqqs

[@alexk48]

The jesuits are commiting suicide just like the feminist religious orders of sisters. New orders are attracting holy orthodox young women. The same would be a solution for young men. The corrupt orders do not provide good formation.

[@sarahisatitagain]

I wish the Society of Jesus had a female equivalent (for missionary evangelism). I studied in a Jesuit University and it was my first "real" contact to Catholic faith. There are still good soldiers for Christ in the Jesuits, but some young blood that is truly passionate about the faith is needed.

[@signlanguage7624]

I feel so sinful and weak like I have no virtues. Please pray for me that the lord will deliver me from my inclination to want to sin.

[@FastlaneProductions1]

What are you dealing with if you don't mind me asking?

[@glow4439]

hru?

[@9502937]

This question is what brought me back to the Church. I realized that the thoughts that arise in my mind are not my own conscious decision, and that realization compelled me to seek to align my will with God's will and open myself to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit because of the horror of the possibility of being an instrument of the will and inspiration of any other source.

[@egggmann2000]

Agreed, I suffered from massive panic attacks for years until I realized this. No antidepressant could help, I finally came back to the church and only the sacraments and our Lord helped me. Been better for almost a year now, praise Jesus

[@pamkunz6619]

I was arguing about this very topic this morning in my own mind. I finally realized it was my will, not the Lord's, that was fighting for dominance. Once this became apparent, I was able to recognize all the rationalizations my mind was trying to trick me with. I'm not always this successful but I do find a big red flag is when I'm arguing with myself.

[@aiantenor9080]

humble of you to admit that

[@pamkunz6619]

@@aiantenor9080 thanks you but it's more that the Lord was saying "STOP - just stop!" than me being humble. It's very tiring arguing with yourself.

[@AbbyElizabeth03]

I find that God prompts me in really obvious ways. He doesn’t say specific words to me, but He will plant an idea in my mind. Sometimes it’s the idea to ask a friend to go to mass with me. Sometimes it’s to share my feelings and telling people about important moments that I have had in prayer life that I think could help them. An idea comes to me to pray for certain people- people I haven’t thought about in a long time. When I feel unworthy and unloved and feeling incredibly lowly, Satan tells me to not tell anyone. To keep going. It’s selfish to share my feelings. WRONG. In those moments I know it’s not God making me feel unworthy or lowly. It’s Satan creating doubt in me. He plants this doubt because he knows I already struggle with OCD and anxiety and hopes to thrive there, to pull me away from God. The great thing is that whenever I feel I shouldn’t tell someone how I feel, I know I actually MUST. God wants togetherness. He supports our efforts in Building His Kingdom but he knows our weak humanness and asks us to seek support in Him directly and through those virtuous relationships around us.

[@lindseyclark9307]

@AbbyIfYouWill Your insight is amazing !!

[@kdiaz7166]

🛐💘💓💖✝️💞

[@CanisDei]

Abby, thank you. It was great. The thoughts we think are random may not actually be. It also could mean that God wants us to do something. I also think free will plays a vital role here. Assume there’s someone at the street begging for food. I have the money good enough to have a luxury meal. I either can go buy food for myself and fill my excess hunger (or) buy something less of cost and also provide something for that person in need. The thought to give him arises from God probably. Or probably God gives us the opportunity to provide. It is up to us to decide. Loving God gives us choices all the time. Please take care of your health, Abby. Go for a short tour or something or learn an instrument.

[@drakonidesthevigilant5155]

I was at Mass some months ago and after the Priest had consecrated the host I saw with my mind's eye 👁️ a man in the front row with a pillar of spiritual "fire" above his head 🔥 This color of this pillar was a color no mortal eye has ever seen but the nearest colors I can compare it to are red gold purple very striking and beautiful. That man whom I witnessed was in the midst of the Holy Spirit. God bless him I experience bouts of clear seeing or clairvoyance but I can never will it to happen. It's the occasional gift of the Lord. Oh, and I've had some profound spiritual experiences during Mass especially when the Priest is consecrating the Host or Invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit. Usually a profound inner peace ✝️ 👁️🔥👁️ 💖 🌹🌹🌹 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@termite7790]

Wow

[@thisgirl5933]

There were a few times in my life when I needed to make an important decision. I prayed to the Holy Spirit, and woke up with an answer in my heart. And a knowledge/conviction that it came from him. It was amazing.

[@chrisobrien6254]

What was the decision?

[@Ikthus]

I can relate. Whenever I don’t understand something, I pray. The next day, insight comes out of nowhere.

[@LeeEngle]

This little talk sounds like you heard my confession yesterday. I need wisdom and discernment along with humility - thank you for the message to aid me along the way

[@AGracefulCatholic]

I feel the same!!

[@bweatherman3345]

May God bless you both because you understood this sermon. He talked about prudence. Wow, was he ever prudent in this sermon. Haha Haha. How can anybody think while he was going with his sermon like a rocket.

[@josephzammit8483]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWfNm4Ggo9mqqqs

[@SciVias917]

Bless you, Father, & your persistence in Christ. Someone else didn't want this posted!

[@TheMediable402]

This is a true blessing my priest told me to look up discernment of spirits and now this video pops up

[@AGracefulCatholic]

A Pints With Aquinas episode on discernment of spirits from a million years ago was how I found this channel!!

[@josephzammit8483]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWfNm4Ggo9mqqqs

[@michelemcdermott75]

Okay Father Pine, this is a listen to at least 2 more times ( for me, it is)! And I do pray for you🙏🙏

[@karenglenn2329]

For me at least two times. It worth it.

[@gloriahancock998]

For me too.🙏✝️

[@lilamaria4872]

Excellente catéchèse ! Merci beaucoup Fr Gregory! Pax et Bonum 🙏🙏🙏

[@tomlabooks3263]

Just wonderful. And I can’t believe Fr. Pine had to re-start his video 8 times, when he’s so unbelievably articulate when he talks about any topic.

[@roisinpatriciagaffney4087]

Thank you, Father Pine. Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us. St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us.

[@luisblanco4371]

I would add that God's voice is humble in the sense that it is not angry or vengeful. The idea would have to be conformed to God's surrender on the cross. He abandoned his own defense for love of his enemies. There are many words and actions that would have been just for him to take but he chose to only say forgive them Lord for they do not know what they do. That kinda gives you a similar vibe of how ideas from God have to be in the same humble state.

[@wendyflanagan5738]

A difficult subject to get across but Father Gregory you did your best. This was my first time listening to you. I am a Catholic but I confess to having listened to Derek Prince, a late English evangelist with a deep love for God. Somewhere amongst his KZbin Ministry he explains Discernment brilliantly. My son is called Gregory Peter Andrew Flanagan. Please pray he returns to the Catholic faith after a difficult time. Thank you and God bless you for teaching us.

[@alisterrebelo9013]

Wendy, I urge you pray the rosary and fast when you can as my parents did for me. I returned to the faith and Church with real experiences with Mary and the Lord 2 months ago. I too will pray for him in my daily rosary. God is sooooo real and He truly loves us and wants to save everyone of us.

[@angelafloodgate4437]

Great topic Thank you! Best rule of decrement for me, still is this one from St. Albert the Great: “Let this be the test for you of whether any thought, word or action of yours is of God, whether you are made more humble because of it, more inward and more recollected and established in God. If you find it is otherwise in yourself, you should be suspicious about it, whether it be not according to God, unacceptable to you and not to your benefit.” Experiencing the subtlety and pervasiveness of my pride I am having a hard time denying the my total depravity. Its so painfully clear that Ido not have any Life in myself.

[@sheryllanderson1394]

You have a very good way of explaining things Fr. Pine.

[@user-dx5bn4yk4f]

Niceeee, I really need this to understand Ignatian spirituality. I haven't even scratched its surface yet.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Amazing, I need this kind of extreme discernment, if even the good (from among two goods) is from God or God forbids, the evil one. God bless.

[@amaraheising4672]

Thank you Father Pine.

[@fennycruz6714]

God bless fr pine... you always make complex things simple. Thank you. Happy advent (second week) Everyone in pints and aquinas...cheers! -' from the philippines

[@DWWest]

Thank you so much, Fr. Gregory!

[@sac1303]

This was something to think about. Thanks, Fr. Gregory.

[@dalton7145]

I'm really glad I can find videos on KZbin about someone from the Catholic Church who speaks on these issues, but it saddens me that in our churches it's very hard to impossible to find anyone who will talk about it or listen to someone affected by these issues. I stopped going because I couldn't find help, other than videos like this. My faith wasn't strong enough to fight alone.

[@prodigaldawtr7907]

Please say a quick prayer for me. I am struggling with sudden vulgar or frightening thoughts whilst I try to pray or meditate. It's very random, ruins my focus and scares me.

[@tarkxien.440]

Prayers to you in your struggles. As someone who also suffers from vulgar and frightening thoughts periodically, always remember that the Lord is bigger then them. Though it doesn't cure me of them I have found that reminding myself that the Lord is the master over all, even my thoughts and feelings, helps me carry them. If you give those thoughts over to Him, even if they still torment you, you will know that they cannot conquer you as long as the Lord is your King. Jesus will make your struggles a part of your glory, just as the stigmata has become a part of His.

[@j.r.r5863]

You're perfectly normal. Don't worry, so Ling as you aren't bringing them up in purpose or encouraging them, you're fine. Everyone has this happen :)

[@vrcarlos6955]

Persevere in your prayer. Ask Our Lady for help and keep praying. I struggle with this too. Tell the devil to get behind you. Proclaim Jesus as your Lord and King. And keep praying. The evil one wants you to stop prayer. Resist the evil one and he will flee.

[@tinag7506]

I suggest this prayer: I reject renounce and rebuke these thoughts and subject the evil spirits at the foot of the cross. I've heard Fr Ripperger claim that sometimes demons can put thoughts in our head

[@trailora6843]

Hello, I am dealing with the same problem. This is part of the spiritual battle we are fighting. Always keep in mind that those thoughts don't come from us, and they don't change the way God receives our prayer. Reject those thoughts and always place your trust in Jesus, who protects you no matter what. When those thoughts come, stay calm and recite short prayers calmly, for example "Jesus I trust in You" / Ave Maria / "My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You! I beg pardon for those who do not believe, nor adore, nor hope, nor love You." / "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." / and so on. Those prayers are like weapons. With humility and perseverance, I am sure that those thoughts will eventually vanish. If those thoughts persist for a long time, you can ask for a prayer of liberation and/or study deeper causes (past practices of non-christian spirituality, for example).

[@marcacham5130]

Thanks so much Fr. Pine!

[@tomgreene2282]

This young man has a lot of ready answers and has a good deal of book classifications well rehearsed.

[@Mary-ui4im]

Oh my goodness. Thank you. This means allot🙏

[@jakeraymond8963]

Thank you sir, ive been wondering about this, very helpful

[@soroushfetkovich5084]

Dear father Gregory pls pray for my 3 sons Daniel , Samuel and Jason to be holy like yourself. Thank you and God bless you and keep you!

[@AppealToHeaven]

I need these constant reminders in my walk. Thanks, Fr. Gregory.

[@Mary-ui4im]

Thank you. Thanks be to God🙏

[@danielsampong6607]

Happy Sunday

[@NermineNa]

Thank you for this video. Inspiring and helping

[@elib3333]

This is a VERY GOOD one. Listened to it several times

[@saviodsouza7056]

Nicely explained Father in a brief manner This Video will inspire many to seek Divine assistance in every decisions they make. As in Isiah God says very clearly “ God’s planning is always a success “ through his gift of Wisdom that we receive.

[@Rick-pp8mo]

Trying successfully saying two rosaries, novena to sacred heart, sabatine privlege, memorare, divine intimacy, daily mass readings and usually a couple chapters of new testament. I say this because I need much forgiveness.

[@thereismorem9067]

God bless you Father! Just what I needed

[@josephzammit8483]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWfNm4Ggo9mqqqs

[@DystopianProphet]

This was incredibly useful. Thank you.

[@ellenjimenez57]

Thanks Father

[@lailapecson7581]

super love this! thank you, thank you soooo much! 😇

[@cangeljan12]

What a good looker 🇮🇪🇮🇪.. Thank you Father 🙏

[@josephzammit8483]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWfNm4Ggo9mqqqs

[@tessbabcock8169]

It's like I have a question and Fr. pine just makes a video on it!

[@JPGoertz]

Excellent Father! One of the newcomers of the year in my digital church in Berlin / Germany! (We have a 24-hour-real-presence-adoration-church as well, though :-))

[@jelenajukic8851]

thank you soo much for the 8. atempt

[@FredTonelli]

P.S. I have watched Father Gallagher on EWTN about the discernment of spirits and prayer more generally with great interest! Fathers Pacwa and Spitzer are also among my favourite theologians to watch! I love Mother Angelica!

[@NFPura]

Thank you so much for that talk Fr. Gregory. Your eighth time recording this bears fruit, as it really shows!!! So much of what you said really spoke to me. It has been hard for me to translate my difficulties across to other concerned people, pastors, coworkers, friends, and family. Especially so since I have maybe been diagnosed with schizophrenia once or twice too. Though that does not mean I do not have genuine religious experiences! I have as much of a right to be here as any other! Of course. Also, I do not fully agree with this diagnosis, as I think it could be used for nefarious ends by people who want to de-legitimize others, even if they are family and could sometimes mean well. Though that’s not what I’m saying exactly. Before I am anything, I am a person. I don't mean any particular family. There are some, like my close friend who is a spiritual ritualist of Filipina origin, who believes me and provides great counsel as well; but the way you put it into words, as a person of the cloth here, really spoke to me too. From a place of logic, as well as the soul. Thank you so much for these Pints with Aquinas, Brother Pines. We actually know him in the Philippines as Santo Tomas. Our oldest university there is named after him too. Salamat po, that means Thank You, and God bless.

[@quatrosilva1141]

Gracias padre Gregorio.

[@julesjgreig]

Well done.

[@michaelhudecek2778]

Thank you Father!! Merry Christmas!!! Michael

[@josephzammit8483]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWfNm4Ggo9mqqqs

[@marialaurafuentes8446]

Indeed very enlightening thank you. Eight times!!! I had a good laugh

[@royalairships3418]

KEEP IT UP!!!!!

[@flaman1967]

Pretty convoluted for me, there has to be an easier test-Sexual immorality and adultery are everywhere and I have to be constantly aware of the weakness of flesh just as St. Paul warns us.

[@annafranc8081]

Ever since I started praying rosary daily from October 2021 onwards I stopped masturbating :) hope this helps

[@jacobstorey6376]

Does the act bring you closer to god? Does the act bring goodness or lead to the potential for future goodness? Such as forgiveness! I find these questions extremely helpful.

[@CommonCommenter]

It may have taken you 8 tries, but it sounded beautiful. I saved it to my “Mind Aesthetic” playlist.

[@daughterofchrist1775]

Dear Father Pine, to be sensitized to the Divine voice, we must cultivate a habit of mental prayer, such as through lectio divina, yes? In these times, darkened intellect is a result it seems, of lack of knowing that this is a paramount tool of Godly spiritual warfare.

[@alisterrebelo9013]

Thanks for this. Returning to the faith after 16 years, I'm having to learn and relearn many things. Lectitio divina is something that will be very useful in my ongoing spiritual rebirth.

[@wfbane]

Funny thing-- for this video about “discernment of spirits,” KZbin’s algorithm served me up an ad for an alcoholic spirit!

[@raba650]

Reminds me of how I read that theology, or the study of God, was considered more so in St. Thomas Aquinas’ time, a science (correct me if I’m wrong 😅).

[@andrewsheedy4513]

That is correct. In his day, the definition of a science was more or less "a disciplined area of study" (so slightly different than the contemporary definition). Theology was in fact considered the "queen of the sciences"

[@tonygville2969]

Come Holy Spirit please Come and consume my soul 🙏 Viva Cristo Rey 🙏

[@Jackjohnjay]

Slowing this down would help. It’s moving really quickly through complex and novel (for most of us) ideas. :)

[@andrewsheehan9228]

Durning praying rosary i asked about recieving vacine i got a strong NO so i didnt and then while at mass i looked at the Holy Eucarist and then i knew in my heart the Holy Eucarist is my vacine .WOW .i got covid and no symptoms Thank you SO MUCH HOLIEST SPIRIT..

[@FredTonelli]

Thank you, Father Pine! What about when Teresa of Jesus was receiving spiritual insights early in her spiritual life as a Carmelite nun and her confessor told her that she was probably receiving these from the Evil One and so out of obedience she ignored them. It was not until she spoke to another priest, a Jesuit, I believe, and a Franciscan, St. Peter of Alcantara, that she was told they were from the Holy Spirit! Curiously, she admits to being a worldly nun at first, then applied herself to mental prayer and says this was decisive! Also, it is ironic that you mention St. Ignatius, who was looked upon with suspicion at first by some Dominicans, the watchdogs of the purity of the Faith! The Holy Spirit does move in mysterious ways!

[@cherylmburton5577]

I could identify with his expression comparing the discernment to an electrical function in saying: "You short-circuited the whole process!"

[@JohnR.T.B.]

By the fruits we can also judge, because as it's written: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit." (Matthew 7: 15-18) We can also apply this rule to ourselves.

[@raphaelrobles8104]

God bless

[@eringaffney8330]

Funny, I also had many interruptions (at least 5) even while watching the video (spam calls, door bell ringing etc) - had to keep rewinding parts I missed. Clearly someone doesn’t want this truth heard!!!

[@milesdeimichael39]

Q: What do the Dominicans and the Jesuits have in common? A: The Dominicans we’re founded to fight the Albigensians. The Jesuits were founded to fight the Protestants. Q: What’s the difference between the Dominicans and the Jesuits? A: Have you met any Albigensians lately? Lol. 🤣🤣🤣

[@blackswallow2526]

No! But most of them do not know. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJbbgausgtONpqs Do they think that because We gave them wealth and children, kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWOphKqpha-jhbM The life of this world is nothing but a passtime and a game. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jICQkHdna5dgo9U While you used to laugh at them! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5i7gYyHoJ6tnac The Messiah, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4O3iIBrgNaibpo

[@milesdeimichael39]

Dude! What do those videos have anything to do with the subject of this video? It’s my understanding that your “prophet” was born in Riyadh somewhere around 500 or 600 AD!

[@1001011011010]

Discernment!

[@lisakrische3732]

How can we discern if evil thoughts come from us or the devil? And when exactly is that line crossed from tottering on the brink of consent and finally given consent to the thought?

[@jameschin1786]

So in a nutshell, we can only correctly discern good from evil if we grow in greater virtue? I've been searching for an answer to this question for a long time, thank you Fr. Gregory.

[@crystalwhite4799]

Amen.

[@dw7546]

Jesus Christ is the Lord, He died and rose again from the dead, His Kingdom has no end. Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I cannot make a decision for the Lord, I pray people do not look to any man as a total replacement for the Lord. Lord humble my heart, I will walk with you always and forever.

[@kristintracy6406]

Does it also apply for dreams, Fr. Pine? 🙂

[@kimfleury]

I just asked my Guardian Angel if he was the one putting secular Christmas tunes in my mind, and this came up.

[@josephzammit8483]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWfNm4Ggo9mqqqs

[@rodrigog.c.6047]

If it takes you nearer to God, is from God.

[@chbo682]

Fr Pine, can God allow anxiety during examination of conscience as a part of convicting us that we have sinned a particular sin? I’m not sure what i feel is from scrupulosity or if it is a sign of a sin i’m shameful of admitting if it is true.

[@ritavinales6189]

I would very much appreciate if someone can put subtitles to this video🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Cherryhillgoods]

please add closed captioning to this video if possible. thank you

[@aisthpaoitht]

Any negative feeling is a red flag for me. It's like pain - a signal that something is wrong. If i am thinking about doing something, and I think it will be good, but there is an accompanying anxiety, then i know that something isn't right.

[@justingrove5190]

7:09 Father, I've never been able to find such a person who was willing to talk to me.

[@ThePhilosorpheus]

Thanks! The only part I dont agree with is, bear with me: We live in a godless world. If we proclaim God or denounce evil, the world is going to shun us. We are likely to end up lonely and ignored, maybe even miserable. Many of the prophets wrote about this. Some even said it would be better to not be born instead of going through so much suffering for proclaiming the word of God. So I dont think we can judge whether something is from God based on how it improves our lives. It may be from God AND have (apparently) bitter fruits. The fruits of godly things arent immediate, and we may not even live to see them, as Moses didnt live to enter the promised land...

[@leejennifercorlewayres9193]

The verse about it being better to not have been born was in regards to those who lead children to stumble. Being persecuted by the world (full of devils) means you are over the target. God can prosper you even so. Have faith.

[@prarieborn6458]

@@leejennifercorlewayres9193 Thank you thank you for your wisdom about being “over the target”! Wow, just what I needed today

[@leejennifercorlewayres9193]

@@prarieborn6458 God bless you. 🙏

[@alisterrebelo9013]

The Holy Spirit exhorts us to improve this world and ourselves in small and meaningful ways but to do so habitually. Helping out your Church, being a part of Bible study, being prayerful, etc. This talk of Proclaiming God or denouncing evil on a scale you talk of has a strong whiff of arrogance. If you're getting the urge to compare yourself to the Prophets, I think you know where THAT idea is emanating from. Hint its not God.

[@ThePhilosorpheus]

@@leejennifercorlewayres9193 I was actually referring to the prophet Jeremiah, who was thrown into a well and had people plot against his life. The texts are very heartbreaking and usually read as a prefiguration of Christ´s passion. My bad for not being clear about this in the original comment. Cheers!

[@littlejohn123]

Alas!

[@orthocoinbitzantium1002]

Orthodox Talks has several hour long videos talking about this

[@chanman201]

This is a video I would have to watch many times to understand. I'm not familiar with some of the language used. I do want to understand though.

[@abelovedchildofgod7383]

Can you talk about how sin wounded our nature and darkened our intellect and weaken our will? How can you say sin is just human left to his own natural self and not deprived of his natural good as well as the supernatural good that is the sanctifying grace?

[@josephzammit8483]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWfNm4Ggo9mqqqs

[@johnnylightning1967]

Saint Ambrose pray for us

[@dr.davidhoward3179]

God: Peace, Virtue, Orthodoxy Lk 10:5, Col 3:15, CCC 1832. Devil: Disturbance, Vice, Heterodoxy.

[@spg77777]

A locution is a tidal wave... a tsunami... The words will overwhelm and grab your attention (interiorly) in a way that you have never been spoken to before. Your own thoughts are just that... random mostly... some leaning positive, some leaning negative. Anything of a demonic nature will be opposed to reason and morality. So... mostly you're going to be dealing with your own thoughts... and often with demonic temptation. Anything which inspires you toward the good and charitable is fine but the genuinely inspired is rare... We have a free will, which is important... and why locutions aren't common.

[@thomism1016]

Father, “…Our sin merits a redeemer…”? What did man do to MERIT Christ’s redemption? God’s love gave us Christ.

[@silliercrayon9588]

merit as a verb: deserve or be worthy of (something, especially reward, punishment, or attention). God's Love for us is so much that He knows that we deserved a redeemer/savior

[@thomism1016]

@@silliercrayon9588 St. Paul described mankind as “…children of wrath…”, “DESERVING” of nothing except eternal damnation for the sins of our first parents and by association our own sins as well. However, I do see where Father and yourself derive your understanding of the use of the verbs and how the boundless nature of God’s love factors in. Thank you. Your reply is appreciated 💐❤️🙏🏾

[@martanieradka4675]

It’s confusing, if I am about to discern if thoughts before making an important decision are from heaven or hell I can not wait for the fruit of that decision, the whole point is to discern before the decision is made!

[@simonslater9024]

When you think Fr Gregory you discerned over time to become a Catholic priest. What I find so difficult is IS God saying WAIT or NO? God bless.

[@woutermortier2771]

The word salad is strong in this one

[@AngelBien]

Thank you for the video! However, I'm pretty sure you can say all this in a simpler way Father.

[@kwkw5711]

By their fruits you shall know them. You forgot that the sheep know their masters voice. The more you know God's character the more you can tell what is in that character and if thought is consistent with that. Also you can compare thought with scripture is thought something approved or forbidden in the bible or similarly church teaching. You can ask holy spirit to help you and enlighten you.

[@michaelcollins9698]

Please Father are you saying doing something that causes me loneliness is not from God? My experience doesn’t necessarily bear this out. I experience loneliness while I pursue understanding metaphysics but I think this is simply the price I pay for these pursuits. Perhaps desert fathers, for instance, endured a little loneliness yet they persisted and found success, in many cases. In other words, it ain’t about being a happy week adjusted human as much as it is seeking right praise of God. Am I wrong please!

[@corporateshill7473]

"Pines with Aquinas."