Why does the heaviest thought of your week arrive right after your best prayer? Nearly five hundred years ago, St. Ignatius of Loyola described three pictures of how the enemy works on people who are trying to do good. Drawn from his Spiritual Exercises, Scripture, and the Catechism.

SOURCES & REFERENCES:

1. St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Own Writings:
   Spiritual Exercises, Rules for the Discernment of Spirits (First Week), Rules 1, 2, 12, 13, 14 [314, 315, 325, 326, 327].
   Autobiography (his recovery at Loyola).

2. Other Saints’ Works:
   Athanasius, Life of Antony 55.
   Teresa of Avila, The Book of Her Life, chapter 25, number 22.

3. Catechism of the Catholic Church:
   Paragraphs 395, 2849.

4. Gospel References:
   Matthew 4:2-3.
   John 3:20.

5. Other Scripture:
   James 4:7.

Exact wording varies by edition, so please verify passages in your own copy.

DISCLAIMER:
This video is for educational and spiritual reflection purposes only. It is not advice of any kind, and it is not meant to hurt anyone’s beliefs or feelings. It respects people of every faith and perspective. Heaviness or low mood can have many causes, so this video is not a substitute for a doctor or counselor.