Listening to the Inspirations of the Holy Spirit

Have you ever wondered if a thought or inspiration is from the Holy Spirit or just from yourself? It can be difficult to discern where a thought or inspiration originates from. Having a relationship with the Holy Spirit is awesome! And the way he moves and influences us in various situations is remarkable. That is why it’s so important to be in tune with him; so that we may allow him to work for our good and the good of others.

Recognizing the voice of the Holy Spirit comes with practice and familiarity. In his book, In the School of the Holy Spirit, Fr. Jacques Philippe writes,

“Spiritual hearing is a kind of ability to recognize, among all the multiple, discordant vices that we can hear inside us, the unique, unmistakable voice of Jesus…The Holy Spirit uses, for each of us, a ‘tone of voice’ that is his alone. It has particular gentleness and power, purity and clarity, which, when we are accustomed to hearing it, gives us near-certainty in singling it out,” (45).

There is a certain peace that one feels when listening to and executing something the Holy Spirit inspires. Peace doesn’t mean that it will be easy, but it is a sure sign that the Holy Spirit is at work.

Inspirations of the Holy Spirit are not precarious. In discernment, the Holy Spirit remains persistent if he wants something from you. God is solid and stable; he doesn’t change his mind and he knows what he wants from us. It is important, too, to remember that God won’t ask us to do things that would contradict the state of our life (our call and vocation). Nor would he ask us to do anything against Church teaching.

What is the purpose of listening to and responding with a “yes” to the Holy Spirit? Holiness. And holiness becomes more attainable by remaining faithful to God, because it is he who moves us in that direction. We might be surprised by what he does call us toward, but that is part of the fun of living a Christian life! And it is exciting to be surprised by God. Remaining open to his inspiration helps us to live a good and happy life.

It can be scary to follow the Holy Spirit’s inspirations. But I think once we learn his voice, we must respond promptly and with the virtue of courage so that total devotion to God (holiness) grows. I will end my musing with this wonderful quote from St. Francis de Sales:

“Without inspiration our souls would lead an idle, sluggish, and fruitless life, but on receiving the divine rays of inspiration we are sensible of a light mingled with a quickening heat, which illuminates our understanding, and which excites and animates our will, giving it the strength to will and effect the good which is necessary for eternal salvation.”