Transcript Discernment According to Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Discernment Process
Wolff, Pierre. Discernment: The Art of Choosing Well.
Liguori, Missouri: Liguori / Triumph, 2003.
Based on “The Spiritual Exercises” by Ignatius of Loyola
Translated by Mottola. Latin Text:
Versio Vulgata, circa 1548.
First Point
“To bring in front of me the thing on which to be deliberated, either an office or a benefice to
accept or to reject; and so also for other things that pertain to a changeable Election.”
Second Point
“After having brought before my eyes why I was created, which is to praise God and that I be saved,
I am not inclined either toward accepting or rejecting the debated thing. Rather, I am to remain in the
middle and in equilibrium, ready in my mind to bring immediately all of myself to the side that I will
recognize as conducing more to the divine glory and my salvation.”
Third Point
“To implore God’s clemency to deign to teach my mind and stimulate my will, so that I would use,
for whatever I would tend to, nothing but the pious and faithful reasoning of my intellect, through
which, having known and identified God’s will, I should bring myself to the Election.”
Fourth Point
“To ponder how many advantages and gains to reach my own end would come from accepting such
office or benefice; and also how many disadvantages and hazards will come from it. On the other
hand, I should ponder how many advantages and gains, as well as hazards and damage,
I may expect if I refuse it.”
Fifth Point
“Having done this, to reflect on both sides and, according to the judgment of reason itself and putting
aside all wishes of the flesh, to conclude the Election.”
Sixth Point
“Once the election is made, to go and pray without delay, and offer it to God so that, if it pleases Him,
He would accept and confirm it fully.”