Author: Mark Moran

Christian Spiritual Direction: Vocation and Discernment

Posted on by Mark Moran

All human beings are called to know, love and serve God.  This is a Divine mandate that answers to the virtue of justice.  Within justice, the amount of what is due is given to the other.  In the case of God, His creation owes to Him worship and service, but God in His infinite love and mercy, has not only made us His creation but also His children.  By making us in His own image and likeness, He has called us into a real spiritual dialogue and relationship with Him.  Through grace, He has elevated us to the underserved titles of sons and daughters.

Through free will, God gives us the choice to exist in this state of happiness or to choose our own happiness.  Like the demons before, many individuals reject this offer and use their gift of free will to their damnation.  Instead of knowing, loving and serving God, they choose to know the world, love oneself and serve indirectly Satan.  They walk away from the banner of Christ and instead choose the quick and easy road of immediate pleasure and vice that destroys the soul.

Each person beyond the basis of justice to know, love and serve the Lord, have unique vocations.  There are different types of vocations for one truly does not have just one vocation in life.  One fulfills vocation when one offers to Christ all actions, no matter how mundane, and through God’s grace turns the ordinary events of the day into extraordinary events by tying them to Christ as one’s High Priest.  Every decision in one way or another is a decision that leads one to our ultimate end which is God.  In this blog, we will discuss vocations that are general as well as the existential vocation of one’s life and how to better think about, prepare and undertake it.

Spiritual Advisors and Directors are excellent resources to help souls discover their unique path.  All souls have a general path that we share through the Church, but we each have special unique trails as well that through prayer and discernment, we can discover.  Spiritual Advisors can help souls find these paths and trails and shine light on God’s direction.  Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification as well as AIHCP’s Spiritual Direction Program.

VOCATION

We all have a vocation.  Christ told the apostles, to pick up their cross and to follow Him.  As Christians, we are to know, love and serve God.  We are to manifest within our lives the light of Christ to the world.  This is our universal vocation.  All things we do must either contribute to this, or at least remain neutral and non-detrimental to that function.  While spiritually, our vocation to spiritual life is central, we must also fulfill our relational vocations to others, especially if we have children in teaching them about Christ.  Our spiritual calling is the highest call of our vocation and is met through prayer and love of God and neighbor.

As temporal beings, we have many other needs and hence vocational obligations.  As stated these temporal things are important to our existence.  They must either contribute to our spiritual end, or at least remain neutral and non-hindering to that end.  In this way, one’s profession can be seen as a vocation.  A father or mother who works long hours to support the children is fulfilling a parental vocation but also a professional one to afford basic care, food, shelter and clothing, as well as service to the employer.  Hence any duties in themselves can become daily vocations.   Any relationships that need to be cared or tended can also become a daily vocation.   Like St Joseph, we offer these daily duties as a worker, father, or spouse to God.  Like St. Theresa the Little Flower, we turn the most mundane act of sweeping the convent floors as duties we perform for the glory of God.  We hence fulfill our daily duty and vocation and turn something so mundane and ordinary into something extraordinary when we do them with excellence and love of God.  They in themselves become prayers to God.

Events that not only steal from our primary vocation and end which is God, as well as take energy, time and emotion from our core duties are distractions and illusions of the world.  These distractions hope to push us away from our duties to God, self and family.  In discernment, when we engage in activities we must diagnose them in accordance with our primary end, our daily duties and responsibilities.   Do these actions deviate from our end?  Are they inherently sinful in themselves?  Are they only an occasion to sin?  Are they taking time away from family and God?

St Ignatius in his Spiritual Exercises makes it very simple when making an election or choice in life about doing or not doing something.  He suggest imaging standing before the throne of God on judgement day and calculating if the event or decision is helpful towards one’s salvation or detrimental.  He also asks us to examine our conscience in any decision as well the action.  What are the fruits of the action?  What can occur that is good versus bad?  Does it correlate with the laws of God?  Does the means equate our true end with God, or does the event itself become its own end?

Whenever making a choice or life decision, one must contemplate, seek counsel, and pray.  Many callings need thoroughly contemplated  Of course the first and foremost sign is does it meet our final end?  Many things can meet this criteria but one must continue to contemplate further to see if this particular and exact choice or decision is meant for someone.

For example, marriage, or the religious life are equally beautiful callings but they themselves must not represent the end and culminating aspect of one’s life.  Instead they should represent means that help one reach their own end in unison with God’s will.  So, if the decision or calling in itself is good and aligns with humanity’s final end, one must begin to discern if it is indeed the calling and way God hopes to use oneself.

This involves not only prayer and counsel, but also evaluation of one’s own will.  Recall, the rich man in the Gospel had done everything he was supposed to do but one thing.  When Christ asked him to give up all he had and to follow Him, this troubled the man deeply.  So many are called but few are chosen because of our own free will.  Many times, even not at the cost of sin, our wills do not align with God in a preferred state in life.  God does not wish to force us into one way of life, but He does ask and call us knowing what would make us the most happy.  We have been equipped with particular spiritual talents to meet the call of God, so when we submit our will to God, we then are ready to move more peacefully and perfectly in this life.

Take into account Mary.  She never questioned God.  She said to let it be done according to the will of God.  St Joseph as well without hesitation took Mary as his wife and raised the Christ child.  In all cases, individuals united their will to the will of God.  If one is to truly find their vocation, then one must submit oneself to the will of God in  humility and obedience.  For those that are willing to submit to God, this is good news, but it still represents a difficult decision in discerning.  Unfortunately God is not always loud and clear.

Hearing God

We have spoken about living a life first that fulfills one’s general vocation of knowing, loving and serving God.  We have also spoke about the importance of fulfilling our daily duty in humility and obedience to God.  That same humility and obedience should carry to the fulfillment of His will and service to Him.  Yet hearing and discerning can sometimes be difficult.

The noises of the world can sometimes drown out God’s voice.  We need to direct ourselves in prayer and meditation and seek counsel as needed but there are a few inherent signs of a particular calling (and when I say calling, I mean any calling, marriage, singlehood, monastic life, or priesthood).  Being first and primary a disciple of Christ, there are certain signs the Holy Spirit showers us with.  Sometimes, we may feel these signs and interior voices through the sacraments or the reading of Scripture, or while doing penance, or working with the poor.  Other times, indirect statements from strangers, or signs throughout the day can redirect one to the manifestation God is trying to display.

In addition to signs and coincidences, our own inner self plays a key role.  We naturally gravitate towards what God has deemed for us.   If we feel a strong connection to a family with children, then our vocation could very well be the married life, or if we see and feel the grace of a minister or priest proclaim the Gospel, this may be a inward desire towards that.  In addition, our skill, talents and spiritual charisms are many times tied to the vocation God desires for us.   Someone well trained in theology may very well be prepared to preach the Gospel at some level, lay or clerical, or may be called for higher levels of Church administration.   Those blessed with leadership skills, communicative skills, and higher academic achievement in studies may have a calling within Christ’s Church to lead.  Others may be more introvert but spiritual and feel a calling to a more private life with God in a monastery.  Others may have a calling to love another person and to share in the creation of new lives.  In this calling, they possess the qualities for partnership and compassion, while someone with a ministry calling may naturally be more inclined to a life that is solitary.

God sometimes also pushes one to one’s particular vocation through the presence of need.  When someone sees the lack of religious or short handed churches, or less care for the poor, or less advocates for the weak and sick, then these are ways God instills into the soul a yearning to act.  These calls to action can feel very personal and one may have a strong passion residing inside to meet that need.

So while God can awaken us the way he did with Saul via an intense vision and conversion, He usually respects our free will and subtly turns us but we still need to be  attentive and listening.  It involves our humility and obedience to Him and most importantly our love for God.  We need to put God first and live a life that is based on decisions that reflect God and His laws.  When our conscience is well formed and sound, it can guide us to a position to truly discern and hear God.

St Ignatius again points out that messages from God, direct or indirect, reflect our holy end.  Discernment that leads to selfish ends, or immoral pursuits, or the production of bad fruits, are not from God.  So it is important to discern the nature of the election or decision, the objective reality of the choice and its consequences and to place it in subjugation to the laws of God.  Then and only then can we see beyond our universal end and see what is also our particular end.

Finding Peace in the Anxiety

Giving our day to God is the first step in finding peace and removing anxiety.  When the soul attaches it’s will to the Father, then it fears less.  It sees the bumps and discomforts of life, but sees them as happy crosses to suffer for.  The soul indeed soon discovers that God always has a plan.  So while one worries about one’s career, or if they should marry, or enter the religious life, or if they feel ambivalent in their social life’s decisions with their religious beliefs and unsure where to go, if we simply give God each day, then we can find some peace and direction.

This involves prayers to the Holy Spirit for wisdom, understanding and knowledge, and for the virtue of fortitude and temperance in daily dealings.  The devil utilizes the noises of anxiety and insecurity mixed with multiple detours that take from the time God deserves–hence these virtues serve as important protections.  In our daily life,  we must make the ordinary become extraordinary by giving to God each task.    As each day becomes a prayer, then one becomes more open to the grand plan of one’s life.  Each day given to God leads to the next which builds upon each other until in reveals the beauty of God’s plan.   This should remove anxiety because God loves us.  He loves us and wishes for us to be happy.  He also grants us numerous choices in our independence.  God wants our love and respects our choices in this life.  However, there will always be a inner movement towards what the soul was designed for and how blessed are individuals who answer the call that God ordained for them.

In the meantime, if one is discerning marriage, or priesthood, continue to pray for guidance but do not allow thoughts of the future that are far away to cloud the present day.  The present day is rich with opportunities to please God and fulfill our daily vocation.  When individuals focus and allow anxiety to haunt them in regards to their future, they sometimes miss the moments before them.  The vocation of the present is just as important as the vocation of the future.  Today itself is a prayer and opportunity to know love and serve God.  It will build habits that may enable us one day to fulfill that calling more perfectly.   As Padre Pio rightfully saw, spiritual development is a motion of growing closer or unfortunately farther from God.  The stagnant soul is unable to grow, or feel, or love, but the soul that is in process, even if far away from the finish line, is moving towards his or her ultimate end.  This is important to remember in monitoring spiritual anxiety as well as contemplating one’s vocation.

Conclusion

A vocation and a special calling beyond our daily life is exciting.  We should not fear it or become obsessed and anxious over it.  God loves us in the moment and we must remember that.  We need to tie our will to God so we can better fulfill that vocation.  We do not wish to be as Jonah fleeing God’s will.  We know as he fled Nineveh, he was swallowed by a large fish, only to be released 3 days later.  So we cannot flee our vocation, but we must realize beyond our duty to know, love and serve God, that we are also called in a special way with special talents to grow the Church and Christ’s Mystical Body on Earth.  We need to be receptive of this, know how to discern it, and how to respond to it.

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Early Issues in Spiritual Advising

Posted on by Mark Moran

A soul that has finally turned inward to the reality of existence and its purpose has taken a big first step.  The intellect and will has finally identified the empty promises of the world.  It has acknowledged the existential void that only materialism, lust, and drugs promise.  The soul has finally realized that this temporal world is far from perfect and can never grant one’s complete needs, much less quench the thirst for meaning.

The soul in this state has acknowledged the reality that something is very wrong in the temporal realm and that something is truly messing.  The sounds, sights and scents of the world have become like a child’s toy or a rattle that entertains the infant that one as an adult has overgrown.  One’s spiritual sight recognizes the empty lies and temporary function of these realities.   Maybe this movement is due to a loss, or a disease, or merely the depression of life that seems to never offer that perfect solution.  Driven by dopamine experiences, the soul realizes that its overall mood after the excitement is quite alone and unfulfilled.  There needs to meaning attached to life.  There needs to be a meaning beyond the loud noises and excitement that fades so quickly in the morning dawn.

Spiritual directors are like life coaches but for the soul. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program as well as its Spiritual Director Program

In essence, the soul is awakening from the matrix of temporal life.  It is hearing, albeit faint, the whisper of Christ and the need of grace.   Whether through someone’s prayer, or a slight brush with the divine, or spiritual movement, the Holy Spirit is gently calling the soul away from its errors, its imperfections and its follies.  It offers the soul something lasting, something real and something that will help one fulfill one’s true end and vocation in this life.

Please also review AIHCP’s Spiritual Direction Certification or also its Christian Counseling Certification.  A Spiritual Director is different from a Christian Counselor.  Spiritual Direction is almost as Life Coaching for the body.   It entails not necessarily facing a particular problem but oversees the process of the soul towards God.  It helps remove spiritual traps and help the soul become closer to God through goals and spiritual exercises.  The Spiritual Director is usually a priest or minister but can also be someone of a educated level and spiritual closeness to God.  A Spiritual Director also knows the person’s spiritual life and has the ability to offer insight.

The Conversion and Movement Towards Change

Habits, whether virtuous or viceful, do not change overnight.   A person’s neuro pathways form trodden trails that are set as a person’s default system still have control.  Even when a soul becomes awakening and seeks exciting and monumental changes, one many times experiences lapses.  Whether this be a sinful vice, a drug addiction, or one’s daily routines, it takes discipline and accepting the grace of the Holy Spirit to begin upon the route of change.

Counselors, even more so than spiritual advisors, encounter the desire of their clients to change.  This change may be due to something that has occurred, or a spiritual distress, or close moment of death, but despite all good intentions, change itself is an arduous journey.  For example, a person on Jan 1st, proclaims a new life and healthy body via diet and attendance at the gym.   While this goal is noble and good, many see it fade overtime.  The individual overtakes too big a change, or does not foresee the difficulties and obstacles.  The person may be tempted of past neuro-wired behaviors that push one back to a default.  For instance, the late night snacks, or the extra nap after work, or the desire to escape a particular vice of swearing that has overtaken the person, are not magical and miraculous changes.  These changes are rare and the Saul to Paul moment is not the paradigm to follow.  In most cases, one’s free will must seek that change and go forward with it.   Through discipline and fortitude, one continues to rewire the subconscious of bad habits through reward and punishment, as well as repetition.  Beyond forming new habits or virtues, repetition leads to altering the conscious mind to a new default mode.  This type of change requires accountability, repetition, and a firm amendment.

These changes again are not instant and lapses occur.  These lapses sometimes can be the final call to retreat for a person.  The person is overcome by the change, finds shame and guilt in lack of progress or in failure, and returns to the original default mode of physical or spiritually unhealthy habits.  While some can fall to one knee and arise the next, many have various anxiety or depression issues or lack of family support that all but guarantee relapse.

Spiritual directors help guide one’s spiritual direction to God while helping one through all the spiritual troubles

This is why as Christians, and especially mentors and directors to other Christians,  one must not only identify spiritual malady but also become a coach or counselor who helps individuals meet goals.  Like any counselor, plans are created for new goals and ways of life.  A coach or dietician may help a player or client develop a way to facilitate change but with a tiered goal approach that rewards the person for stepping stone achievements that are well before the finish line.  Through this guidance, the director can help a person formulate a change in one’s life who faces a particular vice.  The director expects one to fall, or take a step back, but nevertheless, inspires the person to push forward.

It would be prudent to note that despite all one’s efforts and works that lead to salvation cannot be earned.  Unlike the heretic Pelagius, one cannot imitate Christ and become truly holy and enter salvation without grace.  Even the greatest saint due to a few sins is not worthy to stand before the most Divine, but through Christ’s death on the cross, the grace of the Holy Spirit and the numerous sacramental graces given to God’s people, the soul has hope.  Grace brings salvation and through opening our eyes but also giving one the ability to cooperate with God in attaining salvation.   Thinking one can work out one’s own salvation, or for that matter  the opposite which assumes a simple declaration of faith suffices errors theologically.  Salvation and change is through the grace and gift of faith but that is merely the starting point.  Grace ensures that faith is a working faith.  One where the soul cooperates with the graces that God has showered upon him or her, to facilitate change.  That change may have psychological or mental road blocks of habit, but through the grace of the Holy Spirit and cooperation of that grace, then faith becomes a working faith carved through the desire of love of God.

Directors help the individual cultivate the spiritual change and remain as personal coaches who help the soul utilize the grace to produce fruits within the person.  This ensures that the spiritual advisor is more than a religious dogmatist, but one who also is pastoral in  nature and helpful in introducing and sustaining the person to that change.

Challenges to Change and Early Roadblocks

As a spiritual advisor, one is not to judge, but to aid.  One understands that the transformation taking place is the grace of Holy Spirit which utilizes the spirituality of the director and the desire of the person to work towards a better spiritual life.  Namely, a life that seeks to know, love and serve God in this world.  When one places God as his or her ultimate end and ties one’s will to the desires of God, then true change can occur.  The grace of the Holy Spirit can begin to excite the soul beyond its prior programming.   The soul turns to more spiritual concepts and ideals, as well as enters into a more Christo-centric life style.  The soul begins to rewire neuropathways with bad default modes that easily scurry back to the world and its lies.  The new pathways recognize other ways to do things through the the habit of virtue over the habit of vice.

Teaching the soul patience, humility and obedience are key elements in helping the soul continue in its journey to a better relationship with God but make no mistake, the evil one and his many legions of demons find great discomfort in conversion.  Spiritual warfare will intensify as the soul becomes closer to God.  What once was under the control of the demonic now has escaped his hold of vice.

St Teresa of Avila in her classic, the “Interior Castle” speaks of the soul who has first acknowledged this awakening to God but points out in this first encounter or first mansion of the soul. the soul is very exposed.  While the soul has made a crucial declaration to God, it still faces numerous hardships associated with the new change.   If it was not already difficult to alter neuro pathways for better habits, one is still bombarded with the physical senses and whispers of the devil.  St Teresa refers to this occasions of sin as “reptiles” in the first room that run freely in and out.  These “reptiles” represent worldly desires that serve as distractions to the newly converted soul.   Reminders of the past that can include a scent, or a place, or a substance.  The devil attempts to distract the soul again to these “childhood rattles”.   He knows the soul is still very susceptible to its callings and can utilize dreams, or events to persuade the soul to do something one last time, or that the soul is overreacting in its change towards God.  The occasion of sin is a true stumbling block for many.  While some may stand back up, confess and become more resolute, many in this early mansion or relationship phase with God, can easily fall back into the previous life.  Whether its a physical addiction, or a vice, the area of comfort and default still remains powerful and, in many cases, the devil just merely needs to present something to the struggling soul.

There are many early roadblocks for a soul turning towards God

This is why when someone in the early phases of religious conversion emerges, they are still surrounded and may even be fond of certain activities.   Whether it porn from the cell phone, or gluttony with a dessert, or an addictive substance, the desire to utilize these things remain strong urges.  This is why the soul must flee those occasions of sin.  One should not attempt to challenge it or expose oneself to rediscover new strength, but as many saints have proclaimed, to flee without reserve and cast oneself into the lap of Christ for protection.

As a spiritual director, these souls do not deserve harsh judgement but instead mercy and understanding.  It is important to not permit the evil one to cast guilt and shame to such a level as to prevent one from getting back up again.  While guilt is good in identifying wrong, it can become toxic and lead to shame which makes the soul feel unworthy of God’s infinite mercy.  It leads to a new sin which is despair.  This is the reality of those within its first relationship level with God.  It is a back and forth motion of serving two masters.

St Ignatius in his exercises also points out that like a sick man who goes to the physician, will the person completely reject the medicine?  Many souls never return or take their spiritual medicine, but instead remain trapped in the deep mud of the temporal world.  They continue to be blinded and fooled by the illusions of this world.  St Ignatius points out that the spiritual sick may have desire to become better but this is in desire only for it forfeits the necessary steps to become more healthy.  Hence in spiritual direction, these early souls need encouragement, daily prayer, and repetition of new habits to replace the sinful or unhealthy default.  This involves a patient director but also a patient counselor who continues to work with the person despite setbacks.

St Teresa of Avila listed in total, 7 mansions of relation with God.  Most persons never make it out of the third level, much less the first two levels of awakening.  So let us briefly continue to take a look at the evolution of the soul that is energized by Holy Spirit to desire the greater good.  Individuals within the second level of relation have a greater intent to do what is right but like their counterparts are still distracted by the world.  They, however, are more aware of God’s call and do not become deaf or as easily confused.  They have the desire and push beyond it in certain good habits, but they are still very much exposed to the howls of the evil one.  While their religious consistency is greater, they still have many bad habits that need to be removed from their life.

Spiritual Directors may see a more intensified attempt to please God, but will see moments of release and failure.  Yet, these individuals are not as quick to dismiss the laws of God as not existent.  They accept the laws, but have difficulty sometimes keeping them.  Many of them may go to confession with the same sin but again committed, but unlike others, they feel the need to again rise when they fall.  It takes more than a sin to shake their faith but larger incidents.  Maybe a death in the family can cause bitterness to God.  They may very well see their new found spiritual awakening as a contract not a covenant.  In this they expect their good behavior to be rewarded.  When rewards or feelings of closeness to God never manifest, they can easily slip back into the first mansion.  Many have a poor understanding of the deeper mysteries of faith and can be lead astray despite their acknowledgement of Christ.

Those souls who enter the third level, or third mansion are still very young in their spiritual development.  While they have developed some basic virtues, and look to avoid sin, they have their own unique battles.  Their worldly needs are not always met with prayer and Christ first.  They many times find to balance the world with Christ.  They may not entertain more serious sin in the world but they still are very much provoked by it at times.

Their spiritual interior life has increased and their consistent devotion is becoming more habit like, but the devil will re-devise others ways to weaken these souls.  St Teresa of Avila warns that these souls can become victims of pride, become judgmental, and became also distressed upon bad events, or lack of consolations or good feelings of God’s presence.  In regards to pride, souls who are “doing the right thing” much like the rich man who asked Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life, find themselves in an impasse.  The pride whispers that they are holy and good because they pray everyday and attend service on Sunday.  They fail to see that their works are not their own but the work of the Holy Spirit.  In regards to others, they may begin to lecture others on how well spirituality and prayer works for them.  This may have a base of charity in it but for many it is pride in their decisions.  Some may also develop into those as the Pharisees, where the faith becomes more stuck than progressing because the soul feels it is doing everything right and can do no more.  In addition, the overt zeal of their conversion pushes them to more mechanical prayer and not personal prayer.  They can become more concerned with appearance.  For those who properly enter this phase, there must remain a humility and obedience.  One must continually pray for grace and center oneself on Christ and never permit oneself to see themselves as “holy”.  They need to show obedience to Christ and have a pure charity for one’s neighbor.  Instead of seeing relationship with God as contractual, they need to see it a covenant.   Those at this level of religious maturity should understand suffering, repentance, and continued vigilance are crucial as one becomes closer to God.   Whether secular or religious, individuals still face the world.  God’s grace and a good relationship helps one better see this world.  It helps one see the good and the bad and what to associate with, but God’s grace also seeks to transform oneself as one prepares for one’s final end.  This is why St. Ignatius so commonly points out choices .  An election or choice must have God at its end.  Any means to that end must be free from sin and proclaim God’s glory.  Learning to choose wisely is key in this phase of relationship with God.  One needs to continue to plan accordingly with that ultimate end in mind.

Giving to God one’s daily duty helps to fortify the soul and its ability to meet the proper goals and ends. As temporal beings, one cannot also remain in contact with God.  One has temporal duties which God does not chastise.  Christ Himself was a carpenter and had temporal duties.   The daily duty at every morning offers these tasks to God through Christ.  By united daily duties and task as well as sufferings, one gives to God one’s entire self.   This helps one meet goals and ends, while tying them to God’s will.  This is the core focus of covenant.  Christ walks with us everyday–in the good and the bad.   Through such a close relationship, one is better to have better elections of what to do or not do, as well as discernment regarding good endeavors and bad ones.

Prayer and Guidance

A good spiritual director based off the Paul-Timothy model can play a big role aiding one towards a closer relationship with Christ

Those in a deeper contemplative life also face their own inner demons.  A soul that enters into a deeper relationship such as the 4th and 5th levels or mansions face different issues.  St Teresa of Avila notates that beyond pride, there can also exist spiritual discontent, as well as despair in aridity as well as fear of failure.   The devil crafts all temptation plans based on the person.  Instead of outward assaults or occasions of sin that seem to bear the person no harm, he can start to dig at the soul’s relationship with God.  Is it as good as one wanted?  Does one feel ripped off?  Does one feel God abandoned them in desolation?  The devil will play on these insecurities to lessen the connection with God.

These souls may find discontent in their prayer life.  They may feel no presence, or they may feel despair or that they are not good enough.   Desolation and aridity are common, according to St Teresa of Avila. Whether it is the state of the soul or God’s will, sometimes it is harder to find tears, or emotion in prayer.  It can also become barren, as if Christ is not there.  This can serve as a test of the soul’s resolve, or also show the soul how much it needs God.  It can also aid the soul in understanding that God, as Creator, owes one nothing. Yet, His love is always present, even if not experienced each time. According to Avila, the soul needs sometimes to experience these states of aridity but to pray all the more strongly as a gift to God and as reparation for sins.

Many souls in prayer life also can become mechanical and lack meditation.  While the words are said, the mind wanders.  Avila realized that the broken human soul is weak.  When our mind wanders, one can again re-center, but one should not be cruel with oneself if it does occasionally wander.  Instead, brush it off and return to the prayer.   The words themselves still have come from one’s lips and mind.   Padre Pio encourages the soul to pray with sincerity but also warns of souls who become static in these later states.  Prayer becomes ritual instead of conversation.  The soul is no longer moving closer to God but is trapped in ritual of service or prayer.  Padre Pio believed that such states of a stagnant soul can be as a dangerous as a soul with no relationship.  Padre Pio believed that constant motion towards God is key no matter the spiritual level.  Is the soul growing?  Spiritual Directors need to assess the health of the prayer life and understand the inner motions of the soul itself.

In addition, some souls strive for perfection but again lose focus of the power of grace to transform.  It is not one’s deeds or works that can save oneself or bring one closer to perfection, but God’s grace.  The works of charity and love and prayer are fruits of that grace and a manifestation of working through faith via love.  So perfectionism is not something even the greatest saint can gain.  Individuals need to focus more so on love of Christ and allow that to take them to where they need to be.  Simple acts of love transform the soul and allows the Holy Spirit to perfect it in its final state in paradise.  Ones perfection is only through Christ.  The sooner one learns this complete dependence, the sooner one will have a more rewarding prayer life.  One cannot earn holiness, but only partake in it.

This is why it is wrong to be difficult with oneself during difficult times in prayer.  It permits despair and fear.  However, the moment one realizes that all sins are forgiven and covered through the Blood of Christ, one can find reassurance that the path is a noble one but one of cooperation with grace.  One should rightfully despise sin and attempt to avoid it at all costs, but one cannot allow pride or despair to undo the goodness.  Some souls hence experience dread because they lose focus on the mercy of God.  They analyze their prayer life.  They become scrupulous over the most minor of things and torment themselves without faith in Christ who loves them.   Directors need to be aware of these types of internal struggles of the soul who is attempting to become closer to God.  The director needs to understand times of spiritual aridity and lack of consolation in prayer.  The directors needs to help guide the soul away from self doubt, harshness in little things, and discontent.  Some souls may need reprimand, but others definitely require patience and mercy.  The soul who enters into deeper prayer and meditation is still very open to demonic attack which will impose within it these levels of pride, or levels of despair, or levels of fear.  This is why charity, humility and obedience are crucial for this level of spiritual development.

Conclusion

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling as well as Spiritual Direction programs

Spiritual life is an awakening.  Spiritual Directors can help guide souls through the phases of a relationship with God.  Whether the soul is first becoming awake, or a soul who is more seasoned with a relationship with Christ, they both face unique challenges at different levels of their spiritual development.  Some souls will face constant temptations or occasions of sin associated with the world and the bad habits they are hoping to leave.  Other souls will face more advanced issues in connecting with God.  At every level, Satan has a designed temptation to weaken union with God.  Spiritual Directors help souls in all states of development.  They help them in choice, discernment, spiritual warfare, and enhancement in spiritual life with God.   However, beyond just teaching, they also guide and coach the soul to reach its most highest level of perfection.  Within all of this movement, the director must point to God as the source and grace of one’s transformation.  While one cooperates with one’s salvation, one cannot save oneself but must submit oneself to Christ and the grace of the Holy Spirit to help one become changed.

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program as well as its Spiritual Direction Program

Other AIHCP Blogs

Spiritual Discernment: Access here

Spiritual Desolation: Access here

Crisis and Doubt in Faith.  Access here

Other sources

Consider reading St Teresa “Interior Castle” as well as St Ignatius “Spiritual Exercises”

“St. Teresa of Avila”. Daily Readings; Catholic Online.  Access here

Practical Steps to Discernment. Bible Hub.  Access here

“The Interior Castle”: A Spiritual Masterpiece by St. Teresa of Avila. Catholic Heroes.  Access here

AIHCP: Gestalt and Counseling

Posted on by Mark Moran

Fritz Pearls and his wife are considered the pioneers behind the development of Gestalt Therapy and its numerous techniques.  While, like many numerous systems, Gestalt by itself is limited by its own definitions and guidelines, but still nonetheless has supplied the counseling sciences with numerous theories as well as practices to aid counselors in helping people.  Pearls, a German immigrant, spent most of his later lifetime in the USA, developing and implementing the concepts of Gestalt.  It remains to this day an original way to help individuals face psychological issues and pursue change.

Gestalt focuses on the here and now and awareness of one’ internal and true emotions. Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications, especially in Grief Counseling

Please also review AIHCP’s numerous Behavioral Health Certifications, including Grief Counseling, Christian Counseling, Trauma Informed Care, Crisis Intervention, as well as Stress Management, ADHD Consulting, Anger Management, Clinical Hypnotherapy, EFT, and Meditation.

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt is very focused on the now of the person.  It sees current problems in how individuals hide behind their issues and avoid them.  It is less concerned with issues of the past but how more so the person deals with the now and how that person transforms.  It is very person centered in finding the answers in the client but unlike classical person centered therapies which has a more gentle guiding approach, Gestalt employs more direct confrontation when necessary to push a person in facing oneself in the present.  Like most person centered therapies, Gestalt feels the power of change and how to live resides in the subjective reality of the person and that when a person accepts who he or she is and faces the illusions of self and takes responsibility for oneself, then one can become free and have a more healthy mental life.  In this way, Gestalt looks at the wholeness of the person and challenges the person to self awareness.  It is because of this approach, Gestalt is immersed in the human experience and how life is experienced.  In its concern of the here and now, as well self awareness, it is more concerned with the question of how than the question of why.

Utilization of Gestalt

Pearls utilized exercises and experiments as the way to help clients find self awareness.  Exercises helped clients experience the now of emotion, but experiments were deeper techniques to help a person become self aware and challenge oneself.  Many of these experiments employed by the therapist was utilized as ways for the client to become self aware and how to properly express oneself to find balance with one’s inner voice.  In many cases, Pearls would identify acts of phoniness by a person due to external pressures that subdued the internal personality of a person.  He would note how one’s tone of voice, or facial expressions, or body postures would not match the feeling internally.  He utilized various exercises and experiments to help the person break free of these uncomfortable anxieties and to better express oneself.

Gestalt therapy challenges a person to be more self aware of how the person feels

Pearls employed various linguistic alterations to a person’s vocabulary or how the person stated something in therapy.  This involved utilizing personal pronouns more in the client’s speech.  Instead of making a statement that was void of personal need, Pearls would instruct the person to utilize the pronoun “I” to own the statement.  Instead of a passive declaration of what one desired or wanted or disliked, Pearls instructed the client to say “I need, or I want, or I dislike”.  In addition, he removed such contractions as “can’t” to “won’t”.  Instead of stating I cannot do something, he pushed clients to say I will not do something.  Also, instead of the conjunction “but” used to imply an excuse, he instructed clients to use the word “and”.  For example,  if someone has a paper to write and states “I cannot write the paper tonight, but I may try to do it tomorrow”, Pearls would have the client transfer the statement to “I will not write the paper tonight and I will try do it tomorrow”.   Pearls also would emphasize the use of the phrase, “I take responsibility for this”.  Hence a person would say “I take responsibility for not writing the paper tonight”.  This clearly shows an emphasis of owning one’s inner feelings more deeply and also expressing what one wants in a more authoritative, responsible and personal way.  Excuses, passive language and not asserting one’s own needs into a sentence were signs of the person not being self aware of what one needs and not taking responsibility for it.  Hence, Pearls was less concerned about other pronouns of “them” or “us” or how others make one feel but more interested in how oneself makes one feel.

In addition to speaking with more authority and emphasizing responsibility for one’s words, thoughts and actions, Pearls would help individuals identify body posture, nervous ticks, or uncomfortable laughs as the ways the body and its physiology would manifest discord between expression and the actual feeling.  Pearls would frequently call a person out with confrontation for expressing oneself in contradiction to how one felt.  He would suggest exaggeration of these tics, or tones, to see how truly silly or phony they were in contrast to how the person felt in the moment.  Through the experiment of exaggeration, Pearls encouraged one to bite one’s lip harder, or tense their jaw more pronounced so that the person could recognize these manifestations when internal feelings emerged.  The key for Pearls was to help the client discover and become aware of one’s deeper feelings in the now moment and how to properly communicate and express them.  This involved analyzing one’s own bodily reactions in correlation with the feelings internally.

The most famous experiments of Pearls was the empty chair.  This created an opportunity for one to confront oneself, or another in the safety and privacy of therapy.  It permitted one to become aware of self, but also to express emotions that may have been kept in check.  The first usage of this experiment was direct dialogue between self.  For example, a middle age man may have many regrets in life and has two images of himself; namely the driving and commanding side of himself and then the more relaxed version of self.  At direction of the therapist, the man would move from his chair to the other chair and imagine speaking to himself in a more authoritative way.  In response, the man then would remove to his original chair and respond to his more aggressive and demanding side.  This dialogue would continue to until the man discovered his many needs.  In other cases, the empty chair can be utilized as a way for an individual to confront another person.  This may be an ex spouse, a parent, a boss, a deceased family member, or even God.  The client is encouraged to speak to this person if as the person was truly sitting there.  Obviously this is an advanced therapeutic tool and should be conducted by a trained therapist due to emotional eruptions that can occur.  Pearls saw this as a way for a person to truly express one’s emotions without filter or restraint free from possible danger of physical confrontation.

Conclusion

Please also review AIHCP’s numerous behavioral and healthcare certifications

Gestalt has many beneficial applications to help people properly express their feelings, be aware of themselves and become more connected to how they truly feel.  It is beneficial for those suffering from anxiety as well as depression.  However it does possess some limitations.  It is more emotional in nature and does not give enough attention to the intellectual and cognitive issues surrounding mental health.  It also focuses more the now without less concern for the past.  Questions such as why and what are more replaced with how can we handle this now.  It is also weighs heavily on one’s own personal needs for self actualization and less concern for the needs of others.  This is a double edged sword if not properly put into context.  Further, it possesses a more subjective morality in place of universal objective standards of behavior or morality.  Yet, many of its experiments and uses are widely accepted and utilized in daily practice.  Very few counselors completely adhere to one particular school over another, so the percentage is quite low of a counselor being a strictly Gestalt therapist.  Most modern day counselors share Gestalt techniques and implement them with person centered therapies and behavioral therapies for maximum results.

Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications and see if any of them meet your academic and professional goals.

Additional AIHCP Blogs

Person Centered Counseling.  Access here

Existential Counseling.  Access here

Jungian Psychology.  Access here

References

Tan, S-Y. (2022). Counseling and psychology: A Christian perspective (2nd Edition). Baker Academic.

Additional Resources

Clark, J. (2025). How Gestalt Therapy Works. Very Well Mind. Access here

Gestalt Therapy. Psychology Today.  Access here

Guy-Evans, O. (2025). Gestalt Therapy: Definition, Types, Techniques, and Efficacy. Simply Psychology.  Access here

Lindsey, C. (2022). All About Gestalt Therapy. PsychCentral.  Access here

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Christian Counseling Certification: Lent

Posted on by Mark Moran

I. Lent

We explore the practices of early Christianity to see major theological developments that shaped the faith over centuries. The observance of Lent is a key part of Christian tradition and prepares believers for the celebration of Easter. This season of reflection and penance asks believers to examine themselves, fast, and pray. These actions mirror the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. The history of Christianity from its start through the Medieval period explains how Lent developed within different cultural and theological settings. Also, the study of catechesis in the early Christian era shows the link between teaching and understanding. This is especially true regarding the role of Lent as a time for spiritual growth and renewal. We examine these basic elements to see how Lent shapes individual lives and strengthens the shared identity of Christianity.(Dr. Arnold R, 2017). Additionally, the study of catechesis during the early Christian era highlights the relationship between teaching and understanding, particularly concerning the significance of Lent as a time for spiritual growth and renewal (Fogleman A, 2023). By examining these foundational elements, we can gain a deeper appreciation for how Lent not only shapes individual lives but also fortifies the communal identity of Christianity itself.

Lent is time to allow Christ back into one’s heart

Lent is a profound season of reflection and spiritual renewal within Christianity. It traditionally spans 40 days leading up to Easter. This time features practices like fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These acts aim to deepen the believer’s relationship with God. Lent has a dual function. It prepares the faithful to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ at Easter. It also reminds them of the journey toward redemption and renewal. Believers confront their vulnerabilities and sinfulness during this season. They relinquish self-reliance for divine grace. They recognize that human efforts alone fall short of God’s promise of a full life. This duality appears in the teachings of N. Fedorov. He connects Lent with the philosophy of active Christianity. He notes the transformative potential of Easter as a symbol of hope and renewal.(McCarthy A et al., 2020)(Anastasia G Gacheva, 2020).

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification

II. Historical origins of Lent

The historical origins of Lent trace back to the early Christian church. The church wanted to prepare believers for Easter through reflection, penance, and fasting. Initially, the practice began as a way to replicate the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. It provided a structured time for spiritual discipline. This period held great meaning as a communal effort to understand Christ’s suffering and resurrection. Lent became a formal observance by the fourth century. Practices varied across different regions, and this showed the diversity within early Christianity. Scholars argue that these practices evolved alongside broader trends in the early Christian movement. They reflect the interaction of faith and tradition (). The complex development of Lent illustrates the church’s growing liturgical structure. It also shows the shift from personal fasting to communal observance. This highlights the major role of Lent in shaping Christian identity ().(Burton L Mack, 2023)). The complexities of Lents development illustrate not only the churchs growing liturgical structure but also the gradual shift from personal fasting to communal observance, underscoring the significant role of Lent in shaping Christian identity ((Dr. Arnold R, 2017)).

The study of Lent remains relevant in modern society. It invites people to think about personal growth, discipline, and spirituality. This season urges believers to examine themselves and repent. They build a better grasp of their faith and moral values. Such deep thought is necessary. The world is full of unclear ethics and moral relativism. Habits like fasting and prayer balance against social pressures. Individuals gain strength and clear purpose. Lent also has meaning in schools. Its moral lessons guide talks on ethical habits. This includes problems with exam cheating. Studies show that faith aids personal growth and school grades. They note the value of matching lessons with deep beliefs. Understanding Lent improves spiritual and ethical life. It helps in a complex world.(O Olabode, 2019). Studies also highlight how faith-based approaches can enrich personal development and academic performance, stressing the importance of aligning educational content with deep-seated beliefs (Miller PT, 2024). Consequently, understanding Lent can enhance both spiritual and ethical dimensions of life in today’s complex landscape.

The Bible bases Lent on themes of repentance, fasting, and spiritual renewal. Many scriptures show the value of these habits. They stress the need for self-examination and humility before God. Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness. This event acts as a central model for Lent. It shows the spiritual strength that comes from self-denial and prayer. This time of reflection reveals human brokenness. It points to the need for divine grace. We try to be righteous on our own. Yet, our efforts are never enough. Christians participate in Lent to mirror Christ’s sacrifice. They also embrace the life promised in the Paschal mystery. This season prepares believers for the celebration of Easter and the deep joy of the resurrection.(McCarthy A et al., 2020). Christians engage in Lent not only to replicate Christ’s sacrifice but also to embrace the fullness of life promised in the Paschal mystery, highlighting that the journey through Lent ultimately prepares believers for the celebration of Easter and the profound joy of resurrection (Budnukaeku AC, 2024).

Christians enter the Lenten season. They draw inspiration from scriptures that explain their practices and beliefs. This time involves themes of sacrifice, reflection, and renewal found in the Bible. Matthew 4:1-11 calls for repentance and humility. Jesus fasts for forty days in this passage. It serves as a model for Christians who want to deepen their faith during this period. Other texts discuss human frailty and divine grace. These writings remind believers to rely on God for redemption. They express reflections on brokenness and a need for divine fulfillment. People recognize that personal efforts alone cannot fill spiritual voids. They accept the power of God’s grace. This leads to the joy and hope of the Easter resurrection. This pattern of sacrifice and celebration is central to the Lenten experience. [cite1] and [extractedKnowledge1] highlight the theology behind these practices. They help create a deeper connection to the Christian faith.(N/A, 2023) and (McCarthy A et al., 2020) underscore the profound theological underpinnings that guide Lent practices, facilitating a deeper connection to the Christian faith.

III. The 40 days of fasting and Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness

Christ was tempted for 40 days and emerged victorious over Satan. Through Christ’s example and grace we can also emerge victorious after Lent

Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness and faced temptation there. These events serve as the foundation for Lent in Christianity. This fasting is an act of self-denial. It also symbolizes the spiritual preparation believers need for penance and renewal. Jesus faced temptations in the wild that challenged His divine mission. This showed human vulnerability and the need for strength from God. The story reveals the difficulties of faith. Individuals try to overcome personal failings while facing outside pressure. These struggles mirror the experience of Lent. Christians fast and reflect during this season. They remember their own brokenness. They see that God’s grace is necessary for true fulfillment. The context of fasting in the New Testament is also important. It offers a complete view of the practice. This knowledge highlights spiritual discipline and helps people grow closer to God.(McCarthy A et al., 2020). Furthermore, understanding the context of fasting within the New Testament provides a holistic view of its significance, highlighting both the spiritual discipline and its potential for fostering a deeper relationship with God (Steven H Mathews et al., 2013).

The season of Lent is a preparation period for Christians. It establishes a strong connection to the Passion of Christ. This connection includes His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. Lent relies on reflections regarding Jesus’ trials. It asks believers to perform acts of penance and self-denial. These acts mirror the sacrifice in the Gospel narratives. The symbol of the cross is a central focus during this time. It represents Christ’s agony and the promise of redemption through His sacrifice . The meaning of Jesus’ trials before authorities adds to this bond. These trials highlight the injustices He faced. They help explain human suffering and divine love . Christians emulate Christ’s sacrifices during this season. They prepare to celebrate the victory of His Passion at Easter. This marks the importance of this time.(Banna YE, 2024). Furthermore, the theological implications of Jesus trials before the authorities deepen this connection by highlighting the injustices He faced, which serve as a blueprint for understanding human suffering and divine love (Rev. Dr. Reumann JH). Thus, as Christians undertake their Lenten journey, they not only emulate Christ’s sacrifices but also prepare to celebrate the victorious culmination of His Passion during Easter, marking the significance of this transformative season

IV. Practices and Traditions During Lent

Lent is a time for reflection and spiritual renewal. It features many practices and traditions with deep meaning in the Christian faith. Fasting is central to Lent. This practice leads believers to give up certain luxuries or foods. They do this to rely more on God. This sacrifice asks people to face their human vulnerability. It highlights a key truth. Sincere efforts fail without divine help. The season leads toward Easter and the happy celebration of resurrection. It reminds believers of God’s promise to overcome human weakness. Rituals include prayer, almsgiving, and communal worship. These acts build a sense of community and shared faith during this season of change. Scholars study the complex link between these rituals and early Christian beliefs. They see how these traditions united communities in the growing Christian movement.(McCarthy A et al., 2020)(Katrine A de Gudme H et al., 2018).

The practices of fasting, abstinence, and penitence are central to observing Lent in Christianity. They serve many spiritual purposes. Fasting traditionally means staying away from specific foods or meals. It represents a period of self-denial that aids contemplation and spiritual growth. This discipline rests on a belief that people can build a stronger connection with God through restraint. Similar intentions appear in other traditions like Islam. There, fasting controls desires and builds a sense of community (). Abstinence during Lent often involves giving up luxuries. This highlights the value of sacrifice and reflection. Believers can then reset their priorities toward faith and morality. This process of penitence is about more than the physical act. It represents a commitment to spiritual renewal. It reveals the changing nature of religious teachings. These teachings evolve across cultures ().(Mansor NH et al., 2022)). Additionally, abstinence during Lent, often from luxuries or specific pleasures, emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and reflection, allowing practitioners to realign their priorities towards faith and morality. This journey of penitence is not merely about the physical act of abstaining; it embodies a broader commitment to spiritual renewal and transformation, revealing the dynamic and contextual nature of religious teachings that continue to evolve across cultures ((Alfian A, 2022)).

Fasting according to most schedules is a act of self control to teach the passions and curb inclination to sin.  Fasting is more severe penance of Lent and occurs officially on the Church calendars in both East and West only twice.  The first day of Lent and Good Friday.  In the West, this involve no meat, and only one full meal with 2 smaller meals that equal one meal.  There is no eating in between these times.  Fasts are required from ages 18 to 59 for most church disciplines with dispensations for hard laborers, as well as the sick or elderly or those with health conditions.  In the East, the fast is merely no meat and dairy.  Days of abstinence involve no meat only and occur every Friday in the West and every Wednesday and Friday in the East.  Those who wish to fast more or abstain more are welcome to go beyond the minimum regulations of the Church, but are encouraged to give something up, or practice some type of sacrifice in their personal life.

Prayer, fasting and repentance are key callings during Lent. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification

In Christianity and Lent, prayer and spiritual reflection are critical. They guide the faithful through repentance and renewal. During Lent, believers pray more deeply. This creates a connection with God that goes beyond simple ritual. This introspection asks people to consider their spiritual state. They recognize the need for divine grace and healing. Modern literature shows that combining faith with reflective practices improves the care one provides. This applies to spiritual mentorship and other professions. The Lenten experience also highlights the two sides of human existence. People face blessings and brokenness at the same time. This tension pushes believers to give up self-reliance. They seek fulfillment through God. This reflects the call to accept divine help over personal achievement. Prayer and reflection during Lent lead to spiritual wholeness.(Camden L Baucke et al., 2022). Furthermore, the Lenten experience underscores the duality of human existence—the simultaneous blessings and brokenness faced by individuals. This tension compels believers to surrender their self-reliance in favor of seeking fulfillment through God, reflecting the call to embrace divine assistance over personal achievement (McCarthy A et al., 2020). Thus, prayer and reflection during Lent cultivate a transformative journey toward spiritual wholeness.

Christians observe Lent and focus on almsgiving and charity. These acts deeply reflect their faith and dedication to the community. Believers see how their spiritual lives connect with the needs of others. They match personal sacrifice with compassion. Almsgiving is more than a simple obligation. It embodies Christ’s teachings. He commanded his followers to serve the marginalized in Scripture (Mat 25:40). This giving builds a better understanding of the joy of God’s Kingdom. That joy links to serving “the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame” (Lk 14:3). Believers face the challenges of Lent. Their charity becomes a clear expression of faith. It shows that full life and grace are gifts from God alone. [extractedKnowledge1] and [extractedKnowledge2] note this truth.(McCarthy A et al., 2020) and (Morrison G, 2017).

V. Variations of Lent Observance Across Christian Denominations

Christian denominations observe Lent in different ways. These variations reflect specific theological views and liturgical customs. Roman Catholics typically fast, pray, and give alms. This leads to the celebration of Easter. This tradition connects to the Paschal mystery. It stresses spiritual change through self-denial and community service. Many Protestant denominations take a flexible approach. They focus on personal reflection and repentance instead of strict food rules. Some groups stress grace over works. They encourage believers to perform acts of kindness and charity rather than just fasting. Certain denominations add communal worship services to improve the Lenten experience. These services show a commitment to communion, participation, and mission. Each tradition approaches Lent with a unique focus. These differences make the Christian faith richer. They support diverse forms of devotion and spiritual renewal.(McCarthy A et al., 2022). Additionally, certain denominations may include communal worship services that enhance the Lenten experience, showcasing a commitment to communion, participation, and mission (McCarthy A et al., 2020). As each tradition approaches Lent with its unique emphasis, the variances deepen the richness of the Christian faith, fostering diverse expressions of devotion and spiritual renewal.

Roman Catholic Lenten customs

The Roman Catholic tradition treats Lent as a sacred time for penance, reflection, and spiritual growth. Distinct customs define this period for the faith community. The season begins on Ash Wednesday. People receive ashes on their foreheads to symbolize mortality and the call to repentance. This important practice has lasted for centuries. Believers fast, give alms, and pray more during these weeks. These acts show a communal understanding of sacrifice and devotion. The value of these customs goes beyond simple ritual. They build a deeper link to the wider story of Christianity and the time leading to Easter. Scholars note that these practices strengthen individual belief. They also create a sense of group identity among worshipers. These Lenten rituals also reflect old traditions in Church of England rites. This shows a shared heritage between different Christian groups.(Katrine A de Gudme H et al., 2018). Furthermore, the incorporation of rituals into the Lenten season reflects a longstanding tradition within the Church of England rites, demonstrating a shared heritage among various Christian denominations (N/A, 2021).

Eastern Orthodox Lent practices

Eastern Orthodox Christianity observes Lent with many spiritual practices and communal activities.  In the Eastern Orthodox, Lent follows the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian.  This causes it to start earlier or later than the Western Churches with possible times when they both align.  Like the Western denominations, the Orthodox encourage acts of repentance and renewal. Clean Monday marks the start of this distinct spiritual season. Believers engage in stricter fasting regulations and abstain from animal products. They also increase their prayer and charitable actions. These practices are rooted in the teachings of the Church Fathers. Figures such as Maximus the Confessor provide theological guidance. He emphasizes the transformative power of repentance and spiritual discipline. Groups like the Communities at New Skete adapt traditional practices for modern needs. This reflects an active approach to Orthodoxy in modern contexts. Dialogues between Eastern Orthodox and Protestant Evangelical traditions shape new understandings of Lent. These exchanges further enrich the spiritual environment. Lent becomes more than a period of fasting. It is a communal journey toward deeper faith.(Mettasophia et al., 2019). Additionally, the dialogue and exchanges between Eastern Orthodox and Protestant Evangelical traditions have begun shaping new understandings of Lent, further enriching the spiritual landscape (Nassif B). Through these practices, Lent becomes not only a period of fasting but also a communal journey toward deeper faith.

Protestant approaches to Lent

Protestant traditions treat Lent as a time for personal reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. This differs from the ritualistic practices in some liturgical denominations. Many Protestants believe Lent prepares them for Easter. They focus on individual accountability and a personal relationship with God. The season encourages believers to examine themselves. They practice disciplines like fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These acts aim to help them grow spiritually rather than follow strict rules. Congregations often focus on reading Scripture and community service. This reinforces the principle that faith must show itself in action. Many Protestants find inspiration in the teachings of Jesus. They see Lent as a chance to follow His example of sacrifice and service (). This view highlights the value of self-denial. It also starts discussions about what discipleship means today ().(Zhong L et al., 2025)). This interpretation not only highlights the significance of self-denial but also invites discussions around the broader implications of modern-day discipleship ((Yan H, 2023)).

VI. Conclusion

The observance of Lent within Christianity acts as a time for reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. This liturgical season invites adherents to explore their faith deeply. It leads to the celebration of Easter and the resurrection of Christ. The resurrection is foundational to Christian belief. Scholarship emphasizes the complex origins of resurrection Christology. This discourse reveals historical and theological dimensions. It also shows psychological factors. These factors influence how believers view scripture and faith practices (). Different psychological types interpret biblical texts in various ways. These interpretations show the variety of worship and understanding among Christians. This diversity is clear within Pentecostal traditions (). Lent provides a vital framework to examine personal and communal expressions of faith. It encourages Christians to engage with their beliefs actively. This connects them to the powerful message of Jesus Christ.(Loke ATE, 2020)). Furthermore, the diverse interpretations of biblical texts within the context of various psychological types illustrate the multifaceted nature of worship and understanding among Christians, particularly within Pentecostal traditions ((Leslie J Francis et al., 2019)). Ultimately, Lent stands as a critical framework for examining both personal and communal expressions of faith, encouraging Christians to engage with their beliefs actively and fostering a deeper connection to the transformative message of Jesus Christ.

During Lent we carry our crosses with Christ and prepare to suffer with Christ but also rise with Christ on Easter

Lent plays a central part in Christian spiritual life. It gives believers a set time for reflection, renewal, and growing in faith. This period lasts about forty days. It encourages Christians to take part in fasting, prayer, and giving alms. These acts build a deeper bond with God and help people accept their personal limits. [citeX] explains this dynamic. People often try to improve themselves through their own hard work. Yet true satisfaction comes only from depending on God’s grace. Admitting this human weakness is important during Lent. Believers face life’s difficulties. These struggles often leave them feeling broken and in need of divine help. [citeX] notes the health benefits of these spiritual habits. The shared nature of Lent feeds individual faith. It also strengthens the ties within religious groups. Lent leads people toward Easter. It offers hope and renewal through the promise of resurrection.(McCarthy A et al., 2020) elucidates, while individuals may strive for self-improvement through their own efforts, true fulfillment can only be realized through reliance on God’s grace. This acknowledgment of human vulnerability is vital during Lent, as believers confront the complexities of life that often leave them feeling broken and in need of divine support. Additionally, (Idler E, 2008) highlights the broader health benefits associated with spiritual practices, emphasizing that the communal aspect of Lent not only nurtures individual faith but also strengthens the supportive bonds within religious communities. Ultimately, Lent serves as a transformative journey toward Easter, offering hope and renewal in the promise of resurrection.

Lent carries deep meaning today. It asks individuals to think about sacrifice, humility, and their shared identity. Our culture changes quickly. Secular views are growing, and many people find Lenten habits difficult. These practices need deep thought and self-denial. Constant shopping often distracts from spiritual growth. Society expects instant results. This makes the struggle harder. People value quick pleasure more than deep faith experiences that change them. But Lent points to Easter. It proves the strength found in unity and God’s grace. The work on this topic reflects on living as Easter people despite cultural challenges. We must stop relying on ourselves and trust God instead. This is the heart of Lent. It shows the conflict between human weakness and God’s promise of renewal.(Pharis S, 2022). Embracing the call to relinquish self-sufficiency in favor of reliance on God encapsulates the essence of Lent, highlighting the tension between human vulnerability and the divine promise of renewal (McCarthy A et al., 2020).

Individuals reflect on the meaning of Lent. They see that this period starts a deep spiritual renewal in the Christian faith. Believers take part in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. They face their weaknesses and trust more in divine grace. The core of Lent is not just about personal sacrifice. It highlights the need to let go of the false safety found in worldly success. This repeats a main Christian belief. True fulfillment goes beyond human effort. It comes from a relationship with God. As one text said, “Whatever we give up for Lent, we hear the call, the often difficult call, to give up most of all the reward that we can find for ourselves” . In this time of change, people welcome the Paschal mystery. They move through sorrow toward the promise of resurrection. This promise stands at the center of Christian faith and practice ..(McCarthy A et al., 2020). In this transformative journey, individuals are invited to embrace the Paschal mystery, navigating through sorrow towards the promise of resurrection, which embodies the heart of Christian faith and practice (Archives GFU, 2012)

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification

AIHCP BLOGS

Christian Tradition and Practice of Lent: Access here

Lenten Fasting: Access here

Additional Information

Bolinger, H. (2026). 40 powerful Lent bible verses for reflection and renewal. CrossWalk. Access here

Cochran, M. (2026). Observing Lent as a Protestant. GR-UK. Access here

Kostoff, S. (2016). Taking Lent seriously. Orthodox. Church in America. Access here

Spiewak, S. (2026). Lent fasting rules: Catholic rules for fasting during Lent in 2026.  Hallow.  Access here

 

 

 

 

Christian Counseling and Spiritual Direction: God’s Justice and God’s Mercy

Posted on by Mark Moran

There are many different interpretations of verses in Scripture about God and His justice and mercy.  Pending on the era of time, you also have different theologians, saints and mystics expressing within God His justice or His mercy.  Sometimes, one can review readings from a particular saint that produces a harsh and fearful tribunal seat of God, while others will show a loving and caring father.  Even in modern times, Christianity seems to present a dual image of God.  Progressives shower one with the idea of God’s infinite love, while more conservatives display a law bound God who judges and condemns.   It is very important not to overweigh one attribute over the other.  If one only focuses on justice, then only a half truth emerges, which only a refocus on God’s mercy can balance into the fullness of the truth.  The reality is God is both just and merciful but various interpretations from Scripture or beliefs of saints and their writings can lead one to have an imbalanced spiritual view of this.  Either one that is constantly fearful, or one who is too careless with the joys of the world.  In addition, how God is viewed through human lens plays a big role.  Scripture presents many images of God and some can be distorted when taken too literal or for that matter entirely dismissed.  Anthropomorphism is common literal device used in Scripture.  In these cases God can be given many human like attributes in regards to His emotional reactions to human activity as well as images as a judge in the strictly human sense.  These images need to also be properly understood in context as well as symbolism to have a greater understanding of God.  This blog will look at some of these realities and attempt to balance them in proper measurement in correlation with Partial Judgement of a soul who goes to Heaven or goes to Hell.

There is a balance between God’s mercy and justice. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification and the future Spiritual Direction Program.

 

God: The Loving Father of the Prodigal Son or The Fierce and Avenging Judge?

The two images above create quite a contradicting imagery but both do point to truths but when not balanced become partial truths.  So many times, preachers, priests, or pastoral leaders, and even oneself finds one particular imagery of God that is superseding over all others.  One’s own experience can play a large role.  Spiritual individuals are attracted to certain images of God in Scriptures because it meets a need or answers an existential question that is pertinent to oneself.   One’s own mental and emotional state also plays key roles in which imagery of God best fits our current need.  Those who suffer from low self-esteem, or have attachment issues due to past trauma live in a state of anxiety and that state of anxiety can play a role with their relationship with God.  Person’s in such mental states may have a greater fear of God, or complete imbalanced feeling of unworthiness.  They may also see God as a more fierce and avenging judge.  Others with a more delicate conscience or scrupulous conscience may be tormented with obsessive compulsive disorder and see God more as a judge who keeps score on the day of judgement.  On the other spectrum, those who live life carelessly may need to see a parental God that dismisses foolishness and error as if it does matter what one does in life.  They need a God who does not reprimand sin, but a God who only sees love.  In their mind, their love of others and overall good human nature is enough-“God will not judge me but only loves me for who I am!”  As one can see, these are two equally dangerous routes.  Both capture an element of truth, but without each other complimenting each other, the fullness of the truth is lost.

As seen in Scripture, despite literalism or symbolism, we see a balanced approach that displays both sides of God in different books.  In the parable of the Prodigal Son, one can see the untamed and complete compassion the father has for his lost son.  The father never gives up loving the son and upon the son’s return, offers complete forgiveness and restoration to the son.  In other imageries, one can see God as a terrifying judge who he sends souls to Hell, and casts these souls into the abyss of the wicked.  The words are strong and harsh and helps illustrate the extreme disgusting nature and true evil of sin.  Christ originally came as a Redeemer, but in Revelation, He is also a judger of humankind, separating the goats from the sheep.  Such strong phrases as “depart from me” and “cast into Hell for the fires prepared for the wicked” all show this other side of God and Christ when judgement arrives for a soul.

Ultimately, if one wishes to truly understand God’s justice and mercy, one must understand the expression of Scripture and its aim in its full context and not individual quotes.  One must be careful to avoid cherry picking of verses out of context of the chapter or theme.  In addition, one must closely interpret symbolism to avoid sometimes literal interpretations that promote an anthropomorphism of God which gives Him human qualities of revenge or rage.  Also, one must understand other saints or mystics interpretations of God’s justice and mercy pending on the time period they wrote and the type of language that was used.  Many times as well, saints wrote in particular styles to promote one theme of God and these writings can at times seem imbalanced, especially for individuals not trained in pastoral ministry and theology.  A particular saint may be illustrating God as judge and the disgusting nature of sin which can terrify a delicate soul but also at the same time promote enough self inspection and fear for a soul to change.  As well, a particular saint may present writings or mystical visions that portray the totality of God’s love and the immensity of it.  This may be good for a more spiritual stable soul but a message that would be dangerous for a soul who has no boundaries with sin.

In essence and answer to the leading question, God is both loving Father and fierce Judge but how one understands the true dynamics of it from a theological standpoint is essential to avoid literalistic pitfalls that can lead to scrupulous and constant fearful behavior or lax and boundless carefree behavior.

Moral Theology and Sin

Pending on one’s image of God, incomplete truths can distort one’s views on sin, but it is only when one accepts the full imagery of God, can one see the full picture of sin, self and union with God.  First and foremost, Original Sin or the sin imparted on humanity after the fall of Adam, left humanity with a broken nature.  The gifts of great knowledge, stronger mind and body connection and control of the passions imbedded within Adam’s character were an abilities his descendants never experienced.  Through Christ’s death and application of His graces through Baptism, one again enters into full communion with God and one’s soul becomes alive through Sanctifying Grace.  This however did not restore the fullness of human nature.  The temporal reality and the consequences of the sin left a scar that was not wiped away after Baptism.  Humanity while redeemed still was broken.  While Christ reopened grace and a relationship with God through His death, the temporal reality left individuals open to sinning.  Personal sin could then undo the bond of Baptism.  Certain particular sins could even cut grace off from the soul.  In this state without remorse, a soul again became distant from God.

St Ignatius Loyola exercises helps one examine their conscience and reflect on the justice and mercy of God

St Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises describes sin as disgusting and deforming.  Like a tumor, it tears into the soul, disfiguring it.  Any sin rejects truth and the love of God.  Sin is choosing self, or others over God and rejecting God’s authority.  St Ignatius in his exercises challenges the soul to identify sin, to meditate on its grotesque form, and to imagine the state of a soul in mortal sin that rejects God’s love.  He asks one to consider God as judge, but he also reminds us of God as father who loves.  However, for whatever particular reason, in many of his meditations within the exercises, one solely focuses on God as a fearsome judge and the total worthlessness of the human person in comparison to the greatness of God.  One is asked to meditate as one being a condemned criminal before a judge, as well as meditating the pains of Hell and the danger of one mortal sin.  Much of this has to do with shocking the system into understanding the damage of sin and to induce a holy fear of Hell, but also a disgust for sin and a love for virtue.  It also focuses to show how utterly dependent one is upon God’s grace to avoid such vile sins.

Sin is hence a great disorder and injustice itself towards God.  In this way, all personal sin shares the same substance in that it damages one’s relationship with God.  While all sin shares in this horrific substance, not all sins are equal in degree or depth of brokenness.  It only took one sin to tear a division between God and man that Christ restored.  This alone shows the vile taste of one sin and its shared characteristics but Moral theology helps one to better categorize sin, understand its objective nature, its degree, as well as the subjective interplay a sinful act has with the conscience and circumstances surrounding the agent or person committing the sin.

Personal sin is rightly divided into venial and mortal.  Like human laws, degrees of severity of an offense are measured and consequences detailed through different levels of fines.  A person who steals out of hunger sins differently than a person who steals from the poor.  All is sin, all creates a barrier, but the level and depth of the barrier is measured by the basis of the severity of the offense.  A person who commits a traffic violation remains still a good citizen despite his lapse in judgement of speeding, but an individual who murders, pillages and rapes, commits a far more grave offense to society and no longer remains a good citizen.  Within the Mystical Body of Christ, offenses hurt, but the degree and multitude of the offense play a key role in whether the soul still loves God, possesses grace and remains attuned to God’s will.

Hence all sin is objectively disordered but the levels of disorder in regards to the relationship between God and the soul differ on severity.  Objectively any sin remains a sin within itself.  No subjective reasoning or indifference can mitigate the nature of an disordered act.  The level of disorder can range objectively but the consequences of the sin can vary greatly beyond its objective label. The human act is more than a black and white event but something with multiple layers of grey.  There are numerous subjective elements at play within the act of a sin.  First and foremost, what is the intent of the agent committing the sin.  Is the person free to act?  Does the person fully intend to commit the act?  In committing the act, is the person clearly articulating the acceptance of this act and all its consequences?   In addition, what biological factors, psychological disorders and uncontrolled passions are at play that weaken the will?  Is this act isolated or a continuous habit?  Is this act done without remorse or guilt?  Does one fully through this act wish to disown God?  What other circumstances exist around it?  Sometimes actions can become neutral that are otherwise naturally sinful-for example taking a life to defend one’s own life.  What other external pressures existed?  So in many cases, an objective action that is disordered possess less consequence for an individual based on other criteria.

Padre Pio saw the danger of any sin.  Sin weakens union with God.  Consistent sin wears one’s soul down and weakens it for greater infection.  Padre Pio understood that a soul who goes to Heaven or to Hell does not randomly commit a grave sin and chooses Hell but that a soul gradually chooses Heaven or Hell over a life time.  What one is when one stands before God is what one created oneself to be through a life committed and developed through virtue or vice.  Habitual sin and lack of remorse leads the soul down the road of rejecting God.  This is why it is critical to form a sound conscience that identifies sin as gross and disgusting and a conscience that when one does fall, immediately feels guilt and shame to confess and repent.

God’s Mercy

Sister Faustina reminds us of Christ’s infinite mercy and love

Sister Faustina is most known for her visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and His message of mercy.   The Chaplet of Mercy as a prayer begs God for pardon and remembers the sacrifice of Christ.  It repeats, “for the sake of Your sorrowful passion, have mercy on me and the whole world”.   The mercy of Christ and the opportunities given by God through His sacraments seeks for all to be saved.  Christ shed His blood for every soul.  He shed tears for each soul lost.  Many mystics claim this was one of Christ’s greatest agonies–the souls who would reject His passion and grace.  Within the Sacred Heart image, Jesus’s Sacred Heart pours out beams of red and white rays from His heart.  This displays His infinite mercy to sinners.  Like the story of the Prodigal Son, God immediately forgives a soul that seeks forgiveness.   This should not be taken for granted though.  How many feel they have time to change? Instead of living in the moment, they postpone what matters most.

God’s Justice

God’s justice is referenced throughout Scripture and justice is promised to the faithful.  God’s justice while merciful does not permit the wicked to go unpunished.   While some may over emphasize this terrifying reality, or over humanize anger and vengeance in the Lord, many need to understand there are consequences of sin.  Those who dismiss sin as trivial are led by a lax conscience that does not truly see the disgusting and foul order that sin infects the soul with.  God’s standard, His commandments and His laws are not arbitrary but based in the fullness of His own essence.  Something is not wrong merely by proclamation for a certain day but intrinsically is wrong for everyone and for everyday.  Like evil, sin is a lack of good.  It is what God is not.  So when one sins, one is committing a grave injustice.  Christ’s blood paid the price for sin, but as followers of Christ, we must apply the graces earned through Baptism. As followers one must adhere as best one can to the laws of God.  One cannot through one’s own good works earn salvation but it is through faith in Christ and grace of the Holy Spirit that one can follow the laws of God and partake in salvation.

The Divine Judgement

In Christianity, there are two judgements.  The Particular Judgement occurs at one’s death bed.  The General Judgement is the proclamation and judgement upon all souls.  In one’s Particular Judgement, one’s eternal fate is determined.  There one sees the balance of God’s justice and God’s mercy.  However as discussed early, there are many visual images in Scripture, as well as mystical writings that take these things into account.

One image, as illustrated in Scripture, displays God as judge but in a more human sense.  In fact, even St Ignatius in his exercises, portrays an image of God that casts souls to Hell for their wicked deeds.  This image emphasizes a strong justice display, with less mercy, but this literal image is an interpretation of that judgement.   One can also from a different perspective and interpretation views God as judge from a more theological standpoint immersed in moral theology that balances God’s mercy and justice with the soul.

There are two judgements. Our immediate or particular judgement and the final and general judgement described in the Book of Revelation

One may be amazed, according to Padre Pio, how many souls who seemed evil are not in Hell, and how many souls who seemed so pious are not in Heaven.  Only God knows the innermost workings of the soul.  As Padre Pio also pointed out, one’s judgement before God is usually not based on one event but a life time of choices that led one to become good or evil or lovers of God, or lovers of self.

Ultimately, God as our moral standard serves as the soul’s mirror at judgement.  God does not cast a soul He loves into Hell.  The judgement speaks for itself.  The soul as if looking into a mirror recognizes what it is in all its good and evil.  It is left without distraction or excuses.  It is stripped of all the noise of the world and only faced with its true reflection.   Did it love God in this world or did it love self?  According to Padre Pio, the soul who has rejected God is a soul who will reject God at judgement.  It will acknowledge His truth finally but it will reject the truth and its implementation upon itself.  The imagery of God casting a soul into Hell in some ways is hence misleading.  God finds no joy in this.  He loves the soul despite its total corruption but due to His standard, the soul cannot accept.  Like the demons and corrupt souls before, the soul in mortal sin rejects God’s friendship, His love and companionship.

Many believe that one is saved by faith alone, but believing in God does not give one salvation.  Satan and his demons believe in the reality of God but they are not with Him.  The simple act of faith must be energized through the grace of the Holy Spirit to produce charity.  This charity varies among individuals.  Scripture attests that love can cover many sins.  Ultimately, everyone is unworthy of God through one single act of sin, but it is through God’s mercy that saints and sinners alike are made worthy.   So, while one’s good deeds are important choices to salvation, one must attest they are never enough.  It is ultimately God’s mercy and reciprocal love that is fed through faith and grace that saves the soul before the Partial Judgement.  A soul that still loves God, even imperfectly, can not cease loving God.  If one loved God on earth till the end, one will love God at judgement.  Hell’s greatest reality is the absence of any love.  A soul at judgement who goes to Hell is a soul that refused on earth to love God and continues to refuse to love God at judgement.  The soul may be well aware of what he is losing but this does not lead to contrition but only further anger , blaming and blasphemy.

Ignatius sometimes appears in his exercises to sow fear of how a soul can so easily lose God and at judgement be cast away by an angry God.  There is good reason to mediate upon this, but a soul that loves God, even despite mistakes, even when some sins were in the past mortal, cannot lose God if the pattern of love remains.  This entails remorse for serious sin, but God does not send a soul to Hell over a trip or fall, the soul sends itself to Hell for remaining on the ground and never acknowledging the sin or seeking forgiveness.  A soul that maintains love of God, may trip and fall in life, but it always bounces back up.  That same soul, no more or less than a far more virtuous soul, nevertheless shares one same common theme.  No-one meets the standard of God, no mirror can display a an image that makes one worthy, whether mortal or venial, but it is the grace of God that reaches out and if love is returned, then salvation is procured.  Learning to love more deeply may be required before standing fully before God, but Christ and His infinite mercy supplies the necessary gap through His blood that ultimately saves the soul.

What makes a soul choose Hell? Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification

Now I do not mean to dismiss the haste in which Ignatius says a soul can lose friendship with God through mortal sin, but the act of mortal sin as an objective act and its consequences upon the subjective agent can be quite differently applied.  There are many souls who share sins committed on earth who are in Heaven as those who are in Hell.  The difference is contrition but also charity.  A soul that occasionally falls into certain sins that are classified as mortal, such as many sexual sins, does face severe danger than mere minor sins, but again all sin separates the soul from God to some degree and how the soul responds to hurting God via love matters.  A soul that goes to Hell obviously exists in Mortal sin at the time of death.  Obviously, these sins have defined the soul’s character and sealed its fate.  Whether they were sexual sins, or sins of murder, rape, or even cases of extreme self love and unkindness to others and complete worship of this world over God, these sins represent a pattern.  There are some sins especially among the deadly that represent a median line that show a point of no return or least hint towards it.  Despite this, all can be converted and changed while alive, one merely needs to look at the story of St Augustine or even St Paul, but when a serious sin becomes more than an “oops” and “mistake” but enters into a habitual state of sin that renounces God and exalts self then a serious condition of darkness envelops the soul.  Unlike the angels, the human intellect cannot make a decisive decision regarding to love or serve God, instead over time, the soul develops into what it will be.   Hence eventually, a soul can cross a line that has led to a serious life threatening level that if one dies in it, will result in Hell.  There are death bed conversions, but when one examines the life of Hitler, Stalin, or even pedofiles and sex traffickers or those consumed by lust and the sexual industry, one can see a strong difference in the deformation of the soul between one who occasionally yet with regret fell into a few serious sins as opposed to those who lived in it all the time and became committed it to the most extreme levels.

 The biggest difference for the soul that chooses Hell is one that not only commits serious sin, but accepts it, loves it and live in it.  I do not wish to dismiss the frightful examples of Ignatius in his exercises of one un-repented mortal sin, but I think if one understands moral theology, the psychology of the soul, as well habit in life, one is more likely to discover that most souls who go to Hell, choose it freely and not by accidentally and remorsefully tasting sin here and there.  Those with broken natures who fall into serious sin as lost children can indeed if absence of remorse can find their soul in rebellion to God, but most who have conscience, who love God despite failings, rarely allow the life style to infect themselves.  Instead they turn to prayer, humility and remorse.  The soul that chooses Hell loves oneself over God.  The soul in Hell has no charity for others.  The soul in Hell sees no wrong in its actions.  The soul in Hell lived in sin and embraced it.  The soul in Hell does not love God, nor His laws.  The soul in Hell, whether consciously or subconsciously, committed these actions with pure love and habitual opportunity without remorse.  They were not merely serious sexual or selfish sins of occasion or weakness of moment, but conscious and autonomous choices of life.  There was an autonomous intent and a complete disclosure in the choices it made.

These souls at the Partial Judgement are stripped of their distractions or excuses and left with the cold verdict of God.  The verdict is a lack charity or love of God or others but instead complete love of self and the world.  God’s verdict and justice is declared but His mercy still extends to these individuals.  This may seem surprising but God still reaches out to those who even reject His love.  God is still willing to forgive, but the judgement of His perfect and true self shines so brightly that such a broken and disordered soul cannot disagree with its own deformation and mutation.  The soul going to Hell knows what it is and through this mirror and judgement openly rejects the mercy that comes with the justice.  So, in a complete truthful image, God does judge, but God  also grants mercy.  In way, God’s justice does send the soul to Hell, but it is in a far different way than one’s human sense imagines it.  The soul going to Hell instead rejects God and His assessment and mercy.  It rejects consequences or needed remorse.  It rejects even God’s  mercy.   This self inflicted wound is a continuation of the habitual sinful choices during life on earth that sends the soul to Hell.

On the contrary, a soul that is both saint and sinner, reflects on its image and is brought to shame and guilt but still expresses love.  This soul did not die void of grace that serious sin strips from the soul but it died with grace and its most important fruit which is love.  Whether more perfectly or less perfectly, a person’s love for God travels with person before the judgement of God.  This love of God over love of self is the starting point of salvation for that soul.  Again whether a great saint or a pitiful sinner who still finds love of God, neither are worthy of Heaven based on their individual merit due to one’s broken nature.  It is solely the grace earned by Christ and one’s cooperation throughout life with grace that permits anyone to enter into union with God.  The graces that energized faith and hope now fade because faith and hope have delivered what was promised. As Scripture foretells, what then remains is love.  If love remains in a soul, then that soul remains in the state of grace.  This soul tried its best to avoid sin, as well as serious sin, and when it fell, it humbly sought forgiveness and purged itself with tears and penance.  Unlike the soul that chose Hell by its continual choices on earth, the same soul that chose Heaven chose God for most of its life and at the very end.  Despite its sins, despites its failures, God and the saved soul share a reciprocal love that manifests acceptance of God’s love and will. The soul then understands clearly that it may not have loved God as much as it needed on earth but God’s love and grace has sanctified it and made it worthy.

Conclusion

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification

When exploring the judgement of God and his justice and mercy, the motifs of God as judge, are applicable, and true.  God is just.  However, He is also merciful.  He is both the God of justice but also the God of mercy as the Prodigal Son illustrated in Christ’s parable.  God understands human beings are broken despite His Son’s death on the cross.  He is patient, He is loving and waits for His sheep like the Good Shepherd.  He does not despise the wicked but rejects their actions.  He judges them based on their own deeds and decisions in life.   He offers justice but also offers mercy. Ultimately, the soul dictates its future.   I think it is important pending on the season or need to review both God’s justice and mercy.  Ignatius will presenting a merciful God, also presents a terrifying view of judgement, Hell and the nature of sin.  In addition balance this with Padre Pio’s teaching on the choice of Hell being usually more so a life time choice over time and self love and to be aware of how sin breaks us down over time.  We still must be alert of individual sin in the moment, but we must remain strong and steadfast to identify it and repent from it.  Sister Faustina’s Divine Mercy also displays Christ’s great love and mercy that one can find.   So balance in understanding God’s mercy but also justice can help one remain steadfast in confidence of God’s love but also our own important role in keeping the commandments.

In closing,  f anyone is a parent, then one understands the deep love one has a for one’s child or children.  One never gives up on a child and loves the child even when the child does wrong.  When the child does not seek reconciliation, it painfully hurts.  Even when they walk away, the hand still extends for the child who never looks back again.  While God in Scripture is seen as judge and rightfully so, it is important to see God also as a parent.  Unlike some of the more vivid meditations of St Ignatius, God’s judgement does cast those to Hell but not maybe the way one envisions it, but more so as a parent who displays what must be obeyed if one chooses to return and the consequences hereafter.  If the child shows just the bit of love, God, like a parent, can capitalize on that but if the child shows no love or desire to obey, and chooses instead to reject the parent, then based off his analogy, God can only watch the person enter into Hell.   The terrifying reality that one sends oneself to Hell.   So remain vigilant to sin, but most importantly avoid serious sin.  If one falls, allow one’s conscience to identify and seek repentance. Sin is deadly and builds upon the soul and hopes to turn one serious event into continuous a life style.  Maintain charity and love of God with remorse.  If so, when one stands before God, it will not be a strange judge, but a loving parent.

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification as well as its future Spiritual Direction Program.

Additional Blogs

Theological Views on Hell.  Access here

St Ignatius and the Spiritual Exercises.  Access here

Additional Resources

The Story of Divine Mercy. Jesus is Mercy.  Access here

Padre Pio Vision Of The Judgment Of Individual souls.  Youtube.  Access here

Pastor David. (2025). 30 Powerful bible verses about the final judgement (Full Commentary). Bible Study for You.  Access here

 

 

 

AIHCP: Person/Client Centered Counseling

Posted on by Mark Moran

AIHCP has numerous blogs based on Carl Rogers and his Client or Human/Person Centered Based Counseling.  This blog will focus some on the general themes, goals and history of the therapy and how it set the standard for many modern day counseling techniques.  Whether one belongs solely to Rogerian Counseling, or instead mixes and matches some of the philosophies and skills where needed, it remains nearly impossible for numerous Rogerian ideals not to be part of any counseling curriculum and utilized within the professional and clinical spectrum.

Please also review AIHCP’s various Behavioral and Healthcare Certifications and see if they meet your academic and professional goals.

Rogerian Psychology and Counseling- A Client/Person Centered Approach

Rogerian or person centered counseling finds its roots in counselors who express empathy and unconditional positive regard

In essence, Rogers possessed a more optimistic account of human nature and believed that helping people involved helping them help themselves and find inner healing.  Instead of diagnosis, or pre-determined psycho-analysis, Roger developed a psychology and counseling that frowned upon diagnosis as well as counselor authoritarian directives but saw the counselor more as a guide and helper in unlocking a person’s potential to find happiness and balance in life.   This type of counseling took some key core concepts from Adler and then became a main stay in the counseling fields since the Mid 20th Century.

Rogers taught that counselors need to help clients self-actualize to become their best self.  This was accomplished through guidance that helped the person choose what is best for them.  The counselor could help a person reach self actualization by helping them find congruence or genuineness with their true self.  When a person was at odds with their true self or their words did not match their deeds, a counselor could help a person see this incongruence (Tan, 2022).  In addition to helping a person actualize self, counselors within Rogerian schools of thought help clients understand the value of their own subjective experiences.  Rogers believed that the subjective experience of a person was the most true form of self and the best way to find congruence within a person.   However, the most lasting and important aspect involves the client’s condition of worth.  Rogers emphasized that counselors must show deep empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness as core concepts in helping people (Tan, 2022).   Ultimately the basis of Rogerian therapy is to not solve problems but to unlock an individual’s own solving problem abilities (Tan, 2022).

In other blogs, we discuss the critical importance of unconditional positive regard, congruence and empathy.  These again are the most lasing elements of Rogerian psychology.  While many adhere to some of the other concepts of subjective experience, or the role of the counselor, these three standards of counseling remain core in most counseling schools as essential elements in helping people.  Beyond just being taught, these lasting qualities of the counselor also show empirically and in clinical studies strong effectiveness in helping the client.  While classic Rogerian counseling swayed away from diagnosis or various therapeutic strategies, it always emphasized the importance of the counselor/client relationship.  In many studies, this is the most key part whether counseling works or not.  While various therapeutic strategies are essential, which ones used or not used, has more power when amplified with the counselor/client relationship.

In recent years, Rogerian Counseling has also been transformed by modifications, such Motivational Interviewing.   Tan points out that this is also a person centered approach and also has many shared core elements (2022).  Initially developed by William Miller, Motivational Interviewing utilizes Rogerian strategies and counselor based qualities to help clients reach goals.  Tan points out that Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative approach of strengthening a person’s motivation and commitment to change.  He also points out that it looks to address the ambivalence about change and is designed to help the person’s motivation by assigning goals and also exploring a person’s reasons to look for change (2022).

Interviewing involves utilizing empathy, congruence as well as unconditional positive regard, but also involves the counselor rolling with resistance of the client in a non-confrontational way.  Instead helping to facilitate a picture for the client to see on one’s own to desire the change.  In doing so, the counselor helps to support self efficacy and freedom of choice to fully embrace a change and work towards a goal (Tan, 2022).

Strengths and Weaknesses

Like any counseling system or psychological school of thought, one can be tied down and limited if only subject to one way of doing things with the psychological mind.  This bears true with one who only utilizes psychodynamic ways without integration of other possible therapies in the cognitive fields, or for that matter approaching one from a cognitive or behavioral school of thought.  Like wise, person centered psychology and counseling has strengths that can be employed, but also weaknesses when isolated and used as a the only way conducting counseling.

From a strength standpoint, the utilization of the concepts of unconditional positive regard, congruence and empathy are all staples of modern counseling.  Person centered therapy also has a very optimistic view of a the human person and is rich in encouraging and helping someone find the ability to change through one’s innate abilities.  It treasures freedom to choose which is the only way true change can occur.

From a weakness standpoint, it ins purest form, it avoids diagnosis and some therapies which when involving deeper trauma or pathology require more than just discussing an issue but also helping the mind heal through other proven strategies.   Also, it emphasizes a complete subjective form of happiness and process of making decisions.  This can lead to one’s own selfish motives, as well as choosing incorrectly in the overall scheme of life.   Counselors while observing need to sometimes direct.  Rogers did point to empathetic confrontation, but it needs to sometimes go farther than merely helping a person see the contradiction in one’s life but to also sometimes guide the person to the right choice.  In Rogerian psychology, the counselor remains as benign a source of authority as possible in regards to direction.  Many clients need guidance.  This is not to assert they need told what and how to do something, but sometimes, a person needs direction.  The concepts of subjective truth also come into conflict with many ideals on objective truth, as well as the person belonging to more than merely oneself but also belonging to a social construct that includes other people, as well as religious beliefs.  For some, God is the source of self actualization, not the human person.  For others, self actualization can become a very selfish design that ignores others and their needs. (Tan, 2022).

So again, I feel there always needs to be a measure of balance with any systems of psychology and counseling.  While schools of thought exist in their purity, many counselors utilize the best of all the schools and fit it to meet the unique needs of a client.

Conclusion

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Certification programs and see if they match your academic or professional goals

Carl Rogers ideas and philosophies presented to counseling were revolutionary when compared to Freudian systems.  It expressed that individuals were not preprogrammed and had the innate ability to find congruence when guided by a trained counselor.  The counselor was not there to solve problems but help untap the ability of the client to solve their problems.  This leads to a very subjective experience of self actualization which has its strengths and weaknesses in counseling.  The largest contribution of Rogers was the counseling qualities he demanded from all counselors.  Namely congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard.  These elements help forge a healthy counselor and client relationship which according to studies is more important and a bigger factor in client progress than any particular therapeutic strategy employed alone.  It is the counselor and client’s relationship that is the biggest factor in whether the counseling experiment works or does not work.

Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health Certifications in Grief Counseling, Christian Counseling, Trauma Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Stress Management and Anger Mangement.

Additional Blogs

Empathy in Counseling: Access here

Rogerian Counseling and Depression: Access here

Humanistic Approach and Grief: Access here

 Reference

Tan, S-Y. (2022). Counseling and psychology: A Christian perspective (2nd Edition). Baker Academic.

Additional Resources

The Role of Empathy in Effective Counselling. (2024). Mental Mastery. Access here

“Accurate Empathic Understanding: A Core Component of Client-Centered Counseling” (2024). Psychology Town. Access here

Sutton, J. (2021). “Unconditional Positive Regard: 17 Worksheets & Activities”. Positive Psychology.  Access here

Cherry, K. (2024). “Unconditional Positive Regard in Psychology”. Very Well Mind. Access here

 

 

Existential Therapy in Counseling: A Grief Counseling as well as a Christian Counseling Perspective

Posted on by Mark Moran

Meaning of existence plays a key role in understanding one’s daily trials, anxieties, stresses, as well as losses.  Meaning in life can re-interpret an event for a person.  From an bad event, individuals with meaning, can move forward with a better understanding and a fuller interpretation within life.  Those without meaning to loss, or meaning to horrible things can fall victim to hopelessness and despair.  Without an anchor of meaning, one can be swept by the various currents of life with no true direction.   Existential philosophy, as well as Existential therapy, looks to find meaning in life.  In this short blog, we will examine Existentialism and its influence on Existential therapy, as well as address the critical necessity of meaning in grief counseling, as well as conflicting issues between Christian theology and Existentialism.

Existentialist therapy helps individuals find meaning in loss and to also face existential anxiety. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification as well as its Christian Counseling Program

Please review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification, as well as AIHCP’s Christian Grief Counseling Certification and see if they meet your academic and professional goals.

Existentialist Philosophy and Therapy

Existentialist philosophy has two branches.  One which encompasses a theist and sometimes Christian perspective, as well as an atheistic or nihilist branch.  Philosophers such as Gabriel Marcel, Soren Kirkegaard and Paul Tillich approach existentialism from a theistic perspective, while others such as Frederick Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger and Paul Sarte present a atheistic and nihilist approach to existence.  The core of the philosophy addresses humanity’s existential realities without reserve.  Death, choice, freedom, isolation and meaning or lack of meaning in life are all important aspects of that cannot be ignored.  Within this state of humanity, existence and its subjective and phenomenological interpretation of that existence details what a person is to be or find meaning in.  There is no collective pre-existing template or essence of the human blueprint, but merely existence.  As Sarte famously stated, “existence precedes essence” which at its core puts a subjective morality and choice at odds with a pre-existing objective template of reality and moral choice.

Humanity’s freedom to choose and become without fear is one of the guiding principles of non-theistic existentialist approach.  As Frederick Nietzsche proposed, one must courageously drop the shackles of objective morality or the concept of God and become a “super man” who forges forward with great courage in creating one’s own essence and identity.  While this is not the purpose of this blog to counter theological arguments over moral objectivity and the existence of God, this type of existentialist thought obviously places more power over one’s own decision what is good or evil.

Existentialist philosophy looks at human experience as a way one encounters life and discovers meaning.  Through one’s inner self, one’s self with nature and one’s self and experiences with others.  Human beings are free to relate and form one’s own meanings based on these three basic levels of existence (Tan, 2022).  In this self discovery, one must be true to one’s self or authentic.  It is when one ceases to be authentic with self, that pathology emerges.  This becomes difficult because of natural existential dread and anxiety which in itself is not a bad thing but quite a natural thing.  Within existential anxiety, one must deal with death and life, the need to act or not act, isolation versus companionship, and finally meaning or meaninglessness (Tan, 2022).   A healthy existence is when these issues are faced, discussed and analyzed.  When one does not dismiss these truths, as well as live authentically with oneself, then one finds a healthy balance in life.

Nietzsche presented an atheistic and nihilist perspective to finding meaning in existence

Tan lists some of the key elements of existentialist philosophy of being human.  He lists first, the capacity for awareness, second, freedom and responsibility, third, creating identity and establishing relationships, fourth, searching for meaning, fifth, accepting anxiety as part of life and finally, awareness of death and non being (2022).  It is when one lies to oneself and avoids these principles that pathology can occur in life. Rollo May, a existentialist therapist contends that anxiety is a critical part of life itself and now all of it is toxic but something that needs faced and addressed.  Clients need taught how to face anxiety and solve the issues and problems while remaining true to oneself (Tan, 2022).

Application of Meaning in Life

Victor Frankl, a holocaust survivor, discussed in detail the grave importance of finding meaning in life, especially, in loss and suffering.  He saw a deeper purpose that could help drive one beyond the mere presence of suffering.  His meaning was found in love and the dignity of the human person to push beyond mere tasks and elevate them to a higher power.  In this way, Frankl was not atheistic in existential thought and like others, saw the importance of spirituality as a way to find meaning.  Kirkegaard also saw the importance of emptying one’s anxiety and existential angst into the grounding of all existence which is God.  Hence, while to some therapists, meaning can be subjective and coming from within the person, other theistic existentialists promote the possibility that meaning can come from an outside source.

Regardless, the power of meaning is a strong driving force in interpreting life events. Frankl helped individuals find deeper meaning in his Logotherapy which utilized four primary techniques.  First, he employed the Socratic dialogue, second, paradoxical intent, dereflection and attitude modification (Tan, 2022).  Within the Socratic dialogue, one is directed to take a complete inventory of one’s life.  This helps the person discover direction but also what matters most.  Within paradoxical intent, Logotherapy looks to present the absurdity of a habit or behavior by exaggerating it.  Within dereflection, the therapist helps the client see other elements of an event.  In this way it hopes to utilize a type of behavioral cognitive therapy where the individual rethinks the event in different perspectives.  The idea is not to dismiss or devalue the event but to approach it from different aspects.  Finally, attitude modification, helps the client to change certain views or behaviors by not lamenting over the past which cannot be changed, but instead by learning from it and making good changes.

Frankl saw in humanity that all are good initially at one’s core and that it was the purpose of the therapist to help enlighten a person of one’s inner talents to utilize the goodness of the inner core.  He also pointed out that life has meaning and it is one’s goal to find meaning, which usually should be in something transcending, albeit, life does not guarantee happiness even with meaning, However, it the meaning and finding that meaning in the moment that all can find direction even in the most worst case scenarios.  In this way, a person retains his core, his uniqueness as well as his freedom.

Meaning and Grief

Finding meaning in existence is key but especially when loss and grief occur.

Existential philosophy and therapy plays a key role in grief and loss.  Robert Neimeyer has emphasized the critical importance of meaning making in loss.  Meaning is essential in understanding the nature of the loss and how the loss plays a role in the overall life of a person.  Individuals who utilize meaning and find meaning not only in loss but overall life can find smoother ways to adapt to the loss and move forward with the loss incorporated into one’s life.  Those without meaning struggle with suffering and loss.  This was also the case that Frankl noticed in the Nazi concentration camps.  Those who lost hope or meaning, even meaning in the most dire situations, would gradually fade quicker to despair and death.

Existential philosophy also demands that we do not hide from natural anxieties.  In the modern world, death becomes a taboo subject, but in the lens of existentialism, it is something that should be addressed, confronted and spoken about.  If we ignore death, if we ignore unpleasant thoughts of non being, then one is not living authentically according to existentialist philosophy.  Existentialist therapists will help clients face the loss, understand it, and find meaning moving forward from the loss.   These are all concepts and techniques that coincide with modern bereavement science.

Existentialism and Christian Counseling

As stated, there are many forms of existentialism.  Some forms adapt a Christian view on life that surrenders the existential experience to God under the example of Christ.  In addition, many of the concepts are concepts to use in counseling.  Seeking to find answers about existence, freedom, responsibility and meaning are important concepts for the Christian but the answers from secular existentialism seeks the inner self and experience instead of the moral law of God and established dogma.  In secular settings, existentialism can allow one to become one’s own god in decisions.  It also tends to find most pathology from within or failure to acknowledge the existential anxieties of life and ignores many other sources of issues. Many issues stem from also biological or social settings, not just one’s imbalance with authenticity and existential anxieties (Tan, 2022).

Again, when one surrenders oneself to the autonomous self, one does not find true peace or meaning as secular existentialists would contend.  That peace is through surrender of one’s anxieties to God, which is a self grounding in the Self (Tan, 2022).  Kierkagaard illustrates this importance, and even Frankl addresses the surrender of self to something to a higher transcendence as something more benefitting and long lasting than merely surrender to the autonomous self.  In these ways, some concepts of existentialism are useable in Christian Counseling with a strong precaution of avoiding its more secular and atheistic roots.

Conclusion

There are many good and bad aspects of existentialist therapy. Please review AIHCP’s Healthcare Certifications

Existentialist therapy while more so a philosophy than a true therapeutic concept employs meaning as a key concept for modern counseling.  Meaning is essential for understanding loss, suffering and death.  Existentialist therapy also helps one to not ignore the anxieties of life but to face them and find meaning in them.  While some aspects of it have theistic wrappings, other elements are more atheistic in thought and look for the autonomous self and one’s authenticity to help build one’s character.  This leads one ultimately to a subjective perspective on each person’s meaning of life as opposed to an objective and more dogmatic one.   Regardless of belief, it has numerous benefits for counseling, in particular for Grief Counseling.  Obviously, if not religious, the power of meaning in life, even if subjective, can be a powerful source for success in the world.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program as well as AIHCP’s Christian Grief Counseling Program and Christian Counseling Program.  AIHCP also offers a wide range of secular programs in grief but also as well in both healthcare and behavioral healthcare programs.

Additional Blog

Jungian Psychology:  Access here

Reference

Tan, S-Y. (2022). Counseling and psychology: A Christian perspective (2nd Edition). Baker Academic.

Additional Resources

Perera, A. (2025). Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy. Simply Psychology.  Access here

Existential Therapy. Psychology Today.  Access here

Existentialism. PhilosophiesOfLife.org.  Access here

Sidor, S & Dubin, K. (2025). The Search for Meaning: An Existential Perspective on Human Experience. Existential Therapy: Sweet Institute. Access here

 

 

 

 

AIHCP Video Blog: Changing Habits

Posted on by Mark Moran

Producing change from a psychological standpoint is difficult.  Subconscious trends and neuropathways make it difficult to change.  This can make things difficult for changes in health as well as addiction.  In addition, changes of habit from a counseling perspective can be difficult without a good plan and goals.  Theologically, one can also see the idea of change and habit closely associated with vice and virtue which are considered habits of bad or excellence.

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Certifications and see if they meet any of your academic or professional goals.