About Father Santan Pinto SOLT Father Santan Pinto's Schedule Ancestral history of Father Santan Pinto Anecdotes by Father Santan Pinto Anecdotes by Father Santan Pinto
Return to the SOLT Home Page
Missionaries of Mercy
Order Audio, Books, CDs, & DVDs here
Disciples of Jesus and Mary
SOLT Ministry Teachings
Visit the Holy Father
Frequently Asked Questions about SOLT
Contact Father Pinto
Links to other SOLT Pages


SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FOR DISCIPLES

INTRODUCTION:

  • God is the Spiritual Director. All others are instruments God provides to share this task of sanctification.
  • The job of the Servant Spiritual Director (SSD) is to help the individual person to recognize the direction God is leading the soul on the path of perfection.
  • The beginning and end of spiritual direction is to discover the will of God and fulfill it.
  • Perfection is the narrow path. The way is the way of the Cross. It is the truth that Jesus reveals in His person and continues to reveal through his Body the Church, that is the light. It always leads us to abundant and eternal life.
  • Perfection is abiding in Christ, seeking to be united to the Most Holy Trinity in time and eternity.
  • Perfection means making progress. Progress is seen as being fruitful. And every fruitful branch the Father prunes.
  • This pruning or purification is a constant process.
  • God always respects our free-will. Therefore, the director should never impose his will on the directee. He should never make any decisions for the directee.
  • Spiritual direction deserves utmost confidentiality. Many equate spiritual direction with confession.

REMEMBER:The devil hates Spiritual Directors. He, according to St. Ignatius, is the "enemy of our spiritual progress." He does not want anyone to be the light of the world, for he was the "bearer of light"(Lucifer) in God's presence.

Preliminary Instructions:

  • Ask the one to be directed (directee) to bring a notebook to be able to take down instructions.
  • Create a checklist in consultation with the directee, as what should be listed as "things to do". For example, confession, time of prayer, Scripture reading, Rosary, spiritual reading, etc.
  • Suggest that the directee have a regular confessor.
  • I recommend that the director does not become the confessor.
  • This way the directee has a chance to clarify doubts.
  • It will help to discern objectively in case there is mutual attraction between the directee and the spiritual director.
  • Something that the director said may cause unrest or disturbance. The directee here has an opportunity to deal with these emotions.
  • Also if the director and confessor is one and the same, the directee could be at a disadvantage. The director who in confession listens to some serious fault may conclude that the directee is at a particular level. But in actuality may be at a higher level.

Plan of life process:

  • The reason for discovering your "Plan of Life" is to recognize the way God has been forming you thoughout your life. How much is the directee aware of the graces and gifts God has given and continues to give?
  • Is the directee aware of these talents and graces? Inability to recognize these graces could mean there are some things in the past that need healing.
  • The director should lead that individual to go through each experience with the Lord. He should encourage the directee to seek healing through the Eucharist, the sacraments, the rosary , wise counsel and friendly assistance.
  • List experiences of life, situations, and persons God sent into your life.
  • The lessons that one learnt through them or lessons you should have learnt.
  • God gives us sufficient graces for our formation, which includes growth on the path of perfection.
  • He also provides what we need to fulfill our mission.
  • Grace would then outline our path of perfection.
  • We could be open or closed to recognize God's hand in our daily experiences.
  • In our desire to fulfill God's will, our will could be weak or strong.
  • Past hurt, lack of forgiveness, emotional blocks because of fears, rejection, failure, abuse, etc., make a person defensive and gradually closed.
  • The will is strengthened by confidence, in a deep sense of belonging, appreciation, ability to perceive things from God's perspective (faith), living in reality and open to the truth.
  • The truth frees the soul from all kinds of attachments. These attachments make us blind, cause confusion, and often cause delay or inaction.

  • What are the directions received up to now?

    What the director is looking for in this section, is to find out if there was any kind of direction the directee had in the past. As a director you build on the foundation laid by others. There is no need to tear down before you build. Look for directions that proved useful in the past. Do not ridicule simple childhood practices. Often it is these simple devotions that helps individuals overcome many a crises of faith. These are resources you can use in future direction.

    God uses various means in forming us. Look for the direction God has been giving the directee. Ask the directee to go through the following aspects. Was he/she given any direction?

    • Scripture reading
    • Lives of saints
    • Sermons
    • Prayer
    • Recollections
    • Retreats
    • Confession
    • Insights, illumination, visions
    • From spiritual persons
    • Conferences
    • Pilgrimages
    • Prayer meetings

    As a spiritual director you build on the work of others. The soul is the building of the Lord. Each of us builds according to the gifts and graces God gives. Remind yourself that God has been working on this soul since creation, when He knit that person in his or her mother's womb.

    Now consider temptations, trials and persecution

    Grace cannot be seen but its presence could be concluded. God does not test us beyond our strength. And His grace is sufficient. From the temptations and trials the Lord allows in our lives, we know the graces the soul possesses. Many find it difficult to recognize their temptations and trials. Help the directee become aware of the temptations he or she faces. Consider how he or she reacts to them.

    Do not presume that the directee has completed the process of the first conversion. Conversion is a life-long process. Nonetheless, there is the first conversion, where the person desires to avoid every serious sin and all occasions leading to sin.

    CAUTION:

    Disposition of the soul – what is beneficial at this stage may not necessarily be what the directee is seeking or desires. Some things may be good at a certain level and not another. This will determine the kind of books the directee may read or avoid the method of prayer and other relevant activities.

    Level of sensitivity of a soul should be considered. Be firm and kind but do not allow the directee to avoid being accountable.

    Here are some thoughts on recollection, as a means of growth on the path of perfection.

    Seven Capital sins: Pride, sloth, avarice, anger, greed, and lust, envy.

    A study of each capital sin with its various forms of temptations, could be an asset to the directee. Many people do not know how to differentiate between sin and temptation.

    The Sermon on the Mount:the Beatitudes and Matthew chapters 5-7. This is the path of perfection in all simplicity.

    The Beatitudes

    • The poor in spirit and those persecuted possess the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is an "inclusion." This means that when the writer starts with one thought and ends with that thought, he desires to include that which is within it as one unit. The same way we use inverted comas or brackets.
    • The poor in spirit are those who trust in divine providence. They are those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure of heart, peacemakers and those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness.
    • The Lord explains the Kingdom of God further. It is where you will be comforted, it is your inheritance - the everlasting kingdom promised to all who believe, where you are satisfied, where you will be shown mercy, where you will see God and because you are heirs you will be called children of God.
    • The Lord comands us, "Be perfect even as you heavenly Father is perfect." What does this perfection consists in? How can you go about being perfect?
    • You find the answer in the "Sermon on the Mount." The Beatitudes gives you in few words the "what" and "how" of perfection.
    • Jesus explains the beatitudes, in the "Sermon on the Mount." He then expands it through the miracles, the parables and his teachings. This is the "what" and the "how" to walk the path of perfection.
    • He is teaching you what the Kingdom of God is and how to live in it always.

    • I find a thorough study of the above a basis for spiritual direction. The Sermon on the Mount is the best guide the Lord gave us on this path. It is a great means for daily examination of conscience and preparation for confession.

      STRUCTURE FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

      1. Seek the glory of God in all things.
      2. Invoke the Holy Spirit through Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. Pray for guidance, discernment, and protection.
      3. Always keep the focus on the Lord in every situation.
      4. Continue blessing the person or persons whom you are giving spiritual direction to. Offer them to the Lord constantly.
      5. Give counsel according to the directions given in context. Don't be worried about mis-representing the Lord or the Church. He has chosen you for this work and will protect you. You carry the sword of truth.

      1. SEEK THE GLORY OF GOD IN ALL THINGS

      • Nothing happens accidentally. Everything is gifted providentially.
      • Therefore, the Lord will allow a particular situation to benefit the person in ways undiscovered by man.
      • Yet, don't look at situations with the eyes of man. Put on the mind of Christ.
      • See things only through His perspective and the vision will be clear.
      • It is simple, really. Just look for the glory of God by looking at the good. You will find it, it is there.
      • Christ is all-good. He is all-powerful. Seek kingship in Him.
      • His Kingdom is built on goodness, therefore, when you spiritually direct people, you must see the goodness in them and in the situation at hand.
      • God will always give you wisdom and insight.
      • Trust in His mercy and His choosing you to do this work.
      • Do everything for His glory alone and you will not fail.

      2. INVOKE THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

      • Just pray to the Holy Spirit through the loving hands of Mary.
      • She will lead you to Him and will help you to recognize His plan, His desire, and His holiness in the work you are doing.
      • Prayer is so important. Continue in the family rosary, attend daily Mass as often as you can and offer each and every situation to the Lord through Our Lady and then you will know He is with you, guiding you and protecting you.
      • The trust is how you handle the situations. By invoking the Holy Spirit, you will see the good - alone- in its rightful place, then look at the opposite of the good in the situation and you will find the key to discernment.
      • Whatever good is happening, the goodness inside a person; the evil one will attack and so you can easily identify the cause of the disturbance.
      • Just ask the Holy Spirit to shine His Light on the good and you will see it very clearly.
      • Then the evil will fade away because it cannot be sustained in the Light.
      • But you can recognize it because the Lord has given you the means of recognition. Just look beyond the situation, and see how the evil one put certain obstacles and solutions in front of the person, so they would stumble and fall and then lose hope.
      • Seeking the Lord and all His glory you will easily see His Light. It is eternal and you will be righteously attained in delivering encouragement and accurate direction.
      • Remember that the Lord has given the gift to you.
      • This material is only a written form of cross-checking what is already in your heart.
      • You have the gift. Don't be worried about disgrace or disillusionment.
      • The Lord has work for you to do. Just go over these directions, cross-checking and you will be satisfied that you have done the work accordingly.

      3. ALWAYS KEEP THE FOCUS ON THE LORD IN EVERY SITUATION

      • Keep your gaze on the Lord always.
      • Don't get distracted by other things that are happening.
      • Look at the situation at hand through the Eyes of Christ; in this way, you are looking at Him alone and His Eyes become your eyes and you will miraculously see into the hearts and souls and minds of the people.
      • You will first see Christ in them and then you will be given appropriate wisdom and knowledge to help them.
      • Peace will be your guide and in joy and faith you will direct them accordingly.
      • It is necessary for you to focus your eyes and your heart on the Way of the Cross.
      • In this mystery, you will come to know the fullness of Christ's suffering and the mystical bond attached to it.
      • Then you can help others to endure trials and temptations.

      4. CONTINUE BLESSING THE PERSON OR PERSONS WHOM YOU ARE GIVING SPIRITUAL DIRECTION TO. OFFER THEM TO THE LORD CONSTANTLY.

      • Bless each person individually.
      • Bless in keeping with their state in life, the situation or the lifestyle.
      • This way you create an environment of blessedness.
      • The Lord's protection surrounds them, so that the direction is given in the form of peace and authority, and the person will accept it.
      • The Lord will bless those whom you bless. Just look at the Lord and offer the person to Him and say, "Lord, I bless this person that You may bless them."
      • He has given you the authority to do this and in humility, you recognize that all power comes from God alone and you will do this for His glory, and be humbled by such a divine measure of grace.
      • Be humble in the Lord and He will bless you always.

      5. GIVE COUNSEL ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTIONS GIVEN IN CONTEXT

      • Sometimes you will recognize in a given situation many contributing areas that need special attention.
      • Take them one at a time. Don't try to do it all at one time.
      • You must start at the beginning and go slowly, slowly.
      • The Lord will guide you and show you with what point you will begin directing.
      • Don't run ahead and tell the person what is coming up next or the other areas that will need special attention. This will over-burden the person.
      • Each person must feel like they are making progress or they will give up.
      • So, just patiently work through each point and move ahead to the Lord's will.
      • Finally, trust in the Lord's protection in this work.
      • He gave the Apostles solid direction and the grace to work for Him alone.
      • He told them not to worry about what they would say.
      • He said that all the things He had taught them would be given in clarity and they would understand at the moment it is needed.

      Formation of Spiritual Directors

      St. Theresa of Avila, gives three qualifications to be a Spiritual Director. These are: holiness, experience and learning.

      Holiness

      • Learn the process of discovering your "Plan of Life."
      • Spend time regularly going through your life experiences.
      • Discover the lessons God wishes to teach you.
      • Recognize the "hand" of God in every situation.
      • Consider everthing coming from God or allowed by God.
      • Depend on no one but God alone.
      • Develop a "plan of action" and do the will of God everyday.
      • Make no excuses why you can not do anything. For if you did anything and everything with God, nothing would be impossible.
      • Be ready at all times to give an account of the talents the Lord gifted you.
      • Holiness comes from a deep personal relationship with God.
      • Learn, recognize and live your identity and dignity as a child of God in your Baptism.
      • Eat the Word of God everyday and ask the Lord to write his law in your heart.
      • Live in the Holy Eucharist from moment to moment in adoration and thanksgiving.
      • Let your faults, sins and weakness draw you closer to God. Do not be alarmed on account of your faults and sins. Learn from your mistakes.
      • Learn to magnify God with Mary your Mother. Treasure the marvels the Lord works in your life in your heart.
      • Always be the first to forgive. Pardon generously. Give freely and intercede for all.
      • Let Christ be your measure. Think as he thinks and act as he acts.
      • Trust in the Holy Spirit for all your needs.
      • Learn to recognize the voice of your Shepherd, Master and God. Depend on the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. Be united with your Father and glorify his name before all.

      Experience

      • For priests, it is the hours spent in the confessional that will train you to listen.
      • Listening to people in general. Listen attentively without judging. How you listen will be a sign of rejection or acceptance.
      • Observe what people say not only with their words but by their entire being.
      • See situations through the eyes of God, judge according to his standards. Be able to put things into perspective.
      • Base your decisions on truth and not emotions. Be firm in demanding that the directee follow your directions.
      • Learn from your own struggles in prayer, the way you handle temptations and weakness.
      • Seek spiritual direction for yourself. Learn from how others direct in spiritual direction and confession.
      • Discuss problems or paths of direction with those who are experienced in this field.

      Learning

      • Be a catholic and do not get caught with one particular spirituality. Learn from the spiritual heritage that has been handed down through the ages.
      • Develop a habit of research and study the Word of God regularly.
      • Learn from the simple, the poor and the little ones.
      • Learn from your experiences, observations and mistakes.
      • Spend quality time before the Blessed Sacrament. Sit at the feet of your Master.
      • The best way of learning is to practice step by step. Confidence will give you the courage to learn.
      • Together with Mary your Mother pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance, wisdom and discernment.
      • Learn the different methods of prayer and how to make prayer fruitful.
      • Learn the different stages of prayer: the purgative, illuminative and unitive.
      • Learn from St. Ignatius, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, the journey of the soul.

      Spiritual direction - sessions

      • Always begin and end with a prayer.
      • At the start it is advisable to meet at least every two weeks. Later on it could be extented to a monthly visit.
      • You may do spiritual direction via email or the the telephone. Nonetheless, it would be profitable to physically meet at least twice a year.
      • Watch for tepidity. The esstial aspect of spritual direction is the "desire" for perfection.
      • Be clear in giving direction. Be specific in your instructions.
      • Make certain that the directee takes down these instructions and understands them.
      • Check to see if the directee is making progress. Is he or she growing in virtues? Is there a growing experience of interior joy and peace?
      • Check to see what kind of books the directee reads.
      • The directee must be led to have a healthy balance life-style.
      • Recognize the state of life that the directee is in.
      • Is there is a need to discern vocations?
      • Keep a check on the basics: mass, confession, prayer, obedience to the Church, Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, penance and almsgiving.
      • Train the directee how to make decisions. That God respects our free-will and therefore gives us sufficient time to discern his will.

      •  

Copyright © 1995 - 2006, SOLT Ministries, Bosque, New Mexico. All rights reserved

 

Page Design by North Fork IT Services
Your Neighborhood Information Technology Department!