Where you are on the path: Illuminative Way → Initial Enlightenment → Spiritual Age 14
What happens in the soul?
The soul, now more purified, begins to see others with the eyes of God. The soul understands in a new way the spiritual meaning of coexistence and discovers that relationships with the soul’s brothers are part of the work that the Good Lord carries out in the soul. The soul also begins to discover Christ in the soul’s neighbor. That is why it is no longer simply about improving character or learning to live together better. What begins to be born is something deeper: loving supernaturally in everyday life.
The action of the Good Lord
the Good Lord illuminates the gaze of the soul so that it can contemplate its brother in a different way. Where before the soul could only see defects, problems or sins, the soul also begins to recognize suffering, slavery and the need for mercy. This new light progressively transforms coexistence through charity.
How does the soul respond?
Learn to accept your brothers and sisters with their specific sins. Understanding, deference, and the willingness to justify rather than judge grow. This transformation does not remain only in feelings: it begins to be expressed in concrete actions. The soul shares its resources, pays attention to the needs of others, accompanies the brother during the soul’s difficulties and remains with the soul in times of trial. Coexistence progressively stops being a struggle and begins to become a school of holiness.
The prayer
The forms of prayer previously acquired continue, but now a growing joy is experienced in prayer and especially in the Eucharist. At the same time, prayer begins to become more interior. The relationship with the Good Lord and life with the brothers begin to illuminate each other: what is received in prayer begins to be expressed in daily charity.
Signs that may accompany this age
• Deep love for the brethren.
• Greater mercy in the face of their weaknesses.
• Understanding, deference and justification.
• Ability to share one’s own resources.
• Concrete support during difficulties and trials.
• Remarkable growth of virtues.
• Growing joy in prayer and the Eucharist.
• Deep desire to do the will of God.
A phrase to remember
“Discover Christ in the brother.”
Where does it lead
The light received has begun to transform the way of contemplating and loving one’s brother. Now that same light begins to penetrate the way of contemplating all of life. Age 15 — Spiritual Enlightenment →