Today's homily reflects on the parable of the prodigal son, which provides an excellent opportunity to continue our discussion of prayer and discerning the movements of the spirit.

Saint Ignatius gives us a set of rules that tell us how to tell these spirits apart and what to do when we encounter both the movements of God and the movements of the evil one in our hearts, imagination, and conscience.

When we experience discouragement in our efforts to follow Jesus, that is not from God - ever! That is our enemy attacking our movement back to God.