Aug.15.01: Light For The Day - "Two Questions" -- 1John 4:1,2 (RSV) "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits  to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets  have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God:  every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come  in the flesh is of God" ------------------------ Eternal Father, let me ask you two questions on matters which perplex me. Sometimes people come to me, asking for advice as to  how they should serve you. Then later, when I pray for  these people, some seem bathed in your glorious light,  while others are shrouded in spiritual darkness.  Should I judge the others shrouded in darkness as  self-centred hypocrites? Or should I rather urge all to  turn to you in repentance for their sins, and then judge  those whose penance is greater as the best servant?  That is my first question. The second question I wish to ask is:  how can I discern whether a spiritual visitation to  the soul is from you or not? Perhaps the test is  whether the visitation has left the soul glad and joyful.  And yet you do not only bring happiness to the soul,  but sometimes inflict suffering. -- Catherine Of Siena ---------------------- -- Deuteronomy 13:1-4 "Suppose there are prophets among you, or those who  have dreams about the future (a), and they promise you  signs or miracles, 2 and the predicted signs or miracles take place.  If the prophets then say, ‘Come, let us worship the  gods, which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ 3 do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing  you to see if you love him with all your heart and soul. 4 Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone.  Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him." ......... (a) Who says that he has things revealed to him in dreams.