Today's Term: Illuminism
Recently, I was reading from one of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors: Deep Conversion Deep Prayer by Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M.
In his chapter on Conflicts and Conversion he speaks about the soul that exhibits traits of "illuminism." He says it is the second main root of conflict, the first being egocentricism.
He writes that the soul in this state has an illness. Illuminism comes in two forms. He states:
On the natural level it is the conviction of some people that their ideas, their opinion, their preferences are automatically superior to those of others. When one talks to an illuminist, evidence contrary to the latters' view has little or no effect on his conviction. Even if the evidence is objectively compelling, it does not penetrate his mind or will.
On the supernatural level this disease shows itself in the conviction that "I have a special light from the Holy Spirit, you do not. Therefore, I am right and you are wrong." I like to call this form of the aberration the privileged-pipeline-to-God idea.
Deep Conversion Deep Prayer, Chap. 8, Pg. 78-80, Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M.
In the Secular Order of Carmel we are called to be servants of prayer. What a holy and joyful vocation to be called to by the Lord! This requires a response of great humility and docility on our part. The soul that Fr. Dubay describes is stricken with a spiritual cancer that is caused by pride. Only the light of the Holy Spirit can heal this deadly disease and bring about the conversion this soul desperately needs.
St. John of the Cross speaks of beginners who display pride, the source of illuminism in some of the following ways:
*Vain desire to speak of spiritual things in the presence of others.
*Desire to instruct rather than be instructed.
*Secretly condemn others for not having the devotion they possess.
*Critical of others.
*Do not want anyone other than themselves to appear holy.
*Love to be noticed while praying
*Desire to be the favorite of their confessor
*Confess their sins in a favorable manner to appear better than they are.
*Dislike praising others.
St. John gives us hope, however, and says that all beginners fall victim to some of these imperfections on the road to perfection.
May the Holy Spirit open our eyes with the gift of self-knowledge, so that we may see ourselves as we truly are.
Let us pray for each other!
Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS
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