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I'm speaking in general here, not to anyone in particular.

Interpreting dreams, visions, experiences, etc is a very tricky matter. People have a tendency to interpret them on a literal basis, in context of their own understanding and/or without the benefit of a good spiritual director. It is always important to check any type of supernatural experience against Scripture, established doctrines and traditional teachings.

We know that a soul with an advanced level of spiritual development is open to supernatural experiences and gifts of the Spirit. That same soul however is an open portal to the unseen and subject to the attacks and deceptions of the dark and ambivalent residing in other realms. An individual in a spiritual process will frequently experience things before they have the ability to discern what is truth and what is not. This further underscores the necessity for a good spiritual director, particularly one who has achieved a certain level of spiritual development him/herself. In these times this can be difficult to find. Conversely, we are living in times where many souls are being called to higher levels. We are experiencing a great numbers of souls being propelled along a path with no map or experienced guidance.

Do I think Maria Esperanza is a fraud? No. Do I think these are legitimate prophecies? Doubtful. Maria Esperanza is in process. I believe she is the one who has experienced the stigmata on several occasions? Her husband, Godly man that he may be, is not equipped to interpret her visions. Does Maria have a spiritual director and where is he? In times past the Church recognized the delicate nature of such situations and kept a watchful eye on these souls. Her spiritual director should be the recipient of these visions and the confidant. It is irresponsible and unwise to release them to the public as is being done. There is no discernment being exercised. We have no idea whether these experiences are meant for Maria alone, symbolic and solely applicable to her life or meant for the world at large. I lean towards the former if they are of a legitimate source.

We need to be very careful and change how we look at spiritual experience.

We know that a soul with an advanced level of spiritual development is open to supernatural experiences and gifts of the Spirit. That same soul however is an open portal to the unseen and subject to the attacks and deceptions of the dark and ambivalent residing in other realms. An individual in a spiritual process will frequently experience things before they have the ability to discern what is truth and what is not. This further underscores the necessity for a good spiritual director, particularly one who has achieved a certain level of spiritual development him/herself. In these times this can be difficult to find. Conversely, we are living in times where many souls are being called to higher levels. We are experiencing a great numbers of souls being propelled along a path with no map or experienced guidance. You speak the truth here. I dont know if I could ever call myself 'advanced' spiritually, especially when it feels like I have just begun, but I became an associate of the Order of St. Benedict because I believe God led me to it. He pierced my heart the day I read about it and I knew He was answering my searching for a True Path to Him...I have read the Kabbalah, and know that the same advice is advised to those adherents : find a suitable and experienced mentor. Do not embark alone.

To make a long story short, I am feeling very much alone at this point.

Best, Sharon Ferguson

** We have no idea whether these experiences are meant for Maria alone, symbolic and solely applicable to her life or meant for the world at large. I lean towards the former if they are of a legitimate source.**

Wisely spoken.

"We know that a soul with an advanced level of spiritual development is open to supernatural experiences and gifts of the Spirit."

Even a soul in the spiritual special olympics can receive supernatural experiences and gifts of the spirit.