Spiritual Consolation - Prayer of Petition

The 14 Rules of the Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher with Kris McGregor

Episode Twelve: Rule Ten – Preparing for Desolation in Times of Consolation

Episode 12-The Tenth Rule:

Let him who is in consolation think how he will be in the desolation which will come after, taking new strength for then.

Episode Twelve of The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free focuses on Rule Ten, which turns attention to what a person can do during times of spiritual consolation. Fr. Timothy Gallagher, in conversation with Kris McGregor, explains that this rule is still ultimately about facing spiritual desolation with strength and freedom.

Fr. Gallagher begins by noting that Ignatius never loses sight of the real struggle in the spiritual life. The greatest danger often arises when discouragement returns. For this reason, Ignatius teaches that times of consolation are not only gifts to be received, but opportunities to prepare. Consolation strengthens the heart. It also provides clarity and foresight.

Ignatius urges the person in consolation to think ahead. Desolation will return. This is normal in the spiritual life. The question is not whether it will come, but whether we will be ready. Fr. Gallagher compares this wisdom to the story of Joseph, who stored grain during years of abundance so that there would be food during famine. Consolation is a season of abundance meant to sustain future struggle.

To show how this works in lived experience, Fr. Gallagher reflects on a moving account from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. As a young woman, Elizabeth experienced an overwhelming sense of God’s love while alone in nature. She described God as her Father and her All. That moment of deep peace and joy became a source of lasting spiritual growth. Fr. Gallagher explains that the first and primary response to consolation is exactly this. We receive it fully. We allow God’s love to take root.

Only after this does Ignatius add a second counsel. In times of consolation, we can consciously store strength for future desolation. Fr. Gallagher uses simple images to explain this. A sailor who anticipates changes in the wind braces himself. A passenger who sees a sharp turn ahead steadies his grip. Awareness makes the difference between falling and remaining secure.

Fr. Gallagher then offers practical ways to live Rule Ten. One is to ask God directly for help for future desolation while still in consolation. Another is to recall Scriptures and truths that have sustained us in past trials. These truths become readily available later, when clarity feels harder to find. Reflecting again on the reasons God may allow desolation, as taught in Rule Nine, also prepares the heart to endure it with trust.

The episode highlights the value of remembering past desolations. When we look back with God and see how growth came through struggle, confidence grows. The heart learns that God remains faithful even when consolation fades. This memory becomes a source of strength when darkness returns.

Fr. Gallagher and Kris McGregor also discuss the practice of journaling. Writing during times of consolation can preserve clarity. When desolation comes, those written words serve as a reminder of truth. They counter forgetfulness and discouragement. Journaling also helps patterns emerge and deepens self-awareness.

Finally, Fr. Gallagher encourages regular review of the rules themselves. Learning the rules once is not enough. They must be revisited and kept close. Some people post them visibly. Others carry summaries. The form matters less than the habit. What matters is keeping Ignatius’s wisdom within reach.

Episode Twelve presents Rule Ten as a rule of foresight and hope. Consolation is not only a moment of joy. It is a gift meant to strengthen the heart for future trials. When consolation is received fully and lived wisely, desolation loses its power. The spiritual life grows steady and resilient. Captives are set free.

Discerning Hearts Questions for Reflection and Study

Personal Reflection

1. How do you usually respond when you experience spiritual consolation?

2. Have you ever prepared for future struggles during a time of peace?

3. What Scriptures or truths strengthen you most during difficulty?

4. How does remembering past desolations change your outlook on current trials?

5. Would journaling help you retain clarity during times of consolation?

Group Reflection or Study

1. Why does Ignatius place Rule Ten after the rules on desolation?

2. How does the image of storing grain help explain this rule?

3. Why is it important to receive consolation fully before trying to prepare?

4. How can journaling or review strengthen communal spiritual life?

5. How might Rule Ten help parish leaders and retreat participants remain steady?

 The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul” as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola click here

 For the other episodes in this series visit Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts”click here 

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola

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