I Have Been Here Before - A Perfect Point of Meditation in Time of Spiritual Desolation

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

Episode Eight: Rule Six – Resisting Spiritual Desolation

Episode 8 -The Sixth Rule:

Although in desolation we ought not to change our first resolutions, it is very helpful intensely to change ourselves against the same desolation, as by insisting more on prayer, meditation, on much examination, and by giving ourselves more scope in some suitable way of doing penance.

Episode Eight of The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free focuses on Rule Six, one of the most hope-filled teachings in Ignatian discernment. Fr. Timothy Gallagher, in conversation with Kris McGregor, explains why God never asks us to passively endure spiritual desolation.

Fr. Gallagher begins by naming a common misunderstanding. Many faithful people believe that God asks them to simply carry spiritual heaviness as a permanent burden. They remain faithful. They continue to pray. Yet they assume joy in the Lord belongs only to the past or to eternal life. Rule Six directly challenges this belief. Spiritual desolation is never meant to be carried passively. It is meant to be resisted.

Ignatius teaches that while we do not change our spiritual commitments during desolation, we must change ourselves intensely against the desolation itself. This resistance is not aggressive or anxious. It is hopeful and active. Ignatius gives four concrete means for doing this. They are prayer, meditation, much examination, and suitable gestures of penitential courage.

Fr. Gallagher explains that prayer in desolation means simple petition. It is the act of turning toward God when everything feels heavy. Even the smallest prayer matters. A simple “Lord, help me” can begin to lift the heart. This turning toward God often weakens the power of desolation immediately.

Meditation follows prayer. In desolation, Ignatius invites us to recall the truths of faith that assure us of God’s faithful presence. Scripture becomes especially powerful here. Verses remembered from the Psalms or the Gospels remind the heart that God is present even in darkness. Fr. Gallagher shares personal examples of recalling God’s fidelity in past trials as a way of sustaining hope in present struggle.

The third means is what Ignatius calls much examination. Rather than fleeing into distraction, we stop and look at what is happening. Fr. Gallagher shows how examination often reveals when and how the desolation began. A conversation. A remark. A moment of neglect. Understanding brings freedom. It allows concrete and healing action to be taken.

Ignatius then calls for suitable gestures of penitential courage. These are small acts of resistance. They are never excessive. They are always possible. Waiting a few minutes before turning to distraction. Completing a prayer even when it feels difficult. Offering a small act of service when there is no inclination to do so. These gestures break the momentum of desolation.

Fr. Gallagher stresses that these practices do not deepen desolation. They weaken it. When prayer, meditation, examination, and small acts of courage are practiced, desolation loses its grip. It passes more quickly. Freedom returns. Hope is restored.

Episode Eight presents Rule Six as a true spirituality of hope. It teaches that desolation is not a life sentence. With grace and spiritual wisdom, it can be resisted. Captives are set free.

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Discerning Hearts Questions for Reflection and Study

Personal Reflection

1. Have you ever assumed that spiritual heaviness was something God wanted you to endure passively?

2. How do you usually respond when prayer feels difficult or empty?

3. What Scriptures or memories of God’s fidelity strengthen you during hard moments?

4. Are you willing to pause and examine what may have triggered discouragement?

5. What small act of courage might help you resist desolation today?

Group Reflection or Study

1. Why does Ignatius insist that spiritual desolation must always be resisted?

2. How do the four means of Rule Six work together?

3. Why is simple prayer so powerful in times of desolation?

4. How does examination restore clarity and freedom?

5. How might small gestures of courage change the spiritual life of a parish or community?

 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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