The 14 Rules of the Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher with Kris McGregor
Episode Five: Rule Three – Understanding Spiritual Consolation
Episode 5 -The Third Rule: 
Of Spiritual Consolation. I call it consolation when some interior movement in the soul is caused, through which the soul comes to be inflamed with love of its Creator and Lord; and when it can in consequence love no created thing on the face of the earth in itself, but in the Creator of them all.
Likewise, when it sheds tears that move to love of its Lord, whether out of sorrow for one’s sins, or for the Passion of Christ our Lord, or because of other things directly connected with His service and praise.
Finally, I call consolation every increase of hope, faith and charity, and all interior joy which calls and attracts to heavenly things and to the salvation of one’s soul, quieting it and giving it peace in its Creator and Lord.
Episode Five of The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free turns to Rule Three, which addresses the experience St. Ignatius of Loyola calls spiritual consolation. Fr. Timothy Gallagher, in conversation with Kris McGregor, explains how Ignatius describes consolation through lived spiritual experience rather than abstract definition.
Fr. Gallagher begins by reading Ignatius’s text, which describes consolation as an interior movement that inflames the heart with love for its Creator and Lord. This love brings peace. It draws the soul toward heavenly things. It quiets the heart in God. Ignatius lists concrete signs of this grace, including tears, joy, and an increase of faith, hope, and charity.
To help listeners recognize these experiences, Fr. Gallagher shares vivid examples. He reflects on the spiritual journals of Raïssa Maritain, whose prayer reveals tenderness, nearness, and deep joy in God. He also points to moments in Scripture, such as Peter’s encounter with Christ in the boat, where the heart is gently warmed and drawn closer to the Lord.
Fr. Gallagher explains that spiritual consolation can vary greatly. It may be gentle or intense. It may last only a moment or remain for a longer season. Tears may come quietly or with great force. What remains constant is the fruit. Consolation strengthens the soul. It gives peace. It draws the heart toward God and the things of salvation.
The episode also clarifies an important distinction. Ignatius speaks specifically of spiritual consolation. This differs from healthy non-spiritual consolation, such as rest, beauty, friendship, or accomplishment. These natural joys are gifts from God. Yet they are not, in themselves, the basis for discernment. Discernment concerns the spiritual movements that draw the soul into deeper relationship with God.
At the same time, Fr. Gallagher shows how God often uses non-spiritual consolation as the place where spiritual consolation arises. He reflects on the experience of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose delight in a simple scene of nature became the doorway to a profound awareness of God’s faithful and protecting love throughout her life.
Episode Five helps listeners learn to recognize spiritual consolation when God gives it. It teaches how to name these experiences. It clarifies their meaning. Most importantly, it shows that the proper response to consolation is simple. It is to receive it with gratitude and allow it to strengthen the heart for the journey ahead.
Discerning Hearts Questions for Reflection and Study
Personal Reflection
-
Can you recall moments when your heart felt gently warmed or lifted in prayer?
-
How do you recognize peace that comes from God rather than from circumstances?
-
Have you experienced consolation that was brief but left a lasting effect?
-
What signs help you distinguish spiritual consolation from natural enjoyment?
-
How do times of consolation strengthen you for moments of difficulty?
Group Reflection or Study
-
Why does Ignatius describe consolation through examples rather than a strict definition?
-
How do the examples shared in this episode help clarify Rule Three?
-
Why is peace such an important sign of spiritual consolation?
-
How can non-spiritual consolation become a doorway to spiritual grace?
-
What is the proper response to consolation according to Ignatian discernment?
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”
The post DOS#5 The Third Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
