DOS#4 – The Second Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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

Episode Four: Rule Two – When the Heart Is Moving Toward God

Episode 4 -The Second Rule:

In the persons who are going on intensely cleansing their sins and rising from good to better in the service of God our Lord, it is the method contrary to that in the first Rule, for then it is the way of the evil spirit to bite, sadden and put obstacles, disquieting with false reasons, that one may not go on; and it is proper to the good to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and quiet, easing, and putting away all obstacles, that one may go on in well-doing.

Episode Four of The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free turns to Rule Two of the Discernment of Spirits. Fr. Timothy Gallagher explains how the spiritual dynamics change when a person is sincerely striving to turn away from sin and grow in the service of God.

Fr. Gallagher begins by recalling the contrast with Rule One. When a person is moving away from God, the enemy works to facilitate that movement. When a person’s life changes direction and begins to move toward God, the two spirits act in the opposite way. The enemy now works to hinder growth. The good spirit works to support it.

St. Ignatius describes this person as one who is “intensely purifying” life from sin and rising from good to better in the service of God. This includes concrete changes. Sin is resisted. Prayer becomes more faithful. Participation in the sacraments deepens. Love is expressed more intentionally in family life, work, and parish involvement. This is the ordinary path of growth for someone who desires God sincerely.

Fr. Gallagher explains that in this situation the enemy seeks to disturb the heart. Ignatius names four tactics. The enemy bites and troubles the soul. He brings a heaviness that steals peace. He places obstacles that make growth seem too difficult. He disquiets the mind with false reasoning that drains courage and clarity.

Through vivid examples, Fr. Gallagher shows how these tactics appear in daily life. A person may feel sadness without knowing why. Prayer may suddenly feel dry. Discouraging thoughts may arise just as a new spiritual practice is about to begin. These experiences are not signs of failure. They are signs of opposition.

At the same time, the good spirit acts powerfully and creatively. The good spirit gives courage and strength. Consolation is offered. Tears may arise. Inspirations clarify the next step. Obstacles are quietly eased and removed. God strengthens the heart in ways that are often gentle and unexpected.

Fr. Gallagher illustrates this through simple moments. A word heard at Mass. A smile offered at the right time. A remembered sign of God’s care. A child’s embrace. These moments restore courage and renew peace. They allow the person to continue forward in doing good.

Episode Four shows why struggle often accompanies growth. God allows trials because they become moments of decision. When resisted with grace, they lead to deeper strength and lasting spiritual maturity. Discernment makes these moments intelligible and hope-filled.

This episode offers a clear and hope-filled understanding of Rule Two. It helps listeners recognize both the enemy’s discouragement and the quiet, steady action of grace that carries the heart forward.

Discerning Hearts Questions for Reflection and Study

Personal Reflection

1. When you have tried to grow closer to God, have you noticed new forms of discouragement arise?

2. Can you recognize moments when peace or joy seemed to fade without an obvious reason?

3. What obstacles tend to appear when you begin new spiritual practices?

4. Where have you experienced quiet encouragement or strength that helped you continue?

5. How does understanding Rule Two change the way you interpret spiritual struggle?

Group Reflection or Study

1. Why does Ignatius describe Rule Two as the opposite of Rule One?

2. How do the enemy’s tactics in Rule Two differ from those in Rule One?

3. Why is discouragement such an effective way to hinder spiritual growth?

4. How do the examples in this episode show God’s action in ordinary life?

5. How can this rule help parish communities support those who are growing in faith?

 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#4 – The Second Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.