Fr. Timothy Gallagher

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 When you have tried to grow closer to God, have you noticed new forms of discouragement arise? Can you recognize moments when peace or joy seemed to fade without an obvious reason? What obstacles tend to appear when you begin new spiritual practices? Where have you experienced quiet encouragement or strength that helped you continue? How does understanding Rule Two change the way you interpret spiritual struggle? Group Reflection or Study Why does Ignatius describe Rule Two as the opposite of Rule One? How do the enemy’s tactics in Rule Two differ from those in Rule One? Why is discouragement such an effective way to hinder spiritual growth? How do the examples in this episode show God’s action in ordinary life? 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.

The 14 Rules of the Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher with Kris McGregor Episode Ten: Rule Eight – Patience in Time of Spiritual Desolation Episode 10 -The Eighth Rule: Let him who is in desolation labor to be in patience, which is contrary to the vexations which come to him: and let him think that he will soon be consoled, employing against the desolation the devices, as is said in the sixth Rule. Episode Ten of The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free focuses on Rule Eight, which teaches that patience is the key virtue in time of spiritual desolation. Fr. Timothy Gallagher, in conversation with Kris McGregor, explains how Ignatian patience is not passive endurance but an active, hope-filled perseverance. Fr. Gallagher begins by clarifying what Ignatius means by patience. The word comes from the Latin patior, meaning to suffer, to bear, and to endure without giving up. In desolation, patience means staying the course. Prayer continues even when it feels dry. Commitments remain even when energy is gone. Love is chosen even when it requires great effort. To illustrate this virtue, Fr. Gallagher turns to the spiritual journal of Elizabeth Leseur. In the midst of physical suffering, emotional struggle, and deep interior darkness, Elizabeth writes of a will unshakably turned toward God. Though she feels no consolation, she continues in prayer, work, charity, and love. Her example reveals the deep strength that patience forms in the soul. Fr. Gallagher explains that Rule Eight applies in very concrete situations. A person begins a time of prayer and immediately feels dryness. Everything urges shortening the prayer or giving up altogether. Another feels tempted to withdraw from a parish commitment or retreat that once brought great joy. In these moments, Ignatius gives clear guidance. Stay. Finish. Do not abandon what was freely chosen before the desolation began. Ignatius then offers a powerful help for perseverance. The person in desolation is to think that consolation will soon return. Desolation lies by telling the heart that the darkness will last forever. Ignatius counters this lie with truth. Consolation does return. It returns much sooner than desolation suggests. Fr. Gallagher uses a striking image to explain this. Two patients experience similar discomfort. One is told healing will take weeks. The other is told relief will come tomorrow. The second endures far more easily. In the same way, hope sustains patience when the heart knows desolation will pass. The episode also clarifies an important distinction. Rule Eight does not describe the dark night spoken of by St. John of the Cross. The dark night is a purifying work of God and must be accepted. Spiritual desolation, by contrast, is the work of the enemy and must be resisted. Most people experience ordinary spiritual desolation, not the dark night. Fr. Gallagher emphasizes that alternation between consolation and desolation is normal in the spiritual life. No one is exempt. There is no shame in desolation. Growth occurs on both sides of this movement. Consolation strengthens love and clarity. Desolation, when resisted with patience, strengthens perseverance and maturity. The episode concludes by returning to Ignatius’s central insight. Patience in desolation is an act of faith and hope. It chooses truth over feeling. When patience is joined to prayer, examination, and small acts of courage, desolation loses its power. Consolation returns. The heart grows strong. Captives are set free. Discerning Hearts Questions for Reflection and Study Personal Reflection How do you usually respond when prayer feels dry or difficult? Have you noticed thoughts urging you to give up during discouragement? What helps you stay faithful when spiritual energy is low? How does remembering that desolation will pass affect your perseverance? Where might God be inviting you to practice patience today? Group Reflection or Study Why does Ignatius call patience the key virtue in desolation? How does Elizabeth Leseur’s example illuminate Rule Eight? Why is hope essential for perseverance in spiritual struggle? How does this rule protect parish leaders and volunteers from burnout? What practices help communities remain faithful during difficult seasons?  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#10 The Eighth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Discover the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the foundational elements of the Spiritual Exercises. Explore Ignatius' teaching on discernment of spirits, his transformative confession, and his decision to reject worldly thoughts. Learn about the obliques of the Virgin Mary and their role in retreats, as well as moments of discernment and the journey of spiritual transformation. Delve into the three essential steps of discernment and pay attention to your thoughts and emotions.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, an expert in the discernment of spirits, explores the tactics of the enemy of human nature and emphasizes the importance of revealing one's spiritual burdens to prevent the enemy from succeeding. He shares stories of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and a missionary priest to illustrate the significance of speaking openly about doubts and seeking spiritual guidance. This chapter highlights the value of confession, retreats, spiritual direction, and the support of conjugal spirituality and family prayer.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, Catholic priest, provides insights on spiritual desolation. Topics include: Different methods of the enemy in spiritual desolation, characteristics of the good spirit and the evil one, importance of recognizing and rejecting evil tactics, understanding and overcoming spiritual desolation, navigating and overcoming challenging times, recognizing the temporary nature of desolation, and active means to combat it.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, a Catholic priest and expert in Ignatian spirituality, dives deep into Christian decision-making. He emphasizes aligning choices with God's will through spiritual exercises like meditation and prayer. Utilizing relatable scenarios, he illustrates the importance of discerning between good and evil and prioritizing one’s vocation. Gallagher also discusses the significance of freeing oneself from attachments to better embrace divine guidance. Packed with practical steps, this conversation empowers listeners to make mindful daily decisions.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher discusses the concept of spiritual desolation and its importance in the spiritual life, exploring the teachings of St. Ignatius and the transformative power of hardships. They also discuss common thoughts and feelings during this state and the dangers of comparison. Finally, they emphasize the importance of prioritizing spiritual consolation and understanding the two spirits - the good spirit and the enemy.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher discusses discerning the will of God and utilizing the discernment process when making significant decisions.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher offers teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on discerning the will of God. They discuss topics such as the second mode of discernment, advantages and disadvantages of mitigated and radical poverty, the importance of gathering information, and being available for discernment.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, a Catholic priest, discusses the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on discerning the will of God. The podcast covers the challenges of Christian decision-making, the relevance of Ignatian discernment to the Catholic spiritual tradition, and the importance of preparing the soul for discernment. It also explores the process of discerning God's will in everyday choices, the steps of discernment, and the complexities of discerning significant choices like vocation.