The Discernment of Spirits and many other teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Episode 7 Praying with Scripture: Christian Contemplation and Mediation in the Ignatian tradition w/Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Gallagher continues to discuss the differences and benefits of meditation and contemplation - the cornerstones of Ignatius of Loyola's spiritual practice. The post MC7 – Practical Steps for Prayer – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Introduction - Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher - Discerning Hearts Podcast The post SD1 – Journey Through Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Conference 3, Fr. Gallagher reads the letters of St. Zelie Martin, which document the harrowing trials the Martin family faced, including the Franco-Prussian War, financial difficulties, the death of another child, and the near death of an infant Therese. The post HIDT3- Conference 3 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Conference 2, Fr. Gallagher continues reading from the letters of St. Zelie to her brother, Isidore and sister-in-law, Celine. He also provides further historical context, as the Martins must deal with incoming war and economic strife resulting from it. The post HIDT2- Conference 2 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Conference 1, Fr. Gallagher introduces us to Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin, giving us the history of their upbringings, how they met, and the first years of their family life up to the birth of their fourth child, Helene. The post HIDT1- Conference 1 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as he offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God. Conference 8 discusses the Third Mode of the discernment process. The post DWGS8 – Conference 8 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as he offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God. Conference 7 discusses the Second Mode of the discernment process. The post DWGS7 – Conference 7 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God.  Conference 6 continues the discussion of the "3 patterns" God uses to answer the questions in the discernment process. The post DWGS6 – Conference 6 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God.  Conference 5 discusses the "3 patterns" God uses to answer the questions in the discernment process. The post DWGS5 – Conference 5 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God.  Conference 4 discusses spiritual means that Ignatius proposes to help discern: the sacraments and scripture. The post DWGS4 – Conference 4 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God.  Conference 3 goes in depth about the disposition of heart needed in the discernment process. The post DWGS3 – Conference 3 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God.  Conference 1 offers an introduction to the life of St. Ignatius and establishes the challenges involved in everyday Christian decision making. The post DWGS2 – Conference 2 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Fr. Timothy Gallagher as offers the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola on Discerning the Will of God.  Conference 1 offers an introduction to the life of St. Ignatius and establishes the challenges involved in everyday Christian decision making. The post DWGS1 – Conference 1 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series "Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola". The post DOS#1 Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the foundational elements of the Spiritual Exercises The post DOS#2 – The Life of St. Ignatius – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 3 -The First Rule: In the persons who go from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is commonly used to propose to them apparent pleasures, making them imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses the opposite method, pricking them and biting their consciences through the process of reason. The post DOS#3- The First Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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

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. The post DOS#5 The Third Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 6 -The Fourth Rule: Of Spiritual Desolation. I call desolation all the contrary of the third rule, such as darkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to things low and earthly, the unquiet of different agitations and temptations, moving to want of confidence, without hope, without love, when one finds oneself all lazy, tepid, sad, and as if separated from his Creator and Lord. Because, as consolation is contrary to desolation, in the same way the thoughts which come from consolation are contrary to the thoughts which come from desolation. The post DOS#6 The Fourth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 7 -The Fifth Rule: In time of desolation never to make a change; but to be firm and constant in the resolutions and determination in which one was the day preceding such desolation, or in the determination in which he was in the preceding consolation. Because, as in consolation it is rather the good spirit who guides and counsels us, so in desolation it is the bad, with whose counsels we cannot take a course to decide rightly.. The post DOS#7 The Fifth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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. The post DOS#8 The Sixth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 9 -The Seventh Rule: Let him who is in desolation consider how the Lord has left him in trial in his natural powers, in order to resist the different agitations and temptations of the enemy; since he can with the Divine help, which always remains to him, though he does not clearly perceive it: because the Lord has taken from him his great fervor, great love and intense grace, leaving him, however, grace enough for eternal salvation. The post DOS#9 The Seventh Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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. The post DOS#10 The Eighth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

There are three principal reasons why we find ourselves desolate. The first is, because of our being tepid, lazy or negligent in our spiritual exercises; and so through our faults, spiritual consolation withdraws from us. The second, to try us and see how much we are and how much we let ourselves out in His service and praise without such great pay of consolation and great graces.... The post DOS#11 The Ninth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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. The post DOS#12 The Tenth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 13-The Eleventh Rule: Let him who is consoled see to humbling himself and lowering himself as much as he can, thinking how little he is able for in the time of desolation without such grace or consolation. On the contrary, let him who is in desolation think that he can do much with the grace sufficient to resist all his enemies, taking strength in his Creator and Lord. The post DOS#13 The Eleventh Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 14-The Twelve Rule: The enemy acts like a woman, in being weak against vigor and strong of will. Because, as it is the way of the woman when she is quarrelling with some man to lose heart, taking flight when the man shows her much courage: and on the contrary, if the man, losing heart, begins to fly, the wrath, revenge, and ferocity of the woman is very great, and so without bounds; in the same manner, it is the way of the enemy to weaken and lose heart, his temptations taking flight, when the person who is exercising himself in spiritual things opposes a bold front against the temptations of the enemy, doing diametrically the opposite. And on the contrary, if the person who is exercising himself commences to have fear and lose heart in suffering the temptations, there is no beast so wild on the face of the earth as the enemy of human nature in following out his damnable intention with so great malice. The post DOS#14 The Twelfth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

when the enemy of human nature brings his wiles and persuasions to the just soul, he wants and desires that they be received and kept in secret; but when one reveals them to his good Confessor or to another spiritual person that knows his deceits and evil ends, it is very grievous to him, because he gathers, from his manifest deceits being discovered, that he will not be able to succeed with his wickedness begun.. The post DOS#15 The Thirteenth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 16 - The Fourteenth Rule: Likewise, he behaves as a chief bent on conquering and robbing what he desires: for, as a captain and chief of the army, pitching his camp, and looking at the forces or defenses of a stronghold, attacks it on the weakest side, in like manner the enemy of human nature, roaming about, looks in turn at all our virtues, theological, cardinal and moral; and where he finds us weakest and most in need for our eternal salvation, there he attacks us and aims at taking us. The post DOS#16 The Fourteenth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 1 – Serves as an introduction to this series on the subject of “Spiritual Desolation.” From the Prologue of Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits Five hundred years ago, Ignatius entered the realm of the heart and crafted a set of guidelines for responding to interior experience, both joyful ... Read more The post SD1 Introduction – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 2 – Fr. Gallagher offers a  brief overview of the Rules for Discernment 1 – 9 in relation to spiritual desolation. From  Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits First Rule. The first rule: In persons who are going from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is ordinarily accustomed ... Read more The post SD2 A Brief Overview of Rules 1 through 9 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 3 – Fr. Gallagher offers a  brief overview of the Rules for Discernment 10 – 14 in relation to spiritual desolation. From  Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits Tenth Rule. The tenth: Let the one who is in consolation think how he will conduct himself in the desolation which ... Read more The post SD3 A Brief Overview of Rules 10 through 14 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 4 - Fr. Gallagher offers an in-depth overall review of Rule 4 on Spiritual Desolation. From  Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits Rule 4 is the companion to rule 3 and describes its exact opposite: spiritual desolation. As in rule 3, Ignatius does not give a definition but rather a list of experiences of spiritual desolation. I have italicized each: Fourth Rule. The fourth is of spiritual desolation. I call desolation all the contrary of the third rule, such as darkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to low and earthly things, disquiet from various agitations and temptations, moving to lack of confidence, without hope,without love, finding oneself totally slothful, tepid, sad, and as if separated from one's Creator and Lord. For just as consolation is contrary to desolation, in the same way, the thoughts that come from consolation are contrary to the thoughts that come from desolation. The post SD4 Rule 4: In Depth Overall Review – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 5 - Fr. Gallagher helps us to understand the Dark Night as described by St. John of the Cross and how it differs from the experience of Spiritual Desolation.  He also addresses the Dark Night metaphor and how it is used to describe some spiritual experiences that are not necessarily the same in meaning as that set forth by St. John of the Cross and how that can be confusing for some.   The post SD5 Understanding the Dark Night of St. John of the Cross – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 6  - Fr. Gallagher helps us to understand the different aspects of dryness in prayer.  Is it a sign of Spiritual Desolation?  Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and sometimes maybe.  We begin part 1 of this discussion in this episode. The post SD6 Dryness in Prayer: Is it Spiritual Desolation? part 1 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 7  - Fr. Gallagher helps us to understand the different aspects of dryness in prayer.  Is it a sign of Spiritual Desolation?  Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and sometimes maybe.  We continue with part 2 of this discussion in this episode. The post SD7 Dryness in Prayer: Is it Spiritual Desolation? part 2 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 8  - Fr. Gallagher answers other questions that come up about Spiritual Desolation.  He then addresses the various qualities of Spiritual Desolation. The post SD8 Various Qualities of Spiritual Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 9  – Fr. Gallagher offers insights on a form of Spiritual Desolation he terms as “Pre-Event” Desolation.  He uses this description to define a type of desolation that can affect someone who, for example, is about to enter into a retreat or pilgrimage, or some type of spiritual or ministry based undertaking. From  Setting ... Read more The post SD9 “Pre-Event” Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 7 Praying with Scripture: Christian Contemplation and Mediation in the Ignatian tradition w/Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Gallagher continues to discuss the differences and benefits of meditation and contemplation - the cornerstones of Ignatius of Loyola's spiritual practice. The post MC7 – Praying with Scripture: Christian Contemplation and Meditation in the Ignatian tradition w/Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

 Episode 1 – Introduction – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide to a Greater Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher What does God want for our lives? How can we assess when feelings, even pleasant ones, are signs that God is calling us in a particular direction? ... Read more The post SWR-1 Introduction – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

 Episode 2 – Teachings on the Title Statement and a look at the Issue at Hand – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide to a Greater Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Gallagher breaks open the meaning of the term “greater discernment of spirits” and examens ... Read more The post SWR-2 Title Statement & Issue at Hand – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Gallagher, by using St. Ignatius' 10th Annotation, continues to break open the Title Statement and describes those who need the second set of rules.  Such a person in the second spiritual situation, as described in the teaching, is mature, dedicated, generous, deeply loves the Lord, and desires to dedicate his or her life to the Lord.  They have a solid, faithful life of prayer and service in their vocations. This is a set of rules to protect the beauty of that portrait so that the enemy is not able to lead the soul astray through any temptation under the appearance of good and it goes solidly toward the Lord. The post SWR-3 – When to Apply the Rules – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 4 – The First and Second Rule – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide to a Greater Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Gallagher begins to break open the First and Second Rule by using examples of different types of Spiritual Consolation. First Rule The first: ... Read more The post SWR-4 – The First Rule and Second Rule – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 5 – The Second Rule – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide to a Greater Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Gallagher continues to break open the Second Rule by using examples of different types of Spiritual Consolation.  He also delves into the proper understanding of ... Read more The post SWR-5 – The Second Rule – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Gallagher breaks open more fully Rules 3 and 4 which primarily addresses the most common question in second mode discernment, "What about spiritual consolation with preceding cause?" The post SWR-7 – Rules 3 and 4 – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Gallagher breaks open more fully Rules 4 and 5 and how the behavior of the enemy causes deceptions by appearing as an angel of light bringing good and holy thoughts.  Fr. Gallagher addresses the need to examine the course of thoughts...beginning, the middle, and the end. The post SWR-8 – Rules 4 and 5 – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Gallagher breaks open more fully Rule 5 and the need to "give much attention to the course of the thoughts."  Then he emphasizes the importance of understanding the signs of the good spirit and problematic signs given by the enemy. The post SWR-9 – More from Rule 5 – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 10 – Rule 5 and introduction to Rule 6 – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide to a Greater Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Gallagher completes his teachings on Rule 5 and moves to understanding Rule 6.  Once we have learned from the course of ... Read more The post SWR-10 – Rule 5 and an introduction to Rule 6 – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Gallagher expands on his teaching of Rule 6.  Once we have learned from the course of things, the beginning, middle, and the end, and perceive the work of the enemy, now it is time to learn from the "little by little" how the enemy works to tempt us with the "good." The post SWR-11 – Rule 6 – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 12 – Rule 7 – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide to a Greater Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Gallagher provides teaching of Rule 7, which describes the classic discernment imagery of a drop of water on a sponge and the contrast of a drop ... Read more The post SWR-12 – Rule 7 – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide to a Greater Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Gallagher concludes teaching on Rule 7 and begins an introduction to Rule 8, which discusses the importance of understanding "an actual consolation from the time following." The post SWR-13 – More Rule 7 and Intro to Rule 8 – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide to a Greater Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.