Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Episode 1 The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the coming series and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –

“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”

as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola

can be found 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”. 

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

 For the other episodes in this series visit

Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

Episode 2 The Discernment of  Spirits: Setting  the Captives Free

The life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the foundational elements of the Spiritual Exercises

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –

“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”

as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found 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”. 

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

 For the other episodes in this series visit

Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

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.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher highlights the spiritual journey of St. Augustine as an example of the first rule of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Augustine’s story illustrates the battle between sensual temptations and moral conscience. As a young man, Augustine indulged in sensual pleasures, leading a life far from God. This period was marked by restlessness and moral conflict.

Fr. Gallagher points out that the “enemy” tempts with apparent pleasures, while the “good spirit” strikes back by stirring the conscience. Augustine’s moment of conversion in a garden, influenced by the Holy Spirit and the words of Scripture, exemplifies this struggle and transformation. Fr. Gallagher stresses that understanding this spiritual dynamic is essential to recognizing and overcoming temptations, leading to deeper communion with God. The dialogue underscores the importance of awareness and action in the spiritual life, especially in today’s media-saturated culture.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

* Contrasting Temptations and Conscience: Reflect on your experiences with temptation. How do you recognize when you are being drawn toward ‘earthly pleasures’? How does your faith-informed conscience respond to these temptations?

* St. Augustine’s Transformation: Consider St. Augustine’s spiritual journey. What aspects of his story resonate with your own spiritual experiences? Have there been moments in your life where you felt a significant shift in your faith or moral understanding?

* Role of Media and Modern Influences: In today’s world, filled with various forms of media, how do you discern which influences bring you closer to God and which ones draw you away? What steps can you take to align your daily media engagement with your Catholic values?

* Recognizing the ‘Good Spirit’: How do you identify the action of the ‘good spirit’ in your life? Can you recall instances where you felt your conscience was actively guiding you back to the right path?

* Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: How familiar are you with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius? Considering the insights from the discussion, how might these exercises benefit your spiritual growth, especially in understanding the interplay between temptation and conscience?

 

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –

“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”

as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found 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”. 

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  

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.

Father Gallagher revisits previous discussions on how the enemy facilitates a person’s movement away from God, using imagination and sensual images, while the good spirit endeavors to hinder this movement. The second rule flips this scenario, examining the dynamics when an individual earnestly strives to eliminate sin and draw nearer to God. It is here that the enemy employs tactics to disrupt – biting, saddening, placing obstacles, and disquieting with false reasons, all designed to prevent spiritual progress.

Listeners are treated to insightful examples and detailed analysis, offering a clear understanding of these spiritual dynamics. The episode also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and rejecting the enemy’s tactics, highlighting how discernment plays a crucial role in spiritual growth.

This profound discussion not only illuminates the struggles of the spiritual journey but also offers hope and guidance for overcoming these challenges. It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their spiritual life and the forces that influence it.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions:

* Recognizing Spiritual Dynamics: Reflect on a time in your life when you felt hindered in your spiritual journey. Can you identify if these obstacles were a result of the enemy’s tactics, as described by St. Ignatius in the second rule? How did you respond to these challenges?

* Discernment in Action: How can you apply the principles of discernment, as discussed by Father Gallagher, to differentiate between the disquieting actions of the enemy and the comforting presence of the good spirit in your daily life?

* The Role of the Good Spirit: Consider a moment when you felt uplifted, encouraged, or found unexpected strength in your faith journey. How do you see the role of the good spirit in these instances as described in the second rule of St. Ignatius?

* Personal Struggles and Growth: Reflect on the concept that through trials and tribulations, as mentioned in the podcast, we grow closer to God. Can you recall a personal struggle that, in hindsight, brought you closer to your faith and strengthened your relationship with God?

* Application of Ignatian Spirituality: How can the teachings of St. Ignatius, especially the second rule, help you in making everyday decisions that align with your faith? Consider an upcoming decision or current dilemma and apply the rule to see how it might guide your choice.

*

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –

“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”

as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found 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”.

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.

In this episode, Father Timothy Gallagher, in conversation with Kris McGregor, explores Ignatius’ Third Rule of Spiritual Consolation. Spiritual consolation, as defined by Ignatius, involves an interior movement in the soul that ignites love for the Creator.

The rule encompasses various experiences, such as shedding tears for sins or the passion of Christ, an increase in hope, faith, and charity, and an interior joy attracting to heavenly things.

Father Gallagher emphasizes the importance of discerning spiritual consolation, distinguishing it from non-spiritual consolation, and recognizing it as a gift from God. Examples of individuals experiencing spiritual consolation are shared, highlighting the intensity and connection between non-spiritual and spiritual consolations.

The goal is to help listeners understand and name these experiences when encountered in their spiritual lives.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

* Defining Spiritual Consolation: How would you define spiritual consolation based on Ignatius’ Third Rule, as explained by Fr. Timothy Gallagher?

* Personal Experience: Can you recall a personal experience of spiritual consolation in your life? How did it manifest, and what impact did it have on your relationship with God?

* Connection between Consolations: Fr. Gallagher mentions the connection between non-spiritual and spiritual consolations. Can you identify instances in your life where a non-spiritual consolation served as a space for God’s grace to bring about spiritual consolation?

* Degrees of Intensity: The episode highlights the varying degrees of intensity in spiritual consolations. Reflect on a time when you experienced a gentle uplifting of the heart versus a more intense uplifting. How did these experiences differ?

* Response to Consolations: How do you typically respond to moments of spiritual consolation? Are you aware of these moments, and do you consciously accept the light they bring?

* Discerning Consolations: Fr. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of discerning between spiritual and non-spiritual consolations. How can this discernment deepen your spiritual life and relationship with God?

* Role of Tears: Consider the examples of tears of gratitude discussed in the episode. Can you relate to these experiences, and how have tears played a role in your spiritual journey?

* Virtues of Hope, Faith, and Charity: Reflect on the role of hope, faith, and charity in your spiritual life. Are there specific moments when you’ve felt a noticeable increase in these virtues as a result of spiritual consolation?

* Incorporating Teachings: How can you incorporate the teachings from this episode into your daily spiritual practices and deepen your understanding of spiritual consolation?

* Recognizing and Naming Consolations: In what ways does recognizing and naming spiritual consolations contribute to your overall awareness and engagement in your faith journey?

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.

 

In this episode with Fr. Timothy Gallagher, in conversation with Kris McGregor, explores of St. Ignatius’ Fourth Rule of Spiritual Desolation. Spiritual desolation is described as the opposite of spiritual consolation, characterized by feelings of darkness, disturbance, movement to earthly things, lack of confidence, hopelessness, and feeling separated from God. The episode discusses the importance of recognizing, understanding, and acting against spiritual desolation to grow in one’s spiritual journey.

Fr. Gallagher explains that spiritual desolation is a common obstacle in the spiritual path, where individuals may feel discouraged, leading to a withdrawal from prayer and church involvement. He emphasizes that spiritual desolation is allowed by God as a test, teaching us to depend more on Him and less on our feelings. The episode provides practical advice on dealing with desolation, such as persevering in prayer and seeking balance in life to avoid non-spiritual desolation, which can impact one’s spiritual life.

The conversation also explores the difference between spiritual desolation and the “dark night of the soul,” highlighting that spiritual desolation should always be resisted as it is a tactic of the enemy, while the dark night is a special kind of purification that comes from God and should be accepted with perseverance. The discussion concludes with the importance of discernment in identifying and overcoming spiritual desolation, encouraging listeners to engage with their spiritual struggles through awareness, understanding, and action.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

*

* Reflecting on Personal Experience of Spiritual Desolation: Reflect on a time when you experienced spiritual desolation. How did you feel separated from God, and what were the specific thoughts or emotions you encountered?

* Identifying Feelings of Darkness and Disturbance: St. Ignatius describes spiritual desolation as including feelings of darkness, disturbance, and a pull towards earthly things. Can you identify instances in your life when you felt this way? What triggered these feelings?

* Responding to Spiritual Desolation: Fr. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of recognizing, understanding, and taking action against spiritual desolation. Reflect on how you have previously responded to spiritual desolation. What steps did you take to counteract it?

* Overcoming Withdrawal from Prayer and Church Activities: Spiritual desolation can lead to discouragement in prayer and participation in church activities. Have you ever felt this way? How did you overcome the urge to withdraw?

* Understanding the Difference Between Spiritual Desolation and the “Dark Night of the Soul”: The podcast discusses the distinction between spiritual desolation and the “dark night of the soul.” How do you understand this difference? Have you or someone you know ever experienced the “dark night of the soul”?

* Resisting the Work of the Enemy: Ignatius teaches that spiritual desolation should always be resisted as it is the work of the enemy. Reflect on strategies that you could employ to resist and reject spiritual desolation in your life.

* Maintaining Balance to Combat Spiritual Desolation: The concept of balance is mentioned as a wa...

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.

In this episode of the Discerning Hearts Podcast, Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor delve into St. Ignatius of Loyola’s fifth rule for the discernment of spirits, focusing on the importance of stability in one’s spiritual commitments during times of spiritual desolation. The discussion emphasizes not changing spiritual resolutions when experiencing desolation, as these periods are influenced negatively by the enemy.

Fr. Gallagher highlights the pivotal role of Rule Five, urging listeners to cling to their spiritual determinations when faced with the challenges posed by the enemy during desolation. Various scenarios illustrate how desolation can impact individuals, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to spiritual intentions set during times of consolation or tranquility.

The dialogue underscores the deceptive nature of the enemy in moments of spiritual desolation, illustrating how it can lead to doubt and discouragement. By referencing real-life examples and insights from St. Ignatius’s own experiences, Fr. Gallagher provides tangible guidance on recognizing and countering the enemy’s tactics, stressing the rule’s significance in maintaining spiritual direction and growth.

Listeners are encouraged to engage deeply with the content, reflecting on its relevance to their spiritual practices and challenges. The episode concludes with a call to further explore and apply Ignatius’s teachings, fostering a deeper understanding of discernment and spiritual resilience in the face of adversity.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

*

* Understanding Spiritual Desolation: Reflect on times when you’ve experienced spiritual desolation—those moments when you felt distant from God, devoid of consolation in prayer, or tempted to abandon your spiritual practices. Consider how these experiences align with Ignatius’s description of the enemy’s tactics during desolation.

* The Value of Spiritual Steadfastness: Meditate on the importance of being steadfast in your spiritual commitments, especially during challenging times. How have you responded to spiritual desolation in the past? Have you been tempted to make changes during these periods? Reflect on the consequences of these actions.

* The Role of the Enemy: Contemplate the idea that during times of spiritual desolation, the enemy tries to lead us away from God’s path. Consider how recognizing this can empower you to resist negative influences and stay true to your spiritual direction.

* Rule Five as a Lifeline: Think of Rule Five not just as a guideline, but as a lifeline during spiritual turmoil. In what ways can this rule provide you with a firm anchor in your spiritual life? How can it serve as a source of light when all seems dark?

* Application of Rule Five: Reflect on practical ways to apply Rule Five in your daily life. Whether it’s sticking to your prayer schedule, attending Mass, or fulfilling your role in ministry, consider how maintaining these commitments can fortify your spiritual resilience.

* Spiritual Growth through Adversity: Ponder the growth that can come from enduring spiritual desolation without making rash changes. How has your faith been tested and strengthened in such times?

* Seeking Guidance and Community: Reflect on the value of seeking guidance from spiritual directors, confessors, or trusted mentors during times of 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.

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –

“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”

as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found 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”. 

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

 For the other episodes in this series visit

Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

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 Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –

“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”

as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found 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”. 

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

 For the other episodes in this series visit

Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

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 Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –

“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”

as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found 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”. 

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

 For the other episodes in this series visit

Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page