Marianna Mc Loughlin, writing for the Modern Catholic Encyclopedia, describes the Discernment of Spirits as the judgment by a person of the presence or absence of God, or the presence of an evil spirit, in making decisions and carrying them out. This implies that two spirits can manifest in a person: the spirit good and the spirit of evil.

The term “spirit” refers to the movements of the human will. Whether the source of the movement is God or an evil spirit, it is filtered through the accumulation of the human experience. These interior movements can result in feelings of consolation or desolation. By the grace of God, we are meant to recognize the influencing powers by evaluating those motions, which are good so that we might let them give direction to our lives and those, which are bad so that we might reject them, or turn aside from them.

Fr. David Fleming, S.J., noted Jesuit author, explains the discernment process in easy to understand terms in his book Draw Me Into Your Friendship _ a literal translation and contemporary reading of St. Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises. Fr. Fleming writes, when we are caught up in a life of sin or perhaps even if we are closed off from God in only one area of our life, the evil spirit is ordinarily accustomed to propose a slothful complacency in the status quo or to entice a future of ever greater pleasures still to be grasped. The evil one fills our imagination with all kinds of sensual delights and comforts so that there is no will or desire to change the evil direction of our life. The good spirit uses just the opposite method with us. The good one will try to make us see the absurdity of the direction, which our life has taken. Little by little an uneasiness described sometimes as the “sting” of conscience comes about and a feeling of remorse sets in which stimulates a change from the evil way.

When we are intent upon living a good life and seeking to pursue the lead of God in our life, the tactics of the spirits are just the opposite of those described above.

BEWARE!

The evil spirit proposes to us all the problems and difficulties in living a good life. The evil one attempts to rouse a false sadness for the things, which will be missed, to instigate an anxiety about persevering when we are so weak, and to suggest innumerable roadblocks in walking the way of the Lord. And so the evil spirit tries discouragement and deception to deter us from growing in the Christ-life.

Progress begets progress…

The good spirits, however, strengthens and encourages, consoles and inspires, establishes a peace and sometimes moves to a firm resolve. To lead a good life gives delight and joy, and no obstacle seems to be so formidable That it cannot be faced and overcome with God’s grace. The good spirit thereby continues an upright person’s progress in responding to God’s continuing invitation.

Spiritual Desolation
When we find ourselves enmeshed in a certain turmoil of spirit or feel ourselves weighed down by a heavy darkness or weight. Or when we experience a lack of faith or hope or love in the distaste of prayer or for any spiritual activity and we feel restive or tepid in carrying on in service to God we are in a state of spiritual desolation.

What should one do???

1. When we find ourselves weighed down by a certain desolation, we should not try to change a previous decision or to come to a new decision. The reason is that in desolation the evil spirit is making an attempt to obstruct the good direction in our life or to change it, and so we would be thwarted from the gentle lead of God and what is more conducive to our own salvation. As a result, at a time of desolation, we hold fast to the decision, which guided us during the time before the desolation came on us.

2. Although we should not try to make new decisions at a time of desolation, we should not just sit back and do nothing. We are meant to fight off whatever is making us less then we should be. And so we might take on some penance or undertake some service or good works, particularly for those that are in need.

3. Oftentimes in desolation, we feel that God has left us to fend for ourselves. By faith, we know that God is always with us in the strength and power of grace, but at the time of abandonment we are little aware of God’s continuing care and concern. We should remember, however, that he does not draw away from us –we draw away from Him.

4. The important attitude to nourish at a time of desolation is patience. Patience can mitigate the frustration or emptiness of the desolation period and so allow us to live through it a little less painfully. We should try to recall that everything has its time, and consolation has been ours in the pas and will be God’s gift in the future.

Spiritual Consolation
When we are enjoying a consolation period we should use foresight and savor the strength of such a period of time when we may no longer find ourselves in consolation. Remember the old adage “save something for a rainy day”.

We should guard against getting cocky or self-centered at a time of consolation. Instead a time of consolation should provide the opportunity for a growth in true humility. We can acknowledge with gratitude the gifts we have received and recognize the full gratuity of God’s favor.

Keep in Mind
Is important that you remember that everyone experiences periods in his or her life of desolation. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta experienced periods of terrible despair and times when her faith weakened to the point of hopelessness. Nevertheless she remained focused on her trust in the Lord and took some consolation in knowing that God’s grace is always sufficient to follow the way of the Lord.

Things to remember…

God is in charge. His will be done, not yours!

Be patient

Increase prayer periods and pray with even more fervor

Stay the course-don’t make any life altering decisions in desolation

Undertake service and works of mercy for those in need

Concentrate on being more humble

Start a gratitude list. Add to it every day and give thanks to God for all of life’s blessings and;

Know that He will give you the strength to bear any cross in your life and that He will sustain you until consolation is yours once again.

Most of the above commentary was taken from the book Draw Me Into Your Friendship – The Spiritual Exercises by Rev. David L. Fleming, S. J. This superb book is highly regarded by those engaged in spiritual direction and development and those whom have used it as their guide through the Spiritual Exercises. The book’s ISBN is 1-880810-20-4 and it is available from the publisher the Institute of Jesuit Sources telephone 314-977-7257 or online www.jesuitsources.com