About this episode
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 the
