Rule 9: Aridity vs Desolation; Ignatian Rules of Discernment

Description: On today’s show, Dan and Melissa talk about the causes of spiritual desolation using St. Ignatius’ “Rule the Ninth” (Rule 9) of The Discernment of Spirits. They also discuss the difference between desolation vs aridity.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

Rule 9: “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 third, to give us true acquaintance and knowledge, that we may interiorly feel that it is not ours to get or keep great devotion, intense love, tears, or any other spiritual consolation, but that all is the gift and grace of God our Lord, and that we may not build a nest in a thing not ours, raising our intellect into some pride or vainglory, attributing to us devotion or the other things of the spiritual consolation.”

Aridity vs Desolation – what’s the difference?
Why does God allow desolation in the soul?
How does God show His love through spiritual desolation?
What are the causes of spiritual desolation?

Resources:

Spiritualdirection.com – website
EWTN Global Catholic Radio
Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
EWTN Religious Catalogue – online
The Discernment of Spirits by Father Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V.
James 4:7-8 “Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (USCCB Bible link)
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Fire from Above by Dr. Anthony Lilles
Questions? Send an e-mail to Questions@myavila.com or call 818-646-7729. Please leave your name, location, and question(s).

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Dan Burke

Dan Burke is the past President and C.O.O. of EWTN's worldwide news network. He is presently the founder and President of the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation, which offers graduate and personal enrichment studies in spiritual theology to priests, deacons, religious, and laity in 90 countries and prepares men for seminary in over 40 dioceses. Dan is the author and editor of numerous books on authentic Catholic spirituality and hosts the Divine Intimacy Radio show with his wife, Stephanie, which is broadcast weekly on EWTN Radio. Past episodes can be found, along with thousands of articles on the interior life, at SpiritualDirection.com. In his deep commitment to the advancement of faithful Catholic spirituality, he is also the founder of Apostoli Viae, a world-wide, private association of the faithful dedicated to living and advancing the authentic spiritual patrimony of the Church. Most importantly, Dan is a blessed husband, father of four, grandfather of one—and grateful to be Catholic.