In this episode of The Devil Is in the Details, we continue our walk through St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Rules for the Discernment of Spirits by unpacking Rule 10:
“Let the one who is in consolation think how he will conduct himself in the desolation which will come after, taking new strength for that time.”
This rule confronts a mistake many Catholics make in the spiritual life: assuming consolation is the norm, and being blindsided when desolation returns.
Together, we explore what it actually means to prepare for spiritual battle during times of peace, how false expectations sabotage hope, and why learning the rhythm of consolation and desolation is essential for spiritual maturity.
In this episode, we discuss:
“Let the one who is in consolation think how he will conduct himself in the desolation which will come after, taking new strength for that time.”
This rule confronts a mistake many Catholics make in the spiritual life: assuming consolation is the norm, and being blindsided when desolation returns.
Together, we explore what it actually means to prepare for spiritual battle during times of peace, how false expectations sabotage hope, and why learning the rhythm of consolation and desolation is essential for spiritual maturity.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why consolation always comes with responsibility, not complacency
- How desolation becomes dangerous when you forget it will end
- The difference between healthy struggle and sinful despair
- Why constant negativity and victimhood often signal a failure of hope
- How memory, music, prayer, and discipline help “store up” consolation
- The connection between discernment, spiritual warfare, and sanity
- Why learning to love the fight is part of Christian realism
Drawing from lived experience, suffering, recovery, and decades of spiritual direction, this conversation shows how Rule 10 protects us from despair, narcissistic inward focus, and the subtle lies that creep in when life gets hard.
If you’ve ever thought:
If you’ve ever thought:
- “When is the next shoe going to drop?”
- “Why does peace never last?”
- “Why am I always on edge, even when things are good?”
This episode is for you.
📌 Watch the full Discernment of Spirits series
📌 Subscribe, like, and share to help this teaching reach others
📌 Comment below with where you see consolation or desolation showing up in your own life
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
Romans 16:20
The devil may be in the details, but God is still on the throne.
📌 Watch the full Discernment of Spirits series
📌 Subscribe, like, and share to help this teaching reach others
📌 Comment below with where you see consolation or desolation showing up in your own life
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
Romans 16:20
The devil may be in the details, but God is still on the throne.
