“If all we encounter is an unwelcome silence, we might fall into self-absorption and start trying to deconstruct the desert, thus focusing attention on ourselves, when we should be looking at Jesus.” – Glenn Dickinson
“Given the complexity of discerning between consolation and desolation, St. Ignatius also highly valued spiritual direction. A skilled spiritual director can help us navigate these experiences, offering guidance, perspective, and support.” – Jen Arnold
“When we feel strong and consoled in our relationship with the Lord, it is the perfect time to earnestly beg His loving help for times of future weakness, doubt, and desolation.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“The spiritual life, our relationship with God, is eternal and never-ending. Similarly, the Spiritual Exercises have no ‘end’.” – Debra Black
“No matter how blessed a time the retreat was, most of us are not called to live on the mountain alone with God. We have families, jobs, and communities that, whether we like it or not, are waiting for us. The key, I emphasize, is to integrate our experience on retreat into our daily lives.” – Fr. Jeremiah Shryock
Fr. Bill Watson explores how the enemy seeks to thwart our advancement in the spiritual life and gives us tools in detecting his movements.
Debra Black explains how Edith Stein, before she was even a Christian, unknowingly followed the rules of St. Ignatius to escape the snares of desolation.
Feelings are, in the end, just feelings. They are a gift, but they cannot last—they must give way in order for us to grow in the holy virtue of faith. Faith is an entirely free gift of God–but it is something to be asked for, assented to, nourished, and practiced. Or else we can find ourselves “shipwrecked.” (I Timothy 1:19) Claire Dwyer continues her series.
Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB begins a fascinating series exploring his conversion and calling to the Benedictines.
Claire Dwyer suggests four ways for our souls to thrive in the busy seasons of life.
