The Discernment of Spirits
Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), is celebrated not only for his contributions to the Catholic Church through the establishment of the Jesuit order but also for his profound spiritual writings and insights. One of his most influential contributions is the concept of the “discernment of spirits,” a framework for recognizing and understanding the various internal movements that can influence one’s spiritual life. This concept is central to Ignatian spirituality and is elaborated in his seminal work, the Spiritual Exercises. Understanding the discernment of spirits involves exploring Ignatius’ spiritual journey, his methods, and the broader implications of his teachings.
Ignatius’ Spiritual Journey
Ignatius’ understanding of the discernment of spirits is deeply rooted in his own spiritual experiences. Born in 1491 in Loyola, Spain, Ignatius led a life of chivalry and military ambition until a cannonball injury in 1521 drastically altered his path. During his convalescence, Ignatius experienced profound spiritual insights, largely triggered by reading religious texts like the Life of Christ by Ludolph of Saxony and the Lives of the Saints. These readings, contrasted with his previous secular and romantic literature, led him to notice different interior reactions—feelings of peace and inspiration when reading about Christ and the saints, and feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction when dreaming of worldly exploits.
This period of convalescence marked the beginning of Ignatius’ journey into the deep and reflective practice of spiritual discernment. He began to meticulously note his internal states, the shifts between consolation (feelings of spiritual joy and peace) and desolation (feelings of spiritual dryness and turmoil), and the various influences—whether they seemed to come from God or other sources. These observations laid the groundwork for his later teachings on discernment.
The Spiritual Exercises and the Rules for Discernment
Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises is a manual for a 30-day retreat designed to deepen one’s relationship with God. Central to these exercises are the “Rules for the Discernment of Spirits,” which provide guidelines for interpreting the spiritual experiences encountered during the retreat. These rules are divided into two sets: the first set (rules 1-14) is intended for the first week of the Exercises, focusing on identifying and rejecting sin, while the second set (rules 15-20) is for the more advanced stages, guiding the exercitant in the subtleties of spiritual movements.
First Set of Rules: Basic Discernment
The first set of rules introduces fundamental concepts:
- Consolation and Desolation: Ignatius defines spiritual consolation as feelings of inner peace, joy, and closeness to God. Desolation, in contrast, involves feelings of darkness, turmoil, and distance from God.
- Direction of Movement: When one is moving towards God, consolations are likely from God and desolations from the evil spirit, attempting to deter the individual. Conversely, when one is moving away from God, the evil spirit often offers false consolations to encourage the wayward path, while God permits desolation to prompt a return to the right path.
- The Role of the Spiritual Director: Ignatius emphasizes the importance of a spiritual director to help the exercitant interpret these movements correctly, providing support and insight.
Second Set of Rules: Advanced Discernment
The second set of rules looks into more nuanced discernment:
- False Consolation: Ignatius warns of false consolations, where the evil spirit can disguise itself as an angel of light, providing a seemingly good feeling that ultimately leads one away from God.
- Periods of Desolation: He advises on how to handle periods of desolation, encouraging steadfastness in prayer, maintaining spiritual practices, and recalling past consolations to sustain faith.
- Recognizing the Enemy’s Tactics: Ignatius describes various tactics the evil spirit uses, such as secrecy, deceit, and exploiting weaknesses, and offers strategies to counter these attacks.
Ignatius’ Methodology
Ignatius’ approach to discernment is deeply methodical and experiential. His methodology can be summarized as follows:
- Awareness: The first step is becoming aware of the different spiritual movements within oneself. This involves regular reflection and self-examination.
- Understanding: Once aware of these movements, the next step is to understand their origins and meanings. This requires knowledge of the rules of discernment and often the guidance of a spiritual director.
- Action: Based on this understanding, one must decide how to respond. This might involve accepting a consolation, rejecting a desolation, or remaining steadfast in spiritual practices during periods of dryness.
Practical Applications
Ignatius’ teachings on discernment have profound implications for spiritual life:
- Daily Examen: One of the practical tools derived from Ignatian spirituality is the Daily Examen, a reflective prayer practice that involves reviewing the day’s events, recognizing God’s presence, and discerning movements of consolation and desolation.
- Decision-Making: The discernment of spirits is also applied to decision-making, helping individuals to seek God’s will in their choices by recognizing the spiritual movements that accompany different options.
- Spiritual Growth: Regular practice of discernment fosters spiritual maturity, self-awareness, and a deeper relationship with God.
Conclusion
Ignatius of Loyola’s concept of the discernment of spirits is a cornerstone of Ignatian spirituality, offering a structured and profound approach to understanding the inner spiritual life. Through his Spiritual Exercises and the Rules for Discernment, Ignatius provides a timeless framework for recognizing and responding to the various spiritual movements that influence our lives. His teachings invite us to a deeper awareness of God’s presence, a greater understanding of our own spiritual experiences, and a more intentional pursuit of a life aligned with God’s will.
Online resources
For those looking to deepen their faith through the teachings of Ignatius of Loyola and Ignatian spirituality, there are several valuable online resources available:
- IgnatianSpirituality.com: This comprehensive site offers a wealth of resources on Ignatian spirituality, including the Spiritual Exercises, daily prayers, retreats, and reflections. The site also features guides on discernment, making good decisions, and various forms of Ignatian prayer such as the Daily Examen and imaginative contemplation (Ignatian Spirituality) (Ignatian Spirituality) .
- Loyola Press: Loyola Press provides extensive materials on Ignatian spirituality, including books, articles, and online retreats. They offer practical tools for prayer and meditation, as well as seasonal resources for Advent, Lent, and other liturgical times. Their focus is on helping individuals find God in all things and live a life of deeper faith (Loyola Press) .
- Ignatian Ministries: This organization offers online courses, retreats, and community resources designed to help individuals grow in their faith and discern God’s call in their lives. They provide spiritual direction and a supportive community for those on a similar spiritual journey (Ignatian Ministries) .
- Spiritual Exercises Online: For those looking to engage directly with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, this site offers a variety of programs tailored to different lifestyles. Participants can register for free, receive guidance from experienced spiritual directors, and implement Ignatian principles in their daily lives (Spiritual Exercises Online) .
- Ignatian Spirituality Institute: This institute offers workshops, retreats, and educational resources focused on Ignatian spiritual direction and discernment. It’s a great option for those who want to deepen their understanding of Ignatian principles and apply them practically (Ignatian Spirituality) .
These resources provide numerous ways to engage with Ignatian spirituality, whether through structured retreats, daily reflections, or community support. Each platform offers unique tools and guidance to help individuals cultivate a deeper relationship with God and live out their faith more fully.
Ignatian Spiritual Guide GPT
Guides users through Ignatian spiritual exercises with daily scripture reflections.
A special blessing for the Jesuit Order
May the Jesuit Order be continually blessed with the wisdom and courage to discern God’s will in all things. May their hearts be ever open to the Holy Spirit, guiding them in their mission to educate, serve, and evangelize with compassion and integrity. May they find strength in community and solace in prayer, always seeking to find God in all things and to share that divine presence with others. May their work bear abundant fruit, bringing hope, justice, and love to the world, and may they always walk humbly in the footsteps of their founder, Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Amen.
