Hello all,

I am a spiritual director who has a directee who is married. This directee is in the process of becoming certified to be a spiritual director. One of her 'strengths' is her knowledge of and keen interest in Discernment of Spirits and she has taken several courses over the past couple of years. She has spoken to me at length during our sessions about the struggles in her marriage - mainly that her husband periodically tells her that during a discussion they have had, he feels she is criticizing him and condemning him. She mentioned a comment her husband said to her after she sent him a text to support him one day she knew he had a hard day at work ahead of him. His comment to her the next day was that he doubted whether she really meant it or not. Her question to …

Going to teach the Rules of Discernment over 5 classes Nov -Dec. Please pray for success.

Terri St George

Tarpon Springs FL

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In Christ and the Virgin Mary,

Fr. Mark Yavarone, OMV

Welcome to the group! You can connect with other members, get updates and share your thoughts.

St. Ignatius says in Rule 2 of his first set of rules that the enemy will "bite, sadden, and place obstacles, disquieting with false reasons" those who are striving to go from good to better. I have noticed that these obstacles and false reasonings often begin with the words: "What if . . ." Here are some examples:

“What if my family or my friends reject me when they see that I'm changing?"

"What if I tell a spiritual director or priest about this sin and he yells at me, laughs at me, or just loses respect for me?"

"What if I commit myself to regular prayer and I just can't keep it up?"

"If I get married, what if I turn out to be a bad father?"

"If I enter the seminary, what if I don't make it and have to go home a failure?"

Fr. Gallagher and I are often encouraged by the creative suggestions made by those attending retreats and seminars on the rules. One such area of creativity regards "storing up a supply of strength" as defense against the day of future desolation. How do we do this? Here are some possibilities, several of which were suggested by students:

Praying for future strength: Take advantage of the fact that it's easier to pray during consolation by asking for strength for the ensuing desolation.

Journaling: Desolation often claims power over the past as well as the future. A written reminder of God's closeness to be read during times of future desolation can be powerful. Some people, while in consolation, have even written a letter to their future self in desolation!

Keepsaking: Keeping a holy card or other reminder of a consoling time during a retreat, day of prayer, etc. for future reference.

Studying…

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