Temptation and Discernment

by Segundo Galilea

This book has brief reflections by noted Chilean priest and author, showing how to avoid activism, messianism, and other common pitfalls in ministry and prayer, based on the discernment principles of Ignatius of Loyola, John of the Cross, and Teresa of Avila.
As well intentioned people, we will hardly choose a recognized evil. Instead, the most subtle and dangerous temptations we face are those that come wearing the appearance of something good; fanaticism masquerading as Christian zeal, for example, or neglect of serious prayer justifying itself on the grounds of humility or pressing pastoral needs. More than ever, we must be able to distinguish authentic movements of the Holy Spirit from their counterfeits if we are to keep our balance in an often confusing world.
In this work, Segundo Galilea describes the nature of Christian spiritual discernment, drawing upon the teachings of the Spanish saints and mystics Ignatius of Loyola, John of the Cross, and Teresa of Avila. He then applies their insights in a series of brief chapters on the major temptations we face today in the areas of ministry and prayer. In wise and practical terms, he discusses activism, entrenchment, pastoral envy, discouragement in prayer, misuse of prayer methods, and many similar problems, showing us throughout how to distinguish good spirits from evil.The author closes with a short reflection on the connection between Christian self-renunciation and our natural desire for happiness. For both individuals and groups, this small book offers indispensible guidance for a review of life and authentic spiritual discernment.

Genres: Catholic

80 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tiny but very thorough book with insights or challenges on nearly every page.

[Jordan Satterthwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, basically a short guide/cautions for Christians in charge of caring for others!

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've praised two other Segundo Galilea books here, and this third was powerful, too. It's almost impossible to find older U.S. Christians who haven't been deeply shaped by evangelical pietism. South American Galilea writes with a rarely heard spiritual maturity about the temptations facing those in ministry and anyone with a serious prayer life. It's an important short, text even if you're not in ministry. You've got to read this to hear what serious maturity sounds like. Quite humbling.

[djt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Segunda Galilea, in the very few pages of "Temptation and Discernment" causes the reader to take a very close look at day-to-day interactions with people; inner prayer life; and the responsibility to live a life of charity. These can be very hard lessons to learn, however, the book also causes the reader to understand some behaviors and habits and to learn to overcome very prideful, arrogant behavior. I found this to be a very eye-opening, and helpful read.

[Jaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for those in ministry in the Catholic Church, or perhaps any church.

It lays out the common pitfalls in ministry and how to avoid/deal with them.

It is written for clergy, but I found it immensely helpful for my own work in the Church