Francisco

“God’s second cause in permitting spiritual desolation, Ignatius writes, is that the trial of such desolation reveals valuable truths about our spiritual condition: “The second, to try us and see how much we are and how much we extend ourselves in his service and praise without so much payment of consolations and increased graces.”
― Timothy M. Gallagher, The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living

“If the enemy habitually and most harmfully attacks each dedicated person in this person’s weakest point, then each person, like the enemy, must become aware of this weakest point and strengthen it before the attack begins. Then the enemy, notwithstanding his astute ability to identify the weakest point, will be overthrown even before he can begin his deceptive workings.”
― Timothy M. Gallagher, The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living

“How are we to attain such a heart when in the joy of spiritual consolation? Ignatius writes: “Let one who is consoled seek to humble himself and lower himself as much as he can, thinking of how little he is capable in the time of desolation without such grace or consolation.” Again, as in earlier rules, the path toward such humility lies in the choice to think in a certain way, while we are in spiritual consolation.”
― Timothy M. Gallagher, The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living

“God was my Father, my all. I prayed, sang hymns, cried, laughed, talking to myself of how far He could place me above all sorrow. Then I laid still to enjoy the heavenly peace that came over my soul; and I am sure, in the two hours so enjoyed, grew ten years in the spiritual life….”
― Timothy M. Gallagher, The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living