Rules for noticing and understanding the movements of the soul (First Week)
Discernment of Spirits
These rules help us notice and understand the different movements stirred up in the soul: the good, to receive them, and the bad, to reject them.
1.How the enemy works in those living in sin
In people who go from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy usually offers apparent pleasures, filling the imagination with sensual delights to keep them in their vices. The good spirit works the opposite way, pricking and stinging their conscience.
2.How he works in those who are growing
In those who are cleansing themselves of their sins and rising from good to better, it is typical of the evil spirit to gnaw at them, sadden them and put obstacles in their way with false reasons, so that they do not go forward. It is typical of the good spirit to give courage and strength, consolation and peace.
3.What spiritual consolation is
When some inner movement is stirred in the soul by which it is set on fire with love of its Creator and Lord. Also when it sheds tears out of sorrow for its sins or for the Passion. Finally, every increase of hope, faith and charity, and every inner joy that calls and draws us to heavenly things.
4.What spiritual desolation is
The very opposite of consolation: darkness of soul, turmoil, attraction to low and earthly things, restlessness, temptation, lack of faith, hope and love; the soul finds itself lazy, lukewarm, sad and as if cut off from its Creator.
5.The golden rule: in desolation, make no change
In time of desolation never make a change, but stay firm and constant in the resolutions and decisions you held before the desolation. For just as the good spirit guides us in consolation, the evil spirit guides us in desolation, and his counsel can never lead us right.
6.What to do in desolation
Although we should not change our earlier resolutions, it helps a great deal to push firmly against the desolation itself: praying and meditating more, examining ourselves more, and taking on some suitable penance.
7.How to behave in consolation
Whoever is in consolation should think how they will act in the desolation that will follow, and gather new strength for that time.
Adapted from the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola (1548).