Discernment of Spirits 1 Archives

DOS3- La Primera Regla- Discernimiento de Espíritus con el Padre Timothy Gallagher – Podcasts de Corazones Discernientes

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Episodio 3 -La Primera Regla

La Primera Regla:

En las personas que van de pecado mortal en pecado mortal, el enemigo se sirve comúnmente de proponerles placeres aparentes, haciéndoles imaginar delicias y placeres sensuales para retenerlas más y hacerlas crecer en sus vicios y pecados. En estas personas el buen espíritu usa el método contrario, aguijoneándoles y mordiendo sus conciencias por medio del proceso de la razón.

El Padre Timothy Gallagher destaca el itinerario espiritual de San Agustín como ejemplo de la primera regla de los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio. La historia de Agustín ilustra la batalla entre las tentaciones sensuales y la conciencia moral. De joven, Agustín se entregó a los placeres sensuales, llevando una vida alejada de Dios. Este periodo estuvo marcado por la inquietud y el conflicto moral. El padre Gallagher señala que el “enemigo” tienta con placeres aparentes, mientras que el “buen espíritu” contraataca removiendo la conciencia. El momento de conversión de Agustín en un jardín, influido por el Espíritu Santo y las palabras de las Escrituras, ejemplifica esta lucha y transformación. El padre Gallagher subraya que comprender esta dinámica espiritual es esencial para reconocer y superar las tentaciones, lo que conduce a una comunión más profunda con Dios. El diálogo subraya la importancia de la conciencia y la acción en la vida espiritual, especialmente en la cultura actual, saturada de medios de comunicación.

Preguntas de reflexión de Discerning Hearts para este episodio:

Contrastando Tentaciones y Conciencia: Reflexiona sobre tus experiencias con la tentación. ¿Cómo reconoces cuando te sientes atraído por los “placeres terrenales”? ¿Cómo responde a estas tentaciones tu conciencia informada por la fe?
La transformación de san Agustín: Considera el viaje espiritual de San Agustín. ¿Qué aspectos de su historia resuenan con tus propias experiencias espirituales? ¿Ha habido momentos en tu vida en los que hayas sentido un cambio significativo en tu fe o en tu comprensión moral?
El papel de los medios de comunicación y las influencias modernas: En el mundo actual, lleno de medios de comunicación, ¿cómo disciernes qué influencias te acercan a Dios y cuáles te alejan? ¿Qué pasos puedes dar para alinear tu compromiso diario con los medios con tus valores católicos?
Reconocer el “buen espíritu”: ¿Cómo identificas la acción del “buen espíritu” en tu vida? ¿Puedes recordar casos en los que sentiste que tu conciencia te guiaba activamente por el buen camino?
Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio: ¿Conoces bien los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio? Teniendo en cuenta las ideas de la discusión, ¿cómo podrían estos ejercicios beneficiar a tu propio crecimiento espiritual, especialmente en la comprensión de la interacción entre la tentación y la conciencia?

Para ver más episodios de la serie, visite: El Discernimiento de los Espíritus: Liberar a los cautivos con el Padre Timothy Gallagher; Podcast de Discernimiento de Corazones

El Padre Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., fue ordenado en 1979 como miembro de los Oblatos de la Virgen María, una comunidad religiosa dedicada a los retiros y a la formación espiritual según los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio. El P. Gallagher aparece en la serie de EWTN “Living the Discerning Life: Las enseñanzas espirituales de San Ignacio de Loyola”.

Para más información sobre cómo obtener copias de los diversos libros y audios del P. Gallaghers que están disponibles para su compra, por favor visite su website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

DOS2- El despertar espiritual y la conversión de San Ignacio – Discernimiento de Espíritus con el Padre Timothy Gallagher – Podcasts de Corazones Discernientes

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Episodio 2 – El despertar espiritual y la conversión de San Ignacio – El discernimiento de los espíritus: Liberar a los cautivos

En esta conversación con la presentadora Kris McGregor, el Padre Timothy Gallagher habla sobre la formación y el significado de “El Discernimiento de Espíritus”. Explica cómo esta enseñanza tiene sus raíces en los ejercicios espirituales de San Ignacio de Loyola y su aplicación práctica en diversos ámbitos, desde retiros formales a la vida cotidiana.

En el Episodio 2 del podcast “Discernimiento de Espíritus” con el P. Timothy Gallagher, nos centramos en la comprensión de los ejercicios espirituales de San Ignacio de Loyola. El P. Gallagher, español del siglo XVI, destaca las importantes contribuciones de Ignacio a la espiritualidad católica. Este episodio profundiza en la transformación personal de Ignacio desde una vida alejada de Dios a una existencia santa, semejante a la dramática conversión de San Agustín.

El Padre Gallagher narra el momento crítico en la vida de Ignacio a los 30 años, cuando una herida de bala de cañón le llevó a un profundo despertar espiritual. Mientras Ignacio se recuperaba, su lectura de las vidas de Cristo y de los santos inició un cambio en sus aspiraciones: pasó de las ambiciones mundanas a emular el heroísmo de los santos. Esta transformación marcó el comienzo de su camino hacia la santidad.

Este episodio subraya cómo el discernimiento espiritual de Ignacio, derivado de su experiencia personal, constituyó la base de sus influyentes ejercicios espirituales. El P. Gallagher ilustra cómo las ideas de Ignacio pueden aplicarse a nuestras vidas, animando a los oyentes a reconocer y responder a las experiencias espirituales. Este proceso de discernimiento implica tomar conciencia de los movimientos espirituales internos, comprender sus implicaciones y tomar las medidas adecuadas: aceptar lo que es de Dios y rechazar lo que no lo es.

Se invita a los oyentes a reflexionar sobre sus propios itinerarios espirituales, reconociendo que los momentos de gracia, similares a los de Ignacio, son accesibles a todos. El episodio anima a tomar conciencia de la batalla espiritual en curso y de la importancia del discernimiento para navegar en ella. Las ideas del P. Gallagher proporcionan una comprensión más profunda de las enseñanzas de Ignacio y su relevancia en la vida espiritual contemporánea.

Para ver más episodios de la serie, visite: El Discernimiento de los Espíritus: Liberar a los cautivos con el Padre Timothy Gallagher; Podcast de Discernimiento de Corazones

Para más información sobre cómo obtener copias de los diversos libros y audios del P. Gallaghers que están disponibles para su compra, por favor visite su website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

DOS1- Introducción – Discernimiento de Espíritus con el Padre Timothy Gallagher – Podcasts de Corazones Discernientes

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Episodio 1 – Introducción – El discernimiento de los espíritus: Liberar a los cautivos

El Padre Gallagher destaca que el Discernimiento de Espíritus consiste en comprender las fluctuaciones de la propia vida espiritual, los momentos de cercanía a Dios y los tiempos de desolación espiritual. Las enseñanzas de San Ignacio se destilan en catorce directrices prácticas, que proporcionan claridad y utilidad para las personas que buscan profundizar en su camino espiritual.

Subraya que el discernimiento no consiste sólo en tomar decisiones, sino que implica reconocer las experiencias espirituales interiores, los pensamientos y las emociones. Ofrece herramientas para distinguir entre lo que es de Dios y lo que no lo es, especialmente en momentos de oscuridad o pesadez en la vida espiritual.

El Padre Gallagher aconseja a los principiantes que comiencen con la instrucción y crezcan gradualmente en su comprensión del Discernimiento de Espíritus. Menciona que esta enseñanza es relevante y accesible para personas de todas las vocaciones, no se limita a una orden religiosa específica, y ha sido una fuente de crecimiento espiritual para innumerables generaciones.

Por último, anima a los oyentes a explorar y adoptar esta enseñanza como una valiosa herramienta para liberarse del cautiverio espiritual y experimentar una conexión más profunda con Dios en su vida cotidiana.

Para ver más episodios de la serie, visite: El Discernimiento de los Espíritus: Liberar a los cautivos con el Padre Timothy Gallagher; Podcast de Discernimiento de Corazones

Para más información sobre cómo obtener copias de los diversos libros y audios del P. Gallaghers que están disponibles para su compra, por favor visite su website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

DOS#1 Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher

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Méditation et la Contemplation Ignatienne Podcast

Episode 1 The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the coming series and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola
can be found here

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”.

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#2 – The Life of St. Ignatius – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher

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Episode 2 The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free

The life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the foundational elements of the Spiritual Exercises

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#4 – The Second Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher

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Episode 4 -The Second Rule:

In the persons who are going on intensely cleansing their sins and rising from good to better in the service of God our Lord, it is the method contrary to that in the first Rule, for then it is the way of the evil spirit to bite, sadden and put obstacles, disquieting with false reasons, that one may not go on; and it is proper to the good to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and quiet, easing, and putting away all obstacles, that one may go on in well-doing.

Father Gallagher revisits previous discussions on how the enemy facilitates a person’s movement away from God, using imagination and sensual images, while the good spirit endeavors to hinder this movement. The second rule flips this scenario, examining the dynamics when an individual earnestly strives to eliminate sin and draw nearer to God. It is here that the enemy employs tactics to disrupt – biting, saddening, placing obstacles, and disquieting with false reasons, all designed to prevent spiritual progress.

Listeners are treated to insightful examples and detailed analysis, offering a clear understanding of these spiritual dynamics. The episode also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and rejecting the enemy’s tactics, highlighting how discernment plays a crucial role in spiritual growth.

This profound discussion not only illuminates the struggles of the spiritual journey but also offers hope and guidance for overcoming these challenges. It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their spiritual life and the forces that influence it.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions:

Recognizing Spiritual Dynamics: Reflect on a time in your life when you felt hindered in your spiritual journey. Can you identify if these obstacles were a result of the enemy’s tactics, as described by St. Ignatius in the second rule? How did you respond to these challenges?
Discernment in Action: How can you apply the principles of discernment, as discussed by Father Gallagher, to differentiate between the disquieting actions of the enemy and the comforting presence of the good spirit in your daily life?
The Role of the Good Spirit: Consider a moment when you felt uplifted, encouraged, or found unexpected strength in your faith journey. How do you see the role of the good spirit in these instances as described in the second rule of St. Ignatius?
Personal Struggles and Growth: Reflect on the concept that through trials and tribulations, as mentioned in the podcast, we grow closer to God. Can you recall a personal struggle that, in hindsight, brought you closer to your faith and strengthened your relationship with God?
Application of Ignatian Spirituality: How can the teachings of St. Ignatius, especially the second rule, help you in making everyday decisions that align with your faith? Consider an upcoming decision or current dilemma and apply the rule to see how it might guide your choice.

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#6 The Fourth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 6 -The Fourth Rule:

Of Spiritual Desolation. I call desolation all the contrary of the third rule, such as darkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to things low and earthly, the unquiet of different agitations and temptations, moving to want of confidence, without hope, without love, when one finds oneself all lazy, tepid, sad, and as if separated from his Creator and Lord.

Because, as consolation is contrary to desolation, in the same way the thoughts which come from consolation are contrary to the thoughts which come from desolation.

In this episode with Fr. Timothy Gallagher, in conversation with Kris McGregor, explores of St. Ignatius’ Fourth Rule of Spiritual Desolation. Spiritual desolation is described as the opposite of spiritual consolation, characterized by feelings of darkness, disturbance, movement to earthly things, lack of confidence, hopelessness, and feeling separated from God. The episode discusses the importance of recognizing, understanding, and acting against spiritual desolation to grow in one’s spiritual journey.

Fr. Gallagher explains that spiritual desolation is a common obstacle in the spiritual path, where individuals may feel discouraged, leading to a withdrawal from prayer and church involvement. He emphasizes that spiritual desolation is allowed by God as a test, teaching us to depend more on Him and less on our feelings. The episode provides practical advice on dealing with desolation, such as persevering in prayer and seeking balance in life to avoid non-spiritual desolation, which can impact one’s spiritual life.

The conversation also explores the difference between spiritual desolation and the “dark night of the soul,” highlighting that spiritual desolation should always be resisted as it is a tactic of the enemy, while the dark night is a special kind of purification that comes from God and should be accepted with perseverance. The discussion concludes with the importance of discernment in identifying and overcoming spiritual desolation, encouraging listeners to engage with their spiritual struggles through awareness, understanding, and action.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. Reflecting on Personal Experience of Spiritual Desolation: Reflect on a time when you experienced spiritual desolation. How did you feel separated from God, and what were the specific thoughts or emotions you encountered?
2. Identifying Feelings of Darkness and Disturbance: St. Ignatius describes spiritual desolation as including feelings of darkness, disturbance, and a pull towards earthly things. Can you identify instances in your life when you felt this way? What triggered these feelings?
3. Responding to Spiritual Desolation: Fr. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of recognizing, understanding, and taking action against spiritual desolation. Reflect on how you have previously responded to spiritual desolation. What steps did you take to counteract it?
4. Overcoming Withdrawal from Prayer and Church Activities: Spiritual desolation can lead to discouragement in prayer and participation in church activities. Have you ever felt this way? How did you overcome the urge to withdraw?
5. Understanding the Difference Between Spiritual Desolation and the “Dark Night of the Soul”: The podcast discusses the distinction between spiritual desolation and the “dark night of the soul.” How do you understand this difference? Have you or someone you know ever experienced the “dark night of the soul”?
6. Resisting the Work of the Enemy: Ignatius teaches that spiritual desolation should always be resisted as it is the work of the enemy. Reflect on strategies that you could employ to resist and reject spiritual desolation in your life.
7. Maintaining Balance to Combat Spiritual Desolation: The concept of balance is mentioned as a way to combat spiritual desolation. How do you maintain balance in your spiritual and daily life to prevent non-spiritual desolation from affecting your relationship with God?
8. The Role of Discernment in the Spiritual Journey: Reflect on the role of discernment in your spiritual journey. How can discernment help you to distinguish between spiritual desolation and other challenges in your life?
9. Persevering in Prayer During Dry Spells: Fr. Gallagher highlights the importance of persevering in prayer even when it feels dry or difficult. Share a time when you continued to pray despite not feeling God’s presence. What was the outcome?
10. Learning from Spiritual Desolation: Finally, consider the idea that spiritual desolation can teach us valuable lessons. What lessons have you learned from your experiences of spiritual desolation? How have these lessons helped you grow in your faith?

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#7 The Fifth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 7 -The Fifth Rule:

In time of desolation never to make a change; but to be firm and constant in the resolutions and determination in which one was the day preceding such desolation, or in the determination in which he was in the preceding consolation. Because, as in consolation it is rather the good spirit who guides and counsels us, so in desolation it is the bad, with whose counsels we cannot take a course to decide rightly.

In this episode of the Discerning Hearts Podcast, Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor delve into St. Ignatius of Loyola’s fifth rule for the discernment of spirits, focusing on the importance of stability in one’s spiritual commitments during times of spiritual desolation. The discussion emphasizes not changing spiritual resolutions when experiencing desolation, as these periods are influenced negatively by the enemy.

Fr. Gallagher highlights the pivotal role of Rule Five, urging listeners to cling to their spiritual determinations when faced with the challenges posed by the enemy during desolation. Various scenarios illustrate how desolation can impact individuals, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to spiritual intentions set during times of consolation or tranquility.

The dialogue underscores the deceptive nature of the enemy in moments of spiritual desolation, illustrating how it can lead to doubt and discouragement. By referencing real-life examples and insights from St. Ignatius’s own experiences, Fr. Gallagher provides tangible guidance on recognizing and countering the enemy’s tactics, stressing the rule’s significance in maintaining spiritual direction and growth.

Listeners are encouraged to engage deeply with the content, reflecting on its relevance to their spiritual practices and challenges. The episode concludes with a call to further explore and apply Ignatius’s teachings, fostering a deeper understanding of discernment and spiritual resilience in the face of adversity.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. Understanding Spiritual Desolation: Reflect on times when you’ve experienced spiritual desolation—those moments when you felt distant from God, devoid of consolation in prayer, or tempted to abandon your spiritual practices. Consider how these experiences align with Ignatius’s description of the enemy’s tactics during desolation.
2. The Value of Spiritual Steadfastness: Meditate on the importance of being steadfast in your spiritual commitments, especially during challenging times. How have you responded to spiritual desolation in the past? Have you been tempted to make changes during these periods? Reflect on the consequences of these actions.
3. The Role of the Enemy: Contemplate the idea that during times of spiritual desolation, the enemy tries to lead us away from God’s path. Consider how recognizing this can empower you to resist negative influences and stay true to your spiritual direction.
4. Rule Five as a Lifeline: Think of Rule Five not just as a guideline, but as a lifeline during spiritual turmoil. In what ways can this rule provide you with a firm anchor in your spiritual life? How can it serve as a source of light when all seems dark?
5. Application of Rule Five: Reflect on practical ways to apply Rule Five in your daily life. Whether it’s sticking to your prayer schedule, attending Mass, or fulfilling your role in ministry, consider how maintaining these commitments can fortify your spiritual resilience.
6. Spiritual Growth through Adversity: Ponder the growth that can come from enduring spiritual desolation without making rash changes. How has your faith been tested and strengthened in such times?
7. Seeking Guidance and Community: Reflect on the value of seeking guidance from spiritual directors, confessors, or trusted mentors during times of desolation. How can your faith community support you in remaining steadfast?
8. Ignatian Spirituality as a Resource: Consider delving deeper into Ignatian spirituality to enhance your discernment skills. How can the principles and practices of this spiritual tradition enrich your relationship with God?

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#8 The Sixth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Episode 8 -The Sixth Rule:

Although in desolation we ought not to change our first resolutions, it is very helpful intensely to change ourselves against the same desolation, as by insisting more on prayer, meditation, on much examination, and by giving ourselves more scope in some suitable way of doing penance.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:00 — 25.6MB) | Embed

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

DOS#10 The Eighth Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Episode 10 -The Eighth Rule:

Let him who is in desolation labor to be in patience, which is contrary to the vexations which come to him: and let him think that he will soon be consoled, employing against the desolation the devices, as is said in the sixth Rule.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:00 — 25.6MB) | Embed

The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –
“The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul”
as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series visit
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page