HSE10 - Consolation and Desolation - The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J.

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Consolation and Desolation – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J.

Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor discuss how St. Ignatius of Loyola’s rules for discernment help people navigate times of consolation and desolation. Fr. Anthony Wieck, SJ, explains the difference between spiritual desolation and ordinary life struggles such as fatigue, loss, or depression. Unlike the “dark night of the soul” described by St. John of the Cross, which is marked by a purifying joy, spiritual desolation involves feeling distant from God. Yet even in these dry seasons, one can serve God with courage, knowing His grace is still present. Much like a parent allows difficulty to guide a child toward maturity, God sometimes permits these experiences as a wake-up call and a path to deeper trust. Consolation, he notes, is actually more common in most lives than desolation, and even sorrowful experiences—such as grief—can be occasions of closeness with God when received with faith.

Fr. Wieck then unpacks three strategies Ignatius describes for recognizing and resisting the tactics of the evil spirit. First, temptation often nags like a voice that won’t let up; strength must be shown immediately to cut it off. Second, secrecy empowers sin, so bringing hidden struggles into the light through accountability or confession robs the enemy of power. Third, the enemy always probes for weak spots, so one must identify personal vulnerabilities and fortify them with discipline and prayer. He stresses the need for self-knowledge, awareness of wounds, and humor in facing temptation, reminding listeners that God’s mercy is far greater than any spiritual opposition. Ultimately, both joy and struggle can become occasions to grow in freedom and love of God.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Reflection Questions:

How can I distinguish between ordinary life struggles and true spiritual desolation in my own journey?
When I experience dryness in prayer, do I trust that God’s grace is still present and working within me?
In what ways do I sometimes love God’s gifts more than God Himself, and how might I invite purification of that love?
How do I respond when temptations persistently “nag” at me—do I stand firm with the strength of Christ?
Do I have someone in my life with whom I can share my spiritual struggles honestly, breaking secrecy’s power?
What weak points or wounds in my soul need strengthening through prayer, discipline, or accountability?
How might I use humor and trust in God’s power to resist discouragement when faced with temptation?
In times of consolation, do I remember to remain humble, giving glory to God rather than myself?
How do I allow moments of grief or suffering to draw me closer to Christ rather than pull me away?
Am I attentive to God’s “wake-up calls,” seeing them as opportunities to grow in freedom and love?

Fr. Anthony Wieck is a Jesuit priest of the Central & Southern province. Sixth of nine children, raised on a farm in Oregon, Fr. Anthony began religious life in 1994, spending his first five years of formation in Rome, Italy, studying at the Casa Balthasar and the Gregorian. The former was under the watchful patronage of Pope Benedict XVI (then-Card. Joseph Ratzinger). Fr. Anthony currently acts as retreat master at White House Jesuit Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri. He also offers spiritual direction at the St. Louis diocesan seminary for 25 future priests there.