Spiritual consolations and desolations serve as precious guiding tools for those seeking in the Lord which direction life is taking.

Christian spirituality is a way of being, of relating, of living with a determined interior sense. It is more than just a list of programmed things to achieve, or a correct way to deal with others. It has to do with your deep spiritual senses imbued with the living presence of the Lord Jesus. This lived vision colours the way you look at things, touching God in daily life, desiring and seeking to do His will.

Important decisions, of course, ask for more mature spiritual discernment, paying attention to the lived process. In this sense, spiritual consolations and desolations serve as precious guiding tools for those among us seeking in the Lord which direction life is taking.

Spiritual consolation draws our hearts towards God. It directs our focus beyond ourselves, so that we can see the joys and sorrows of other people. It goes further than just feeling good or receiving others’ approval.

Other fruits of spiritual consolation are more openness to new thoughts and creativity, and the renewal of our interior energy. Deep down we tend to experience more balance in our lives.

Thus, spiritual consolation refreshes our hidden hope, our great ideals and interior visions of life. It shows us where God is active in our lives and where He is leading us.

Spiritual desolation, on the other hand, turns us in on ourselves and tends to be egocentric and negative. When we mostly need the help of others we seek to be alone, even if confused and uncertain.

Negative feelings take the lead, inviting us to give up things that used to be important to us, including religious practices. Spiritual desolation cuts us off from community and family relations and darkens our distant vision and ideals in the Lord Jesus. It drains us of internal dynamism.

For those who believe in Christ and in following his mission, it is important to be aware of, and know how to act when they find themselves in spiritual consolation or desolation. Thus, besides avoiding mistakes regarding self-perception and interrupting our spiritual growth, it greatly affects the quality of our apostolic works and commitments.

During the experience and time of spiritual consolation, tell the Lord how you are feeling and thank Him. It is vital to remind ourselves that this is a grace from God rather merely the fruit of our efforts. Record this experience in your faith history and remember it when you find yourself in difficulties or dark periods.

The interior energy you feel confirms your great and deep desires. It prepares you well to confront adequately things you do not like, and heartily persevere in the right track of your deep calling. Thanksgiving is the heart of this spiritual climate.

A different approach is needed in times of spiritual desolation. Be aware of the Lord and dialogue with Him. Tell Him how you feel, ask Him for help again and again. If the times you find yourself in desolation tend to be rather long and repeated, seek someone to talk to and to be with. Obviously it has to be the right person, someone spiritually experienced, for this is not simply feeling low.

Remember and use your imagination to go back to moments and times of spiritual consolation. It is comforting to know that when in spiritual desolation, paying attention or helping somebody in need is really helpful. Your experience confirms this. Pray with the Lord carrying the Cross and moving towards the Paschal Mystery.

Adult Christians discern their desires, attitudes, deep emotions, options to be taken, and use their daily consciousness examen as a filter of God’s will in daily life. An adult Christian experiences ups and downs, consolations and desolations in daily work, in the family and in all apostolic commitments within the Church.

Knowing what spiritual consolation and desolation are and how to approach these experiences, guarantees not only peace of mind and heart but also the quality of our committed life accompanying Christ’s mission in this world.

edward.merciecasj@gmail.com

Fr Mercieca is a member of the Society of Jesus.