Posted by Bernard Tyrrell (147.222.220.47) on February 04, 2008 at 15:44:51:

In Reply to: Mind-fasting and the Ignatian Rules for the First Week posted by Bernard J. Tyrrell on February 03, 2008 at 19:48:53:

I learned from Dr. Hora that unhappiness is a basic catalyst for getting at one's inner demons. Ignatius views desolation in the same way. We can always make profitable use of desolation. The desolation might be present because we are in a sinful pattern of being in the world. It can lead us to uncover our sinful way of being in the world. Ignatius suggests that we meditate on sin--original and personal--death, hell judgment and that we allow ourselves to fully experience the effects of sin that make us miserable (diagnostic discernment). Desolation can be due to the sting of conscience that is a painful reminder that sin is the source of a lack of peace, assurance, gratitude and love. Once again diagnostic discernment is called for. Desolation can also be due to scruples, troubles, false reasons (existential ignorance.) Once again the solution is diagnostic discernment. Desolation may also be present to remind us that of ourselves we can do nothing good but that we are always in need of God's grace.
what is common to all these form of desolation is some kind of pain that we are called to be free of.

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