How should we respond when we realise that the bad spirit has sown bad seeds in our hearts?
What should we do in times of desolation? Once again, St. Ignatius offers advice on what to do when faced with movements of the bad spirit.
Firstly, one should not make any big decisions, nor should one change decisions made in consolation. How often do we find ourselves giving up on some project that we began with enthusiasm because we have begun to feel tired or frustrated? How often do we regret these decisions made in times of desolation afterwards? The simple advice here is don’t listen to the bad spirit. Keep in mind the
counsels of the good spirit and follow them (even when it feels difficult to do so).
Secondly, we should actually
strive to act against desolation. Are you feeling tempted to stop praying? Pray more. Are you feeling anxious when offering some service? Give more. It is in times of desolation that we need prayer the most.
Thirdly, we should wait out the desolation with patience. This will be sure to frustrate the designs of the bad spirit. We should remember that the desolation will end, and a time of consolation will come again. It can be helpful to remember previous consolation experiences to remind us that God loves us and gives us all we need even when we do not feel it.
This is comparable to allowing the weeds to grow among the wheat and waiting for the harvest time to come so that they may be gathered
and burned. It may be taxing, painful or frustrating. We are invited to dwell in hope, knowing that the harvest time is coming.
Finally, since the evil spirit is a coward and likes to remain secret, one of the most helpful things to do in times of desolation is to talk about it with a trusted spiritual companion. Sharing our struggles with one another makes them easier to bear. We realise that we are not alone. The sting of desolation loses its sharpness. Sometimes just talking about it can bring it to an end. At
other times it gives us the strength to make the patient wait for consolation to come.
How have you responded to times of
desolation in the past? Were you patient, or did you give in to them? How can you respond better next time?
Reflections by Sean van Staden SJ
