Pathways to a Decision

with Ignatius of Loyola

Jim Maher

• Publisher: Messenger Publications
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN: 9781788122702
• eBook ISBN: 9781788122719
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Denominations

Since Fr Jorge Bergoglio S.J. became Pope, many people have wondered what Jesuits are. Are they Catholics? How are they different to other religious orders? Ignatius of Loyola, the co-founder of the Jesuits, developed a spirituality which has helped countless numbers of people since the sixteenth century. This book presents some of Ignatius’ key insights which inspire Jesuits and others all over the world. For those associated with the Jesuits or those who want to find out more about their spirituality, this basic introduction will be helpful. Ignatius emphasizes how God is always close to us. God speaks individually to us through our feelings, desires, thoughts and actions in unexpected place and at unexpected times. Ignatius gives us the tools to identify God’s presence and to make good decisions that help welcome God into our lives through the ordinary daily routine.

MEETING THE WOLVES

In this chapter we will learn how to identify whether our moods are being influenced by the good or the bad spirit. The key words to keep in mind are: consolation, desolation, good space, bad space, good spirit and bad spirit. The Cherokee tale about the good wolf and the bad wolf competing with one another is a helpful metaphor for Ignatius’s two spirits vying for our attention. What we feed the wolves is significant. If we feed the good wolf all the gifts of Ignatius’s good spirit, we will live in a good space. In this case we will be guided along the path of encouragement, reaching out to others and nurturing all those other life-enriching qualities. Remember, it’s what you feed the wolf that counts.

If, on the other hand, we feed the bad wolf with what Ignatius’s bad spirit offers us, we grow into desolation, similar to bad space. In this case we will be guided along the path of discouragement and turn in on ourselves, feeding the bad wolf with self-pity, resentment, anger and other bad food, empowering the bad wolf to conquer the heart. We know what it’s like not to let go of moods that are not good for us and how they can snowball.

The first and most fundamental question is: How do I know if I’m in consolation or desolation? The most important question for evaluating our moods is: Where are my desires, thoughts and feelings leading me? Are they inspiring me to reach out to others or to turn in on myself? I’m in consolation if my orientation is towards others, and I’m in desolation if I’m turning in on myself. That’s the basic rule.

The two spirits Ignatius speaks about are like two actors on the stage. Each spirit has a specific role to play. They know their script. Our mood is the cue. We too have a role to play. We’re not passive, sitting around doing nothing. Ignatius tells us how to act when these two spirits are at work. The role of the spirits and our role are outlined in these fourteen points:

1. When we’re in consolation, good space, the role of the good spirit is to affirm and encourage us. In this case the script of the good spirit will be coaxing me to stay on the right track. ‘Well done. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up!’ My response is to savour the moment and enjoy the good times.

2. When we’re in consolation the role of the bad spirit is to do the opposite, to sow doubt, discourage me, distract me from my path. The script will be negative. ‘You’ll never be able to last the course!’ ‘If people knew you were going on retreat, what would they think?’ ‘You’ll make a fool of yourself!’ ‘You’ve never done that before, you’re setting yourself up for a fall!’ In that case, I’ll recognise the tricks of the bad spirit, ignore the negative suggestions and think positively.

3. When we’re in desolation, bad space, the role of the good spirit is gently to facilitate our return to the better path by giving us an encouraging nudge. If I’m in bad space, I’ll feel healthy pangs of conscience when I listen to the script of the good spirit. ‘You can do better than you’re doing.’ ‘There’s a lot more to you than you think.’ ‘Remember how well you managed before, don’t give up now.’ ‘Why are you short-changing yourself and others?’ ‘You’re giving in to a discouragement that will pass.’ When I hear this script, I’ll respond to the confidence the good spirit has in my potential for growth by taking appropriate steps that I’ve already decided on when in good space.

4. When we’re in desolation, bad space, the role of the bad spirit is to encourage and affirm us in the negative direction in which we’re travelling. The bad spirit nurtures a devilmay-care attitude, facilitating needless cul-de-sacs, as in Richard Malloy’s story. To get his own way, the bad spirit taunts us. ‘You’ve tried to do better before, but you didn’t make it, you made an utter fool of yourself. So, why bother? Stay as you are!’ ‘Listen, it’s not worth the effort of trying to change. You know it’s a waste of time.’ My response is to take positive action. I won’t give in to defeat.

5. To intensify the discouragement and loss of hope, the bad spirit will use the bullyboy tactics of unhealthy guilt, making the person feel so bad about themselves that they will find it difficult to escape from this dark prison. Ignatius was so immersed in these dark feelings that he contemplated taking his own life. It’s essential to recall that God’s work is gentle, that he has seen it all before, been there and done that. The agenda of the bad spirit is to keep us locked in despair, thinking there is no way out. This is a lie.

There is nothing to stop us reconnecting with God and others, no matter how bad we feel. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but our impaired judgement tells us otherwise. The bad spirit really rubs in this lie. And the bad spirit is not our friend. The bad spirit is our enemy who has our undoing in sight. Would we really trust an enemy?

Sadly, by giving in to these negative feelings, Ignatius made things worse for himself. But he learned from experience to reject the bad spirit. It’s essential to be firm and robust in doing the opposite of what the bad spirit wants in this situation. Ignatius’s confessor told him to stop repeating himself in confession. Following Ignatius’s advice, I’ll do the opposite of what my negative feelings tell me to do, and act as if I’m in good space. Rather than take to the bed or the drink or their equivalents and give in to my negative feelings, I’ll do a kind deed for someone in need or simply give myself a break by finding something positive to distract me and restore my energy.

6. The role of the bad spirit, Ignatius also emphasises, is to get us to change serious decisions that were made when we were in good space. When we are in desolation, it’s the bad spirit who’s in the driving seat, so it’s not the time to make significant decisions. Decisions made in bad space will come to naught. The middle of a sustained emotional storm is not the time to make a marriage proposal, or to quit our job or our marriage. How often we regret what we did and said in the heat of the moment! Words slip out that can never be unsaid. Deeds accompany us for the rest of our lives. Ignatius proposes a number of decision-making guidelines to help us make the best choices possible by paying close attention to our moods and discouraging us from making rash decisions (see Chapter 8). This will help you to avoid making decisions in bad space.

7. The role of the bad spirit is also to get us to be secretive and keep things to ourselves. If we have an issue that’s bothering us, it will fester and will drag us down with worry. It will drain our energy and contribute to bad space unless we speak with someone we trust. A burden shared is a burden halved. Human beings all share similar problems. None of us invented anything in the problem or sin departments. As Fr Rossi de Gasperis SJ remarks: ‘There is room for all the sins in the world, because God knows how to come back home.’ Many of us are familiar with the bounce in our step when we’ve been able to offload what’s been bothering us to a confidant, to our medical practitioner or in confession to a priest. Our hope and trust are renewed. In the light of this advice, I won’t bottle things up and will share where appropriate.

8. Consolation can have an affective dimension. In consolation I could have uplifting feelings that sustain me while going down the right path. But I can be in consolation without the emotional buzz. Enjoy the feelings while they last. They fuel energy and enthusiasm.

9. On the other hand, during a period of consolation, I could feel ill at ease, but my deep-down convictions give me confidence and affirm that what I’m doing is right. I’m facing a school test that’s going to be challenging. I’m nervous about it. However, I’m not overwhelmed by anxiety. I know I’ve worked hard. My teachers have affirmed and encouraged me. So, deep down, I’m feeling confident. Even though there is a feeling of anxiety, it’s the deep-down confidence that matters. This is consolation leading the person to take on a challenge with a degree of peace and calm.

I may be a shy person who has been asked to take part in the school show. My instinctive reaction is paralysing fear. I’m very uncomfortable. However, I think about it for a few days. I conclude that I’ll give it a go. The fear doesn’t go away, but I know in my heart of hearts that I can do it. My music teacher has often remarked on my singing voice. I’m willing to take the chance. This sounds like consolation, where the deeper conviction is more important than the surface feelings. In this scenario, I’ll enjoy the satisfaction that comes from courage and conviction. I’ll take pride in my achievements and be grateful for my talents.

10. In desolation, a common feeling is discouragement coming from my failure to live up to my ideals. ‘I’ve failed again. Why bother?’ When this happens, I’ll acknowledge my discouragement and move on as best I can in the knowled...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Introduction
• What’s It All About?
• First Things First
• Good Wolf – Bad Wolf – Which Is Which?
• Is God here? Finding My Walking Companion
• Meeting the Wolves
• Gathering Nuggets – Looking at My Day
• Good Riddance
• Taming the Ego for Decision-making
• Pathways to a Decision
• Oasis Moments – Satisfying the Thirst
• Conclusion
• Bibliography