Ignatius calls this type of decision making a “ third-time ” choice . “ First-time ” and “ second-time ” choices are decisions guided by our hearts , where confirmation comes not from the reasoning intellect but through a discernment of the meaning of the different movements of the emotions and feelings . This is Ignatius ’ s greatest gift to us about decision making . It may be called the gift of the reasoning heart .
Sometimes the Choice Is Clear
A first-time choice is a decision that is unmistakably clear . We know what is right . Ignatius cites two examples of first-time choice in the New Testament : the conversion of the apostle Paul , and the call of the tax collector Matthew . Neither man had any doubt about what God wanted of him . First-time choices are not rare . We probably know people who never had any doubt about what they should do at major turning points in their lives . Some people are sure about their marriage spouse at a first meeting , as happened with Ashley and myself . Others are sure about their faith life or priestly vocation in a similar way .
When the Choice Isn ’ t So Clear
Second-time choices are situations where our preferred choice is not entirely clear . We are presented with multiple plans of action that all seem attractive to some degree , and we are not blessed with the gift of a clear certainty about what to do .
In these cases , Ignatius says that we can discern the right choice by attending to the inner movements of our spirit . Feelings of “ consolation ” and “ desolation ” will signal the correct course of action . Ignatius always carefully puts the word spiritual before consolation and desolation .
For him spiritual consolation is our experience “ when some interior movement in the soul is caused , through which the soul comes to be inflamed with love of its Creator and Lord .” Ignatius more simply describes consolation as every increase in hope , faith , and charity . Spiritual desolation is just the opposite . The words Ignatius uses to describe it include darkness of soul , disturbance , movement to things low and earthly , disquiet of different agitations and temptations . Ignatius ’ s understanding of the importance of these feelings dates to the very beginning of his conversion to a fervent Christian faith when he learned to pay close attention to his feelings .
Second-time choice is not simply a matter of “ feeling peaceful ” about a proposed decision . The feelings of spiritual consolation and spiritual desolation must be carefully assessed . Complacency and smugness about a decision can masquerade as consolation .
At times , desolation can be a timely sense of restlessness pointing us in a new direction , this began to happen to me during my prayer times recently .
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