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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