Chapter 10 -- First Week Rules for Discernment  
  Chapter 10

First Week Rules for Discernment



          This chapter takes the Rules for Discernment in the First Week and comments on each rule giving examples that frequently happen in ordinary directing situations.  The classic definitions of consolation and desolation appear here, as well as comments about what to do in consolation and desolation.
 
 

For Chapter 10 -- 

it will be helpful to review the text of the     Spiritual Exercises
 [313] to [327]
for the Rules for Discernment in the First Week. 

Pray and Reflect: 
The Rules for Discernment come alive and begin to name everyday circumstances when one takes time to reflect on one's own experience.  What examples in your own life can you find to illustrate these Rules and descriptions?

 Wonder and Discuss:

  1. Where have I seen these rules (descriptions) operative in people? 
  2. What would be some examples of "suitable penance" today? 
  3. Agere contra desolationem -- to work against the desolation is sometimes translated erroneously as working against oneself. How does one "work against desolation?" 
  4. Look at the three images about desolation [325], [326], [327].  How have you shared intimate thoughts and feelings, or a time to defend oneself in a vulnerable area? 
  5. The Rules of Discernment encourage a careful monitoring of  "spontaneous movements in affectivity."  What discipline is needed to get one's head, heart, body, and faith together in good discernment?


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