Episode 165 - In this episode, Father Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea discuss the importance of reading the Bible through the lens of the Church's teachings, particularly focusing on the document Dei Verbum. They explore the nature of Scripture, the role of Christ in revelation, and the relationship between Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium. The conversation emphasizes the need for a personal relationship with God through Scripture and the importance of obedience to faith.

Read the Dei Verbum document here: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html

Episode 164 - In part two of the Ignatian rules of discernment, Fr Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea focus on the concepts of spiritual consolation and desolation. They explore how to navigate these experiences, emphasizing the importance of patience, reflection, and community support. The discussion highlights the nature of the enemy, the significance of confession, and the need for self-awareness in spiritual growth. The speakers encourage listeners to engage in daily examination to foster a deeper connection with God and to recognize the patterns of consolation and desolation in their lives.

Takeaways:

• Spiritual consolation is a sense of closeness with God.
• Desolation can be a time for purification and growth.
• Patience is key when experiencing desolation.
• Consolation is a gift from God, not something we earn.
• Strengthening oneself during times of consolation prepares us for desolation.
• Reflection on relationships helps during low times.
• The devil operates like a bully, exploiting our weaknesses.
• Community and confession are vital for spiritual health.
• Recognizing our weaknesses allows for healing and growth.
• Daily examination of conscience is essential for spiritual awareness.

Episode 163 - This episode features the first seven of fourteen Ignatian rules of discernment, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's will and our relationship with Him. It explores the role of feelings in discernment, the significance of spiritual consolation and desolation, and practical advice for navigating desolation while maintaining faith and perseverance in prayer.

Takeaways:

• Discernment is about growing in relationship with God, not just making decisions.
• Feelings are signals that can guide us in understanding our spiritual state.
• Spiritual consolation leads us closer to God, while desolation pushes us away.
• In desolation, we should not change our goals or prayer life.
• The enemy uses apparent pleasures to keep us in sin.
• God's will is not locked away; He desires us to know it.
• We can discern between good and bad spirits affecting our decisions.
• Desolation can be a time for growth and deeper reliance on God.
• Perseverance in prayer during tough times is crucial for spiritual growth.
• Trust in God's grace during testing times is essential.

Book referenced in this episode:

The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide For Everyday Living by Father Timothy Gallagher https://a.co/d/gPcKOk7

Hosts: Father Sean Danda & Nathanael Rea