How Do I Know It’s God? Catholic Discernment, Consolation, and Desolation Explained

About this episode

The episode explores how to discern God's voice through the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, focusing on spiritual consolation and desolation.

TF S03 | E18| In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to a thoughtful question from Grade 9–10 students at Miller High School: How can I know when God is talking to me?Drawing on the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the conversation explores Christian discernment through self-awareness, honesty, and paying attention to the movements of the heart over time. They explain the difference between spiritual consolation and desolation, clarifying that these are not simply good or bad feelings, but experiences related to freedom, clarity, hope, and closeness to God.The episode offers practical guidance on creating space to hear God’s voice through silence, prayer, spiritual reading, Mass, confession, adoration, and the daily Examen, while cautioning against making major decisions during times of desolation. Listeners are encouraged to trust that God’s voice often sounds like truth spoken within, to remain grounded in Church teaching, and to grow patiently in freedom and faith as God continues to shape their spiritual lives.00:19 Podcast Welcome03:22 Question God Speaking03:46 Ignatius Discernment Basics05:05 Silence and Self…

People in this episode

Hosts: Deacon Eric Gurash, Dr. Brett Salkeld

Topics covered

• discernment
• spirituality
• consolation
• desolation
• Christian faith
• self-awareness

Keywords

• discernment
• God's voice
• spiritual consolation
• spiritual desolation
• self-awareness
• prayer
• Examen

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Miller High School

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