Virtual Discernment Retreat |
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Discernment. Sometimes the word can seem daunting. However, discernment is based on abilities you already have. There's nothing mysterious about it. As the Catholic Web site, Disciples Now, points out, discernment is nothing more than a fancy word that means figuring out what God is telling us. In the 16th century, St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, developed a systematic way of considering and making choices. His constant prayer was for the grace to discover God's will and have the strength to follow it. Ignatius experienced God actively and personally in his life and was convinced that God was similarly involved in each of our lives, speaking to us directly in our hearts, minds and souls -- through our thoughts, feelings and inner desires. Paying Attention So, discovering how God is calling you requires paying attention to the intangibles. God is in them. What attracts you? What gives you life, joy, energy and a sense of "fit" for you? As you open yourself in reflective prayer and learn to pay attention to what moves you, you're likely to have the satisfaction of making better decisions, the joy of greater personal freedom, and if you wish, you will experience the deep intimacy of deciding with God. Discerning a Religious Vocation What about applying these principles to discerning a religious vocation? The best practical strategy for exploring religious life is obviously to get to know sisters. Do you know any sisters? If so, what attracts you about their way of life, their mission, their spirit, their way of being with each other? How do you feel when you are with this group? Can you be yourself when you are with them? Congregations of vowed religious sisters all share a deep love of Jesus Christ and a commitment to spreading God's reign of love and peace and justice in the world. You will notice, though, that each group has its own spirit, approach to mission and way of living community life. On paper many congregations may seem quite similar, so it's absolutely crucial for you to spend quality time with some of them and reflect on what that was like for you. Getting to know a couple of different communities could be helpful in your discernment also. You may come to see more clearly what attracts you to one of the groups.
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Learning about discernment
