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Discernment
“Be prepared to put your life on the line in order to enlighten the world with the truth of Christ; to respond with love to hatred and disregard for life; to proclaim the hope of the risen Christ in every corner of the earth”.
- Pope Benedict XVI, Message for World Youth Day 2008
Night of Discernment with Msgr. Rice
The Night of Discernment was a huge success as 10 young ladies gathered to open their hearts to the call of Christ. Under the direction of Msgr. Rice, Vocation Director, the evening began with Evening Prayer. Following prayers a conference was offered to assist the young ladies in identifying some key indicators of a vocation to the religious life.
Drawing from Fr. Thomas Dubay’s, “…And You Are Christ’s,” Msgr. Rice gave practical examples from his own experience on identifying those moments the Lord uses to draw people into a deeper realization of their vocation. First, the person has a greater than usual desire for a spiritual life – drawn from the gift of “piety.” St. Francis de Sales defines piety as “a love for the things of God.” Recalling his own prom years ago, he remembered his feelings at the end of the night of dinner and dancing: is that all there is? There was a desire for something different, something more. Something only God could satisfy.
This desire for more led him to the second point mentioned by Fr. Dubay, an attraction to a particular way of life. Taught by a religious order of men in high school, Msgr. Rice was not drawn to their particular way of life although he had a tremendous respect for their work. Knowing the diocesan priests at his parish, he felt attracted to the diocesan priesthood, an attraction that led him to the diocesan seminary. Although drawn to aspects of Franciscan and Carmelite spirituality, the Diocesan priesthood was the “fit” for him.
Once that “fit” was determined, the third point, proper motivation, had to be assured. A vocation to the religious life is not a reaction to liberal or conservative trends. It is not a way to “get out of the house.” It is not the “best option.” It is not a “job.” No, a religious vocation is based on love – coming to know and realize the love God has for the individual, and in response how the individual feels called to return that love. That is the only motivation that will sustain someone in the religious life. Falling in love with Christ in the Eucharist is a key factor at this stage of discernment.
Finally, the individual must determine if he or she has the physical, intellectual and moral ability to live the lifestyle. Is there a reasonable ability to succeed academically? Is there the physical stamina to do the “work” of the apostolate, such as teaching, nursing or time of prayer? Is there a degree of self-knowledge to embrace the life of poverty, chastity and obedience of a particular congregation? Can the individual live the life in a spirit of joy?
Putting these four points together in a spirit of open discernment, the individual can gain confidence in the direction the Lord may be leading. Added to this, an active sacramental life, adoration and rosary, the mystery of one’s vocation can become more concrete.
If you are interested in attending a night of discerment, please contact Renae Novak in the Office of Vocations at 314.792.6465 or email Renae at Rnovak@archstl.org
What is God's Will for Your Life?
The process you will follow to answer this fundamental question is called discernment. Your vocation as a Christian will be the particular way you live the universal call to holiness. Through prayer, study, conversation with others and reflection, you will be able to discover God's plan for you. What will be your path to Heaven?
The Importance of Prayer
Most important in discerning God's will is setting aside time daily to talk with God and to listen in silence. Simple prayer is sufficient.
Following are three steps for seeking to know God's will:
- "Here I am Lord. Whatever you want me to do, I will do it. You gave me life; the least I can do is give my life back to you, to do with me what you know will make me most happy and fulfilled."
- "What do you want me to do? Lord, please give me the wisdom to know what you are calling me to be, and the courage to follow whatever you ask." I trust that God wishes to reveal himself to me, even more than I desire to know His will.
- After taking the previous two steps, I can imagine myself in the seminary, or in a religious community. If I feel a deep and lasting peace with these thoughts and imaginings (recognizing the challenges that come with any state in life), then I should go ahead and give it a try.
Study God's Word and the Saints
Study the Bible, the catechism of the Catholic Church and the lives of the Saints. Look at those ordinary men and women who have wrestled with your very same questions, and lived extraordinary lives because they trusted in God.
Samuel heard a voice calling his name in the night; Eli, his mentor, instructed him to respond to the voice of the Lord (1 Samuel 3:1-10).
With trust, Mary willingly surrendered her entire being to the plan of our Heavenly Father (Luke 1:26-38).
Saul met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus; his life was radically transformed, and he became the great apostle, St. Paul (Acts 9:3-9).
St. John Vianney struggled with his academic studies. After his ordination, he was renowned for his wisdom and spiritual guidance in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
St. Clare of Assisi, a beautiful woman who could have married any nobleman, followed her one true love, Jesus Christ.
Believe that God wants to work in your life just as profoundly and powerfully as he did in the lives of those who faithfully embraced his plan throughout the centuries.
Conversation With Others
Without a prayerful spiritual director, who has a lot of common sense, it is easy for us to become confused in our vocational discernment. We are often not very good at giving ourselves advice.
Often a spiritual director is a priest or religious. When searching for a spiritual director, we ask God to help us find a spiritual director who lives the kind of life that we want to live. We then follow up by asking priests, religious and lay people whom we trust and respect for suggestions about who might be willing to be a spiritual director. A helpful resource in this search is a book by Fr. Thomas Dubay entitled, Seeking Spiritual Direction.
It is helpful to get feedback from other people instead of trying to answer these questions alone.
Authentic Reflection
Reflect honestly on what is going on inside of you right now. What questions are tugging at your heart and mind?
- Who am I?
- What fulfills me?
- What am I passionate about?
- Who or what inspires me?
- What is the purpose of my life?
- How has God been active throughout my life?
- When do I feel closest to God?
- How am I called to serve others?
- Where will I best fulfill my mission as a disciple of Jesus Christ?
- Am I attracted by the life that priests and consecrated religious live?
- Do others tell me they see priestly qualities in me?
Can you see yourself as a priest, sister or brother? Do you find that the idea of priesthood or consecrated life won't go away? If you knew where he is calling you, would you dare to give your life for God and his faithful people?
Prayer of Thomas Merton
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me
Nor do I really know myself.
And the fact that I think I am following your will
Does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
Does in fact please you.
And I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this,
You will lead me by the right road
Though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
And you will never leave me to face my struggles alone.
Are you ready for the challenge?
