Discernment

We are constantly making choices. Some choices do not have important consequences, others instead do. The process of reflection that we use when dealing with choices is generally called discernment. When it comes to 'discerning' your life's call the process of discernment will be very helpful to you.

The word discernment comes from the Latin word "discernere" which means "to separate"; "to distinguish between"; "to sift out". Discerning your life's call, your vocation, means sorting through the deep movements of your own heart, and listening to your deepest desires, your longings, and to the movements of God's Spirit dwelling in you.

Discernment involves working with a double focus, the reality 'out there' and the reality 'inside'.

• The reality out there
  Your experiences, the people with whom you come in contact, the situations in which you find yourself-school, work, service-are all means that God uses to communicate with you. You need to listen to life to hear 'God's voice'.

• The reality inside
  Your personal journey, your culture, your faith experiences, your prayer life, your deepest desires and longings. What gives the deepest meaning to your life? What helps you to grow in your faith, in your relationship with God? What do you think God wants you to do for him with your life?

Discernment Tips

LISTEN:

• To yourself
• To God
• To others

"Listen" to your heart, to your head, and to your deepest self. Who you are, with your gifts, your talents and your shortcomings are the very things through which God works.

"Keep 'connected' with God. 'Meet' Jesus in the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Encounter Jesus in Scripture. It is in the atmosphere of reflective prayer, that the mystery of God's call is heard…is unraveled…is discovered.

" Listen to others as you research and investigate your options. Talk to a religious, a priest, someone that you trust and respect. People affirm the gifts you have.
Share your journey with a spiritual director.

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