What Discernment Really Is. The Answer May Surprise You.
Sometimes you can be well into your vocational discernment, and still not have a clear idea of what God is calling you to.
As Jack Manning – a former resident at Our Lady of the Atonement House of Discernment – reflected, “To be completely honest, when I came to this discernment program I knew nothing of what God was calling me to do.” But after his three-months of deeper discernment with us, not only did he have clarity about his calling, he also walked away with some insights into deeper discernment that just might help as you discern your own calling:
1. Discernment shouldn’t be done alone
Many folks try to “go it alone” when they’re discerning their vocation. We all have blind spots when it comes to seeing ourselves as God sees us. Those blind spots can sometimes cause us to miss key points about ourselves that are pointing us toward our God-given mission. Having others help us in our discernment helps to reduce any of those blind spots, and gain a clearer vision of where God is calling us.
2. Discernment isn’t about whether you are called to serve God, but how you are called to serve Him
There’s a reason that the Church calls the Sacraments of Holy Orders and Marriage “Sacraments of Service.” Regardless of the state in life God calls you to, you have a more fundamental call to love God and to show forth that love in the world through loving service of others (cf. Mt. 22:36 – 39).
3. Discernment is about learning how to listen
Sometimes in our discernment we get caught up telling God what we think we should do, where we think we could have the greatest impact, or where we think we’ll really thrive. We forget that God knows us better than we know ourselves. Probably the most difficult task of discernment is learning to quiet ourselves and listen for God’s still, small voice.
4. Discernment is ongoing
Finally, it’s important to remember that discernment is never a once-and-done thing, but an ongoing process. Sure, once we’ve taken vows (whether religious or marriage vows) that part of our discernment is over. But from there we must be continually discern how we can better live the call we have received from God.
The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement are on a mission to bring God’s healing At-One-Ment to a world fractured by sin.
If you are a young Catholic man - whether you’re in college or already settled in a career - and you’re ready to take your discernment to the next level, consider spending time with us at Our Lady of the Atonement House of Discernment.
©2019 Franciscan Friars of the Atonement