It has been a while since I have posted anything—I think it was due to a form of paralysis from deep grief and anger to the recent events happening to our fellow countrymen/countrywomen and the children.
Recently I shared a talk on discernment at Catholic University for the Lay Carmelite Convocation. In preparing for this presentation, it became clear to me the importance of the discernment process in our spiritual journey.
Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of July is for formation in discernment:
“Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.”
What is discernment and how do we make this process part of our spiritual journey?
The discernment process begins with developing and deepening our prayer life. We need to allow ourselves to be guided by the action of the Holy Spirit and we need to be open to transformation of mind and heart and of our vision and our actions—this is discernment!
Discernment cultivates a “LISTENING HEART” which is needed—one that can hear God’s voice amid the noise and distractions.
A discerning person is attentive to how the Holy Spirit moves in prayer and in our life’s events.
Discernment helps us to live a prayerful presence in the world and a courageous witness to truth and love. It fosters spiritual freedom—helps us to let go of ego, control, trusting instead in God’s providence.
Discernment is not only about making decisions—it is about becoming attuned to the gentle persistent invitation of God to love more deeply, live a life of freedom, and be of service in the world with a prayerful presence.