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COMMENTARY
DISCERNMENT – Partner
in Action
Susan Troy, M. Div.
prayerfulvoice1@aol.com
[Ed: From coast to coast,
VOTF affiliates are employing prayerful discernment as they consider initiatives
in the furthering of reform in our Church. “Discernment of spirits” scriptural
foundation can be found in Gal 5:1, 1 Cor, and 1Thess 5, 12.]
The term “discernment” has
found its way into everyday contemporary spiritual and secular “speak.” Yet,
the practice of “discernment” has a very particular meaning and place in
life of the Christian faith and very specific “Spirit-filled” understandings
for modern application. What is the genuine goal of all discernment for the
faithful? It is our effort to discover God’s activity in our life and to
keep Christ at the center of all we are and all we do; no more or no less.
As people of faith what
we are truly speaking of is the “discernment of spirits.” This is a term
and practice that finds its origins in the earliest days of the Christian
faith. It embodies an understanding that God is a God of revelation and
activity in all aspects of life, for all times. It speaks to an understanding
that the Spirit of God moves within us and within the community. As Paul
says in his letter to the Galatians after he enunciates the “fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.” He states, “If we live by the Spirit, let us
also be guided by the Spirit.” This is a very early understanding and declaration
that, as we accept the presence of the Spirit active in our lives and communities,
we must allow ourselves to be guided by that Spirit.
How do we allow ourselves
to be guided by the Spirit? And, very importantly, how do we know that the
Spirit is present in our decision making and resulting actions? This is the “stuff” of
discernment. Discernment of the Spirit is a practice. It is applied to our
decision making processes, internal and external. It needs to be learned,
and its value increase with practice. The fruits and rewards of discernment
are often very subtle. This must be expected and understood.
There have been several
great spiritual leaders of the Church who have expanded our understanding
of what Paul proclaimed in Galatians. The one who has had the greatest impact
on the concept and practice of discernment of the spirits is Ignatius of
Loyola (1556.) It is because of his Spiritual Exercises that we use
the language of discernment in all decision-making. Part of the Second Week
of the Exercises is learning specific elements that enable us to attempt
to understand the working of the Spirit in our lives. There are very clear
guidelines and language.
Discernment is a thoughtful
examination and evaluation of the presence or absence of God in decision
making. Is this of God and how do we know? These are always the central questions.
We do have tools for use in discernment. First and foremost we have prayer
and contemplation, as individuals or as a group. Essential is the assent. We
need to want to discern, to seek God’s guidance and believe it is attainable.
Discernment is not about a quick prayer, but a prayerful, ongoing process.
There must be thoughtful examination and commitment to the process. There
is an assent to the value and necessity of the process. Discernment is not
something that happens to you, but is something you are committed to, desire,
and make happen.
A
Prayer of Thanksgiving for Walter
Prayer Vigil, Our Lady Help of Christians, 9/26/05
Generous
and loving God
Christ, our Brother and Redeemer
Holy Wisdom, Sophia
We
feel your powerful presence in our gathering.
We
offer a profound prayer of thanksgiving for your generous gift of
Walter Cuenin,
who has blessed our lives.
Walter
Cuenin, your Good Shepherd, who in his faithfulness to you has helped
us gather
as a true communion of love, of justice, of mercy.
He
leads us to you.
Allow
our love and appreciation for him to be a source of comfort during
this time of
challenge and trial.
Be
with us,
Our hearts are heavy.
Be with us,
We are challenged to be hopeful.
Be with us,
Let us be grounded in faithfulness to you, God of mercy, God of compassion,
God
of justice.
Be
with us. Amen |
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