We most often hear the term “discernment” when a man or woman prayerfully considers a religious vocation. This is a helpful context in which to think of the virtue of discernment, which all Christians are called to develop, lay and religious alike.
When a person hears a “call,” he cannot simply go — he must first figure out where the call is coming from. It’s not enough to simply have an idea of becoming a priest, a sister, a missionary, a husband, a wife — the idea needs a good, thorough background check. This is discernment, which “unmasks the lie of temptation, whose object appears to be good…when in reality its fruit is death,” says the Catechism. (CCC 2846)
We run this background check of discernment on our feelings, our intentions, and our inclinations under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through a diligent regimen of prayer and reflection. “The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius” is highly regarded as a useful tool for spiritual discernment.
©LPi