Discernment
Over the past week or so, we’ve talked about some of the ways God speaks to us. I have not covered all the ways, nor delved very deeply into the ones we did discuss. I expect my readers to do further research on their own, and my only purpose is to get the ball rolling.
Which brings us to discernment. I used to hear this word and immediately think of “spirits” as in witches and warlocks. After spending a year on my Ignatian Retreat, I had a much better appreciation of not only what discernment really was, but the importance of developing a keen eye for the truth.
Discernment simply means that we exhibit sound insight and good judgment. We tend to be good at this when it comes to everyday objects or occurrences. If we don’t like a certain food, for instance, we don’t eat it. If we are cold, we put on a sweater.
Yet, when it comes to our immortal soul, we often exhibit far less care. We live in an age of information overload. If you are reading this, you have probably already checked out the number of Catholic websites, blogs, and news agencies. Some of them are a source of great wisdom and some are a scandalous barrage of nonsense.
And, let us not forget that “oracle of wisdom”, Oprah Winfrey and her ilk, which would have you believing you “have the power.” The messages of the quasi-New Agers and “feel good” merchants of deception are swaying far too many Catholics. New Age practices and thinking is no longer creeping into our churches; it is now a full gallop. Now, more than ever, discernment is needed.
How do you protect yourself, gentle reader, from information that is not in tune with Catholic teaching? Well, first you must discern what is right and what is wrong, and to do that you must know your Catholic faith. It is part of developing that well-formed conscience we talked about yesterday.
Try starting with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I’m shocked at the number of Catholics who do not own, nor have even read the Catechism. If you like your information on-line you will find the entire Catechism right in front of your nose. Catholic Culture provides reviews of Catholic websites that can be very helpful. Find a spiritual advisor who is authentically Catholic to help you discern.
Which brings us to discernment. I used to hear this word and immediately think of “spirits” as in witches and warlocks. After spending a year on my Ignatian Retreat, I had a much better appreciation of not only what discernment really was, but the importance of developing a keen eye for the truth.
Discernment simply means that we exhibit sound insight and good judgment. We tend to be good at this when it comes to everyday objects or occurrences. If we don’t like a certain food, for instance, we don’t eat it. If we are cold, we put on a sweater.
Yet, when it comes to our immortal soul, we often exhibit far less care. We live in an age of information overload. If you are reading this, you have probably already checked out the number of Catholic websites, blogs, and news agencies. Some of them are a source of great wisdom and some are a scandalous barrage of nonsense.
And, let us not forget that “oracle of wisdom”, Oprah Winfrey and her ilk, which would have you believing you “have the power.” The messages of the quasi-New Agers and “feel good” merchants of deception are swaying far too many Catholics. New Age practices and thinking is no longer creeping into our churches; it is now a full gallop. Now, more than ever, discernment is needed.
How do you protect yourself, gentle reader, from information that is not in tune with Catholic teaching? Well, first you must discern what is right and what is wrong, and to do that you must know your Catholic faith. It is part of developing that well-formed conscience we talked about yesterday.
Try starting with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I’m shocked at the number of Catholics who do not own, nor have even read the Catechism. If you like your information on-line you will find the entire Catechism right in front of your nose. Catholic Culture provides reviews of Catholic websites that can be very helpful. Find a spiritual advisor who is authentically Catholic to help you discern.
And, don’t forget prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you travel your road of conversion. I can’t say this often enough; conversion is not a one-time event – it is a life long commitment to growth and change.
10 comments:
Adrienne-
Thanks for these comments. I was just thinking on my way home from church tonight that I need to find a sponsor for RCIA and that I want to find a person who also would be a true spiritual director. Someone who is knowledgable, patient, compassionate, and who truly loves Christ and has a mission to help those of us who are just starting this journey. I will be praying for God to show me that person.
Peace....
Sick.
Sick.
Sick of Oprah Winfrey.
Discernment is invaluable. I remember how much it was emphasized when I was part of what was known as the Discernment Group. This was the name given to the group of men who had been selected as serious candidates for the priesthood by the Diocese of Las Vegas.
I think my blog come under the "scandalous barrage of nonsense."
Again, I don't care for new-age. Not even Yanni.
Tom
kelly - welcome. Remember, a good spiritual director is one who leads you, not one who tells you what to do.
I'll post the link to Creighton U's online Ignatian Retreat in my post today. It would be an excellent resource for you to use.
Tom - Oprah scares me. She's having Marianne Williams teach the Course of Miracles on her radio program starting the first of the year.
Yanni is a musical joke!
That would be Marianne Williamson not Williams. I just dragged myself out of bed and my fingers and brain are not quite coordinated.
Adrienne (and Kelly), because of the power of the Exercises I don't recommend that one who has not done them before do them without a spiritual director. They are great tools for grace, but ol' Nick can sometime screw with a retreatant's head so the assistance of one with good discentment skills is essential for a beginner. Once one has the tools for discernment then one can do more on one's own. Kelly, you have a great period of discernemnt in your RCIA journey, so don't overload yourself at this time. Take on new discernment activities only under the advisement of of a good spiritual director. I make these observations from the aspect of being an assistant facilitator of a very good RCIA program for 15 years. If you have any questions I'm sure Adrienne can help, and I'm available through my blogspot.
God bless you through the RCIA journey, and I'll ask Ss. Charles Borromeo and Robert Bellarmine (Patron Saints of Catechumens, among others) for their intersession on your behalf.
Kelly --
AA is absolutely correct. See what happens when I'm not awake and posting. Concentrate on RCIA and reading the catechism and save the exercises for later.
Thanks AA for catching that "fox paw"
Adrienne, one of the things I loved about RCIA is the enthusiasm that converts bring to the Church (Kelly don't lose that gift you bring to the Church. It's what keeps us "cradle Catholics" honest and on our toes!). But we "old timers" (including this author) have to remember that they're kids in the candy store for the first time wanting to try everything immediately; and our experience will help them to avoid some (but not all) of the "tummy aches" from eating too much "candy" ;-))
Adrienne and AA-
I thank you for your comments and prayers. I have not had time yet to read the links (and I should be sleeping now so won't read them tonight). I did want to share that I have been in the Charismatic Episcopal Church for the last 4 years and I have experienced a great deal of spiritual growth there. Because our church was small (9 families)and many of the members were at a point of greater doctrinal understanding then me I looked to the RCIA program at a local Roman Catholic parish for a deeper understanding of the faith. I had been exposed to catholic ideas and understood the CEC to have many things in common with the Roman Catholic Church so it was a good fit to continue with my faith formation.
After entering the RCIA program I reflected back and realized that I felt God's call to the Catholic Church from as far back as 13 years ago. I also began to believe that I was in RCIA not just for the formation I was seeking but because God was calling me to the Catholic Church.
All that being said, I realize that different parishes have different dynamics (for lack of a better word) when it comes to their faith formation program. I believe I am being faithful to God's call so I do not plan on leaving mid-program but at times it is not as deep as I would like. And I am getting some teaching in the program. I am sure I am not alone in wanting more, just as you said. I guess that is why I am looking for a spiritual director who can meet me where I am...because the journey is both individual and communal.
Where I already have the basics I want to build. If the basics are missing in one or more area I want to fill in the gaps. And ultimately I know my faith formation is up to me. It would be good, however, to have someone who helps me direct that formation process.
It is way past my bedtime so hopefully this makes sense.
Peace....
Hey Kelly - I beat you. It's almost 1:00 am and I just finished putting up the Christmas tree. LOL
I have a better understanding of where you are coming form now since I checked into your blog (we have the same backgrounds on our blogs - neat!)
email me at adrienne@icehouse.net when you get a chance and maybe we can chat a bit about your RCIA program. That would be a bit more private.
You are correct - they are not all the same. The program that our pastor has put together is very "meat and potatoes". I think it is one of the finest RCIA's in the entire state of Idaho. My husband and I have been teaching with him for almost 9 years now. I also teach RE to the 7th - 12th graders including the Confirmation classes.
Ok - I'm starting to rattle here -- off to bed!!
My children destroyed my catechism a few years ago when one of them was a toddler by dropping it in the toilet and leaving it there. Seriously. My husband is going through the RCIA course and they said we are getting catechisms so I am glad about that.
And I'm glad you posted the Catholic review site. I was telling dh about a site but lost the addy for it when my computer crashed. I was going to search A Catholic Life but you saved me from doing it.
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