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.
