What Can You Learn as a Discerner?
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On Sunday we will chat about the disposition of discernment.
In the discernment for a possible Visitandine vocation, St. Jane de Chantal, our Foundress, whose feast was this past August 12, guides us with her Answers.St. Jane said:
There is less fear of lively spirits in youth, than of melancholy, but staid and solid minds are greatly to be desired; for sensible minds are always capable of observance, and weak ones of slackness. Believe me, Sisters, I entreat you, give heed to the natural dispositions of the persons you receive, for I know that nature dies not, and in the long run will be sure to come out.
Truly we must well examine aspirants and become well acquainted with them, if possible, before they are taken inside; because when they are there, it is very difficult to send them away; nevertheless it must be done when they are not suitable and we must be firm on this occasion. (pp. 304-305)
So as a discerner, what can you learn from this?
First, know yourself, grow in self-knowledge. Become capable of commitment, of stability, of the ability to follow the Constitutions of the Order well.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? Present them transparently to the community you wish to enter; be upfront and honest about yourself.
The discernment process takes time; expect a reasonable pace and an honest give and take with the members before your entrance date is set.
Be aware that the mutuality in the discernment process continues after entrance and that you will grow toward your permanent commitment, or else discover that your vocation lies elsewhere.
We’ll be talking about the disposition of discernment this Sunday, here are some questions to prepare you for the discussion.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses? It is here that we learn to grow, by acknowledging the things we need God to improve in us.
- In our struggle to discover our vocation, we tend to forget that our vocation is caught up in community and communion with others. Have you thought about how not only pursuing religious life would affect your life and those you leave behind but also how it will affect the lives of the community you potentially might join?
- Are you afraid that you will make the wrong decision in your discernment process, or that you might not hear God correctly? Remember Abraham. God promised him a son, but then God asked him to take this son up a mountain and sacrifice him. Have you felt you were going in one direction and then suddenly God pulls you in another? This does not mean that your discernment is wrong, it means God is leading you in His mysterious way. Where is He leading you right now?