Monday after Epiphany

Today's Mass Readings

Discernment is a word that is rather common if you work in seminary formation, but for most people, it’s probably not one that enters into your everyday conversation. Discernment is the ability to judge well, or distinguish between choices or options. Most often in the Christian context, it has to do with distinguishing between two good options. Ultimately, discernment is a way to understand God’s will or desire for us in our life.

In the first Letter of St. John, he writes: “Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God.” St. John offers a powerful principle or guideline for undertaking discernment, namely, an inspiration, thought, or idea should be “tested” first to see if it is from God. Here we want to know: What is the origin of this thought? Is it from God, or not from God? We want to accept what comes from God, but reject the thoughts that do not come from God. Thoughts that do not come from God could come from our own voice (i.e. from our insecurities, woundedness, or personal doubts), from the world (i.e. what our culture says about how you should act or live), or from the Enemy (i.e. an outright temptation to sin coming from the evil one).

“Test the spirit” to uncover whether it comes from God. St. Benedict quotes St. John in Chapter 58 on Receiving New Brothers. His principle for testing has to do with perseverance. He writes, “Therefore, if someone comes and keeps knocking at the door, and if at the end of four or five days he has shown himself patient in bearing his harsh treatment and difficulty of entry, and has persisted in his request, then he should be allowed to enter…” While St. Benedict’s test may seem harsh, the operative principle is clear: Is it a fleeting enthusiasm or an authentic call from God?

We have many ‘voices’ and influences that we have to sort out at any given time throughout the day. While you are in prayer, you must express your desire to follow God’s will. In an ever-changing world, you must listen carefully for the steady and consistent message that God speaks in the peace of your heart.

Reflection Question: What decision in my life do I need to bring to God?

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB