Lesson 16
Lesson 16
Embedded Files
Discernment
Discernment by simple definition is the “ability to judge well.” It involves taking a closer or full look at something, to consider its worthiness. It also deals with your understanding of something. It has nothing to do with “judging” others (or yourself for that matter). Essentially discernment has more to do with determining how you approach something. It also deals with ascertaining where some truth, revelation or advice comes from and how it can or will influence you. When an approach is provided about something, discernment can allow you to yield to the certain truths about that subject or ideal.
Discernment for the Christian has more to do with making sure your view is not skewed especially when it pertains to obtaining spiritual directions, spiritual understanding, those things Christ is calling you to do and the truths taught by the church. A proper view is important because there can be prejudices, past experiences, emotional investments, or even sentimental ties which can skew your view of reality and absolute truth. That is not to say that positively yielding to absolute truths through discernment is totally without emotion (you can be happy about choices).
The essential questions which will be answered in this chapter is:
What is the discernment process and why do you need it?
Jesus Says:
“I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27)
“Christians are made, not born. Tertullian~ 2nd century
What is meant by Discernment?
What is meant by Discernment?
Discernment is necessary for spiritual growth. Discernment for the Christian addresses the influence absolute truths taught by the Catholic Church have on spiritual growth, and includes the decisions which are involved. It could be the Christian is at a cross-road and needs to determine which path should be taken. In another instance, perhaps, a courageous step in faith is needed to get past a weakness, struggling point, some of life’s suffering or for true conversion. It may be that advice and/or revelation provided, will require a deeper or further consideration. Discerning is a normal and constant part of the Christian Journey. It consists of the thought and prayer behind Christian action.
Discernment is part of RCIA for those seeking initiation into the Catholic faith. God After initiation into the Sacraments, Discernment remains a part of a healthy spiritual walk to follow God and part of life within His Church.
There are in truth three states of the converted: the beginning, the middle and the perfection. In the beginning they experience the charms of sweetness, in the middle the contest of temptation, and in the end the plenitude of perfection.[1]
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[1] Pope St. Gregory I: Morals, 24, 28 (6th Century)
8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception,
10 to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
(Philippians 1:8-11)
21 Folly is joy to the senseless,
but the person of understanding goes the straight way.
(Proverbs 15:21)
The Discernment Process in RCIA
The Discernment Process in RCIA
Initial discernment comes through the RCIA instruction being given prior to the first rite which was the Rite of Acceptance. The discernment was quite simple in form and was basically a question followed by instructions.
Discernment prior to the Rite of Acceptance would have been to determine readiness for the Catechumenate period. This period is where the inquirer becomes a Catechumen, moving from the inquiry stage to the Catechumenate stage.
In the beginning months of RCIA, the Catechumenate period you were getting used to a time of study, growth from what you learned and faith where by going from what is learned, you practiced what is being taught. The learning involves the instructor teaching about the catholic faith. The instructor also shares the faith through their eyes by sharing personal experiences. In this sharing you were given questions for your consideration regarding what was taught. It is in the Catechumen process where the sponsor must be taking an active role and being a model for you the catechumen on your journey in faith.
Another level of discernment occurs during Lent, beginning with and after the Rite of Sending and Election. The points being taught especially about discipleship concern questions which are more involved and intense in purpose. This is a guided process and can occur as part of some of the questions in the lessons.
The Scrutinies
The Scrutinies
For Christians, the season of Lent is a time of purification and enlightenment. For the RCIA Elect this also includes the scrutinies. During which the parish priest, coordinator or RCIA team members may set aside some time to speak with you about your decision to move on to participate in the Easter sacraments. As mentioned above this may be included as part of the lessons as well and take the form of questions and/or reflections. Some of the questions which are considered would include these:
Conversion in mind and action: Have you experienced conversion in mind and action? Are you open to the Gospel teaching by responding both in prayer and service?
Have you had an acquaintance with Christian teaching? By this time you should have been exposed to the Catholic community, its customs and continue to practice the fundamentals of Christianity based on these Catholic customs and traditions.
Do you show a spirit of faith and charity? Do you pray with confidence and trust? Have you grown in your personal relationship with God? Are you a more loving person, being able to give as well as receive love?
Do you with deliberate will and enlightened faith have the intention to receive the sacraments of the Church? Meaning you find this a welcoming and supportive community in which you desire to contribute to its growth and development. Is there a desire to receive salvation and all that this demands of you in the name of Jesus Christ? (For the baptized people- do you desire to deepen the freedom that this salvation promises you?).
After going through the process of scrutinies, if the person feels confident, they are ready to move on, the journey of faith will move forward to the Easter Vigil where the person will receive the sacraments of initiation.
The sacraments of Initiation are:
Baptism
Confirmation
Holy Eucharist
Do I need more time?
It may happen when there are circumstances where a person needs more time to experience these gifts from God coming through the Catholic tradition. This may be by the persons choice or by the RCIA team. In which case the person is more than welcomed to remain a Catechumenate for as long as needed (But you can’t be a Catechumenate for life!). Just because a person may have been through a year or more of the RCIA does not mean they have enough discernment from this process to make a final decision. Many times, certain individuals need a longer period of time to make this experience more complete in order to meet their individual spiritual growth.
RCIA Discernment with a Purpose
RCIA Discernment with a Purpose
As a Catechumen, never feel that you are going to “let someone down” if you decide that you need more time. At the same time do not become anxious at the prospect of having to continue to gather for more instruction and discernment. Don’t feel rushed so that you end up with a decision which reflects “let’s just go through this!”
Perhaps you discern that you need more time. This could be a good indicator of spiritual maturity and practice of healthy discernment. The key word is discernment and sometimes that should be done with another’s input to make sure the Devil is not sowing the seeds of doubt and thus becoming a stumbling block for you.
You should never be anxious to complete the process because this indicates you may not have grasped the purpose of the sacraments of initiation. In light of this comment, do not let indecisiveness or procrastination get in your way. You may need to talk to a spiritual director. Bring your doubts to your instructor’s attention as soon as possible.
An anxious approach might indicate:
First: An anxious person may view the Easter Vigil as graduation night and therefore will fail to continue gathering with the RCIA group to share each other’s sacramental experiences. They can neglect to learn more about their faith, parish and community which is important because the celebration of Pentecost soon follows Easter.
Secondly: An anxious person may stop coming to Mass. They have chosen to stop coming to Mass and not bond with others in the Body of Christ. They may foster feelings that the faith community has abandoned them. Even wrongfully thinking that the faith community has “dropped” them into a life that is unfamiliar to them. Therefore, losing interest and leaving the church.
Once initiated at the Easter Vigil, you need to worship with others, continue to pray together, and continue as a group within the parish community. In RCIA you shared a life with others for the better part of a year on a weekly basis. No other group within the parish shares the same bonds the RCIA group does. As a group, you invite others into this group to know and learn more about the other people in the parish.
In the end the decision up to You. Within your heart you need to evaluate if you are ready to embark upon this Catholic tradition and Christian lifestyle of living. The faith community is continually praying for the Catechumen.
Consider this current point in time. You have undergone a great deal of instruction and discovered a great deal about the faith. You should look at this as a growth from where you began and not as critical judgment on how much knowledge you have amassed. Only consider what you have learned, practiced, believed and understand more fully.
Discernment is an Essential Part of the Mature Christian
Discernment or the process of discerning has been an essential aspect of Christianity from the beginning. The concept is straight forward in that the individual is seeking wisdom, knowledge and guidance on how to proceed in their faith Journey. Discernment is associated with spiritual growth which involves teaching guidance, prayer, meditation and contemplation. Discernment also has a period of testing, waiting and affirmation.
Sounds simple! Perhaps! In some instances, it can be simple where guidance is available, the answers/response to discerning questions may be quick and is tenable, and the affirmation is easily understood. However, there are other instances where discerning can require more effort, a struggle and a longer period of waiting.
Spiritual discernment will involve the absolute truths God has put forth and what you set out to believe in. Whatever you end up believing you end up following. When you do not have the correct facts, then your belief is skewed (tilted). With an incorrect belief you can make dreadful or deadly mistakes. With skewed beliefs, you do not grow spiritually, mentally or psychologically.
Most adults know about discernment. You practice discernment when you make large or compelling decisions which you know will affect your life.
What Does God say about Discernment?
What Does God say about Discernment?
It is always a good idea to see what scripture says about matters of faith and/or learning the faith. Influenced by God’s Holy Spirit, the scriptures contain plenty about discernment. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Holy Spirit inspired its writers to include statements of wisdom and knowledge for the faithful to consider on how they are to proceed to know and learn God’s truth, to learn about God and to know God.
The Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament contains some straightforward statements:
The shrewd always act prudently but the foolish parade folly.
(Proverbs 13:16)
And also:
Walk with the wise and you become wise, but the companion of
fools’ fares badly (Proverbs 13:20)
These proverbs suggest to the faithful to ponder and consider where certain advice comes from and to follow the wisest advice. You should not expose yourself to unsavory (anti-Christian) ideas. These are additional reasons why prayer life is very important as well as the long apostolic tradition of teachings from the Church. Clinging to such prudent ideals are a perfect reason why censoring yourself from unsavory media is paramount to the proper conditioning of your mind and soul.
I should carefully ponder where I get advice and to follow the wisest advice. I must use caution when exposed to media centric ideologies.
Testing the Spirits
Discernment is used for the purpose of examining spiritual influences. Such influences may be from God who is providing direction or perhaps it could be a temptation from Satan in order to mislead you. In the first epistle of the Apostle John (found towards the end of the New Testament); he includes a reminder of this. St. John begins his discourse on ‘Loving God and one another’ with a warning.
1 Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 This is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God,
3 and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist that, as you heard, is to come, but in fact is already in the world. (1 John 4:1-3)
St. John’s use of the word “spirit,” does not necessarily mean only “Spiritual” matters. He is referring to how and what the essence or nature of the teaching, as well as how it is presented. For the Christian this guidepost should not only be applied to religious and personal matters, but secular matters and morality as well.
The secular world contains many ideologies you should not participate in, associate with or even expose yourself to. When you find these in your life (Yes through discernment) you need to eliminate them. Especially be guarded about the media because you live in a media centric society and much what is in the media is very unhealthy. Beware of those who through persuasion and charisms may give you 95% truth only to plant the seed of that 5% lie.
St. John’s reference to “spirit” also includes an “Attitude Adjustment.” You must constantly reflect on your life to see if perhaps a sinister or wrongful attitude pervades your life style. Also, your attitudes may be correct but how you convey them to others through words and action may be less than charitable. Therefore, discern your actions to make sure they are consistent with Christian belief.
What is taught to you as a Catholic Christian must constantly be tested from the point of view of sound doctrinal teachings. It is here where the Christian must discern the truth.[1] It is the Church which is the Pillar and Bulwark of Truth[2] which offers the foundation of consistent teaching throughout the ages in matters of Faith and Morals.
15 But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. (1 Timothy 3:15)
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Pillar means its’ foundation was set by God
Bulwark is a defensive structure (a fort).
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[1] CCC 2663: In the living tradition of prayer, each Church proposes to its faithful, according to its historic, social, and cultural context, a language for prayer: words, melodies, gestures, iconography. The Magisterium of the Church has the task of discerning the fidelity of these ways of praying to the tradition of apostolic faith; it is for pastors and catechists to explain their meaning, always in relation to Jesus Christ.
[2] CCC 2032 The Church, the “pillar and bulwark of the truth,” “has received this solemn command of Christ from the apostles to announce the saving truth.” “To the Church belongs the right always and everywhere to announce moral principles, including those pertaining to the social order, and to make judgments on any human affairs to the extent that they are required by the fundamental rights of the human person or the salvation of souls.”
The Magisterium of the Church
The Magisterium of the Church
It is the Catholic Church’s stated mission to teach what Christ taught, and provide direction in both Faith and morals. For your discerning process in prayer, it is important to consider and be confident in the deposit of Faith Jesus gave through the Apostles. With what Jesus has taught, there is a baseline of consistency always revealing the same truth. Were this not the case then Jesus’ teachings would get lost in arbitrary arguments and relativism. This guidance or “baseline” is referred to as the Magisterium (teaching authority) of the Church.
Some Christians of other denominations insist there is no Magisterium of the Church. However, they are incorrect in their position on at least two counts:
1.) Biblical scripture does not say we are free to determine (interpret) what Scripture says to “Myself” and dictating this should be universally accepted. Nor are there any scriptures which support “My” opinion is good enough for “My Own” interpretation. In fact, Scripture speaks against this.
20 Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation, 21 for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the Holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God. (2 Peter 1:20-21)
2.) Our Lord Jesus sent the Apostles out “in twos” to minister to the message he was teaching, He gave them authority. After giving this command, Jesus Himself said to the Apostles regarding what is being taught:
16 Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” (Luke 10:16)
The interesting thing about certain churches who deny the magisterium of the Catholic Church; they proceed to dictate how scriptures should be interpreted from their point of view. This indicates they are making themselves the sole arbiter of Biblical truth. Such individuals and groups make themselves the “self-elected” magisterium for their own self-imposed truth. Wow!
I smell a rat and you should too!
Yes, Jesus did intend to set up a Church with a deposit of Faith for the purpose of teaching and morality. Jesus tells the apostles this:
15 “If your brother sins [against you], go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
16 If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.
18 Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Luke 18:15-18)
Jesus in saying this is giving His authority to one and only one church. This authority is for the things of faith. This faith involves the Gospel message He taught in order for its members to develop a relationship with God. This includes God’s revelation, truth, morality, practice of the faith and spiritual growth.
It is very sound to conclude, the Catholic Church is a reliable source for purposes of teaching the faith Jesus gave us, morality and especially direction when discerning areas of spiritual growth and direction. The Catholic Church following the Mission of Jesus Christ does the same.
Self-reflection:
Re-read (1 John 4:1-3)
Are you becoming aware that discernment in spiritual matters is part of the Christian life?
In what you read in the passage can you see why this is important for Christian growth and transformation?
How am I becoming aware of how the world with all its worldliness keeps pushing me away from Jesus Christ?
Answer the Questions:
Answer the Questions:
1. What are the Sacraments of Initiation?
2. Discernment is an essential part of the ______________________________.
3. Discernment by simple definition is the ______________________________.
4. What else can you say about discernment?
5. What does God say about discernment?
6. In your own words; Why is the Magisterium of the Church so Important?
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