The time for questions

 

Every vocation begins with existential and personal questions: "What am I doing? What should I do with my life? Who am I? What life is God calling me to? Where is my happiness? etc." These questions need answers. Saint Francis also asked himself the question: "Lord, what do you want me to do?" These questions touch on life itself and deserve careful consideration.

 

So, we must discern.

Discern! What a strange word! Let's try to define it:

Discernment is a process that requires reflection, prayer, and openness to oneself and others. Some steps in discernment:

• Listen to our hearts: Take time to reflect on our passions, values, and dreams. What motivates me? What makes me happy?

• Explore our talents and skills: Identify our strengths and weaknesses. What am I good at? What do I enjoy doing?

• Seek advice: Talk to people who know us well, such as friends, family members, or counselors.

• Pray and meditate: Take time to pray and meditate. Ask God to guide us and give us clarity.

It is therefore a matter of reflecting with our intelligence, our heart, and... the Lord to choose the path to follow. How can we do this?

The first steps.

After asking the questions, it is desirable to find answers. Where? With whom? How? The Bible can help us. The prophet Isaiah says, "Listen, and you will live" (Isaiah 55:3). Listening is linked to life. A vocation cannot be answered in a hasty, emotional, and quick manner. It takes time. Of course, for some people, taking time means losing time, because today we have to react quickly! However, the answer to the meaning of our life requires time, reflection, prayer, and guidance. We must listen to the powerful voice of Jesus when he says to us, "Follow me!"

The Church strongly recommends that during this time of discernment, you be accompanied by a spiritual father. The mission of this spiritual father is not to direct or decide in place of the young person, but, based on his experience, to enlighten and guide the person toward their good.

 

Need help discerning?

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