A Time for Questions

Every vocation begins with existential and personal questions: “What am I doing? What should I be living? Who am I? To what kind of life is God calling me? Where is my happiness? etc.” These questions need answers. Saint Francis, too, asked himself: “Lord, what do you want me to do?” These questions touch on the very essence of life and deserve careful reflection.

So, we must discern.

Discern! What a strange word! Let’s try a definition:

Discernment is a process that requires reflection, prayer, and openness to oneself and to 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 do I do well? What do I enjoy doing?

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

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

So, it’s about reflecting with our minds, our hearts, and… the Lord to choose the path to follow. How do we do this?

The first steps.

After asking questions, it’s best 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 rush, emotionally or hastily. It takes time. Certainly, taking time—for some—means wasting it, because today we must react quickly! Yet the answer to the meaning of our lives requires time, reflection, prayer, and guidance. We must listen to that powerful voice of Jesus when he says to us, “Follow me!”

The Church strongly recommends that during this time of discernment, one be accompanied by a spiritual director. The role of this spiritual director is not to direct or decide on the young person’s behalf, but, drawing on his experience, to enlighten and guide the person toward what is best for them.

Need help with discernment?

Don’t hesitate! Contact us!

---