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We turn at this time of year from the
celebration of the Christmas mystery, the Incarnation, to the very real presence
of Christ in ordinary time, in our daily lives. Christ who has assumed our
nature is present with us. One aspect of this catholic and incarnate theology is
discernment. God is active in word and work. God’s work can be recognized. This spring the Cursillo community approaches the
selection of a new lay director. I would like to take a little time to reflect
on the difference between discernment and decision making, an essential
difference in a Christian community. We have just completed a long, contested period of nation
elections. Voting can lead to division because it focuses upon power and the
exercise of power. A vote is an individual preference. We vote for what we like,
for what we don’t want. The Christian community, Cursillo as an example is
called to a different mode. Discernment focuses not on my preferences, what I
want or how I feel, but in what God is doing by word and deed to continue
forming and preparing us to bring others to Christ. The period of discernment of a new lay director asks us to
look to what God is doing within our community to prepare us to bring others to
Christ. The Catholic church has a long tradition of discernment.
Spiritual direction is based on prayerfully getting outside our emotional and
personal attachments, sometimes even fear, to see our call from God, the work of
the word of God in our life. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius rely on the
fact that God does guide our ways and makes known his paths. Both have a long
history in affirming entry to commitment and ministry within the church. It is
both personal and communal. Its discernment also has both personal and communal
aspects. Personal discernment listens to the word of God, centers on prayer, and
is nourished by the sacraments and supported by group reunion. Communal
discernment adds the wider faith experience of many individuals. The public work
of the Spirit is always meant to build up the body of Christ, the church. It can
often clarify and help us see where and how God is at work. A second necessary component of discernment is humility.
We are limited in our ability to know and do. It is a readiness to need and
accept the help of God. Often we confuse discernment and decision making. We tend
to act on what we think, feel, or prefer. We trust ourselves. We elect. This
call to discernment within the Cursillo community is a call to put faith in God,
a faith that guides and forms our actions. It is a formation that brings others
to Christ. Put on Christ. DeColores, Fr Bill Schopps |
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