Living the 3D Focus: Discernment
Last month, we featured “Calling on the 3D Focus,” introducing the three main areas of focus for our MCCW sisters in Christ throughout the world. MCCW’s 3D Focus includes intentionally using the tools we possess to develop, discern, and live as a disciple.
This article is the first of three in a planned series over the next two editions of “The Well”. This piece will address the first of the 3D Focus: discernment.
As a refresher, discernment is defined as, “seeking and understanding the will of God for our lives and vocations through the power of the Holy Spirit.” The goal is that discernment is a part of all aspects of our lives, as we submit ourselves fully to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to, “…be our guide and counselor in this our lives.”
With the Easter season upon us, and so many Catholic Women of the Chapel (CWOC) groups preparing to enter their last month of meeting for this program year, there are some thoughts which should encourage and challenge women to rise to the heights of our feminine genius while serving as a “Visible Presence of Christ” within our communities.
Discernment
Throughout Scripture, prayer is a vital part of the expression of faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes St. Therese of Lisieux in explaining,
“For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.”
CCC 2558
Prayer is communication with our Creator. Yet communication requires not just talking to someone, but also requires us to listen to, or for, the other. Prayer is simply that – speaking to God, and listening for His still, small voice on our hearts.
Discernment is taking a problem, a concern, or a set of choices to God in prayer, and listening for the Holy Spirit to guide us in figuring the right way forward.
As article 2559 in the Catechism continues,
…humility is the foundation of prayer. Only when we humbly acknowledge that ‘we do not know how to pray as we ought,’ are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer. ‘Man is a beggar before God.’
CCC 2559
In times of discernment, God will provide an answer; but our hearts must be open to acknowledging and accepting that sometimes, His answers are not the ones we desire. As the Litany of Humility reminds us, through prayer we strive to become as holy as we should… as holy as God wills for us in our lives.
We can discover more about “Prayer in the Christian Life” in part four of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
In the meantime, each woman is encouraged to pray over the following few questions as they pertain to discernment in your faith journey:
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What does my prayer life look like?
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While I might speak to God, how comfortable am I at making room to listen for God?
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Which areas of discernment are confusing to me?
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How do I hope to grow in the skill of discernment?
Download a copy of these questions to pray over throughout the course of the next month.
Just as Mary was given a chance to discern her fiat, so, too, are each of us invited to the table to discern any number of choices in our daily lives and communities.
Connect with us through our MCCW-Worldwide Facebook group or send us a message at info@mccw.org if you feel called to share your answers to these questions.
In Christ,
Anni
Director of Communications
Check out the second part of the “Living the 3D Focus” series, diving deeper into Development.
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