The word discernment comes from the Latin word discernere, which means to distinguish, to sift out, to separate that which may be from God from all the other influences in our lives, good or bad.

To discern is to spend time listening, to set out on a journey with God. Those who are discerning must set aside their fears about the future, and most of all must surrender any sense that they must be in complete control at all times! To discern is to receive direction from God.

At the same time, discernment allows us to take
responsibility for the choices that we make. We can
actively cooperate with God as we map out our
future, full of hope and promise. It is not unusual
for people in discernment to feel alert, frightened,
surprised, joyful and rooted (sometimes all at the
same time).

To discern means to be open to all the opportunities.
But most vocation ministers caution against an
unhealthy obsession to become a priest or religious. They might ask such a seeker, how can you listen to God when you already have all the answers? Instead, it helps to have an attitude of openness and trust.

Above all, keep asking questions and praying for answers. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring light to your journey, to breath in you and through you. Ask God how you can best be of service to God and God’s people.

The Missionaries of the Precious Blood offer discernment opportunities to those who are exploring this path. Please visit our Discernment Opportunities page to learn more.