seeking discernment

​In the January PPPG prayer meeting, Fr. Elton Fernandes, SJ of Taipei Ignatian Spirituality Centre guided us on how to hear Christ’s voice more clearly?
 
It was such an excellent talk. Father Elton explained thoroughly on how God speaks to us, that His voice is often very subtle and need to be discerned. He pointed out the two keys of discernment: consolation and desolation and then he ended the talk with the process of discernment. He also gave many examples from our daily lives.

After hearing the talk, I realized that discerning God’s voice was important in the spiritual life. In the world today, when there are so many voices going into our ears, it is hard to sift these voices and choose the will of God.
 
When it comes to God’s will, I think understanding His heart and mind is crucial; and the bible and scriptures will certainly help me. I should ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s truth and goodness and assist me to pray, read and mediate God’s words every day and above all to hear his voice. In every decision I make in the future, small or big, I want to notice if there is consolation or desolation. There is peace and joy in consolation. There is no peace in desolation. 
 
My goal, then, is a life of discernment. I must work at it with prayer, sacraments, and other aspects of spiritual life. This takes time and patience to grow. But like everything else, when it becomes a habit, it will gradually turn into regular behavior and an automatic reaction.

By: Patty Mak