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The Role of Discernment in the
Rites of Christian Initiation
and Reception
Life is full of decisions. And there is never a guarantee that
the decisions we make will for sure be the right decisions.
However, we can be open to a posture of decision-making that
reflects a God-focus. We can enter into a process of
discernment, which is a particularly appropriate kind of
decision-making for an individual participating in the Rite of
Christian Reception.
Discernment
is not a foolproof set of directions one follows
to come to the perfect solution. Rather, it is a surrender into
a process of coming to fuller self-knowledge and responding out
of that experience. While the practical judgment made is
of definite value, it is the whole process of trust and
surrender that is of definite value. We can never know if
the decisions we make are right decisions because we see now
only as in a glass darkly. However, we can know we make
a good decision if we have been faithful to the demands of the
discernment process.
What Discernment is
Not
Discernment does not occur only through gut-level responses such
as
feelings or emotions. Affectivity, however integrated,
cannot be the
sole criterion for decision.
Discernment does not in essence happen through a systematic
and
logical process. It is more than decision-making. It is an
adventure
that faces the mystery of God's stirrings.
Discernment usually does not occur through private revelations
to an
individual. Private revelations are prone to
self-deception and therefore
need the community's confirmation.
Guidelines for Discernment
Discernment is the art of finding meaning in our daily lived
lives, as it
reflects God's revelation. It is not about seeing
new things, but seeing
things in a new way.
Often we can discern the ways of God by using common sense
supported by informed and prudent judgment, but sometimes we
overextend our competence, and therefore blind ourselves to the
need
for further investigation and consultation.
Discernment is a holistic process which involves the
intellect,
psychological state, affectivity, spiritual,
volitional and physical. All
elements of our embodied person
can play a role in offering cues.
One can approach the process of discernment with confidence
that
God will guide us in our faithful searching. Such a level
of trust
presumes a developing relationship between us and God.
We must be comfortable with the possibility of a wrong
decision, but if
we are faithful to the process of discernment,
we can rest in the
certitude of a good decision, knowing that
God will use whatever our
falterings are to bring about good.
Discernment occurs in God's time (kairos), the
appointed time, the
time that best serves the building of God's
reign. It is not calculated
and cannot be measured, except in
terms of fidelity. It takes trust to
llow God's time to emerge, to know the right moment and not to rush.
Discernment leads us to a sense of detachment -- the ability
to
remove ourselves enough to be able to accept whatever is
asked of
us. Such detachment teaches us to make room to welcome
whatever
is given, to accept all as gift.
Discernment requires obedience and surrender.
Obedience means
truly listening to the words of life, and then
responding. Surrender
means turning over private expectations
and desires for the greater gift
that we can receive if we open
our hearts to God.
Four steps or movements characterize the discernment process:
Deliberation
Deliberation includes acquiring the necessary information to
make an informed decision, honestly assessing our current
situation, and envisioning new possibilities. It requires
exploring all sides, weighing the pros and cons, and considering
all of the possibilities.
There are two forms of deliberation which are necessary for
discernment: First, we need to consult with ourselves.
We need to seriously consider our gifts and our limitations.
Second, we need to consult with others. We need someone who is
objective and leaves us free to make our own decisions, even if
they are poor decisions.
During this stage of the discernment process, we should ask
ourselves:
Am I open to consult other persons in this process?
Do I consult with legitimate authorities -- people who know me
well -- for
feedback and direction?
Do I make time for silence and solitude in this discernment
process?
Do I make time to pray during this discernment process?
Reflection
There are
also two types of reflection. The first type assumes certain
expectations. We have already make up our minds, and have
decided what we will discover. Such reflection does not lead to
honest discernment. The second type of reflection opens us to
the truth in whatever way it emerges. We do not protect
ourselves from the uncomfortable. We allow the issues and ideas
raised during deliberation to work from the inside out. We
listen, slowly and respectfully. This kind of reflection
requires a certain level of disinterested involvement -- we give
ourselves over to the process, without deciding ahead of time
what the result will be.
During this stage of the discernment process, we should ask
ourselves:
Where is God for me in all of this?
How does this relate to my life in my family, among friends,
within my
community or work?
In what ways will my decision promote Christian love and
Christian values?
What is the most response-able course to take?
Insight
Insight
emerges slowly and gradually, as we purge ourselves of the
desire to short-cut the discernment process. When we give
ourselves over to the discernment process, we open ourselves to
whatever insights might emerge on a deeper level where images
are being transformed, our experiences reinforced, and our
awareness of ourselves is being clarified. Insight emerges
through a birthing process; it is a gift of the Spirit.
During this stage of the discernment process, we should ask
ourselves:
Have I made time to let all of this settle down and to seep
into my
being?
How do the insights which emerge relate to my lived experience
and
my relationship to God?
Is there a sense of inner peace and quiet with the choice
which is
emerging?
Can I honestly say that this decision fits with my true
sense of
myself?
Decision and Action
After
prayerful reflection and consultation, we can come to a posture
of liberation and hence a decision. This decision will affirm
and promote the gifts we have been given for building up the
reign of God. We should resolve to follow the decision which
emerges through the process of discernment, until evidence
presents itself that the decision needs to be reevaluated. We
can trust the presence of the Spirit in the decision which
emerges through our discernment when it leads to a fuller
expression of the gifts of the Spirit: love, joy, peace,
patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
(cf. Galatians 5:22-23).
[Adapted from Thomas H. Morris, The RCIA--Transforming the
Church.
©1997 by Paulist Press.]
If you have questions or concerns
about the role of discernment in the Rites of Christian
Initiation (RCIA) and Reception (RCRA), you should visit with
your Parish Sponsor, the Director of Initiaiton, the pastor, or
another trusted spiritual guide.
Or contact:
Director of Adult
Faith Formation
320 Mulberry St., Waterloo IA 50703. Phone:
319-234-9912
Email: DBQ208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us
Posted 01.08
Last Update 08.19.09 |