Discernment

Deciding on something in life is an art: the art of knowing how to choose, and for this, discernment is necessary. Let us not forget that, without this art, we are sailing on the open sea and run the risk of losing the horizon. Among the causes of this disorientation are what St. Ignatius calls “disordered affections”, which slow down or divert our boat. Therefore, it is important to keep ourselves orderly. To do this, we need to recognise the disorder in ourselves and make determined amends for it. In fact, in the measure of determination there is grace. However, we must give time to time, accepting that this vital order is not achieved overnight.

With discernment we channel the desire born in our heart to “seek and find the divine will” in one’s life. It helps us to walk – slowly but surely – towards God. And this without forgetting that with each step we take we mark our course. In this sense, the question of St. Ignatius (“where am I going and to what?”) prevents us from losing sight of the goal. It is worthwhile, therefore, to stop to review, to listen and thus to choose accordingly. Of course, doing so will not be our merit alone. The answer is a descending gift. Like rain and sunshine, so every grace and good received comes from above.

Of course, along the way we will encounter help and danger alike. We will encounter consolations, inner motions by which “the soul is inflamed with love for God, its Creator and Lord”. But we will also encounter desolation, restlessness, darkness, losing our senses or falling to the ground and discouragement. In these cases, St. Ignatius suggests that we “make no move”, but simply wait for calm and serenity to continue with lucidity to the desired goal.

Discernment is necessary on our life’s journey, but not only on the great and difficult occasions, but also on the most everyday ones. Indeed, we must “find God in all things”, however small they may be. It is precisely in the smallest things that we prepare the spirit for the most decisive. For those for whom the small things are nothing, the great things are nothing.

Melissa Vázquez