Personal Discernment

I propose the following simple process of personal discernment, basing on the method proposed by Ignatius of Loyola. Take about half a day to be by yourself to enter into a deeper communion with God, to discern what he wants of you. It will be better to go to a quiet place, where you can be by yourself, where there will not be anyone to disturb you.

Place yourself in the presence of God, and seek his Holy Spirit to come upon you, and open your heart and mind to know his most holy will for you, and a receptive heart that will cling on to whatever He might reveal to you. Seek the assistance of our Lady too to help you in your search.

Take a sheet of paper and put down all the reasons why you should take up the new appointment in the new place. Put down all the reasons, both subjective and objective. For example, the people there are in need of help; there are too few members of the congregation in number; with earlier experience in social work, you can help them coordinate the works better, etc. Take enough time to do this; don't be in a hurry. Think of all possible reasons; make as much as possible an exhaustive list. Take about one hour to do this.

Now hold this paper in your hands, and spend about fifteen minutes in prayer before the Lord; in your mind go through the points you have written. Listen to the whispers of the Spirit; what is the Lord telling you here and now. Don’t be analytical or rational, but let your heart vibrate with the points you have sincerely put down.

Take another sheet of paper, and now write down all the reasons why you should accept the assignment, but continue with your present ministry. Remember, by this time, you are not too attached to remaining in the same place, you should have reached indifference. Don't think about what you would do here in the future; that is secondary. The main issue is to accept the new assignment or not. Stay with that. Make an exhaustive list of the reasons why you should not go there; such as, you feel you can serve the Lord better by teaching; you feel confident the Lord is calling you to be a here, etc. Spend about an hour to do this exercise.

Again hold the paper in your hands, and spend about fifteen minutes before the Lord, considering all the points you have put as against the new assignment. Listen to what the Lord is telling you; listen to his whispers. Be attentive to his voice speaking at the depth of your being.

Now place both the papers in front of you, and have a good look at them; weigh both of them; note which one weighs more. Which paper has more substantial reasons; don't be biased, but honestly and objectively see where you find weighty reasons. It may not be very difficult to find out which paper weighs more. After having a look at both the papers together, close your eyes, and seek the Spirit's assistance and guidance to make a right choice. Which of the two is more pleasing to the Lord? At the end of about fifteen to thirty minutes, you would be able to tell for yourself this is the option the Lord is showing to me. End the personal discernment with a thanksgiving prayer to the Lord, to his Spirit and to our Lady, and seeking the Father’s blessings to confirm your decision.