A reflection by Sr Lynne fcJ from FCJ Centre St Hugh’s, in Liverpool, first appeared in the FCJ Sisters Blog
The fast-paced and noisy nature of much of life seems to leave us with a desire for something deeper, calmer and more subtle. We intuitively sense that there is more to life than the surface busyness, and we long to access that which provides meaning and purpose to the outward activity.
I regularly give workshops on theme of discernment; teaching some basic principles, and giving an opportunity for people to deepen their own understanding of the ways in which we can be in touch with the presence and action of God in our everyday lives, and in the decisions and choices we face.
Recently I found myself talking to a very mixed group of people, from different generations, cultures and walks of life, each one seeking to make decisions in line with their faith and values. I find it profoundly moving to see this thirst among people to grapple with some of the questions of discernment, such as:
- How can I be attentive to the action of God’s Spirit?
- What are the ways in which I can be pulled away from listening to God either by external circumstances or by my interior struggles?
- How can I tell if something is ‘from God’ or just a figment of my own desires and imagination?
- What if I make a wrong decision.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.
Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)
