The Importance of Discernment

Discernment is the process of finding out what God’s will is for us. It seems like common knowledge that discernment is for the priesthood, but discernment is not only for those considering priesthood. The four major vocations that God calls people to are Married Life, Priesthood, Religious life, and chaste single life. The truth is discernment is needed to decide which one of these vocations God may be calling you to. Each vocation is special and benefits others and glorifies God in different ways.

Every person is called to discern what God may be calling them to in their life. No matter what age you might be, God has a plan for you and He is calling everyone to discern this plan by going out and investigating this call more. In the book To Save A Thousand Souls, the author uses the phrase, “God can’t drive a parked car.”, and that phrase applies here. You can discern all you want by yourself, but if you never move forward or if you never go out of your comfort zone and talk to people, you may never fully and confidently know God’s will for you. If you are discerning religious life, it would be a good step to visit a convent or monastery or to go talk to religious sisters or brothers. If yuo are thinking about the vocation of marriage, it is an opportunity to examine your relationships to see if the person you are dating is someone you want to spend the rest of your life with.

Overall, discernment is for all people, no matter who you are and what stage of life you are in, and to discern you need to move and put in the effort.