Mistakes to Avoid in Spiritual Discernment
Discernment requires knowing the ways and means to exercise good discernment. But there are also certain things to watch out for. In this Hozana article, discover the key points to focus on and pitfalls to avoid when it comes to spiritual discernment.
Internal vs. External Sphere in Spiritual Discernment
In professional life, we don’t mix business with our personal lives. In the Christian life, it’s somewhat the same between the external sphere (which we can compare here to business) and the internal sphere (to personal life in this case).
The “internal sphere” encompasses everything related to a person’s privacy and innermost conscience. Spiritual direction, the sacrament of Reconciliation, and seeing a psychologist are settings where the internal sphere is expressed, and where the person engaged in discernment has no obligation to reveal to the external sphere the topics and discussions that took place within the internal sphere.
Good to know: The Code of Canon Law states, for example, in Canon 220 that no one is permitted to violate another person’s right to privacy.
In practice: If your parish priest entrusts you with several important duties in the parish, it is best not to go to confession with him. Similarly, a seminarian may never go to confession with the rector of his seminary.
Thinking that one vocation is superior to another: a common mistake
There are sometimes misconceptions about vocations, such as the belief that the priestly or religious vocation is superior to the baptismal vocation. Pope Francis, for example, reminded us in Gaudete et Exsultate: “To be holy does not require being a bishop, a priest or a religious.” (No. 14)
Why can any form of pressure distort spiritual discernment?
We must also be careful not to respond to a vocation under duress or simply because we were told to enter the seminary. We must also be wary of pressure that may arise from a looming deadline.
Private revelations and “visions”: a point of caution in discernment
Charisms are a gift from God. But one must also know how to discern them. In charismatic prayer groups, there are “visions” or words that may be confirmed, while others are not.
Beware of people with bad intentions or who give ill-advised counsel
There may be people who encourage others to enter religious life or go to seminary, but they may have bad intentions or use inappropriate language. For example, someone who says, “I really see you as a priest; you absolutely must become one and enter the seminary next year,” is not speaking with modesty. On the other hand, they would show more respect for the person if they said instead, “Have you ever thought about becoming a priest? I think you could make a good priest, provided that this is the path that makes you the happiest and most fulfilled.”
Why is maturity essential in spiritual discernment?
A certain level of maturity is required to make a sound decision following spiritual discernment. This includes emotional and affective maturity.
Can one discern without praying? A major mistake
Spiritual discernment without prayer is no longer spiritual discernment, but discernment based on reason. Of course, God has given us intelligence, and we must use it, but discernment in the Christian life requires, above all, the support of prayer.
Why is it essential to take time to discern?
It is important that the person discerning be able to take their time. It is up to them to make the decision. Be wary of any pressure or constraints (such as a deadline) that might push a person to make a decision when they are not truly ready.
With Hozana, deepen your relationship with Christ
Deepen your relationship with Christ through Hozana to make sound decisions. To this end, we recommend several communities, such as:
This community for
This program for
