The Discernment Process (Patrick Purnell)
In the tradition of the Catholic Church much of the experience of discernment has been articulated systematically through the reflection of St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556). His approach requires a person to notice their feelings and see through them to deeper movements of the heart. Those movements, particularly of desolation and consolation, need further scriptural reflection, advice and analysis applied so that the process involves not only the heart but also the head.
The process also involves a double focus. Discernment is not simply an introspective experience aided by scripture. It also involves a clear view of the reality outside. In recognising this double focus discernment recognises the mystery of an immanent God who comes close to us as well as a transcendent God that operates in time and history and beyond both time and history. Discernment takes place in the space between those two realities.
Here we offer one pattern from a contemporary Jesuit, Patrick Purnell. He puts this process into a scriptural context and outlines seven steps:
- What exactly is the issue? What do we want to discern?
- Clarifying and bringing together the facts involved and the possible consequences
- Looking at them in the context of our lives and the lives of those with whom we are involved and taking into account the wider context of society and the world.
- Allowing ourselves to become attentive to the whole situation, so as to be able to digest it. What are the different feelings generated as we become aware of what is involved?
- Is there anything in our past experience which has a bearing upon the present and which will help clarify the immediate situation and help us make a life-giving choice
- How can we be true to the Gospels? How do we respect the traditions? Is there any specific teaching of the church that may have a bearing on the issue at hand?
- Having considered and reflected on the different alternatives, which choice brings peace and a sense of integrity? As we hold on to that choice does the prospect of that choice being final continue to bring us peace?
If God is calling you, you will not be able to deafen your ears for ever. Would you like to read the story of a nun’s vocation, of God the persistent caller?