Spiritual discernment is a key tool for Catholics seeking to follow God’s will in their daily lives. It is a process through which we seek to know and understand God’s desires in our daily decisions, both in the small details and at life’s major crossroads. Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the importance of discernment in the Christian life, stressing that “discernment is an act of inner freedom, a space where the voice of God is heard and responded to.”

What is Spiritual Discernment?

Spiritual discernment is not merely an intellectual reflection, but an act of faith that seeks to align us with God’s will. It is a profound process in which a person opens himself to the action of the Holy Spirit to guide him in every moment. We often confuse this process with simple logical decisions, but in reality, it is an act of prayer, attentive listening, and trusting that God guides our actions, even when we don’t understand everything that is happening around us.

How can we practice discernment in everyday decisions?

Discernment is not only for moments of great significance, such as choosing a vocation or making an important decision in our professional or family life. In daily life, we can practice it in the smallest decisions, such as how to spend our time or how to treat the people around us.

1. Prayer as the First Foundation: Before making any decision, big or small, Catholics should begin with prayer. Talk to God, present our concerns and desires, and ask Him for guidance. This is essential, as the Holy Spirit illuminates our understanding when we open our hearts to Him.
2. Listening to God’s Voice: Discernment requires learning to listen to God, and sometimes this means silencing our own internal and external voices that distract us. Through God’s Word and daily meditation on the Scriptures, we can learn to recognize how God’s will manifests itself in our lives.
3. Consulting with Others: Often, discernment also involves consulting with trusted people, such as a spiritual director, a priest, or a wise person in the faith. These people can help us see things from a different perspective and guide us when we feel confused or undecided.
4. Inner Peace as a Sign: Once we have prayed and reflected on a decision, inner peace is often a clear sign that we are on the right path. If a choice brings us a sense of peace and serenity, it is an indication that we are aligned with God’s will. However, if we feel agitated or confused, we may need to reconsider our options.
5. Being Faithful to Small Acts of Love: Spiritual discernment is not limited only to large or momentous decisions. In our everyday lives, we can discern God’s will in small acts of love: in how we treat others, in our patience, in our generosity. If we always seek to act with love, God’s will becomes evident in our daily actions.

Discernment in Crucial Moments

There are moments in life when we make decisions of great importance, such as choosing a life state, a vocation, a job change, or the direction our family will take. At these times, discernment becomes even more crucial. This is where not only personal prayer comes into play, but also spiritual direction, consultation with the Church, and complete trust that God has a plan for us. Holy Mother Church offers us resources such as the sacraments and the counsel of the saints to guide us in these momentous decisions.

The Importance of Trust and Patience

Spiritual discernment also requires great trust in divine providence. Sometimes answers don’t come immediately, or the signs may seem confusing. Patience is an important virtue in the process of discerning God’s will. Through perseverance in prayer and reflection, God will gradually guide us, according to His perfect timing.

Spiritual discernment is a daily practice that allows us to live according to God’s will. It is a process that goes beyond major decisions, as we can seek God’s will in every small act of our lives. The key lies in prayer, reflection, wise counsel, and the inner peace offered by the Holy Spirit. By doing this, we can live our faith with greater depth and confidence, knowing that God is with us at every moment, guiding our steps.