“For who can learn the counsel of God?
Or who can discern what the Lord wills?
For the reasoning of mortals is worthless, and our

designs are likely to fail; for a perishable body weighs down

the soul, and this earthy tent burdens the thoughtful mind.

We can hardly guess at what is on earth,

and what is at hand we find with labor;
but who has traced out what is in the heavens?
Who has learned your counsel, unless you

have given wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high?
And thus the paths of those on earth were set right,
and people were taught what pleases you,
and were saved by wisdom.”
Wisdom 9:13-17

Discernment is a word used to describe a process for folks who are trying to determine if they are to enter the priesthood, diaconate or religious communities - folks who want to be “professional Christians.” A lengthy process is established by diocesan policy and committees are established in the Church to help folks determine if this is really what is to be their role in God’s church. I benefited going through this exercise. The goal in my sending diocese was to help me grow in the Christian faith and to be able to articulate my call to ministry. But truth be told, discernment is a word that belongs to all Christians. I remind you that through our baptism that “we are received into the household of God. We are to confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood (BCP, p.308).”

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word discern to mean to see clearly, to be able to see clearly, to gain insight. Discernment is part of our Christian formation. It is a process in which we learn to keep company with God, to come closer to God’s love and to enter more deeply in the fellowship of all believers. Change comes when one enters into this endeavor - sometimes it brings suffering, sometimes it brings joy, sometimes it brings peace, and sometimes it brings all three. The theme for the Women’s Retreat this fall is Discernment, so we will be going more in depth with this aspect of our spiritual formation. For all who are endeavoring to seek God’s will in their lives, I leave with this prayer penned by Brother Laurence.

“My God since You are with me and since it is your will

that I should apply my mind to these outward things,
I pray that you will give me the grace to remain with You
And keep company with You.
But so that my work may be better Lord,
Work with me,
Receive my work and possess all my affections.
Amen.”

May you find abundant blessings of joy and peace.