Discernment Topics
The process of making a decision about what you will do with your life, with the help of the Holy Spirit, is called Discernment.
For some, this process takes time for others they just know their vocation. This "time" needs to be spent in many ways. You need to know who you are and what you like and dislike. You need to develop a prayer life and "be in touch with God," you will need to find a spiritual director to discuss your thoughts and feelings which help you gain insight about yourself.
The seven discernment topics here will help you to learn more about yourself and where God is leading you.
You will find many suggested scripture readings below. It is important that you take the "time" to read these and reflect on them. Scripture is the Word of God for all of us. As you read each scripture jot down what God is saying to you.
After you read the scriptures for each topic, write your response for each of the reflection questions.
First Topic - Relationship with God
Suggested Scripture Readings
Matthew 7:7-11 • Matthew 26:36-46
Mark 6:30-33 • Mark 8:27-33
Luke 11:1-13 • Luke 17:11-19
Scriptural Reflection
• What is God saying to me?
Reflection Questions:
• Who is God for me?
• How do I pray?
• When do I pray?
• How do my experiences with other people help me to understand God?
Second Topic - Church
Suggested Scripture Readings
Matthew 9:35-38 • Matthew 15:32-38 • Matthew 16:13-20
Matthew 16:24-28 • Matthew 18:10-14 • Matthew 18:15-20
Matthew 26:26-30 • Matthew 28:16-20 • Mark 6:7-13
Luke 5:1-11 • Luke 9:1-6 • Luke 9:10-17
Luke 19:41-47 • Luke 24:13-35 • John 21:15-19
Scriptural Reflection
• What is God saying to me?
Reflection Questions:
• What is the Church? In what ways do I relate/interact with the Church?
• How does my understanding of the Church influence my ideas on ministry in the Church?
• How do I react to those who do not see the Church as I do?
Third Topic - Service
Suggested Scripture Readings
Matthew 5:13-16 • Matthew 9:35-38 • Matthew 10:1- 11:1
Matthew 15:32-39 • Matthew 20:1-16 • Mark 6:7-13
Mark 16:1-8 • Luke 4:31-32 • Luke 5:1-11
Luke 7:18-23 • Luke 10:25-37 • John 20:11-18
Scriptural Reflection
• What is God saying to me?
Reflection Questions:
• What does it mean to minister to someone?
• How does a job (e.g., bagging groceries, mowing a lawn, whatever job I do) become a way to minister to others?
Fourth Topic - Sense of Self/Sexuality
Suggested Scripture Readings
Matthew 5:13-16 • Matthew 5:21-26 • Matthew 5:27-30
Matthew 10:16-20 • Matthew 19:10-12 • Mark 1:9-11
Mark 2:18-22 • Mark 8:27-38 • Mark 10:1-12
Mark 11:1-11 • Mark 14:60-62 • Luke 4:14-30
Luke 6:43-45 • Luke 9:23-27 • Luke 9:51-56
Luke 9:57-62 • Luke 11:27-28
Scriptural Reflection
• What is God saying to me?
Reflection Questions:
• How do I see myself as a gift from God?
• How is my sexuality a part of the gift that I am?
• How does the way I relate with others reflect my belief in my giftedness?
Five Topic - Religious Life, Vows, Community
Suggested Scripture Readings
Matthew 5:1-15 • Matthew 5:43-48 • Matthew 6:1-4
Matthew 10:34-39 • Matthew 18:19-20 • Mark 9:38-41
Mark 10:17-22 • Mark 10:42-45 • Luke 6:17-26
Luke 8:1-3 • Luke 9:23-27 • Luke 12:22-31
Scriptural Reflection
• What is God saying to me?
Reflection Questions:
• How does obedience act as a sign of God's love in the world today?
• How does poverty act as a sign of God's love in the world today?
• How does chastity act as a sign of God's love in the world today?
• Why is living in a community important to me?
• What do I see as the joys of life of a sister/brother/priest? What are its challenges?
Sixth Topic - Commitment
Suggested Scripture Readings
Matthew 8:23-27 • Matthew 9:9-13
Luke 10:1-20 • Luke 14:25-30
Luke 16:9-15 • Luke 19:11-27
Scriptural Reflection
• What is God saying to me?
Reflection Questions:
• What is the meaning of commitment in today's society?
• Making a commitment: what does it involve?
Seventh Topic - Decision Making
Suggested Scripture Readings
Matthew 12:1-8 • Matthew 16:24-28
Mark 1:16-20 • Mark 10:46-52
Mark 12:41-44 • Luke 1:26-38
Luke 5:1-11 • Luke14:31-33
Luke 18:18-25
Scriptural Reflection
• What is God saying to me?
Reflection Questions:
• What is a decision?
• How do I make a good decision?
• What are the components of good decision making?
• How does God enter into my decision making?