Tips for the Discerner

On Listening to the Word

Choosing the right congregation should not be the primary consideration of any young person who is thinking of becoming a religious priest, brother or sister.

The starting point is always the Word of God because the call uses the language of the One who Calls, not the language of the called.

In other words, immerse yourself in the word of God, in the study of the scriptures, in the homilies of the priests.

Maybe a good analogy is that of an author or a writer. Say you read Bo Sanchez, Jessica Zafra and Ricky Lo regularly. After some time, you are so immersed in their style of writing and in their distinct vocabulary that you don't need to look at the byline. You know the Writer because you are very familiar with the writing. You can distinguish one from the other. Such as, when the article is full of angst and irony, then must be Jessica. If it talks of showbiz gossip and latest scandal, you wont attribute it to Bo, because you are familiar with B's thoughts. Must be Ricky Lo.

The same way with listening to the promptings of the spirit. You can only affirm the voice and the message if you have listened enough to the point that your heart tells you that this is is! This is God's voice talking to me.

Try reading some excellent blogs like Faithofacenturion by Fr. JBoy Gonzales, usccb, the goodnews.