I have been asked to lead a class this Sunday on discernment. The primary focus is for those who are considering proceeding with the process of entering the Catholic Church to consider the changes they have experienced, the conversion journey they have embarked upon, and whether or not they are in a place where they could say "yes" and "I believe" to the creed of the Church.
Now, this has really started my thinking wheels turning. Not simply about those considering a particular line of faith in a certain denomination, but all who consider themselves to be Christians. How do we discern, or do we ever stop to consider our faith journey? What does it really mean to discern, and why would it be necessary?
First of all, we should all take time to discern our faith journey and our "place" with God and our community on a regular basis. We may not always like what we see, but that is exactly why we should look! You have to remember that we are the only way many people will ever have a chance to hear of or be exposed to Christ. That, in itself, is probably a frightening thought for MOST people. It is for me. When I think that my actions, my words, my daily life is actually serving as an example of Christ to my family, my co-workers, my friends, the cashier at Pet Smart, etc., well, I kind of squirm with an uncomfortable embarrassment. I mean, how often do my words and actions actually turn people off, and possibly away, from Christ and His church?
So, that brings me to the next question: What does it mean to discern and how do we do it? Well, to discern is simply to take some time thinking of your true self. Not the one you "want" to be, or the person you "hope" is visible, but who you REALLY are. The deep down dirty depths of you. Gross, but real. Take time to ask yourself these questions--Do I reflect Christ, or do I hide Him under a dirty pile of human selfishness? Do my actions show my faith? How? Do people who see me know I'm a follower of Christ? How?
Now, your first inclination might be to say that what you do is your business, and that the reason you don't need a "church" holding you accountable is because no one is perfect, and "they" have no right to keep tabs on your decisions. You know what...I've been there. I've been one of those, "I don't need organized religion and its politics" people myself, but let me share the reality of that statement. What it really says is this, "I know God and Jesus. I read the Bible. I'm just fine living my life the way I want to, and I don't have to answer to anybody else." Unfortunately, it is way too easy to lie to yourself. The big problem is, with or without a community, you still, if you claim Christianity at ALL, can't continually ignore the teachings of Christ.
So, back to discernment. I try to teach my daughter to ask three questions when she is choosing music, books, TV shows, movies, etc. Is it true? Is it beautiful? Is it good? Do the things you expose your soul to uphold the truth, beauty, and goodness of God's will? Do they proclaim to the people around you that you are seeking to glorify God in the things you participate in and allow your children to be exposed to? We do live in this world where God isn't often recognized anymore as the ideal moral compass, but we can NOT allow ourselves to be of this world. We live in it, and we transcend it, because, for us, it is our temporary home. Our journey doesn't stop here.
Remember, it really isn't just about you. Faith is not just a personal thing. We are commanded to be disciples. You can't do that sitting on your couch by yourself. You don't have the strength to live a true life of faith on your own. We need to be fed and guided. But what you contribute, or refuse, your community can be either helpful or damaging to others. In your discernment, you need to consider that as well. By refusing to take part, you are committing a sin of omission. By refusing to work for Christ in the community, you are saying "no" to His command. Also, if you claim to be a member of community, as in the Catholic Church--in full communion, yet continue to live a life that does not agree with the teachings and guidelines of the Church, you are putting yourself and others in very grave danger. Do you want it on your head when you see God that someone turned away due to what they saw in your life? Or that you had the chance to make a difference for someone and instead you chose to be selfish and they never saw Jesus in you?
I could go on all night, and I think by now you've gotten the point. This may be continued...
No comments:
Post a Comment