WHAT IS DISCERNMENT?

(Above) Fr. Rolando R. Agustin at St. Andrew Cathedral in Paranaque City.  Before he was assigned Rector and Parish Priest, he was once Spiritual Director at San Carlos Seminary and Rector of Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary, where he helped many young men discern their vocation. Photo source: Facebook

In the book, "Pointers for New College Graduates,"  Fr. Rolando R. Agustin, former National Executive Secretary of Directors of Vocations in the Philippines, under the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP),  writes -- in simple terms-- a  chapter on   "discernment."

"Discernment comes from the Latin word discernere meaning to“separate or distinguish.” As a process, it takes time. As an ability, it is a gift, a personal skill that allows you to quiet down, to listen and to see signs and their meanings.

In discernment, it is assumed that you have a prayer life. This means that you recognize God’s presence in your life and that you have a personal relationship with Him, the One whom you believe created you for a purpose.

Remember that discernment is different from the decision-making process as taught in business school. Specifically, decision-making in business involves metrics and cost-benefit analysis to reach a decision for optimal results in the short- and long-term.

In contrast, you turn to discernment to uncover God’s purpose and mission for you. You discern when you are faced with a number of options. Or when you need to decide on what state in life you will take, which profession or career you will pursue, and who to choose as your partner for life. "

"Pointers for New College Graduates," avaialable at Fully Booked, St. Pauls Bookstores and Catholic Book Centre.

=====================================================================
Note from  Gerry P. Siquijor, author of "Pointers for New College Graduates:"

I am deeply grateful to  my high school classmate, Fr. Rolando R. Agustin,  for for  contributing this  chapter on "discernment."  I will certainly be joining him  on January 19, at the St. Andrew Cathedral in Paranaque, when Fr. Rolly celebrates his 25th year in the priestly ministry.