Steven’s vocation has given our local community witness to the process of Discernment.    People are able to see that discernment is not instant magic.    Rather, it is a real process that involves time and work.

Steven reviews several practical tools of discernment.     First off is Commitment.    You have to actively engage.    It won’t come to you, you need to work to open yourself up.     Also, building up a prayer life is a must.   Ultimately you are looking to build a relationship.    This takes time.    

Good spiritual direction is crucial.   You should not and can not go at this alone.   

Steven mentioned Pastores Dabo Vobis which was written by Pope Saint John Paul II.   This writing talks about the priesthood and what it takes to form a priest.     Noted are a couple of challenges with this modern world.   The fist is the materialism of our culture which emphasizes having more than being.      Secondly our culture confuses freedom with license.    Improperly seen, freedom as license makes one a slave to their passions.   Properly seen, freedom is the ability to choose The Good.     Seen in this light priestly celibacy is less of a giving up and more of a gift.

Discernment brings with it many struggles.   A common struggle is the belief that you are not worthy.

Ultimately, know that discernment requires work and that there will be many struggles and many graces along the way.