May 25, 2013
PART 1
Discernment-the sixth of the Sevenfold Gifts, St. Bonaventure
Sixth, grant us discernment, by which we may draw back from what is unhealthy.
“God does not exist to answer our prayers, but by our prayers we come to discern the mind of God.”
~Oswald Chambers
I have always appreciated the insights of Oswald Chambers. Modern day folks will often mock ancient cultures who did certain dances to get rain or offer specific sacrifices to receive a desired end. We might refer to them as primitive cultures with simplistic theologies, but is modern-day Christianity much different? How often have people bargained with God, thinking that the right action or words or ritual will get them a promotion, the winning lottery numbers or better health.
Many of the things people desire from God reflect selfishness or the result of poor choices…those things that are not of God. The God we have come to meet in Jesus Christ does not exist to fulfill the picture of happiness humanity has created. Instead, God has given us the vision of the Divine Reign – this vision, of course, was the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Discernment is an essential part of the Christian life, for it allows us to see God’s hope for the world, a hope that is very different then the selfish yearnings human beings have confused with God’s vision for the world. Discernment is not easy, but we are called to be the people who listen for the whisper of God’s voice through scripture, worship, silence and study.
Psalm 95:7
For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice!
1 thought on “Ecclesiological Etchings: 05-25-13, Part 1”
Another take on this is to pray for and seek the peace that will free up one’s heart, mind and soul. Better and more healthy decisions will usually result when one is in that state.