The Revised Common Lectionary is calling for Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 this Sunday. It is the story of how the disciples chose a replacement for Judas Iscariot.
This image is page 2 in A Cartoonist’s Guide to Acts
How Do We Discern God’s Will for our Life?
That’s a huge question. It has been on my mind a lot lately since I am currently working on a retreat and a course for Luther Seminary titled “Discerning God’s Call.” (stay tuned for how you can join the retreat in January)
Last week a friend on the Cartoonist’s Bible Network recommended the book God’s Voice Within by Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ. The book is a very practical guide for navigating the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. In the final chapter, Thibodeaux indicates a situation in which the casting of lots, flipping a coin, or simply making a deliberate choice may be the correct method of discernment. He says,
it may well be that there is more than one correct choice and that God is ready to bless my life regardless of my choice. St. Ignatius calls this situation “choosing between goods.” In these cases, then, what I am seeking is not the correct choice over a series of incorrect ones but rather the choice that is the Magis (the greater). That is, I am seeking the choice that will better aide me in achieving the purpose for which I am created (my principle and foundation) (p. 211).
More Discernment Resources
I’d like to offer you two more posts that explore the question of discernment, or listening to God. The first is a video I made during the pandemic. Read the transcript here.
The second is a sermon I gave a few years ago called How to Listen to God.
