Spiritual discernment is often a practice relegated to college students scouring their souls for information about a proper "vocation," a dense term applied to either a general "married life versus the religious orders" dialogue or to a very specific question of professional career.
This, however, is a misguided approach, said Catherine Brunell, the head of Christian Life Communities in Campus Ministry, and Tuesday's speaker at Agape Latte. The title of Brunell's talk was "Discernment: It's About More than your Vocation."
Brunell is a graduate of Boston College (class of 1999) and also is the overseer of the popular CURA program, which she described as a place for freedom on campus where people can receive "the big hug."
This was the last event in this series for the academic term, and also signified a personal ending for Brunell, who has chosen not to return to work in full capacity next year. She said that this was a very difficult decision, but the process of discernment was instrumental as it represents a "key spiritual practice in our lives" and is an example of the "practical theology" that she finds important.
Spiritual discernment is a process deeply intertwined with Jesuit spirituality, as it was taught by St. Ignatius in his Spiritual Exercises. Today, the exercises and daily examen have been largely unchanged and are still regularly practiced by Jesuit priests and laypeople alike.
For Brunell, this practice of discernment was a "gift my mentors had given me" and she used it in stressful situations; however, over time it has become part of her daily regimen.
"If we only flex this muscle when we need to make tough decisions, we are left at a disadvantage," she said.
Brunell specifically addressed the Halftime retreat, which focuses on this process.
The goal of this process is to make choices by reflecting on the pros and cons, or good and evil, in a situation and it stands in relation between the head and heart.
2008 Woodie Awards
