Abstract
Loretto Gettemeier defines discernment as “a prayer-filled process through which each of us can discover the difference between what is my will and what is God’s will.” The main concerns of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac were the imitation of Christ and the accomplishment of God’s will. God has a plan for each individual and every organization. Discernment is required on both the individual and the organizational level. The first part of discernment involves prayer and reflection. We must know Jesus and see how every decision demonstrates a love of God and a love of others. Next, we must hold ourselves in “unrestricted readiness”—we must relinquish control and be completely ready to accept what is God’s will. We must look for that will in all events and also seek others’ advice on what we are considering. Finally, if God’s will is reasonably clear, we must act. If not, the decision must be postponed. Questions for reflection are provided for each step of discernment.
Recommended Citation
Gettemeier, Loretto D.C.
(1998)
"Vincentian Discernment and Decision-Making,"
Vincentian Heritage Journal: Vol. 19:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://via.library.depaul.edu/vhj/vol19/iss1/2