FR. RAMON MA. LUZA BAUTISTA, SJ
Step 2 – Gathering of Relevant Data
The gathering of data can follow. Here, we go out of our way to obtain any knowledge or information that may assist us in our discernment process. If a young man is discerning to be a Benedictine monk, it would be worthwhile to acquire significant information. He can ask questions about the Benedictines, such as who their founder is, their spirituality, and their way of life. Included here is the “dialogue with others.” This means talking to real people who have some competence or familiarity with the issues involved. For this reason, if one is interested in becoming a La Salle brother or a Jesuit priest, it would be good to meet a La Salle brother or some young Jesuits who are already pursuing this particular vocation.
Step 3 – Listing The Pros and the Cons of Each Option in Separate Columns
With enough relevant data gathered, we can then take the first option of our question. Hence, given our earlier example, if one is discerning – “Should I be a diocesan priest in Manila (first option), or should I be an SVD priest (second option)?” One can start by listing in separate columns the “pros” and “cons,” the advantages and disadvantages of this first option. Naturally, when doing this, one applies his list to his own personal unique case and condition since different people have different perceptions and situations. After some time, with the first option done, he can shift slowly to the second one. And here, one does the same listing, this time clarifying in separate columns the advantages and disadvantages of being an SVD.
Step 4 – Weighing and Pitting The Pros and Cons of Both Options Against Each Other
One can bring in prayer when one feels he has listed both options adequately. Here in the Lord’s presence, one weighs and pits them carefully against each other. One can do this prayerful weighing by asking questions. With all these advantages and disadvantages delicately considered, which option has the greater pull and greater tug in my heart? Which option draws and allures me more? Which one heartens and enlivens me more? As one does this for some extended time, one “looks in” to examine attentively the top feelings that have been emerging and how, in the concrete, his heart has been responding to all these weighing, pitting, and questioning.
