What is a “hidden discerner?”
Discernment is the process of coming to know God’s will for our lives. It requires a relationship with Jesus to live as disciples and match our desires to His.
As discerners begin to understand God’s call, time is needed for reflection, especially in daily prayer. From the inkling of a call, discerners then move to gather more information. This can occur over several years or sometimes just a few weeks. Many discerners take these steps alone, not wanting to reveal how God is moving. These are sometimes known as hidden discerners.
You’ve likely known hidden discerners — good-natured followers of Jesus who genuinely seek to do His will. They assist at their parishes or schools, attend youth events and are commonly seen in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. They are earnest; we just aren’t aware of the call maturing within them.
I encourage all discerners of priesthood and religious life to make your discernment known. Let the Church be a part of it!
Ask tough questions, seek direction and share the fruit of your prayer. Learn to notice and dispel the lies of the enemy. Recognize the Church is here to walk with you to help you find clarity and peace.
While a time of hidden discernment is typical and even necessary, we can’t discern God’s will in a vacuum. We need to ask for the Church’s involvement and affirmation of a perceived call.
There’s a difference, however, between hidden discernment and outright hiding. Some people never really discern God’s call. Others will ruminate with discernment without ever taking action. Jesus cautions against prolonged discernment: “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16).
Sometimes, discerners get caught in ruminative thinking or become discouraged by the voice of the evil one. Discerners get tripped up with questions like, “Will they try to trick me into the seminary?” “Will that religious order convince me theirs is the right fit when it’s not?” “What if I’m not called after all?” “I don’t feel ready; can I just get my life together first?” Sharing your discernment with the Church can help reject lies and calm one’s fears.
There’s a real vulnerability to letting others into your story. But when we allow ourselves to be guided, uncertainty or confusion is replaced by conviction and assurance of God’s presence. Why not allow His Church to assist you?
We owe these discerners our prayers. Interceding for them is an important task. Let’s pray for discerners to have the hope that the Lord will fulfill the deepest longings of their hearts and that His Church is here to assist them.
If the Office of Vocations can be of help, please reach out! Visit www.stlvocations.org.
Father Brian Fallon is the chaplain to the Catholic Student Center at Washington University and the director of vocations for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
