Vocational accompaniment is a key dimension of a process of discernment on the part of the person who is called to choose. The term “discernment” is used in a variety of ways, albeit interrelated. In a more general sense, discernment means the process by which important decisions are taken; in a second sense, more typical of the Christian tradition and more relevant for our purposes, it corresponds to the spiritual dynamic by which a person, a group or a community seek to recognize and to follow the will of God in their particular situation: “test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thess 5:21).In so far as it involves seeking to recognize the Spirit’s voice and accept the Spirit’s call, discernment is an essential dimension of Jesus’ manner of life, a fundamental attitude rather than a particular action. Throughout the history of the Church, different spiritualities have addressed the topic of discernment with different emphases, and in relation to different charismatic sensitivities and historical epochs. During the Synod we recognized some common elements, which do not take away from differences of language: the presence of God in the life and the history of every person; the possibility of recognizing God’s action; the role of prayer, of sacramental life and of asceticism; continual engagement with the demands of the Word of God; freedom with regard to acquired certainties; constant evaluation in the light of everyday life; the importance of adequate accompaniment.
TheoFonsAt the sources of the faith