thediscerninglife

In my perusal of New York Times each Sunday, I see many ads for expensive goods aimed at the generally well-heeled demographic of Times subscribers. From time to time, I notice the word “discerning” used in ad copy, such as, “the discerning buyer” or “the discerning collector.” Used in this way, the word conveys a carrot and a stick: flattery to those who see a value in owning whatever is being offered, and a goad to those who do not. Although it is used manipulatively, the usage is accurate. A discerning person is able to tell what has value or quality, and what does not.

Over the course of Christianity’s history, the word came to be associated with a vocation to the priesthood, ministry or religious life as the member of an order. In a way, this meaning is the result of a false dichotomy between “church life” and everyday life. Aspirations to holiness (or more accurately, “wholeness”) are for a chosen few; what is there for the rest of us than to muddle along as best we can? Nothing could be further from the truth.

God has a dream for each one of us: that we may have life, and have it to the full. How it plays out in each of our lives is specific to our circumstances, awareness, and choices. It is vital that we cultivate our ability to discern what has spiritual value, and live a life in which awareness of what moves us toward and away from the fullness of life is always present. It is the work of a lifetime, and that is what this blog is about: how to live “the discerning life.”