The Why Be Catholic (WBC24) conference, held at Scarborough’s Immaculate Heart of Mary Church have this year explored the theme “Beloved” based on 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.”
Held 12 – 14 September and attracting daily crowds of 350-400 people, attendees ranged from youth to young families.
One of the keynote speakers was Scarborough Parish Priest Fr Christian Irdi, who delivered a speech on discernment, which he described as the key to holiness, and intimately tied to understanding our identity as beloved children of God.
The link between discernment and love
Fr Irdi emphasised that discernment, far from being a mere decision-making process, must be rooted in a deep awareness of God’s love.
Quoting Scripture passages such as Jeremiah 1:5, Isaiah 49:1, and John 15:16, he highlighted how each person is called into existence out of God’s love and for a specific purpose. Understanding this is foundational for discernment.
“God is love,” Fr Irdi emphasised, explaining that what God wants for us is the path of greatest love.
Fr Irdi continued by saying that the foundation upon which discernment must be built is this realisation of God’s love.
“When I discover my identity as a beloved child of God, then I can begin the process of discernment,” he said.
“The Father reveals to me the truth of who I am – he delights in us. It is from God our Father that I receive my true name,” he continued.
This connection to love is central to the theme of the WBC24 conference. “Beloved” reflects the deep truth of our identity.
As Pope Benedict XVI once said, “Each of us is willed. Each of us is loved. Each of us is necessary.” Fr Irdi expanded on this, explaining that the process of discernment is about responding to God’s love by seeking to do His will.
“Holiness,” he explained, quoting St Therese of Lisieux, “consists simply in doing God’s will and being just what God wants us to be.”
Practical steps for everyday discernment
In his talk, Fr Irdi provided practical steps individuals and families can take to grow in discernment.
First and foremost, he stressed the importance of frequent participation in the Mass and receiving the Eucharist.
As Catholics, he said, the Mass is the “place par excellence” where we encounter the living God. He also encouraged Eucharistic Adoration, sharing that he himself discerned his vocation to the priesthood during regular holy hours spent before the Blessed Sacrament.
Another key aspect of discernment is the daily reading of Scripture, particularly the Gospels. Scripture, he explained, helps us grow in knowledge and love of Christ, which prepares us to follow His call.
Fr Irdi recommended starting with the daily Mass readings and practicing Lectio Divina, a slow, prayerful reading of Scripture that fosters a deeper encounter with God’s Word.
Fr Irdi also emphasised the importance of personal prayer and silence. Silence, he said, is the “ideal climate” for discernment, allowing us to hear the “still small voice” of God amidst the noise of daily life. Creating moments of silence and stillness each day is essential for cultivating an attentive heart that can listen to God’s voice. He also suggested going on retreat, where one can have focused time to listen and discern.
Another practical tool is spiritual direction. Fr Irdi explained it as having someone accompany us in discerning the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It provides accountability, guidance, and a sounding board for understanding God’s will.
Discernment in different vocations
When people think of discernment, explained Fr Irdi, they mainly think about discernment of God’s will in the big “vocational” questions in life.
“Married couples are called also to discern what God might be asking of them as a couple or as a family – a process that will involve prayer together and mutual sharing as to what the Holy Spirit might be prompting the family or couple to do,” Fr Irdi said.
Irrespective of one’s state in life, he explained, the fundamental principles of discernment remain the same: we must listen in love to God, who is always inviting us into deeper communion with Him.