It’s Time to Move!

In his book “To Save A Thousand Souls:  A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood”, Fr. Brett Brannen describes the importance of moving in the discernment process. He states:



”If a man is moving – gathering information, praying, growing in holiness, checking out vocation websites (like this one), reading books, talking with his spiritual director – the Lord can guide his movements. He will close some doors, causing the man to turn and go a different way. He will open other doors for the man to pass through. Some men just sit in their rooms and pray, ‘Jesus, please tell me my vocation.’ And the Lord says, ‘I will. But God can’t drive a parked car. Move!’ Have you done everything that you need to do in order to know the will of God? If not, then maybe Jesus is waiting on you.”



The suggestions in this section helps one allow God to MOVE them towards His will. We have broken up spiritual exercises in three phases. Each phase will focus on four simple activities for the discerner to do based off of the acronym M.O.V.E. (Maria, Oratio, Visita, Eucaristia). Mary moves the heart of the discerner towards Jesus; prayer opens us up to God’s presence; visiting a seminary or convent dispels fears; and living a life centered on the Eucharist fills us with divine life!

Each phase builds upon the other. For simplicity, M. and O. are meant to be done daily as part of your prayer routine, while V. and E. can be repeated as often as you desire. Move on when you have completed all the suggestions in each phase. Give yourself 30 days for each phase or until you become comfortable with the spiritual exercises and they have taken root in your prayer life. May the Lord MOVE your heart during these days so that you will clearly know His will!