This is a really great book, summarizing lessons I’ve
learned over a lifetime. The sub-title
of this book is “Discovering and Responding to God’s Will in Your Life.” That is a most important thing to dedicate
your life to but, as I’ve found, the title notes something even more important:
“Saying Yes” to what you discover.
Sometimes, that’s hard.
The author begins
with reflections on the focus of a life --- how “we discern our unique and
individual contribution to being a coworker with Christ,” our vocation in
life. Early and throughout, he points to
an ongoing problem: “The ego is a heavy piece of luggage.” He notes: “Discernment involves surrender (of
self) and trust (in Him),” adherence to the Word as seen in the Church,
Scripture, prayer, and as brought to us through interactions with others. In various ways, he teaches us to listen,
which is “The Heart of Discernment.”
Mr. Haase notes that “God has a preferred mode of
communication with each of us.” (I’ve
found mine in reading.) And, as I discovered
late in life, he notes the value of a spiritual director, an annual retreat,
and journaling --- I write this blog, a nightly report card of my day, and a “spiritual
journal” of the times when I felt God’s presence.
Mr. Haase concludes his book with chapters on wrestling with
the devil --- our disagreeing with what he tells us to do, and wrestling with
God --- our rationalizing what He tells us to do. “We fear failure.” I love his supporting quotations from saints
throughout the book, but most especially his Appendix of Prayers for
Discernment by various saints. Those
prayers so reflect my heart --- and will open yours.
This book is the best Christmas present you could buy
yourself.
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