Cor Vitae Formators Training Closing Retreat – 28th Sunday Year B
Wisdom 7:7-11
Psalm 89
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-27
Reflection:
Discernment is one of the great gifts of our faith, but it is often misunderstood. It’s not merely about making decisions but about aligning our hearts with God’s will in a way that transforms us.
Wisdom 7:7-11 – Wisdom as the Foundation of Discernment
The first reading highlights how wisdom is the ultimate treasure. Solomon, in his prayer, shows us that wisdom, born from intimacy with God, is more valuable than wealth, power, or even physical health. He understands that wisdom isn’t just knowledge; it’s a gift from God, allowing us to see beyond the surface of life’s choices. Discernment requires this deep wisdom because it helps us navigate complex decisions in a way that reflects God’s heart. True discernment arises when we, like Solomon, seek God’s wisdom above all else, allowing it to guide us in life-changing directions.
Psalm 89 – Trusting God’s Faithfulness
Trusting in God’s faithful guidance is essential as we navigate life’s challenges. The psalmist calls us to praise God’s eternal love and faithfulness. The more we cultivate intimacy with God, the deeper our trust grows. It is through trust in His goodness that we are able to discern His will with clarity and confidence, even when the path ahead is uncertain or challenging. When we are deeply connected to God, we come to know His heart, and that trust becomes the compass for discernment.
Hebrews 4:12-13 – The Living Word That Discerns Our Hearts
The reading from Hebrews reminds us of the power of God’s Word, which is “living and active.” It penetrates deeply, revealing our innermost thoughts and intentions. True discernment comes from allowing God’s Word to shape us. It’s not just about choosing between right and wrong but allowing God’s Word to transform us. His Word reveals our deepest desires and shows us what must change in our hearts. In the process of discernment, it is the Word of God that convicts and transforms us, enabling us to live according to His will.
Mark 10:17-27 – The Challenge of Letting Go for True Transformation
In the Gospel, we encounter the rich young man who wants to follow Jesus but is unwilling to let go of his possessions. This passage highlights that discernment is not just about understanding God’s will but having the courage to follow it, even when it demands sacrifice. True discernment is life-changing because it calls us to deep conversion. The rich young man’s encounter with Jesus shows us that discernment requires both deep intimacy with God and a willingness to surrender anything that hinders our relationship with Him. It’s a call to transformation, where we trade temporary securities for eternal life with God.
Discernment, as we see in the readings, comes from deep intimacy with God and leads to a life-changing transformation. It requires wisdom, trust, and a readiness to embrace God’s Word, even when it cuts to the core of who we are. But discernment is not just about gaining insight—it is about the willingness to change and follow God’s Will, even if it means giving up what we hold dear. When we allow God’s wisdom to guide us, His Word to transform us, and His love to lead us, we experience the kind of discernment that brings true life. In the end, discernment is not just about choosing a path—it’s about becoming the person God created us to be, a person transformed by His grace and love.