Discernement

"When they entered the city they went to the upper room where they were staying,...(they) devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers." Acts 1:13

Time is radically important, especially when it feels like we don't have any, when there is too much to do personally and communally. But not taking time to discern how best to respond in faith to the personal concerns that we face and structural needs in the world will surely lead to mistakes from which it will be difficult to recover.

After the apostles accompanied Jesus to Mt Olivet where he ascended to his Father, they gathered in the upper room not simply to try to reclaim the energy that Jesus had given to them but to take time to reflect on how the Spirit would direct them to go forward with the Good News. The experience of Jesus being raised from the dead was powerful but would only sustain them if they continued to pray, reflect, discern and chart a course that would allow all to hear how God's mercy was a gift to all.

Today, take some extra time to reflect on an issue with which you have been struggling.

How has taking time for prayer and reflection helped you with demanding decisions?