Discernment: Acquiring the Heart of God

by Marko Ivan Rupnik

So much about our contemporary living can distract and disorient us, making it difficult to grow in the spiritual life, or even to cling to one's beliefs and practices with an inner conviction that fills the heart.

Enter the true art of discernment: more than simply a tool for making decisions or a method for mastering God's will, discernment is a process by which we learn how to remain in Christ, taking on his stance toward life, allowing him to inspire and direct our everyday choices. Precisely because it is an art of communication between persons, discernment cannot be reduced to a psychological technique for running our spiritual lives; rather, it is rooted in relationship.

Genres: Philosophy

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Fr Adam Zettel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rupnik plants the starting point of our discernment in an experience of being saved, founded on a deep awareness of our state as sinners and the need to be redeemed by the love of Christ. Every discernment done right is founded on the memory of that experience of being saved by the one who loves us. Living in him, in that love, and with the Holy Spirit living in us, we can take on the very thought, feelings, desires of Christ, so that as we grow, discernment becomes second nature, since we want what he wants. Rupnik never forgets to underline our connection with the Church, and that discernment is never done as an isolated individual. What a rich spirituality combining wisdom from East and West.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those already familiar with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius but who are now looking to go deeper, Rupnik provides a way in. His use of the Eastern fathers adds a great richness to Ignatian spirituality. Of particular note is his great emphasis on the indispensability of the Passion of Christ in any correct discernment.

[Josef · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got out a lot of this book for my spiritual life!! Especially the teaching on discernment as a spiritual exercise within prayer and the attitude of acquired discernment that has already become a habitus.

[Reuben Nuxoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read and must-have book to keep with you as a reference if you are serious about the spiritual life. Father Rupnik covers discernment in all three stages of the spiritual life with an excellent section on spiritual temptations and another on detachment or "testing."

[Marie Kolbe]

Exceptional. Perhaps the only guide s person who wants to pray night need.

[Michael Choi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What kind of advice would you give a close friend? Apply the same threshold to yourself in discernment.

[Chris Selin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can only read small bits at a time, or my head will explode. Extremely heavy stuff.

[Beatriz Palacio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amplio desarrollo sobre el discernimiento que tiene como eje la relación con el Señor.
ITALIANO: Il discernimento
ESPAÑOL: El discernimiento.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful materials for me in my capacity as spiritual director.