Discernment of the Spirit

The WORD in other Words (2006) by Fr Adonis Nacelles SVD – Berlin, Germany

Monday 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

I often hear people say: “Nasapian siya ng masamang Espiritu.” (He is possessed by a bad spirit.), “Magdasal tayo para mawala ang demonyo sa ating bahay.” (Let us pray in order to drive the demon away from our house.), “Napanaginipan ko si Satanas kagabi.” (I dreamt of Satan last night.)

The teachers of the Law in today’s Gospel were confronted with the same dilemma: where does the power of Jesus to drive out demons come from?  Jesus did not use force to rebuke them, but a parable to make them  think and  reflect.  He wants them to know the truth which goes beyond their prejudices and arrogance, personal interests and biases.  This spiritual process is commonly called the “discernment of the Spirit”. 

This method of finding the “real Spirit” entails time, prayer and silence.  Sometimes it is even a painful process of being confronted with one’s weaknesses and limitations.  It is not easy.  But it is liberating especially in every decision-making process. 

People are advised not to decide when they are in doubt.  They have to undergo the purifying process of listening to the promptings of the Spirit.  Those who are able to decide with and in the Spirit will never regret the consequences of their decision.  Because what is important is not the decision itself but the process whereby one arrives at a particular decision. And that is discernment.

Jesus tried to convince the teachers of the Law that the power he has is from the Holy Spirit, a power which does not divide but unites.  For the message of Jesus is not division but union, not blasphemy but charity, not war but peace.  For peace in not the absence of war but the presence of God.