Communal Discernment | Dr Pavulraj Michael SJ | Ignatian Discernment Series-03 |#loyolatvmadurai

Summary

Key Points

• Discernment in common is a practice for groups, including religious communities, apostolic works, and families, to make important decisions in alignment with God's will. 0:39
• The process has both personal aspects (awareness of inner movements and social reality, interior freedom) and communal aspects (respect, openness to truth, non-judgmental attitude, frank sharing, empathetic listening). 2:16
• The Ignatian method of discernment in common involves 10 distinct steps, originating from the deliberations of Ignatius and his early companions. 2:55
• The first step involves collecting and systematically presenting all relevant data for the matter to be discerned, followed by group members assessing its completeness. 3:10
• The second step requires individuals to personally reflect on their freedom to enter the process, identifying any fears or attachments. 4:30
• A clear, brief proposition for the matter to be discerned, allowing for a simple yes or no response, is formulated through discussion. 5:01
• The group must decide on the indicator of consensus, such as a simple majority, absolute majority, 2/3 majority, or unanimity, based on the matter's importance. 5:50
• Each alternative is prayerfully considered individually, with reasons shared and listened to empathetically by the group without immediate discussion. 6:35
• Individuals then reflect personally on how each alternative affects them, noting feelings of consolation or desolation. 7:15
• The group shares their inner experiences, using terms like peace, satisfaction, or joy (consolation) and resistance, fear, or confusion (desolation) to indicate their leanings towards an option. 8:15
• The process aims to work towards the predetermined consensus, and if not reached, the group may need to re-examine steps or prayerfully decide the most suitable option. 9:47
• The benefits of discernment in common include a 'win-win' outcome where all experience peace, increased participation and acceptance of collective decisions, and a move away from debate towards prayerful searching. 11:15