Episode 1869: Nourished in Discernment

Nourished in Discernment: Finding Guidance through the Eucharist and Spiritual Discernment
In this episode, we delve into the profound wisdom of St. Thomas More and Rev. Jude Winkler, O.F.M., discussing the synergy between the Eucharist and spiritual discernment in navigating life's choices.
Now I know you know who St Thomas More is but do you know who Fr Winkler was?
Father Jude Winkler, was born on February 25, 1941, (83) in Chatham, New York, USA. He entered the Franciscan Order, specifically the Province of the Immaculate Conception, based in New York, and was ordained to the priesthood as a Franciscan Friar.
Father Winkler is widely recognized for his contributions as a writer, editor, and religious educator. He has authored numerous books and booklets, particularly focusing on Catholic faith formation and spirituality, aimed at both children and adults. His works often cover topics such as saints, sacraments, prayer, and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

One of Father Winkler's most notable achievements is his involvement in the "Come and See" series, a collection of religious education textbooks for Catholic children. These books are widely used in Catholic schools, religious education programs, and homeschooling curricula, providing a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Catholic teachings and practices.

Father Winkler's writing style is characterized by its clarity, simplicity, and depth of spiritual insight. His works aim to inspire and educate readers of all ages, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith.

Throughout his life, Father Jude Winkler has dedicated himself to serving God and spreading the message of Christ through his writing, teaching, and pastoral ministry. His contributions have had a profound impact on countless individuals, helping them to grow in their faith and relationship with God.
St. Thomas More beautifully illustrates how Holy Communion strengthens his resolve and brings clarity amidst distractions and challenges. So lets read what he said.
"If I am distracted, Holy Communion helps me to become recollected. If opportunities are offered by each day to offend my God, I arm myself anew each day for the combat by the reception of the Eucharist. If I am in special need of light and prudence in order to discharge my burdensome duties, I draw nigh to my Savior and seek counsel and light from him." - St. Thomas More
Meanwhile, Rev. Winkler's reflection on the importance of discernment from the Book of Sirach emphasizes the need to seek God's will amidst the multitude of voices and choices we encounter. So let me read what he said.
“Winnow not in every wind, and do not start off in every direction (Sirach 5:11). It is essential to discern what the Spirit wants when we are making important choices in our lives. Through prayer, fasting, spiritual reading, spiritual advice, discernment of signs, sorting out our hidden motivations, etc., we develop a sense of what God wants of us.” - Rev. Jude Winkler, O.F.M., p. 13

We discuss practical ways to integrate the spiritual nourishment of the Eucharist with the disciplined discernment process, drawing insights from prayer, fasting, spiritual reading, seeking counsel, discerning signs, and examining our motivations. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of communion with Christ and the discernment journey in shaping our lives according to God's plan.

When we explore the intersection of faith, spirituality, and everyday life. St. Thomas More's words resonate deeply as he speaks of finding solace and strength in the Eucharist amidst life's challenges. It's a testament to the transformative power of communion with Christ.
Rev. Winkler's reminder from the Book of Sirach underscores the importance of discernment in our decision-making processes. We're constantly bombarded with choices and influences, making it crucial to seek God's guidance.

That's where the synergy between the Eucharist and discernment becomes apparent. The nourishment we receive from the Body and Blood of Christ equips us with the clarity and wisdom needed to discern God's will amidst life's complexities. It's not just about receiving Communion passively but actively allowing it to shape our discernment process. By drawing close to Christ in the Eucharist, we invite His light to illuminate our path and guide our decisions.
And as Rev. Winkler suggests, discernment is a disciplined practice that involves various spiritual exercises, from prayer and fasting to seeking counsel and examining our motivations. It's about cultivating a deep awareness of God's presence and listening attentively to His voice.
Each day presents us with opportunities to align our lives with God's will, and the combination of the Eucharist and discernment provides us with the tools to navigate these choices with faith and wisdom.

So, whether we're grappling with distractions, facing important decisions, or seeking clarity in our journey, let us turn to the Eucharist and engage in discernment with open hearts and minds, trusting in God's guidance every step of the way.
May you be nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ and guided by the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit. So go out and convert somebody God bless.