Fear Not

Episode 5: God Speaks in Human Ways

* In our fifth and final episode, Fr. Brian, Sr. Karolyn, and Fr. Angelus talk about how “God Speaks in Human Ways.” The logic of the Incarnation is that God reveals Himself in human ways. Therefore, if God is going to reveal His will to me, He’s going to communicate it in a way that I can understand. God works through our desires and gives us freedom: What do we want to do? If we’re praying and in a state of grace, we can start to follow the desires of our heart. God often also speaks to us through other people, whether it’s the advice of someone who knows us well or through obedience to a legitimate superior. Don’t discern in isolation. * NET Ministries: https://netusa.org/ [https://netusa.org/] * Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George: https://altonfranciscans.org/ [https://altonfranciscans.org/] * Franciscan Friars of the Renewal: https://www.franciscanfriars.com/

Episode 4: God Can’t Steer a Parked Car

* Welcome to Episode 4, where Fr. Brian, Sr. Karolyn, and Fr. Angelus discuss our fourth principle of discernment: “God Can’t Steer a Parked Car.” This means that when it comes to discernment, we have to do our part and be practical in seeking God’s will. We need to do our research and collect data and actively do things that “incarnate” the desires and values of our hearts. We don’t want to overcomplicate or overspiritualize because God is very practical and incarnate. If we’re in relationship with God and we start moving, the Holy Spirit will steer us. * NET Ministries: https://netusa.org/ [https://netusa.org/] * Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George: https://altonfranciscans.org/ [https://altonfranciscans.org/] * Franciscan Friars of the Renewal: https://www.franciscanfriars.com/

Episode 3: Seek Jesus First

* In Episode 3, Fr. Brian, Sr. Karolyn, and Fr. Angelus cover the topic, “Seek Jesus First.” Our primary call, or vocation, is to holiness. First and foremost, we need to seek to be a faithful disciple of Jesus in all that we do, one step at a time. If we just do the next right thing and follow Jesus, God will take us on an adventure that surprises us and brings us joy. When discerning, we need to ask if a decision we’re discerning will encourage our conversion and lead to greater holiness or not. As we grow in holiness, God makes His will known to us. * NET Ministries: https://netusa.org/ * Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George: https://altonfranciscans.org/ * Franciscan Friars of the Renewal: https://www.franciscanfriars.com/

Episode 2: God is Not Seeking to Deceive You

* In Episode 2, we focus on the truth that, “God is Not Seeking to Deceive You.” Often, we think of discernment as a puzzle or a mystery that we have to “figure out.” But mysteries in the Christian sense aren’t meant to be figured out, but entered into and received. Discernment has to start with reexperiencing the truth of who God is so that we can learn who we are. God is our loving Father who wants to give us good things and wants us to know His will. He has revealed His will to us through Scripture, the Commandments, and Church tradition; therefore, we don’t need to try to discern between what God has already revealed as good and evil. This leaves us free to discern the specifics of what God wants for my life in relationship with Him. * NET Ministries: https://netusa.org/ * Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George: https://altonfranciscans.org/ * Franciscan Friars of the Renewal: https://www.franciscanfriars.com/

Episode 1: Don’t Worry, God is in Control

* In Episode 1, Fr. Brian, Sr. Karolyn, and Fr. Angelus discuss our first principle for discernment: Don’t Worry, God is in Control. First things first, when it comes to discernment, don’t freak out! We’re in God’s hands. Worry comes in when we have unrealistic expectations about what we “should” be doing. We can’t find our security in our circumstances; we find our security in a relationship with the Lord. We can combat worry through tools such as prayer, friendships, grounding breaths, exercise, or journaling. Ultimately, we have to ask God to help us trust that He is a good Father who has a good plan for our life. * Mentioned in this episode: “Into Your Hands, Father” by Wilfred Stinissen: https://ignatius.com/into-your-hands-father-iyhp/ [https://ignatius.com/into-your-hands-father-iyhp/] * NET Ministries: https://netusa.org/ * Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George: https://altonfranciscans.org/ * Franciscan Friars of the Renewal: https://www.franciscanfriars.com/