Finding Our Deepest Desires feat. Paul Krenzelok

When I was discerning my vocation, I remember getting frustrated when I would hear about all this pie in the sky philosophy without getting any answers about how to actually know God’s will and make a decision. I wish I had heard Paul Krenzelok speak then. Enter today’s episode, the perfect marriage of philosophy and practicality! No matter what decision you’re discerning or what stage you’re at, Paul’s episode will give you new insight and effective tools you can use right now.

Hopefully you know that you are inherently important, but I think sometimes we kind of gloss over it when we feel small, disorganized, less than what we should be, or just a hot mess in general. I often compare my journey to others’ and forget my unique unrepeatability. Did you know that understanding our dignity, individuality, and identity is the basis of all right discernment? Paul really digs into a truth that we often lose sight of: we need to focus on who we become rather than on what we do. As long as we own our true identity as children of God, the “what” will take care of itself much more easily.

Paul also pulls from St. Ignatius of Loyola’s discernment spirituality to give us real, actionable tools that you can use today. If you’ve never heard of consolation and desolation and how they help us get in touch with our deepest desires, you’re going to love this. 

Topics discussed:

• Focusing on discerning Who (identity) rather than What (vocation/career)
• Ignatius of Loyola’s spirituality
• Our deepest desires are God's will for us
• Consolation and desolation as tools for discernment

Resources:

• Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
• Reasons not to discern religious life
• Ascension press- Who Are You?
• Christopher West- Theology of the Body Institute
• Listening to the Music of the Spirit: The Art of Discernment
• Catholics on Call: Discerning a Life of Service in the Church
• Called By God: Discernment and Preparation for Religious Life
• Ignatianspirituality.com