This poem is meant to convey the confusion which might arise in the face of an apparent contradiction in the process of discerning God's will. This is quite relevant to me, at this time in my life, as I am myself trying to discern God's will for me, and in particular whether I have a vocation to the priesthood... But this poem doesn't speak so much of the priesthood in particular as it does discernment in general.
Confusion
in Discernment
by The Maestro
And
now do I confront the dreadful choice:
Which
shall I make? For I hear not God’s voice.
No
leading light do I from God receive;
Yet
that He hath a plan I must believe,
And
that, if I comply, ‘twill be fulfilled:
I
need but only seek to do His will.
But
lo! What is His will? I know it not—
Discernment
is, alas, with scruples fraught.
If I,
that God’s will be in me achieved,
Must
seek in all I do that God be pleased,
Yet
how ought I to know what God desires,
When
‘twas to know this which I first aspired?
I
seek His leading light to counsel me,
That
I His will might plain and surely see:
For
this, said I, my will must be like His,
That I
must perfect correspondence give.
But
how do I conform to God’s Will mine,
If of
His will I have no teaching sign?
Fantastic as usual, Jon. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, this is amazing! You are very good at putting thoughts into words, Jonathan. I would never have been able to write this, but it is exactly how I feel sometimes. Thanks for being the poet for us who cannot be.
ReplyDeleteMuch thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteThis articulates much of what many teens go through. You are not alone by any means, and it is often comforting for me, in my discernment, to think of the many people confused the way I am. That probably sounds really weird, but in praying for them, at least I'm not wasting time worrying. Anyhow. I shall add you to my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI really love your blog by the way. I just haven't commented before (obviously). I guess I just don't want you to feel like you're alone in your search, and that the fight is always worth it. Even if fulfillment doesn't come in this life, if you keep working for it, it shall certainly come in the next! I'm proud to (sort of ish) know you.