On Tuesday night, Nov. 11, in the Household Commons, Cindy Costello was invited by Sister Anna Rose Ciarrone, TOR, and Mary Spouse of the Spirit Household to speak on discernment.
When freshman Calissa Ybarra was asked what she liked about the talk, she remarked, “I really enjoyed it because … I was struggling with something, and then I feel like she addressed it and I was like, whoa!”
Costello discussed a variety of topics on discerning God’s will, including recognizing and listening to His voice, as well as responding to discernment questions.
She began her talk by pointing out that doing God’s will is possible, and that by letting “Him love you … you’re doing His will already.”
Costello then spoke about discerning God’s word in a world where so many words are present, especially when it is challenging to hear His voice. She mentioned there are three voices present in our lives, besides God’s: the word of the world, the flesh and the devil.
These different voices often use our thoughts, either inspiring us or tempting us. God’s voice inspires peace, joy and charity, while the devil’s voice fills us with shame, doubt and fear.
This is where discernment becomes important. Costello said that we must look at these thoughts with God, never alone, to discern them.
“Where’s it coming from, when did it start, how does it feel after you think about it?” Costello asked.
She then touched on the importance of silence in hearing the voice of God.
“God speaks in silence,” Costello remarked. She continued to say that God will speak “if you give Him a chance.”
Just as God speaks through moments of silence, He also speaks through anything and everything. God can use daily events, people, the weather and relationships to talk to us.
“Believe that you have the capacity to listen,” Costello advised, describing how God once spoke to her through something as simple as a tree to teach her a profound truth.
Costello concluded her talk with additional places one can look for help in discernment. She suggested spiritual direction, Scripture, the Church’s teachings and the example of Mary, our Mother.
Mother Mary was always present in the moments she was in. Costello’s final remark to her audience was to “live in the present moment” as well.