Essential Technique for Decision Making – Weekday Homily Video

When you’ve got a big decision to make, how do you handle it? Do you go to someone you respect asking for their advice? Do you make a list of pros and cons to help you decide? Do you go for a walk to clear your head? Or maybe put it off for another day?

There are plenty of techniques we can use, and no doubt, most are helpful … but Jesus reminds us of one that is essential: prayer. As we heard in today’s gospel, Jesus went off alone, up on the mountain, and spent the night in prayer, time alone and uninterrupted with God.

Ask About Your Mission

Jesus’ night of prayer led to a day of action. From many disciples, He chose twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the hope of Israel’s restoration. The twelve move from disciples to becoming apostles, meaning “one who is sent.” Jesus, who was sent by the Father, will soon send out the twelve on a mission.

God has a mission in this life for every one of us, and part of being able to do it is to come to Him like the people who came to Jesus in today’s gospel.

As followers of Jesus seeking to do the will of God, it makes perfect sense that we both speak to and listen to God when we are trying to make the right choice in a challenging situation.

An Example from My Own Life

Maybe, like me, you’ve been led to prayer without you knowing it when you weren’t sure what to do. Many years ago, when trying to decide about my physical therapy career path, I was torn between a purely academic track requiring further graduate studies or moving toward a clinical/administrative role with part-time teaching. At the same time, my brother was holding a holy hour on Friday nights for at-risk youth in Boston … but not many were attending. In fact, some nights, it was only my brother and Jesus.

I went just to be supportive as a brother. But what I, and I’d bet you’ve discovered, is that when we have the time in Eucharistic Adoration, time to pray and think and then let go, God reveals the best way forward. He doesn’t care why or how we got there, God can use this time of quiet and peace to help us see the best path forward. For me, it was a surprise invitation to discern the vocation of the priesthood. For you, it could be the call to marriage or religious life. It can also be when you are meant to change course in life within your current vocation to pursue a more fulfilling path. And, of course, there are the decisions that have to do with health, relationships, finance, work, etc.

Go to Jesus

At the end of today’s gospel, we hear how a great crowd came to Jesus to listen to Him and be “…. healed of their diseases … and even those tormented by unclean spirits were cured.” “Everyone in the crowd sought to touch Him because the power came forth from Him and healed them all.”

That’s our encouragement today, whether facing big, medium, or small decisions, to go to Jesus in quiet prayer and let Him give us what we need to fulfill our role in the Kingdom of God, the mission He has given to each of us!

• Today’s Readings

• Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

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