In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Bob Schuchts, founder of the JPII Healing Center, to talk about how he discerned the creation of this life-changing ministry. Dr. Bob shares about the decisions, confirmations, and moments of surrender that led him from a successful counseling practice into helping others encounter Christ’s healing love on a larger scale. As he reflects on the ways God guided him through trusted mentors, family, and unexpected circumstances, I invite you to consider how the Lord may be leading you in your own decisions.
Reflection and Discussion Questions:
Dr. Bob describes “Pentecost Thursday” – the moment of an “explosion of power of the Holy Spirit’s grace to heal;” on that day he received a “mandate from God” to start the JP II Healing Center. And yet, he still submitted to the discernment of spiritual directors and advisors. Even when God seems to move powerfully, why is it necessary to discern the source and wise to ask for input and counsel? Who should we go to about important discernment questions?
When Dr. Bob sat down with his wife to discuss the Center’s potential impact on their family life, it was agreed that half of the events would happen in their hometown to reduce his time away from their grandchildren. Sometimes, as we seek to obey God’s call, we can be creative and come up with solutions to mitigate any negative impact on our primary vocation. How have you navigated new calls amidst existing obligations?
Sometimes God calls us out of our comfort zone. Dr. Bob shares candidly that he initially didn’t want to offer large retreats. “I’m an introvert,” he said. “I like one-on-one. I like teaching; I was happy in a classroom with 30 or 50 people. And so the real stretching was going to larger audiences.” He also had ongoing health issues that made such intensive work and travel difficult. Have you ever had to do something that felt bigger than your natural giftings, desires, or capacity? What happened?
Renouncing a spirit of dread also freed him to continue his travel schedule. Sometimes, it is not just the circumstance itself but our thoughts about it, which may or may not be our own. Understanding Discernment of Spirits, a framework proposed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, can help us determine the proper course of action. Are you familiar with Discernment of Spirits? Have you used it to understand your thoughts?
Resources Mentioned:
Be Healed by Dr. Bob Schuchts
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