Heart to Heart: Faith Seasons Podcast

For part 1 of Talk 5, Fr. Michael takes us down a journey of imaginative prayer. He imagines what it might have been like for St. Peter to experience the events of the last supper, the foot washing, the admonition from Jesus that Peter would deny him 3 times before sunrise and the confusion and betrayal Peter himself might have felt.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

In part 2 of "The Eucharist: Will You Also Leave?" Fr. Michael continues to explore Peter's firm belief in who Jesus is, even if he doesn't understand what it all means. He then looks at a modern Saint of our times, Mother Teresa of Calcutta who for decades continued her ministry of mercy despite being in her own spiritual desert.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

In part 1 of "The Eucharist: Will You Also Leave?" we see many disciples abandon Jesus after his Bread of Life discourse, but Peter stays. In one of the defining moments of his journey, Peter discovers that faith is not having all the answers but trusting the One who does.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

In part 2 of "The Rock: Who Do You Say I Am?" based on Matthew 16, Fr. Michael examines the state of the Church, our own personal commitment to it and what is truly at the center of our lives, Jesus.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

In "The Rock: Who Do You Say I Am?" based on Matthew 16, Jesus challenges the disciples to identify who he is, and when Peter acknowledges that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus names him petras, the rock, the foundation of the church.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

In part 2 of The Water Walk: Why Did You Doubt? Fr. Michael continues the familiar story of Jesus walking towards the disciples in a boat amidst the storm and concludes with a guided meditation that places us into the midst of the storm.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

In part 1 of The Water Walk: Why Did You Doubt? Fr. Michael sets up the familiar story of Jesus walking towards the disciples in a boat amidst the storm and the initial strength of Peter's faith to leave the boat...Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

In part 2 of The Call: For What Are YOU Fishing? Fr. Michael goes deeper into St. Peter the proud fisherman and an imaginative story of humility before Jesus and Peter's fishing community in John Shea's Goin' Fishin'.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

In this opening talk The Call, part 1, of A Retreat with St. Peter: Growing from Sinner to Saint, Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ weaves together the miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5), the cannonball that shattered St. Ignatius's leg — and his plans — and stories of ordinary people whose lives turned in a single moment. If your best efforts have ever come up empty, this one's for you. Grab a journal and put out into the deep.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Fr. Michael leads us in one final guided meditation, praying for the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts, our minds, and our whole selves.John 20:19-23On the evening of that first day of the week,when the doors were locked where the disciples were,out of fear,Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them,“Peace be with you.”When He had said this,He showed them His hands and His side.The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.Jesus said to them again,“Peace be with you.As the Father has sent me,so I send you.”And when He had said this,He breathed on them and said,“Receive the Holy Spirit.Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,and whose sins you retain are retained.”Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

In her final meditation, Crystal reflects on Psalm 23 line by line, showing how this beloved psalm offers a roadmap for deepening and strengthening that God bond, inviting us to open our hearts "just a little more" to God's love.Psalm 23:1-4The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.     He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.    He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness     for his name's sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,    I will fear no evil, for you are with me;    your rod and your staff,    they comfort me.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Crystal Meisaan leads us into Exodus 20, where the Lord commands, “I am the Lord your God; you shall not have other gods besides me.” This meditation is designed to strengthen our relationship with the one true God—what Crystal calls “the God bond.”Exodus 20:2-3I am the Lord your God; you shall have no gods beside me.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Crystal Meisaan Chan guides us in the first of her three meditations. She invites us to contemplate the opening verses of Isaiah 43, where the Lord tells us, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you.” This meditation helps us experience the deep healing that comes when our self-worth is rooted in God’s love—untouched, unshakable, and ever-present.Isaiah 43:1-4I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; nor will the waters engulf you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, and in my eyes you are precious. You are loved and I love you.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Sharon Krone leads us in a classic Ignatian prayer of imagination. She invites us to walk with Jesus toward Jerusalem and to enter into the longing of the people who yearn for the Messiah. Their question may become our own: “When will the Kingdom of God come?” We are invited to bring our deepest longings to Jesus.Luke 17:20-25Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Fr. Kevin takes us to the foot of the Cross, where we hear Jesus say, “I thirst.” His thirst is not only physical, but spiritual: Jesus thirsts for us. Even in the midst of his agony, he is interceding for us. Because Jesus holds nothing back, but gives himself completely for our sake, we can trust in his love and mercy.John 19:25-30Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth.When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Today, Fr. Kevin Menard reflects on Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, reminding us of the generosity of God. Jesus encourages us to ask, trusting that God—who is love and mercy itself—desires to give us only good things, especially the gift of the Holy Spirit.Matthew 7:7-11“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Fr. Jacob leads us into an eye-opening experience. Like the disciples at Emmaus, we are invited to look back on moments when it seemed as though God had not provided the answer we needed. And yet, in the breaking of the bread, Jesus reveals Himself. Fr. Jacob calls us deeper into the mystery of Christ’s love for us in the Eucharist, where our eyes are opened and our hearts are renewed.Luke 24:30-31And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and give it to them.  With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Fr. Jacob Willig, nephew of Fr. Jim Willig, leads us back to one of the great Easter stories: the disciples on the Road to Emmaus inviting us to become the unnamed disciple walking beside Cleopas. Jesus asks, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” That question becomes personal for us. What frustrations, hurts, worries, or disappointments are we carrying? What burdens have been weighing us down? Fr. Jacob invites us to bring them honestly to the Lord and ask for the help we need.Luke 24:15-17While they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.  He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?”Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

In today's reflection, Terri prays with St. Paul’s beautiful words from Ephesians 3, asking that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith, and that we may come to know the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ. She then invites us into a brief practice of awareness and communion with God, praying: “Breathe in me Your Spirit, Lord.”To go further with Terri’s prayer practice, check out her music video meditation: BREATHE INLearn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Terri reflects on the woman who had suffered from hemorrhages for twelve years (Mark 5:25-34). Her story becomes an invitation to steadfast faith. Faith is both a gift we receive and a choice we make—to reach out, to trust, and to accept the healing love God offers. Terri then leads us into a prayer of resting in the loving and healing gaze of our God.To go further with Terri’s prayer practice, check out her music video meditation: BREATHE INLearn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Today Fr. Radmar turns to the story of Zacchaeus. Many of us carry the feeling that we are not enough, and so we settle for only a glimpse of Jesus from a distance. But in the Gospel, Jesus looks up, calls Zacchaeus by name, and invites Himself into his home. Fr. Radmar invites us to imagine Jesus doing the same for us: seeing who we truly are, not simply what we have done.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Fr. Radmar Jao, SJ—a former professional actor turned Jesuit priest—helps us reflect on what it means to become living tabernacles of Christ.Fr. Radmar reflects on St. Paul’s words in Galatians: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Drawing from his own experience as an actor, he invites us to consider how Christ desires not simply to influence our lives, but to live within us and through us.youtube.com/watch?v=obeBXPy15u0Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

We close the week with Fr. Keith reflecting on Matthew 14, where Jesus comes to the disciples in the midst of a violent storm, walking on the water. After feeding the multitude, Jesus had commanded them to get into the boat—and they obeyed. But obedience did not spare them from the storm. In their fear, Jesus speaks the words they most need to hear: "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."Fr. Keith invites us to place ourselves in that boat and ask: Am I willing to let Jesus’ command—Do not be afraid—settle into my heart?Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Fr. Keith Romke guides us in a meditation on the powerful words of Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” He shares how this verse became deeply personal to him after a retreat confession, when a priest reminded him that God’s love cannot be earned. Love is not a wage; it is a gift. In stillness, we are invited to stop striving, stop proving ourselves, and simply receive the love God is already offering.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Today Dr. Cobb reflects on Romans 8, where St. Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. At times we may feel overwhelmed by worry, fear, anxiety, or pain. We may even feel distant from God. But Paul proclaims a deeper truth: no suffering, no failure, no fear, no darkness can cut us off from God’s love. This meditation invites us to surrender our anxieties and allow Jesus to heal the places in us that feel separated or alone.Romans 8:37-38No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LordLearn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Chaplain Dr. Willie Cobb leads us into the story of the Woman at the Well from John 4. This is a story of emotional and spiritual healing. Jesus meets a rejected and wounded woman exactly where she is. He listens, reveals the truth, offers Living Water, and transforms her into a disciple. Dr. Cobb invites us to ask: What keeps us from growing closer to God and neighbor? Are we willing to drink deeply of the Living Water Christ offers?John 4:11-13...the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself,Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Rosanne continues today with John 14, where Jesus speaks tenderly to His troubled disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” In a moment of uncertainty and fear, Jesus assures them—and us—that we are not abandoned. He prepares a dwelling place for us, a home of peace, belonging, and renewal. We are invited to place our anxieties in His hands and trust that He is the way, the truth, and the life.*John 14:1-2a, 3, 6a“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places… I go [to] prepare a place for you [and] I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be… I am the way and the truth and the life.”Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

We begin on Sunday with Rosanne Coury, whose meditation flows naturally from Fr. Michael’s Saturday homily on the Good Shepherd (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sprd_kSHyTM). Drawing from John 10, Rosanne reflects on Jesus as the Shepherd who knows us intimately, loves us completely, and lays down His life so that we may live abundantly. She invites us to trust that the Lord sees the deepest truth of who we are and embraces us with a love that heals and makes us whole.John 10:11-18Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Today, Lauren invites us to stretch our prayer even further. Rooted in the promise of the Book of Isaiah (57:18–19), we are invited to intercede for those beyond our immediate circle—those we may never meet, yet whose suffering calls forth our compassion. Our prayer becomes wider, more generous, more like the heart of Christ.Isaiah 57:18b-19I will lead them and restore full comfort to them    and to those who mourn for them,    creating words of comfort.Peace! Peace to those who are far and near,    says the Lord; and I will heal them.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Jesus was at home and the people flocked to him, bringing their loved ones for healing. Mark 2:2-42 When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Can you accept that you didn't choose God but that God chose you?John 15:16You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointedyou that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide,so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate

Fr. Sean Grismer invites us into the intimacy of friendship with Christ. In the Gospel of John (15:15–16), Jesus says:“I no longer call you servants… I call you friends.”We are not distant followers—we are chosen companions. And from this friendship flows our mission: to bear fruit that will last. As we surrender unhealthy attachments and the need to control, Christ gently lifts the burdens we were never meant to carry. In their place, He gives us freedom, fruitfulness, and a deeper joy. And then, with hearts healed and grounded in friendship, our prayer begins to expand outward.Learn More Heart to Heart, a Catholic Media Ministry: htoh.us420 W County Line Rd, Suite 200Barrington, IL 60010Submit a prayer request: htoh.us/prayersSupport our ministry with a financial gift: htoh.us/donate