Podcast Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

The Beheading of St. John the Baptist - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart... The post The Beheading of St. John the Baptist – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he continues his talk about the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart. In this episode, he discusses the importance of the Sacred Heart and how it plays a pivotal role in spiritual warfare within our daily lives. The post SH9 – The Sacred Heart and Selfless Love – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

From the writings of St. Ignatius of Loyola: We should praise all the laws of the Church, keeping our minds ever ready to seek reasons to defend them and not to oppose them [Spir. Exer., "Rules for Thinking with the Church"]. I must remind you to frequent the sacraments, to read spiritual books, and to pray with as much recollection as you possibly can. Every day set aside some time so that the soul will not be without its food and, thus, you will not be induced to complain like the one who said "My heart has withered because I have forgotten to eat my bread" (Psalm 102:4) [Ep. 6:524]. The post St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena Day 5 – Discerning Hearts podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde explores how St. Benedict and the Desert Fathers teach us to recognize temptation and respond with the power of Scripture and the Holy Spirit. The post HR 18 – Fighting The Demons – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

With loving provident care, O Mother Most Amiable, you covered us with your Scapular as a shield of defense against the Evil One. Through your assistance, may we bravely struggle against the powers of evil, always open to your Son Jesus Christ. (State your request here…) Recite the following prayers… Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

G. K. Chesterton and The Man Who Was Thursday – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce In this episode of The Great Works in Western Literature, Joseph Pearce and Kris McGregor explore G.K. Chesterton’s The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare, one of the most imaginative and philosophically rich novels of the twentieth century. Through the adventures of Gabriel Syme, a poet recruited as an undercover detective to infiltrate a secret anarchist council, Chesterton weaves together mystery, paradox, humor, and theological insight. Pearce explains that beneath the detective story lies a profound exploration of nihilism, the search for objective truth, and the ultimate question of whether the universe is governed by chaos or by divine order. The discussion highlights how Chesterton uses paradox to awaken readers to the wonder of reality and to challenge the assumptions of modern skepticism. As Syme’s journey unfolds, appearances continually prove deceptive, inviting both the characters and the reader to see the world with new eyes. Pearce also reflects on the novel’s close relationship to Chesterton’s Orthodoxy, noting that both works celebrate humility, surprise, and the joyful discovery that beneath the apparent confusion of life lies the goodness and providence of God. Though initially perplexing, The Man Who Was Thursday rewards careful reading with profound insights into faith, reason, freedom, and the Christian vision of reality. You can purchase a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Gabriel Syme discovers that reality is often very different from first appearances. When have you experienced a situation where God revealed a deeper truth than you first perceived? Chesterton contrasts the chaos of nihilism with the order and goodness of creation. How does our culture today struggle with similar questions about truth and meaning? The novel repeatedly invites readers to embrace surprise and wonder. How can cultivating gratitude and humility help us recognize God’s presence in ordinary life? Chesterton suggests that bad philosophy can be more destructive than individual wrongdoing. What ideas or assumptions in our culture most threaten an authentic understanding of the human person? Throughout the story, characters undergo unexpected moments of conversion and deeper understanding. How has God used confusion, uncertainty, or even suffering to deepen your own faith? Pearce notes that The Man Who Was Thursday shares many themes with Orthodoxy, especially the discovery that beneath the apparent chaos of life lies divine providence. How does trusting God’s providence change the way we face uncertainty and fear? You can learn more about Joseph’s books, teaching, and writing by visiting his website Joseph Pearce: Celebrating the True, the Good and the Beautiful at jpearce.co A native of England, Joseph Pearce is the internationally acclaimed author of many books, which include bestsellers such as The Quest for Shakespeare, Tolkien: Man and Myth, The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis and The Catholic Church, Literary Converts, Wisdom and Innocence: A Life of G.K. Chesterton, Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile and Old Thunder: A Life of Hilaire Belloc. His books have been published and translated into Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Croatian, and Polish. He has hosted two 13-part television series about Shakespeare on EWTN, and has also written and presented documentaries on EWTN on the Catholicism of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. His verse drama, Death Comes for the War Poets, was performed off-Broadway to critical acclaim. He has participated and lectured at a wide variety of international and literary events at major colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Europe, Africa, and South America. He is a Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University and a Visiting Chair of Catholic Studies at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (Merrimack, New Hampshire). He is editor of the St. Austin Review, series editor of the Ignatius Critical Editions, senior instructor with Homeschool Connections, and senior contributor at the Imaginative Conservative and Crisis Magazine. His personal website is www.jpearce.co.

Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart A 30-Day Journey with Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas Episode 19: What AI Can and Cannot Be In this episode of Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart, we reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s teaching that artificial intelligence can imitate certain functions of human intelligence, while remaining profoundly different from the human person. The Holy Father recognizes the real benefits of AI, especially its ability to process information quickly, assist with complex tasks, and offer practical help in many fields. This reflection considers why discernment is needed when a tool becomes impressive enough to imitate language, empathy, and understanding. AI can summarize, analyze, draft, translate, and generate responses, but it does not love, suffer, forgive, pray, take responsibility, or grow through grace. It has no body, conscience, or personal relationship with God. Through the light of Psalm 119:66, this episode invites us to ask God for good judgment and knowledge. A discerning heart uses tools with freedom and vigilance. It does not surrender thinking, prayer, study, conscience, or real human relationship to the search for ready-made answers. AI may assist the human person, but it cannot replace the human journey of becoming wise in Christ. Citations Selection from Magnifica Humanitas Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas, Chapter Three, nos. 99-100: “These systems merely imitate certain functions of human intelligence. In doing so, they often surpass human intelligence in speed and computational capacity, offering tangible benefits across many fields. Yet this power remains entirely tied to data processing.” “AI can be a valuable tool and, at the same time, calls for a measured and vigilant approach… The speed and simplicity with which information, complex analyses, media content and practical assistance can be accessed undoubtedly makes life easier. Yet they can also encourage excessive reliance and the search for ready-made answers, and weaken personal creativity and judgment.” Psalm 119:66, RSV–Catholic Edition “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.” Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Where have I looked for a ready-made answer instead of taking time to think, pray or discern? How can I use artificial intelligence as a tool without surrendering my judgment, conscience or responsibility? Where might a digital tool be making me more passive, less creative or less attentive to real relationships? What human act is the Lord asking of me today that no machine can replace? How is the Holy Spirit inviting me to use technology with greater freedom, vigilance and love? For other episodes in this series, visit Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor To read the full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas, visit Vatican.va  Copyright © 2026 Kris McGregor. All rights reserved. No portion of this content may be reproduced, distributed, published, or transmitted in any form, including audio, print, or digital media, without prior written permission from Discerning Hearts®.

Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart A 30-Day Journey with Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas Episode 17: Justice That Begins with the Least Among Us In this episode of Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart, we reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s teaching that social justice is a concrete way of following Jesus and remaining faithful to the Gospel. The Holy Father reminds us that Christ identifies Himself with the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the stranger, and the vulnerable. Justice begins when the “least among us” is no longer an idea, but a person placed before us. This reflection considers how the Gospel sharpens our sight and asks us to notice those who are easily overlooked. The elderly neighbor, the family embarrassed to ask for help, the person who stands alone after Mass, the worker treated as disposable, and the person excluded by poverty, illness, or lack of access all belong within the concern of Christian love. Pope Leo XIV also brings this teaching into the world of technology and artificial intelligence. Innovations can foster participation and justice, or they can deepen inequality, control, and exclusion. Through the light of Matthew 25:40, this episode invites us to ask whether our choices help others live with greater dignity, deeper communion, and more room for God. Citations Selection from Magnifica Humanitas Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas, Chapter Two, nos. 77 and 85: “For the Christian community, social justice is a concrete way of following Jesus and remaining faithful to the Gospel. In the New Testament, Jesus proclaims the ‘good news to the poor’ (Lk 4:18) and identifies himself with the lowly, the sick, the imprisoned and strangers (cf. Mt 25:31-46).” “Technological innovations, including artificial intelligence, are not neutral, for they can either foster participation and justice or exacerbate inequality, control and exclusion. For this reason, they must be evaluated by asking a crucial question: Do they truly help individuals and peoples to become more humane and fraternal, while respecting our common home and future generations?” Matthew 25:40, RSV–Catholic Edition “As you did it to one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it to me.” Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Who was easy for me to overlook today? Where did I notice someone being treated as a problem, a burden, or an inconvenience instead of a brother or sister? How is the Lord asking me to recognize Him in the poor, the sick, the stranger, or the vulnerable? Where might technology, convenience, or efficiency be making someone less visible to me? What concrete choice can I make today to help another person live with greater dignity, justice, and belonging? For other episodes in this series, visit Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor To read the full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas, visit Vatican.va  Copyright © 2026 Kris McGregor. All rights reserved. No portion of this content may be reproduced, distributed, published, or transmitted in any form, including audio, print, or digital media, without prior written permission from Discerning Hearts®.

Holy Rule Novena to St. Benedict – Day 7 In the Holy Rule, St. Benedict you have said: We believe that God is present everywhere and that the eyes of the Lord behold the good and the bad in every place (cf Prov 15:3). Let us firmly believe this, especially when we take part in the Work of God. Let us, therefore, always be mindful of what the Prophet says, “Serve the Lord with fear” (Ps 2:11). And again, “Sing wisely” (Ps 46[47]:8). And, “I will sing praise to Thee in the sight of the angels” (Ps 137[138]:1). Therefore, let us consider how it becomes us to behave in the sight of God and His angels, and let us so stand to sing, that our mind may be in harmony with our voice.  (Holy Rule 19) Glorious Saint Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God’s grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at your feet. I implore you in your loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To you I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my selfishness and my indifference to God and to my neighbor. Inspire me to imitate you in all things. May your blessing be with me always, so that I may see and serve Christ in others and work for His kingdom. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces which I need so much in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Your heart was always full of love, compassion and mercy toward those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. You never dismissed without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to you. I therefore invoke your powerful intercession, confident in the hope that you will hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I earnestly implore. {mention your petition} Help me, great Saint Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to run in the sweetness of His loving will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen. O Holy Father, St. Benedict, pray for us.  

St. Bonaventure Novena Day 3 St. Bonaventure you have said: In beautiful things St. Francis saw Beauty itself, and through His vestiges imprinted on creation he followed his Beloved everywhere, making from all things a ladder by which he could climb up and embrace Him who is utterly desirable. If you desire to know … ask grace, not instruction; desire, not understanding; the groaning of prayer, not diligent reading; the Spouse, not the teacher; God, not man; darkness not clarity; not light, but fire that totally inflames and carries us into God by ecstatic unctions and burning affections. Dear St. Bonaventure Cardinal, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, you chose a life that embraced mortification and great humiliation. Choosing to serve those individuals who were rejected and sick you risked illness for yourself. You made your life a continuous prayer and spent hours meditating on the wounds of Christ. Please pray for us that we may have a sincere and humble heart. Pray that we may not lose sight of Jesus’ wounds and thus walk on the straight path to eternal salvation. All-powerful Father, may we who celebrate the feast of St. Bonaventure always benefit from his wisdom and follow the example of his love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart... The post Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart... The post Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Flight from Herod – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore the historical and practical realities surrounding the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt, inviting listeners to imagine daily life in a world without modern conveniences. Travel in that era was slow, risky, and uncertain, especially under the threat of Herod’s violence. Joseph, drawing on his experience as a craftsman, likely relied on known trade routes, nighttime travel for safety, and the hospitality of Jewish communities along the way. Egypt was a fitting destination due to its established Jewish population, allowing the family to maintain religious practices and find a sense of familiarity despite being far from home. Traditions and historical clues suggest a coastal route through regions less sympathetic to Herod, highlighting Joseph’s careful judgment and reliance on divine guidance. The book also reflects on Joseph’s role as a father navigating uncertainty, work, and family life in exile. While little is recorded about these hidden years, this is presented as a grounded picture of ordinary family rhythms: raising a child, teaching a trade, and practicing faith within a supportive community. Joseph’s actions reveal a pattern of seeking heavenly guidance and responding decisively, even amid anxiety and danger. His example offers insight into facing life’s disruptions, such as relocation or hardship, with prudence and trust. The Holy Family’s experience in Egypt, rather than being entirely foreign or isolated, likely included stability, work, and community, making their story both historically rich and relatable to the challenges families encounter today. You can find the book on which this series is based here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions How does reflecting on the hardships of the Holy Family’s journey deepen your understanding of trust in God during uncertain times?In what ways can you practice seeking God’s guidance before making important decisions, as Joseph did?How might imagining the ordinary daily life of the Holy Family influence your approach to your own family responsibilities?What does Joseph’s willingness to act quickly in difficult circumstances teach you about courage and obedience?How can you find a sense of spiritual stability when life requires you to step into unfamiliar or challenging situations?In what ways can your work and daily tasks become a means of serving God and caring for others?How does the idea of God providing through community shape your view of relationships and hospitality?What anxieties in your life can be entrusted more fully to God’s care, following Joseph’s example?How can you grow in prudence, balancing thoughtful discernment with decisive action when needed?What lessons from the Holy Family’s experience can help you support others who are facing displacement or hardship? About the Book He is a man of many titles. Head of the Holy Family. Spouse of the Blessed Virgin. Guardian of Our Lord. Terror of Demons.  Though he is only briefly mentioned in the Bible, and never once has a quote attributed to him. St. Joseph is likely the best-known “silent” character in all of history, but theologians have spent centuries contemplating him. In St. Joseph and His World, author Mike Aquilina skillfully paints a portrait of St. Joseph by contrasting him with someone who affected his life in many ways—King Herod the Great. Aquilina invites readers into the life of St. Joseph—an heir of David with quiet beginnings, anticipating the promised Messiah. Conversely, he reveals Herod for who he was–a sociopathic warlord, prone to wicked jealousy and paranoia. Drawing on modern and archaeological texts, Aquilina sheds light on a remarkable number of mysteries in the life of this revered saint. Was Joseph the decrepit old man he is often depicted as in art? Did the residents of Nazareth expect the Messiah to be one of their own? What did Joseph’s education and job training entail? Why would he contemplate divorcing Mary after the angel Gabriel’s visit? Was the flight to Egypt meticulously executed, or hastily carried out? What did the Holy Family do during the memorable trip to Jerusalem when Jesus was found in the Temple? Josephologists across the centuries have contemplated the life and character of the Angelic Man. In this definitive work, Mike Aquilina takes the brilliantly uncomplicated approach that, by familiarizing ourselves with St. Joseph’s world: his hometown, his trade, and his faith, we can draw closer to him and ultimately, draw closer to Christ. About the Author Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the Eternal Word Television Network and is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio. For more episodes in this series visit – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina page.

Instead of circling around one’s self, hospitality – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B In this episode of The Holy Rule of St. Benedict: A Spiritual Path for Today’s World, Fr. Mauritius Wilde, OSB and Kris McGregor reflect on Chapter 53 of the Rule and the profound call to hospitality. St. Benedict teaches that every guest is to be welcomed as Christ Himself, a striking and transformative vision rooted in the Gospel. In a world where the stranger can be met with hesitation or fear, this teaching invites a deeper openness grounded in faith. Hospitality becomes more than an act of kindness; it becomes an encounter with Christ present in the other. Fr. Mauritius explains that this hospitality is not naive but deeply spiritual, shaped by prayer, reverence, and discernment. Guests bring not only interruption but also grace, new life, and the possibility of transformation. Whether in monasteries, homes, or daily encounters, this call extends to all who desire to live the Christian life more fully. Hospitality becomes a path of evangelization, opening the heart to Christ in unexpected ways and allowing Him to be both guest and host in our lives. From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict Chapter 53: CHAPTER LIII Of the Reception of Guests Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ, because He will say: “I was a stranger and you took Me in” (Mt 25:35). And let due honor be shown to all, especially to those “of the household of the faith” (Gal 6:10) and to wayfarers. When, therefore, a guest is announced, let him be met by the Superior and the brethren with every mark of charity. And let them first pray together, and then let them associate with one another in peace. This kiss of peace should not be given before a prayer hath first been said, on account of satanic deception. In the greeting let all humility be shown to the guests, whether coming or going; with the head bowed down or the whole body prostrate on the ground, let Christ be adored in them as He is also received. When the guests have been received, let them be accompanied to prayer, and after that let the Superior, or whom he shall bid, sit down with them. Let the divine law be read to the guest that he may be edified, after which let every kindness be shown him. Let the fast be broken by the Superior in deference to the guest, unless, perchance, it be a day of solemn fast, which cannot be broken. Let the brethren, however, keep the customary fast. Let the Abbot pour the water on the guest’s hands, and let both the Abbot and the whole brotherhood wash the feet of all the guests. When they have been washed, let them say this verse: “We have received Thy mercy, O God, in the midst of Thy temple” (Ps 47[48]:10). Let the greatest care be taken, especially in the reception of the poor and travelers, because Christ is received more specially in them; whereas regard for the wealthy itself procureth them respect. Let the kitchen of the Abbot and the guests be apart, that the brethren may not be disturbed by the guests who arrive at uncertain times and who are never wanting in the monastery. Let two brothers who are able to fulfil this office well go into the kitchen for a year. Let help be given them as they need it, that they may serve without murmuring; and when they have not enough to do, let them go out again for work where it is commanded them. Let this course be followed, not only in this office, but in all the offices of the monastery — that whenever the brethren need help, it be given them, and that when they have nothing to do, they again obey orders. Moreover, let also a God-fearing brother have assigned to him the apartment of the guests, where there should be sufficient number of beds made up; and let the house of God be wisely managed by the wise. On no account let anyone who is not ordered to do so, associate or speak with guests; but if he meet or see them, having saluted them humbly, as we have said, and asked a blessing, let him pass on saying that he is not allowed to speak with a guest. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions St. Benedict teaches that every guest is to be welcomed as Christ. How do I respond to those who enter my life unexpectedly?When I encounter someone who challenges me, am I able to look beyond first impressions and seek Christ in them?What role does prayer play in preparing my heart to receive others with openness and reverence?Where might fear be limiting my ability to practice true hospitality?How can I create space in my daily life for encounters that are not planned or convenient?In what ways might God be inviting me to grow in generosity and openness toward others? For more episodes from this series and other podcasts, visit:Fr. Mauritius Wilde's Discerning Hearts page Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological, and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and regularly directs retreats. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome.

Friday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide - A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart... The post Friday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.