Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

 Joseph and His Work – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore how St. Joseph’s life reveals the sacred dignity of ordinary labor and the spiritual meaning of daily work. Through the example of St. Joseph, Christianity transformed the understanding of work into something noble and holy. ... Read more The post SJ7 – Joseph and His Work – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher continues the story of Bob to illustrate how the Ignatian spiritual exercises can reveal deeper wounds and foster healing. The post SISL18 – Image of God – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Gretchen Crowe discusses her book Praying the Rosary with St. John Paul II, which grew out of her earlier work on the relevance of the rosary in modern life. The post IP#357 Gretchen Crowe – Praying the Rosary with St. John Paul II on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

I’ll Try, but Nothing Will Come of It – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V. Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects on a story about Bob, a husband and father who becomes discouraged after unintentionally hurting his wife during a disagreement about their son. Although Bob has been growing in faith through a men’s formation group and regular prayer, the unresolved tension at home leaves him vulnerable to discouraging thoughts: that he is failing as a husband, that his efforts at prayer are pointless, and that he will never really change. These thoughts begin to affect his actions—he skips his group meetings and sometimes abandons prayer. Fr. Gallagher explains that this pattern reflects what St. Ignatius of Loyola calls spiritual desolation, where discouraging lies foster a loss of hope and attempt to convince someone that growth is impossible. The key step is recognizing these thoughts as false and refusing to let them dictate decisions, especially during periods of discouragement. Through gentle questions, Fr. Reed helps Bob see the truth already present in his heart: he loves his wife and children, values prayer, and finds real help in his faith community. Once Bob sees the contradiction between these realities and the discouraging thoughts, the confusion lifts. The experience strengthens his resolve to remain faithful to prayer and community support even when discouragement appears again. Sharing openly with his wife and staying connected with others—such as friends, spiritual directors, or prayer groups—creates a safeguard against isolation. Growth in closeness to God deepens human relationships as well, allowing love within marriage, friendship, and community to grow through the grace received in the spiritual life. You can pick up a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions When discouraging thoughts arise about your spiritual life or vocation, how can you pause and examine whether they reflect the truth of your heart?Have you ever experienced thoughts that tell you your efforts in prayer or holiness will never lead to real change?In what ways might discouragement be influencing your decisions about prayer, spiritual commitments, or participation in faith communities?How can remembering your love for God and others help you see through thoughts that claim you are failing spiritually?Who in your life could accompany you when you are struggling—such as a spouse, friend, confessor, or spiritual director?How might sharing your spiritual struggles with someone you trust bring clarity and renewed hope?What practices or commitments in your spiritual life have brought genuine growth that discouragement tries to make you forget?How can you prepare now for moments of spiritual discouragement so that you remain faithful when they come?In your vocation—marriage, family life, or community—how can honest spiritual conversations strengthen your relationships?How does growing closer to God help you love the people in your life more deeply and faithfully? An excerpt from the chapter, "I’ll Try, but Nothing Will Come of It": "With Father Reed’s help, Bob recognizes a tactic of the enemy, another form of spiritual desolation. Ignatius describes this as “lack of hope.” When we experience this form of desolation, our thoughts are like Bob’s: we lose hope of any real progress in loving God, in prayer, in holiness, and in living our vocation well. If we think like this, we will be tempted, like Bob, to give up — precisely the enemy’s goal. All of this is a lie! If ever you feel “defeated before you begin” in your spiritual life, recognize the lie of the enemy and reject it. Do not relinquish your efforts to grow spiritually. God’s love and the power of his grace are with you in these efforts. Compared with this, the enemy’s lies are a very small thing. Further, we can prepare to reject such lies even before the enemy brings them (Ignatius’s rule 10). After this attack by the enemy, for example, Bob can prepare himself to reject similar lies should the enemy bring them again." Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (pp. 59-60). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition. To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life PodcastFrom the book's description: "Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It's a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth. All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness. With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You'll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you'll be given the remedy for the struggle. You'll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them. In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You'll gain confidence as you journey through desolation, and you'll learn to reject the enemy's ploys to infect you with a sense of hopelessness." Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts? Visit here to discover more!

I'm Troubled and I'm Tempted; I'm Going to Fail – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V. Fr. Timothy Gallagher describes how temptation often appears during times of anxiety or discouragement in the spiritual life. Through the story of John, who anxiously waits for medical test results, he illustrates how worry can disturb prayer and open the door to subtle suggestions that lead toward distractions or unhealthy habits. Even though John remains faithful to prayer and resists these impulses, agitation and discouraging thoughts still arise. These interior voices begin to question his spiritual life and suggest something must be wrong with him because prayer does not bring immediate peace. Such thoughts are presented as deceptive suggestions that accompany spiritual desolation—moments when discouragement, anxiety, or loss of hope affect one’s relationship with God. Recognizing these experiences as ordinary aspects of spiritual life helps a person refuse the discouraging lies and remember that desolation will pass. A second example involves Julie, who returns from a retreat inspired to deepen her prayer life and form spiritual friendships. After a difficult conversation with her husband, discouragement gradually disrupts her prayer and leads her to doubt the authenticity of the grace she experienced on retreat. Interior accusations accumulate, suggesting she is incapable of deeper holiness and destined to remain spiritually mediocre. Such thoughts aim to undermine confidence and distort reality. By sharing these struggles with trusted companions and identifying the false accusations, a person can recover clarity and continue growing. God may permit these trials because resisting them strengthens faith, deepens humility, and forms spiritual resilience. When these discouraging voices are recognized as lies, freedom returns and the path of spiritual growth continues. You can pick up a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions How does the institution of Holy Orders at the Last Supper deepen your understanding of Christ’s care for His Church?What does the early Church’s structure of bishop, priest, and deacon reveal about continuity with the apostles?How does the teaching on apostolic succession strengthen your trust in the Church’s authority and tradition?In what ways can you grow in gratitude for the priests and deacons who serve your local parish community?How does the permanent sacramental character of Holy Orders shape your view of the dignity and responsibility of the priesthood?What does St. Augustine’s teaching about the validity of the sacraments teach you about Christ working through imperfect ministers?How can the awe described by the Church Fathers toward the priesthood inspire greater reverence for the Mass?What virtues described by St. Ambrose might also guide your own Christian life and witness?How does the courage of St. Ambrose in confronting political leaders challenge Christians to live the truth faithfully today?What role can prayer for priests play in strengthening the life and mission of the Church? An excerpt from the chapter "I'm Troubled and I'm Tempted": "John experiences a form of spiritual desolation that Ignatius describes as “disquiet from various agitations and temptations.” If John can identify his experience as the tactic of the enemy that it is — spiritual desolation — peace will begin to return, and he will be strengthened to resist it. If John is further aware that there is no shame in undergoing such spiritual desolation, that all do from time to time, he will be additionally encouraged in his struggle. The enemy brings this spiritual desolation into a nonspiritual vulnerability in John: a place of worry — his understandable concern about the growth on his face and his anxiety as he awaits the results of the second biopsy. John deals well with this: he speaks with his wife, and he is faithful to prayer. Texts of the Bible help him. But even as he turns to the Lord, the enemy brings spiritual desolation, “disquiet from various agitations and temptations.” This need not surprise John or us! Ignatius helps us understand this experience and points the way to freedom." Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (p. 45). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition. An except from the chapter "I'm Going to Fail": "Julie’s experience permits an important observation. If the enemy ordinarily brings spiritual desolation into areas of nonspiritual vulnerability (tiredness, discouragement, depression, and the like), then whatever you do to reduce or eliminate that nonspiritual vulnerability will greatly ease your spiritual life. If, for example, Julie and Bob communicate and resolve their tension, Julie will find herself much less susceptible to the “lack of confidence” described here. The same is true for all of us when we experience nonspiritual vulnerabilities. Julie also writes, “I’m up, then so quickly down. You and the others seem so much more stable and so faithful. I must be different.” A further lie of desolation is this: “It’s just you. Other people don’t go through this. You’re up, then down. Other people are steady. It’s only you.” Again, emphatically no! When Julie knows the others better, and they share on a deeper level, she will find that all undergo these ups (times of spiritual energy, of feeling God’s closeness — that is, of spiritual consolation) and downs (times without spiritual energy, of not feeling God’s closeness — that is, of spiritual desolation). If you experience times of spiritual consolation and times of spiritual desolation, then you share the experience of every man or woman who has ever loved the Lord. What matters is — by now you can tell me! — to be aware, understand, and take action. Take action: that is, to accept God’s gift of spiritual consolation and to reject the enemy’s discouraging lies in spiritual desolation." Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (pp. 52-53). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition. To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast From the book's description: "Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It's a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth. All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness. With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You'll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you'll be given the remedy for the struggle. You'll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them. In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You'll gain confidence as you journey through desolation, and you'll learn to reject the enemy's ploys to infect you with a sense of hopelessness." Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts? Visit here to discover more!

How Can I Be Drawn to Such Things? – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V. Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor reflect on spiritual desolation through Beth’s story. After a draining day, she feels too discouraged to pray and instead turns to gossip, television, and social media, ending the night ashamed. Ordinary fatigue can open the door to deeper discouragement and a pull toward “low and earthly” things. The pull itself isn’t sinful; what matters is recognizing it and choosing how to respond. Desolation often whispers “I can’t,” yet God always provides the grace needed for the next step. Resisting early brings freedom and peace. With insight from St. Francis de Sales and St. Thomas Aquinas, that strong spiritual friendships help us persevere and grow through such trials. You can pick up a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions When I feel tired or discouraged, how do I usually respond, and what patterns do I notice in my choices?Can I identify moments of spiritual desolation in my life, and how do I name them honestly before God?What “low and earthly” distractions most often draw me away from prayer or fidelity to my commitments?Do I believe that God always gives me the grace I need for the next faithful step, even when I feel I cannot act?How might resisting discouragement at its beginning change the course of my day or evening?In times of desolation, am I tempted to think something is wrong with me spiritually, and how can I reject that lie?What small, concrete first step can I take when I feel resistance to prayer?How do my friendships influence my spiritual life, and who encourages me to grow in love of God?Do I approach leisure and rest from a place of peace, or from avoidance and discouragement?How is God inviting me to deeper freedom and trust through the trials I experience? An excerpt from the book: Into this vulnerable space the enemy brings the further burden of spiritual desolation, and specifically what Ignatius calls a “movement to low and earthly things.” Obviously, telephones, refrigerators, the Internet, and similar things serve in good ways: that is why we have them. But, like Beth, in time of spiritual desolation we may feel drawn to them in “low” and “earthly” ways — that is, in ways harmful to us spiritually. That Beth — and we — feel this pull in time of spiritual desolation should not surprise us, nor is there any shame in feeling this pull. It is simply a tactic of the enemy, a form of spiritual desolation. Again, such is the spiritual life in a fallen but redeemed and loved world. What does matter and matters greatly, is that we be discerning: that we note this pull to low and earthly things, identify it as the tactic of the enemy that it is, and, with God’s grace and courage, reject it. Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (pp. 40-41). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition. To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast From the book's description: "Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It's a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth. All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness. With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You'll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you'll be given the remedy for the struggle. You'll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them. In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You'll gain confidence as you journey through desolation, and you'll learn to reject the enemy's ploys to infect you with a sense of hopelessness." Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts? Visit here to discover more!

I've Lost My Peace – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V. Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor continue their discussion on struggles in the spiritual life by revisiting the story of Paul, a character who experiences both spiritual and non-spiritual desolation. Initially, Paul's situation improves after he slows down his studies, rediscovers his love for teaching, and begins to engage more in prayer and confession. However, as time passes, he begins to feel unrest, struggles with prayer, and becomes discouraged. Fr. Gallagher explains that Paul is experiencing spiritual desolation, which is a disturbance of soul brought on by the enemy. The enemy tries to unsettle Paul, not through obvious temptation but by diminishing his peace and creating confusion. This tactic aims to pull Paul away from his spiritual growth. This reminds us of the importance of recognizing spiritual desolation, naming it, and using Ignatian tools to resist it, such as prayer, meditation, and suitable acts of penance. During desolation, it is crucial not to make significant changes but to remain steadfast in prayer and seek God's grace. Small acts of resistance, even simple gestures, can help counter spiritual desolation and break its hold. The theme of beginning again after every fall, a concept from Venerable Bruno Lanteri, is a key message of hope in the spiritual life. You can pick up a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Have you ever experienced moments of restlessness or discouragement in your spiritual life, and how did you identify them as spiritual desolation?When you feel troubled in your heart, do you turn to God in simple prayer, asking for help and guidance?How do you maintain your commitment to prayer and spiritual practices during times of spiritual desolation without making significant changes?What scripture passages or spiritual readings bring you comfort and strength during times of spiritual struggle?How can you incorporate small acts of resistance, like engaging in service or community, to counter feelings of isolation and discouragement in your spiritual journey?When you fall or struggle, how do you embrace the practice of beginning again without shame, trusting in God's mercy and grace? An excerpt from the book: "When people love the Lord, Ignatius says, and rejoice in the peace this brings, the enemy may attempt to undermine that peace by troubling them. Elsewhere, Ignatius describes this spiritual disturbance as the enemy’s “war against the peace” these people experience. Note that the enemy does not, at this point, tempt Paul to anything sinful. He seeks rather to diminish and even eliminate Paul’s peace, replacing it with trouble of heart. Again, there is no shame in experiencing this or similar tactics of the enemy. It is simply what happens when we live the spiritual life in a fallen but redeemed and loved world. As with Julie, Paul will not be harmed if he is aware of, identifies, and rejects the enemy’s spiritual desolation. Obviously, if Paul — or any one of us — does not identify and reject this tactic of the enemy, it will cause harm. What, then, of Paul’s questions? Is his disturbance a sign that he is doing something wrong? That he is trying too hard? Trying too little? That he is regressing? The answer to all these questions appears to be no. In Paul’s journal, we see no sign of regression — quite the contrary. Most probably, precisely because Paul is progressing so well, the enemy induces this “disturbance of soul” and “war against peace” in an attempt to hinder his progress. How does Paul and how do we reject such disturbance from the enemy? As already said, the first need is to make no changes, to relinquish nothing of the spiritual program we have in place." Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (p. 36). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition.   To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast From the book's description: "Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It's a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth. All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness. With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You'll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you'll be given the remedy for the struggle. You'll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them. In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You'll gain confidence as you journey through desolation, and you'll learn to reject the enemy's ploys to infect you with a sense of hopelessness." Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts? Visit here to discover more!

I Can't Go On – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V. Fr. Timothy Gallagher walks through a detailed case study of a high school teacher named Paul to show how non-spiritual desolation can arise from ordinary human limits rather than from prayer itself. Paul begins with renewed prayer, Mass, and family harmony, but gradually overloads his life by taking on graduate studies, parish service, and full-time teaching without adequate rest. Over time he becomes exhausted, discouraged, and detached from things he once loved, including prayer and family life. With the help of a priest, Paul recognizes that he is nearing burnout and that the remedy lies in caring for his humanity: slowing the pace of studies, speaking honestly with his wife, restoring rest, and attending to physical health. As these adjustments take shape, the expectation is that his spiritual life will recover naturally because the underlying strain is being addressed. Fr. Gallagher highlights the value of journaling for gaining clarity and noticing patterns, choosing core spiritual practices that are realistic and sustainable, and learning from past periods of exhaustion so future decisions are made with greater prudence. He also reflects on living prayerfully amid unavoidable burdens—work, illness, family responsibilities—by gently lifting the heart to God throughout the day rather than forcing formal practices beyond one’s capacity. The closing reflections address modern distractions, especially smartphones, noting the need for intentional limits to preserve silence, rest, and interior freedom. Taken together, the reflections present balance, self-knowledge, and moderation as key supports for perseverance in the spiritual life. You can pick up a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Where in my daily life might fatigue, overcommitment, or lack of rest be affecting my prayer and spiritual attentiveness?Have I recently taken on good responsibilities without honestly discerning whether they are sustainable for my vocation and season of life?What signs of discouragement or heaviness do I notice, and how might they be pointing to unmet human needs rather than spiritual failure?How do I currently care for my body, emotions, and relationships as part of my response to God’s grace?Would journaling help me notice patterns, changes, or warning signs in my spiritual life more clearly?Are my prayer practices realistic and sustainable, or do they rely on pushing myself when I am already depleted?How open am I to speaking honestly with a trusted priest, spiritual director, or loved one when I begin to feel overwhelmed?In what ways might my use of technology be diminishing silence, rest, or interior freedom?Where is God inviting me to meet Him in the ordinary duties and crosses of my current life?What practical adjustments could help restore balance so that love for God, family, and work can flourish again? An excerpt from the book: "In this and the preceding chapters, we have explored spiritual struggles arising from physical and psychological factors. As we have seen, the solution lies in suitable physical and psychological remedies. What, however, of struggles arising from specifically spiritual sources? What might these struggles be, and how can we best respond to them? We will begin now to address these questions." Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (p. 28). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition. To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast From the book's description: "Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It's a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth. All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness. With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You'll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you'll be given the remedy for the struggle. You'll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them. In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You'll gain confidence as you journey through desolation, and you'll learn to reject the enemy's ploys to infect you with a sense of hopelessness." Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts? Visit here to discover more!  

Day 9 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 9: Detachment St. Francis, you understood that to follow Christ perfectly, one must be detached from all that is not God. You surrendered not only your material possessions, but even your own will, seeking only to do the ... Read more The post Day 9 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 8 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 8: Compassion St. Francis, your heart was filled with compassion for all people and creatures, for you saw in them the love of the Creator. You were moved by the sufferings of others and sought to ease their ... Read more The post Day 8 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 7 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 7: Service St. Francis, you lived out the Gospel commandment to love your neighbor as yourself, serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalized with great humility and love. You saw in each person the image of Christ, ... Read more The post Day 7 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 6 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 6: Joy St. Francis, your heart was filled with heavenly joy, even in the midst of trials and sufferings. You understood that true joy comes from a heart that is united with Christ and surrendered to God’s will. ... Read more The post Day 6 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 5 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 5: Poverty St. Francis, you embraced Lady Poverty, imitating Christ who was born in a humble manger and died naked upon the Cross. By detaching yourself from the things of this world, you found the riches of Heaven, ... Read more The post Day 5 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 4 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 4: Love of Creation St. Francis, you praised God through all of His creation, seeing in every creature the hand of the Creator. In your “Canticle of the Creatures,” you praised the Lord for Brother Sun and Sister ... Read more The post Day 4 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 3 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 3: Humility St. Francis, you embraced the profound humility of Christ, who “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). You considered yourself the least of all and sought not your own glory, but the glory ... Read more The post Day 3 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 2 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 2: Peace St. Francis, you were a true instrument of peace, not only in your actions but in your entire way of life. You lived out the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), reconciling enemies, ... Read more The post Day 2 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day 1 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Day 1: Simplicity St. Francis, you gave up everything to follow Our Lord more perfectly. In embracing holy poverty, you lived the Gospel in its most radical form, imitating the poverty of Christ Himself. You found in simplicity the ... Read more The post Day 1 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. He describes in detail the true horror of this means of execution and what it meant to be crucified in the time of Jesus. But he also talks about the great love that God has for us in embracing the Cross for our sake and what it means for us today. A very powerful reflection. The post Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2009 I would now like to reflect on only two of the main aspects of Bernard's rich doctrine: they concern Jesus Christ and Mary Most Holy, his Mother. His concern for the Christian's intimate and vital participation in God's love in Jesus Christ brings no new guidelines to the scientific status of theology. However, in a more decisive manner than ever, the Abbot of Clairvaux embodies the theologian, the contemplative and the mystic. Jesus alone Bernard insists in the face of the complex dialectical reasoning of his time Jesus alone is "honey in the mouth, song to the ear, jubilation in the heart (mel in ore, in aure melos, in corde iubilum)". The title Doctor Mellifluus, attributed to Bernard by tradition, stems precisely from this; indeed, his praise of Jesus Christ "flowed like honey". In the extenuating battles between Nominalists and Realists two philosophical currents of the time the Abbot of Clairvaux never tired of repeating that only one name counts, that of Jesus of Nazareth. "All food of the soul is dry", he professed, "unless it is moistened with this oil; insipid, unless it is seasoned with this salt. What you write has no savour for me unless I have read Jesus in it" (In Canticum Sermones XV, 6: PL 183, 847). For Bernard, in fact, true knowledge of God consisted in a personal, profound experience of Jesus Christ and of his love. And, dear brothers and sisters, this is true for every Christian: faith is first and foremost a personal, intimate encounter with Jesus, it is having an experience of his closeness, his friendship and his love. It is in this way that we learn to know him ever better, to love him and to follow him more and more. May this happen to each one of us! The post St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Pt. 2 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Matthew Bunson discusses the life, times and teachings of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Born: 1090, Fontaine-lès-Dijon, France Died: August 20, 1153, Clairvaux Abbey, France Books: Two-Fold Knowledge For more on St. Bernard of Clairvaux and his teachings From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2009 Today I would like to talk about St Bernard of Clairvaux, called "the last of the Fathers" of the Church because once again in the 12th century he renewed and brought to the fore the important theology of the Fathers. The post St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Pt. 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode Dr. Lilles begins the discussion on St. Bernard of Clairvaux and his teachings found in "The 12 Steps to Humility and Pride". The post St. Bernard and the 12 Steps to Humility and Pride – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

While praying, he was often seen to reach towards heaven like an arrow which has been shot from a taut bow straight upwards into the sky. He would stand with hands outstretched above his head and joined together, or at times slightly separated as if about to receive something from heaven. One would believe that he was receiving an increase of grace and in this rapture of spirit was asking God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Order he had founded. He seemed to seek for himself and his brethren something of that transcendent joy which is found in living the beatitudes, praying that each would consider himself truly blessed in extreme poverty, in bitter mourning, in cruel persecutions, in a great hunger and thirst for justice, in anxious mercy towards all. His entreaty was that his children would find their delight in observing the commandments and in the perfect practice of the evangelical counsels. Enraptured, the holy father then appeared to have entered into the Holy of Holies and the Third Heaven. After prayer of this kind he truly seemed to be a prophet, whether in correcting the faulty, in directing others, or in his preaching. Our holy father did not remain at prayer of this type very long but gradually regained full possession of his faculties. He looked during that time like a person coming from a great distance or like a stranger in this world, as could easily be discerned from his countenance and manner. The brethren would then hear him praying aloud and saying as the prophet: "Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication which I pray to thee, when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple" (Ps. 27:2). Through his words and holy example he constantly taught the friars to pray in this way, often repeating those phrases from the psalms: "Behold, now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord ... in the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, and bless ye the Lord" (Ps. 133:1-3), "I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me; hearken to my voice when I cry to thee. Let my prayer be directed as incense in they sight; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" (Ps. 140:1-2). The drawing shows us this mode of prayer so that we may better understand it. The post The Ninth Way – The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and what death really means. Reading 21 COR 15:20-27 Brothers and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, for “he subjected everything under his feet.” The post The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.