Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts podcast

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7:38

Last summer, something monumental happened. One of Uncuffed's founding producers, Greg Eskridge, came home after more than 30 years in prison. In this episode we’ll bring you back to that emotional day last summer when he walked out of the San Quentin gates, free at last. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed…

Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

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Catholic podcasts dedicated to those on the spiritual journey! Offering the best teachings from the rich Catholic Spiritual/Discernment tradition.

1811 episodes

Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

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Series home•Feed

Catholic podcasts dedicated to those on the spiritual journey! Offering the best teachings from the rich Catholic Spiritual/Discernment tradition.

1811 episodes

#Catholic #Philosophy #Society #Religion #St John #Christianity #Discerning Hearts Catholic

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Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

1
CTD2 – The Desert of Ordinary Life – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts 28:17

3 hours ago28:17

28:17

The Desert of Ordinary Life – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss integrating faith into daily life, warning against separating religion from ordinary activities. They stress the need for vulnerability in worship to avoid routine and self-centeredness. Lent offers opportunities for spiritual growth, including reconciliation and stations of the cross. They lament the decline of shame and public judgment in society, emphasizing the community’s role in upholding moral truth. The Eucharist brings peace and transforms individuals, impacting society through witness. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Integration of Faith : How can we ensure that our faith is not compartmentalized but integrated into every aspect of our daily lives? Vulnerability in Worship : Reflect on times when worship has felt routine or self-centered. How can we cultivate vulnerability and openness to God during worship? Lenten Practices : In what ways can Lenten practices such as reconciliation and stations of the cross deepen our relationship with God? Decline of Shame : What are the implications of the decline of shame and public judgment in contemporary society for moral behavior and community life? Role of Community : How can communities uphold moral truth while respecting individual conscience and freedom? Transformative Power of the Eucharist : Reflect on the transformative power of the Eucharist in bringing peace and impacting society through witness. An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion” : “The only location for God to interact with us is deep within the ordinariness of our days. We are called to cherish the ordinary day, not because of its routine or common features, but because within this daily forum God reaches us through others, through worship, charity, and our relational commitments. Our daily lives carry an invitation from God to become morally good and holy; it is the only medium through which this invitation can come. Cherish the days.” – Keating, James (2012-07-20). Liguori Publications. Kindle Edition. Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page The post CTD2 – The Desert of Ordinary Life – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

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PoC-8 1st Wednesday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation 1:30

4 hours ago1:30

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The Cross of Christ Teaches Us. . . About Repentance Steps to Take as You Follow Christ Ask —Where do I need to repent most in my life? Seek —Monitor your thoughts and hold them up against the standard of the gospel. Do your love and forgiveness have limi- tations or conditions? Ask the Lord to teach you true repentance of mind and heart. Knock —Meditate on 1 Corinthians 1:22–24. And so, while the Jews demand miracles and the Greeks look for wisdom, here are we preaching a crucified Christ; to the Jews an obstacle that they cannot get over, to the pagans’ madness, but to those who have been called, whether they are Jews or Greeks, a Christ who is the power and the wisdom of God. How might you experience the power and wisdom of God in the cross by embracing the gospel more completely? Transform Your Life —Make a daily examination of conscience, paying special attention to your attitudes throughout the day, and asking the Holy Spirit to make you more like Christ. The author of The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ in Your Life , Michael Dubriuel, passed away in 2009. His wife, author Amy Welborn, has made his book available as a free e-book ! We HIGHLY encourage you to download this exceptional work. The Power of the Cross is now available as a free e-book, check out more information by going here Check out more at the Discerning Hearts’ Michael Dubruiel page Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission. The post PoC-8 1st Wednesday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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Day 8: “Repentance and Mercy” – Discerning Hearts Podcast 7:00

5 hours ago7:00

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A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 8: “Repentance and Mercy” Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible): Luke 11:29-32 “When the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to speak: ‘This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. On Judgement Day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.’” Reflection: The story of Jonah and Nineveh is a powerful reminder of God’s mercy. Even though Nineveh was a city steeped in sin, the people responded to Jonah’s message with fasting, repentance, and prayer. Their contrite hearts moved God to withhold judgment, revealing His deep desire to forgive and restore. In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to reflect on our own need for repentance. He tells the crowd that they will be given the “sign of Jonah”—a call to repentance through the presence of Christ Himself. But unlike the people of Nineveh, many in Jesus’ time failed to recognize the urgency of the call. They were stubborn, unwilling to look honestly at their own hearts, and resistant to change. This is not so different from us. Repentance is difficult because it requires humility—it forces us to acknowledge our sins, our weaknesses, and the ways we have turned from God. But in many cases, we do not even realize our need for repentance. We have lost a sense of virtue, replacing it with moral compromise. We live in a world where sin is normalized, and in our comfort, we grow blind to the ways we are being called to conversion. We are often like the crowd, demanding a sign from God while failing to recognize that He is already calling us to transformation. The Desert Fathers remind us that repentance is not a one-time act but a way of life. Abba Sisoes said: “Seek repentance with all your soul, for the time is drawing near.” ( Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Sisoes 43 ) Repentance is about more than feeling sorry for our sins; it is about reorienting our lives toward God. It is a continual turning of our hearts to Him in humility and trust. This daily practice is not meant to weigh us down with guilt but to free us, to bring us closer to God’s transforming love. St. John Vianney , the patron saint of priests, echoes this call: “The Lord is more eager to forgive us than we are to ask for His mercy.” We are reminded that God does not desire our perfection but our humility and trust in His love. Just as He forgave Nineveh, He longs to extend His mercy to us. But we must take the first step—acknowledging our sins and allowing His grace to transform our hearts. Repentance is not simply about turning away from sin, but turning toward Christ. When we honestly examine our hearts, we may find areas where we resist change out of fear or complacency. Yet God calls us to trust in His mercy, knowing that true healing begins when we surrender. Abba Poemen said: “The nature of water is soft, that of stone is hard; but if a bottle is hung above the stone, dropping water on it, it wears it away. So it is with the word of God: it is soft, and our hearts are hard, but if one hears the word of God often, it will break open the heart’s hardness in repentance.” ( Apophthegmata Patrum, Poemen 181 ) This wisdom reminds us that even the hardest of hearts can be softened when we allow God’s Word and His mercy to penetrate us. We must make space for His voice, listen attentively, and allow Him to work in us, breaking away the stubbornness that holds us back. Take a moment in prayer to invite God into the places of your heart that need healing. What sins or habits is He gently asking you to let go of? What areas of your life are in need of His mercy? Sit in silence and allow His love to wash over you. Let His mercy restore and renew you, just as He did for the people of Nineveh. Reflection Questions: What sins or habits is God inviting us to repent of this Lent? How can we trust more deeply in God’s mercy and forgiveness? In what ways can our repentance lead others to encounter God’s love? Closing Prayer: Lord, You are slow to anger and rich in mercy. Like the people of Nineveh, we come before You in humility, asking for Your forgiveness and grace. Help us to turn away from sin and to reorient our lives toward You. Teach us to trust in the depths of Your love, and may our repentance inspire others to seek Your mercy. Transform our hearts, O Lord, so that we may live as signs of Your compassion and grace in the world. Amen. This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent. The post Day 8: “Repentance and Mercy” – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

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St. Joseph Novena – Day 3 1:54

5 hours ago1:54

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O glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor we now request… (State your request here.) O guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ and for the glory of His name, hear our prayers and obtain our petitions. Amen. DAY THREE Blessed St. Joseph, enkindle in our cold hearts a spark of your charity. May God be always the first and only object of our affections. Keep our souls always in sanctifying grace and, if we should be so unhappy as to lose it, give us the strength to recover it immediately by a sincere repentance. Help us to such a love of our God as will always keep us united to Him. O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ and for the glory of His name, hear our prayers and obtain our petitions. (State your request here…) Amen. Saint Joseph, pray for us! The post St. Joseph Novena – Day 3 appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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1st Wednesday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 9:51

6 hours ago9:51

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1st Wednesday of Lent- A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 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… From the Holy Gospel of St. Luke 11:29-32 The crowds got even bigger, and Jesus addressed them: ‘This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with the men of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here. On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here.’ What word made this passage come alive for you? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you: The crowds got even bigger, and Jesus addressed them: ‘This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with the men of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here. On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here.’ What did your heart feel as you listened? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word: The crowds got even bigger, and Jesus addressed them: ‘This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with the men of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here. On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here.’ What touched your heart in this time of prayer? What did your heart feel as you prayed? What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord? Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission. The post 1st Wednesday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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SJC16 – Longing for God’s Love – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast 29:00

14 hours ago29:00

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Longing for God’s Love – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty Fr. Donald Haggerty discusses St. John of the Cross’s deep insights into contemplative prayer, emphasizing the hidden yet profound ways God communicates with the soul. God’s presence is beyond human comprehension, yet intimately personal, particularly through the sacraments and prayer. Contemplation is described as a surrender to divine love, requiring faith and humility rather than an emotional or intellectual grasp of God. Drawing from St. John of the Cross, genuine supernatural experiences often transcend natural consolations, as God touches the soul in a way that surpasses human faculties. True prayer is an interior surrender that aligns with a life fully given to God. Contemplative graces can emerge unexpectedly, even in old age or suffering, as souls abandon themselves to God’s will. Saints like Mother Teresa and St. Damien of Molokai are examples of those who embodied this surrender, allowing God to act through them. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions How does the hidden nature of God’s presence in the Eucharist and within the soul challenge your understanding of prayer? In what ways do you seek consolation in prayer, and how might deeper surrender to God transform your spiritual life? How does recognizing the infinite magnitude of God shape your reverence in the sacraments and in personal prayer? What role does faith play in trusting God’s presence, even when you do not feel His closeness? How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of belonging entirely to God in your daily life? In what ways can suffering or trials become an opportunity for deeper union with God? How do the examples of saints like Mother Teresa and St. Damien of Molokai inspire you to live a more self-giving life? What practices or gestures can help you grow in humility before God in prayer and worship? How does understanding God’s presence within you, as taught by St. John of the Cross, change your approach to contemplation? What steps can you take to foster a greater longing for God throughout your life, rather than waiting until the final moments? An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation “The ease with which contemplation can take place when a soul is accustomed to approach God with a deeper surrender of itself is evident in this passage. The great obstacle to the soul at this time, on the other hand, as mentioned already, lies in an excessively conscientious approach to prayer that resists adaptation. And in a real sense, this involves a lack of surrender to God. The conscientiousness to “do prayer” as taught in one’s training is not necessarily a virtue; it actually can be a fault that makes a soul reluctant to alter its ways. The person may have become accustomed for many months, sometimes for years, to fill a silent time of prayer with an imaginative gaze on the Gospel or in searching for spiritual insights. The familiarity of the method has trained the person to seek satisfaction in the acquisition of new thoughts or in the enjoyment of some felt sense of loving God. The virtuous resolutions that may conclude such prayer give the time of prayer a sense of a purposefulness. For many souls, it becomes very hard to accept that a prayer less active, less searching, a prayer more inconclusive, more open-ended, can be an advancement in prayer. The suggestion to remain quiet seems to invite the laziness of non-activity into prayer and to yield fruitless results. As we have mentioned, these souls, if they are receiving contemplative graces, are the fervent and dedicated people of the spiritual life. They are people who do give themselves generously in charity and to the will of God. They work hard and spend themselves. Otherwise, the grace of contemplation would not be occurring. But it is precisely this conscientiousness that can work against them at this time. They are not acclimated to a more receptive acceptance of subtle graces from God. If the person can trust inwardly and allow the soul to follow its deeper instinct of love, as described in the fifth sign, then the door opens to the graced inner desire to seek nothing but to love God in prayer. Unfortunately, an active mentality may tend for a time to resist the “apparent” abandonment of concrete fruits from its prayer. Such a soul may prefer, as Saint John of the Cross comments, to do over and over again what has been done and completed already. The aversion can be strong to doing what is thought to be doing nothing. Yet how mistaken this may be. Saint John of the Cross employs a striking image: removing the rind from a piece of fruit, so that it is ready to eat, and then trying to peel it once again…” Haggerty, Donald. Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation (pp. 196-197). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition. For more episodes in this series visit Fr. Haggerty’s Discerning Hearts page here You find the book on which this series is based here. The post SJC16 – Longing for God’s Love – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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Day 7: The Call of the Disciples – “Leaving Everything to Follow Him” – Discerning Hearts Podcast 8:45

15 hours ago8:45

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A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 7: The Call of the Disciples – “Leaving Everything to Follow Him” Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible): Luke 5:1-11 “Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, He saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then He sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if You say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed Him.” Reflection: The call of Simon Peter, James, and John is a moment of profound transformation. These ordinary fishermen encounter the extraordinary power of Jesus, and in an instant, their lives are forever changed. In the midst of their daily work—tired and likely discouraged after a fruitless night of fishing—they meet the Lord, who enters their lives with an invitation that will demand everything. Simon Peter’s initial response is one of hesitation: “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if You say so, I will let down the nets.” His words reflect the struggle many of us feel when faced with God’s call. We see our own limitations, our failures, and our doubts, but Peter takes a step of faith. That simple act of obedience—trusting Jesus’ word—leads to an abundance beyond anything Peter could have imagined. When the nets are miraculously filled, Peter falls to his knees, overwhelmed by the presence of holiness: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” In this moment, Peter is confronted with his own unworthiness, yet Jesus does not turn away. Instead, He calls Peter deeper: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” This is the heart of discipleship—not that we are worthy, but that Christ’s grace transforms us and makes us capable of answering His call. St. John Paul II spoke often of the courage required to follow Christ’s call: “Duc in altum! Put out into the deep! Do not be afraid to take risks for Christ. If He calls you, He will sustain you. Step forward with faith, and He will provide.” ( Novo Millennio Ineunte , 2001) This call to discipleship is not just for the apostles—it is for each of us. Jesus meets us in the ordinary moments of our lives, asking us to trust Him and to leave behind anything that holds us back. What are the “nets” in your life that you need to leave behind? Perhaps it is fear, pride, or attachment to comfort. Jesus invites us to lay these down and to follow Him wholeheartedly. The call of the disciples also reminds us that we are not called alone. Simon Peter, James, and John leave their boats together, stepping into a community of faith. Who are the people God has placed in your life to walk this journey with you? How can you support one another as you seek to follow Christ? The Desert Fathers often reflected on the call to leave everything for Christ. Abba Agathon once said: “If someone desires God, he must be ready to let go of everything else. A heart divided cannot fully belong to Him.” ( Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Agathon 1 ) His words remind us that following Jesus requires a full surrender, not holding onto distractions or fears that prevent us from giving ourselves completely to Him. Take a moment to reflect on Jesus’ words: “Do not be afraid.” Where is He calling you to trust Him more deeply? What risks is He inviting you to take for the sake of His kingdom? Ask for the courage to respond with the same faith and boldness as the disciples. Reflection Questions: What “nets” are you holding onto that might be preventing you from fully following Jesus? How can you trust Jesus more deeply in the ordinary moments of your life? Who are the people in your life that God has called to journey with you in faith, and how can you support one another? Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, You called the disciples to leave everything and follow You. Help us to hear Your call in our own lives. Give us the courage to trust You, even when the path is uncertain. Teach us to let go of anything that holds us back and to follow You with our whole hearts. May we never be afraid to step out in faith, knowing that You are always with us. Amen. This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent. The post Day 7: The Call of the Disciples – “Leaving Everything to Follow Him” – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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PoC-7 1st Tuesday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation 1:43

1 day ago1:43

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<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> The Cross of Christ Teaches Us. . . How to Pray Steps to Take as You Follow Christ Ask —How can my prayer better reflect what is going on in my life at the present moment? Seek —Try praying for an extended period of time in the orans position. Ask Our Lord to teach you this lesson from the cross, so that your prayer might always be heartfelt. Knock —Meditate on Hebrews 5:7 During his life on earth, he offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death, and he submitted so humbly that his prayer was heard. How might your prayer become more like the prayer of Christ? Transform Your Life —Foster a sense of God’s presence before you begin any prayer. Speak to God from your heart, then listen. God is the most important being with whom you will ever speak. The author of The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ in Your Life , Michael Dubriuel, passed away in 2009. His wife, author Amy Welborn, has made his book available as a free e-book ! We HIGHLY encourage you to download this exceptional work. The Power of the Cross is now available as a free e-book, check out more information by going here Check out more at the Discerning Hearts’ Michael Dubruiel page Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission. The post PoC-7 1st Tuesday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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St. Joseph Novena – Day 2 1:59

1 day ago1:59

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<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> O glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor we now request… (State your request here.) O guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ and for the glory of His name, hear our prayers and obtain our petitions. Amen. DAY TWO O blessed Saint Joseph, tenderhearted father, faithful guardian of Jesus, chaste spouse of the Mother of God, we pray and beseech you to offer to God the Father, His divine son, bathed in blood on the Cross for sinners, and through the thrice holy name of Jesus obtain for us of the eternal Father the favor for which we implore your intercession… (State your request here…) Amid the splendors of eternity, forget not the sorrows of those who pray, those who weep; stay the almighty arm which smites us, that by your prayers and those of your most holy spouse, the Heart of Jesus may be moved to pity and to pardon. Amen Saint Joseph, pray for us! The post St. Joseph Novena – Day 2 appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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1st Tuesday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 10:02

1 day ago10:02

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1st Tuesday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 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… From the Holy Gospel of Matthew 6:7-15 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘In your prayers do not babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard. Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him. So you should pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be held holy, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven those who are in debt to us. And do not put us to the test, but save us from the evil one. ‘Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either.’ What word made this passage come alive for you? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘In your prayers do not babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard. Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him. So you should pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be held holy, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven those who are in debt to us. And do not put us to the test, but save us from the evil one. ‘Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either.’ What did your heart feel as you listened? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘In your prayers do not babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard. Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him. So you should pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be held holy, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven those who are in debt to us. And do not put us to the test, but save us from the evil one. ‘Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either.’ What touched your heart in this time of prayer? What did your heart feel as you prayed? What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord? Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission. The post 1st Tuesday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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DPD1 – Living the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast 29:26

1 day ago29:26

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Living the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the Ignatian practice of the Examen prayer. Fr. Gallagher explains that the Examen is a method of prayer designed to help individuals reflect on their daily spiritual experiences. It involves a brief period of introspection, typically 10-15 minutes, during which one reviews the events of the day to discern where God was present, how one responded to His presence, and how to improve future responses to both consolations and desolations. The Examen is deeply rooted in Ignatian spirituality and serves as a practical way to apply the teachings on discernment of spirits to everyday life. He illustrates this with examples from the lives of saints such as St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Brother Lawrence, and Blessed Pierre Favre, highlighting how ordinary moments can be transformed into profound spiritual encounters through attentive reflection and openness to God’s grace. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions How can the Examen prayer help me recognize God’s presence in my daily life? In what ways can I apply the teachings on discernment of spirits to my everyday experiences? How can I incorporate a 10-15 minute period of reflection to review my day and my spiritual responses? What moments of consolation or desolation have I experienced today, and how did I respond to them? How can I be more open to recognizing and responding to God’s grace in the small, ordinary moments of my day? How does regularly practicing the Examen prayer contribute to my spiritual growth and awareness? In what ways does the Examen prayer deepen my personal relationship with Jesus? How can I become more of a contemplative in action, finding God in the midst of my busy life? What can I learn from the experiences of saints like St. Thérèse, Brother Lawrence, and Blessed Pierre Favre regarding attentiveness to God’s presence? How committed am I to making the Examen prayer a regular part of my spiritual routine, and what steps can I take to ensure consistency? As outlined from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J. 1909 in the public domain) METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN It contains in it five Points. First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received. Second Point. The second, to ask grace to know our sins and cast them out. Third Point. The third, to ask account of our soul from the hour that we rose up to the present Examen, hour by hour, or period by period: and first as to thoughts, and then as to words, and then as to acts, in the same order as was mentioned in the Particular Examen. Fourth Point. The fourth, to ask pardon of God our Lord for the faults. Fifth Point. The fifth, to purpose amendment with His grace. OUR FATHER. Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page The post DPD1 – Living the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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PoC-6 1st Monday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation 2:39

2 days ago2:39

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The Cross of Christ Teaches Us. . . to Live the Gospel Steps to Take as You Follow Christ Ask —Where have I encountered Christ “in the least of my brethren”? Seek —Make an effort to see Christ in the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, or imprisoned. Try to reach out to those no one else notices. Knock —Meditate on Romans 2:13-16 It is not listening to the Law but keeping it that will make people holy in the sight of God. For instance, pagans who never heard of the Law but are led by reason to do what the Law commands, may not actually ‘possess’ the Law, but they can be said to ‘be’ the Law. They can point to the substance of the Law engraved on their hearts – they can call a witness, that is, their own conscience – they have accusation and defence, that is, their own inner mental dialogue…on the day when, according to the Good News I preach, God, through Jesus Christ, judges the secrets of mankind. What are the secrets of your life that will be brought to judgment? How can you be more of a doer rather than just a listener of the Law of God? Transform Your Life — Expect to meet Christ daily, first in the bread that is broken at Mass and then in the people who cross your path. See nothing as chance but everything as somehow fitting into the mysterious plan of God. The author of The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ in Your Life , Michael Dubriuel, passed away in 2009. His wife, author Amy Welborn, has made his book available as a free e-book ! We HIGHLY encourage you to download this exceptional work. The Power of the Cross is now available as a free e-book, check out more information by going here Check out more at the Discerning Hearts’ Michael Dubruiel page Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission. The post PoC-6 1st Monday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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St. Joseph Novena – Day 1 1:29

2 days ago1:29

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O glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor we now request… (State your request here.) O guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ and for the glory of His name, hear our prayers and obtain our petitions. Amen. DAY ONE O great St. Joseph, with feelings of unlimited confidence, we beg you to bless this novena that we begin in your honor. “You are never invoked in vain,” says the seraphic St. Theresa of Jesus. Be you then to me what you have been to that spouse of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and graciously hear me as you did her. Amen. Saint Joseph, pray for us! The post St. Joseph Novena – Day 1 appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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Day 6: The Transfiguration – “Beholding the Glory of Christ” – Discerning Hearts Podcast 7:19

2 days ago7:19

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A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 6: The Transfiguration – “Beholding the Glory of Christ” Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible): Matthew 17:1-9 “Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While He was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is My Son, the Beloved; with Him I am well pleased; listen to Him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.” Reflection: Today, we are invited to climb the mountain with Jesus and His closest disciples. This moment of Transfiguration is not just a glimpse of Christ’s divine glory, but a revelation meant to strengthen the disciples for the trials that lie ahead. In this dazzling display of light and majesty, they encounter the fullness of who Jesus is: both fully human and fully divine. The Transfiguration is a reminder for us that in our journey of faith, God gives us moments of clarity, moments where His presence and glory shine through the veil of this world. These moments are gifts, not only to comfort us but to prepare us. Peter, James, and John will soon witness the agony of Gethsemane and the suffering of the cross. But here, on the mountain, they are reminded that the cross is not the end. The glory of Christ points forward to the resurrection and the hope of eternal life. Notice Peter’s reaction: “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” How often do we long to remain in the comfort of these “mountaintop” experiences, forgetting that our mission lies back in the valleys of daily life? The voice of the Father breaks through Peter’s words, calling him—and us—not to remain still, but to listen: “This is My Son, the Beloved; listen to Him!” Discipleship is not about staying in comfort; it is about listening to Christ and following Him, even when the path leads through suffering. St. Augustine reflects: “In His Transfiguration, Christ showed His disciples the splendor of His truth, that they might be strengthened for the scandal of the cross.” This is the paradox of our faith: the glory of God is revealed in both the brilliance of the mountaintop and the humility of the cross. The Transfiguration invites us to hold these two realities together, trusting that the light of Christ will guide us through the darkest valleys. The Desert Fathers also reflected on the necessity of climbing the spiritual mountain in prayer. Abba Evagrius Ponticus taught: “If you desire to see the face of Christ, let your soul ascend the mountain of prayer and contemplation.” (Praktikos 67) His words remind us that the journey to God’s presence is not always easy. It requires effort, perseverance, and an openness to being transformed by the experience of His glory. But the reward is great: a deeper union with Christ, a heart strengthened for the trials of life, and a faith that is no longer shaken by suffering. Take a moment now to reflect on the “mountaintop” moments in your own life. When have you experienced the glory of God in a way that filled your heart with joy and wonder? How have those moments strengthened your faith for the challenges that followed? Spend time in prayer asking Jesus to help you carry the memory of His glory into the struggles of daily life, trusting that He is with you in both the light and the darkness. Reflection Questions: How can you hold on to the glory of Christ in moments of difficulty or doubt? What does it mean for you to “listen to Him” in the midst of life’s challenges? How does the Transfiguration prepare you to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear? Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, You revealed Your glory on the mountain to strengthen Your disciples for the road ahead. Help us to hold onto the light of Your presence in moments of darkness and to trust in Your love when the path is hard. Teach us to listen to You and to follow wherever You lead, knowing that Your glory is always with us. Amen. This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent. The post Day 6: The Transfiguration – “Beholding the Glory of Christ” – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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1st Monday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 14:38

2 days ago14:38