The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives

LSB4 – Call From Seclusion – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Call From Seclusion- The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, O.S.B.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor continue their discussion about the life of St. Benedict. They delve into his journey of detachment from earthly ties, including his parents and his immersion into solitude.

Fr. Mauritius also highlights a significant encounter where Benedict forgets the date of Easter, suggesting a detachment even from the Church’s calendar, leading to a deeper understanding of the Easter mystery. This experience is likened to an analog versus original experience, where Benedict transitions from outward knowing to inward experiencing.

The discussion expands to the broader significance of Easter and the importance of active participation and interior understanding within the Church. It concludes with reflections on gratitude towards the Church, personal contribution to its vitality, addressing problems respectfully, and continuing prayer.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Gratitude for Church Gifts: Reflect on the aspects of the Church that you’re thankful for and how you’ve benefited from them.
Personal Contribution to Church Life: Contemplate how you can actively contribute to making the Church more vibrant and alive in your community.
Addressing Church Challenges: Consider any issues or problems within the Church and how you can respectfully and constructively engage with them.
Deepening Prayer with the Church: Reflect on how you can deepen your prayer life in alignment with the Church’s teachings and traditions.
Living the Mystery of Easter: How can you live out the mystery of Easter in your daily life beyond just celebrating it as a yearly ritual?
Active Participation in Church Life: How can you actively participate in the life of the Church, both spiritually and practically, to foster its growth and renewal?

From the Life of Our Most Holy Father St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great:

CHAPTER I.

“Now when it pleased Almighty God that Romanus should rest from his labours, and that the life of Benedict should be manifest to the world for an example to all men, that the candle set upon a candlestick might shine and give light to the whole Church of God, our Lord vouchsafed to appear to a certain Priest living far off, who had make ready his dinner for Easter Day, saying to him: “Thou hast prepared good cheer for thyself, and My servant in such a place is famished for hunger.” Who presently rose up, and on the solemn day of Easter went towards the place with such meat as he had provided for himself, where seeking the man of God, amongst craggy rocks, winding valleys and hollow pits he found him hid in a cave. Then after prayers, and blessing the Almighty Lord, they sat down, and after some spiritual discourse the Priest said: “Rise, and let us take our refection, for this is Easter Day.” To whom the man of God answered: “I know it is Easter, because I have found so much favour as to see thee.” (For not having a long time conversed with men, he did not know it was Easter Day.) The good Priest did therefore again affirm it, saying: “Truly this is the day of our Lord’s Resurrection, and therefore it is not fit that you should keep abstinence, and for this cause I am sent that we may eat together that which Almighty God hath bestowed on us.” Whereupon blessing God, they fell to their meat. Their discourse and dinner ended, the Priest returned to his Church.”

Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, NE

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Day 5 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes – Day 5

O Mary Immaculate, Mother of God and our mother, from the heights of your dignity look down mercifully upon us while we, full of confidence in your unbounded goodness and confident that your Divine Son will look favorably upon any request you make of Him in our behalf, we beseech you to come to our aid and secure for us the favor we seek in this novena.
(make your request)

O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

SD5 – The Journey Through the Dark Night – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Journey Through the Dark Night – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor continue their discussion on spiritual desolation and introduce the concept of the “dark night”. They distinguish between the two, with desolation being a common experience and the dark night a specific phase in the spiritual journey.

Fr. Gallagher also addresses the role of doubt in the spiritual journey, pointing out that doubts can have various meanings and should be discerned individually. He stresses the need for fidelity to prayer and trust in God’s guidance.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Distinguishing Spiritual Desolation and the Dark Night: How does Father Gallagher differentiate between spiritual desolation and the dark night, emphasizing their distinct characteristics?
Ignatius and the Initial Spiritual Journey: How does Ignatius’ early experiences reflect an initial step in the spiritual journey, moving beyond external heroism to a deeper understanding of spiritual life?
Navigating Confusion and Doubt in the Spiritual Journey: How do confusion and doubt affect individuals on their spiritual journey, and what practical advice does Father Gallagher offer to navigate through these challenges?
The Role of Doubt in Spiritual Experience: Father Gallagher discusses various forms of doubt and their implications, distinguishing between doubt in the existence of God and doubt within the context of one’s prayer life. How does he characterize these distinctions?
Practical Wisdom for Discernment: What practical insights does Father Gallagher provide for navigating spiritual desolation and the dark night in the context of Ignatian spirituality? How does he emphasize the importance of discernment and spiritual direction?
Timing and Generosity in the Dark Night: Father Gallagher shares insights on when a person might experience the dark night and suggests a general profile of individuals called to this phase. What role does generosity and dedication play in this process?
Understanding Prayer as a Gift and Grace: How does Father Gallagher use Ignatius’ vocabulary to convey the idea that prayer is a gift and grace from God? What role does the human person play in this divine-human cooperation?
St. Therese’s Analogy of Different Saints: How does St. Therese’s analogy of different flowers illustrate the diversity of saints and their unique journeys? What message does this convey about God’s work in individual souls?
Trust in God’s Guidance in the Spiritual Journey: Summarize the key message regarding one’s role in the spiritual journey: fidelity to prayer, trust in God’s guidance, and acceptance of individual differences in the spiritual life.

From Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits:

“The dark night, therefore, is an experience of infused contemplative prayer felt as painful because it is purifying; it prepares the person for greater union with God through higher states of infused contemplation. The difference between this purifying experience of prayer and the discouraging lies of spiritual desolation is evident. The first is a gift of God; the second is a trap of the enemy. By accepting the first, we grow; by rejecting the second, we grow.”

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

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes – Day 4 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes – Day 4

O Immaculate Queen of Heaven, we your wayward, erring children, join our unworthy prayers of praise and thanksgiving to those of the angels and saints and your own-the One, Holy, and Undivided Trinity may be glorified in heaven and on earth. Our Lady of Lourdes, as you looked down with love and mercy upon Bernadette as she prayed her rosary in the grotto, look down now, we beseech you, with love and mercy upon us. From the abundance of graces granted you by your Divine Son, sweet Mother of God, give to each of us all that your motherly heart sees we need and at this moment look with special favor on the grace we seek in this novena.

(make your request)

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

Sloth Can Separate Us from God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Sloth Can Separate Us from God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. Esseff

Msgr. Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the impact of sloth (self-reliance) on one’s relationship with God, drawing parallels with King David’s disobedience. Msgr. Esseff particularly critiques societal laziness, self-centeredness, and moral decay, urging a shift towards Jesus’ humble and sacrificial leadership. He also touches on global wealth disparity and emphasizes the responsibility to share with those in need.

Msgr. Esseff encourages prayer, repentance, and adopting a servant’s attitude, exemplified by Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, as a means to foster compassion and justice in society.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Self-Reflection on Sloth: How does the concept of sloth, characterized by self-reliance and disobedience, resonate with your own life and actions?
Learning from King David: In what ways can King David’s experience, where self-reliance led to disobedience, serve as a lesson for individuals today, especially in positions of authority?
Leadership in Society: Reflect on the prevalent laziness and self-centeredness in various leadership roles today. How can adopting Jesus’ humble and sacrificial leadership style bring about positive change?
Wealth Disparity: Consider global wealth distribution and the responsibility to share with those in need. How can you contribute to addressing the disparities and recognizing Jesus in the poorest of the poor?
Prayer and Repentance: In response to the discussion, how can Psalm 51 (“Have mercy on me, O God, for I have sinned”) guide your prayer and reflection on personal change and repentance?
Humility and Service: Reflect on the symbolic act of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. How can adopting a similar attitude of humility and service positively impact your relationships within your family, church, and community?
Recognizing Jesus in Others: How can the recognition of Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor influence your perspective on those less fortunate?
Shifting Societal Attitudes: Consider how fostering an attitude of care and service to others, rooted in humility, can contribute to positive societal change. How can you embody these principles in your daily life?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St. Mother Teresa. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Day 3 – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Day 3

“You are all fair, O Mary, and there is in you no stain of original sin.” O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. O brilliant star of sanctity, as on that lovely day, upon a rough rock in Lourdes you spoke to the child Bernadette and a fountain broke from the plain earth and miracles happened and the great shrine of Lourdes began, so now I beseech you to hear our fervent prayer and do, we beseech you, grant us the petition we now so earnestly seek.

(make your request)

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

Sunday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Sunday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time – 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. Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went with James and John straight to the house of Simon and Andrew. Now Simon’s mother-in-law had gone to bed with fever, and they told him about her straightaway. He went to her, took her by the hand and helped her up. And the fever left her and she began to wait on them.
That evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by devils. The whole town came crowding round the door, and he cured many who were suffering from diseases of one kind or another; he also cast out many devils, but he would not allow them to speak, because they knew who he was.
In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his companions set out in search of him, and when they found him they said, ‘Everybody is looking for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’ And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out devils.

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:

On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went with James and John straight to the house of Simon and Andrew. Now Simon’s mother-in-law had gone to bed with fever, and they told him about her straightaway. He went to her, took her by the hand and helped her up. And the fever left her and she began to wait on them.
That evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by devils. The whole town came crowding round the door, and he cured many who were suffering from diseases of one kind or another; he also cast out many devils, but he would not allow them to speak, because they knew who he was.
In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his companions set out in search of him, and when they found him they said, ‘Everybody is looking for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’ And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out devils.

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:

On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went with James and John straight to the house of Simon and Andrew. Now Simon’s mother-in-law had gone to bed with fever, and they told him about her straightaway. He went to her, took her by the hand and helped her up. And the fever left her and she began to wait on them.
That evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by devils. The whole town came crowding round the door, and he cured many who were suffering from diseases of one kind or another; he also cast out many devils, but he would not allow them to speak, because they knew who he was.
In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his companions set out in search of him, and when they found him they said, ‘Everybody is looking for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’ And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out devils.

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.

May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

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.

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes – Day 2 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes – Day Two

Be blessed, O most pure Virgin, for having vouchsafed to manifest yourself shining with light, sweetness and beauty, in the Grotto of Lourdes, saying to the child Saint Bernadette: “I am the Immaculate Conception!” O Mary Immaculate, inflame our hearts with one ray of the burning love of your pure heart Let them be consumed with love for Jesus and for you, in order that we may merit one day to enjoy your glorious eternity. O dispenser of His graces here below, take into your keeping and present to your Divine Son the petition for which we are making this novena.

(make your request)

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes – Day 1 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes – Day One

DAY ONE
O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, virgin and mother, queen of heaven, chosen from all eternity to be the Mother of the Eternal Word and in virtue of this title preserved from original sin, we kneel before you as did little Bernadette at Lourdes and pray with childlike trust in you that as we contemplate your glorious appearance at Lourdes, you will look with mercy on our present petition and secure for us a favorable answer to the request for which we are making this novena.

(make your request)

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

In Conversation with Fr. Joseph Fessio – He Gave Us So Much by Robert Cardinal Sarah – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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In Conversation with Fr. Joseph Fessio – He Gave Us So Much: A Tribute to Benedict XVI by Robert Cardinal Sarah

In this episode, Evan Collins interviews Fr. Joseph Fessio about a new book paying tribute to Pope Benedict XVI written by Cardinal Robert Sarah. The book is celebrated for its deep spiritual insights and reflections on the lives of saints, particularly focusing on Pope Benedict XVI’s rich theological legacy and potential for canonization.

Fr. Fessio shares his personal connection to Pope Benedict XVI, describing him as a mentor and friend, and highlights Cardinal Sarah’s relationship with the late pope, drawing parallels between their spiritual and theological journeys. The book is described as a heartfelt tribute, offering a unique perspective on Pope Benedict XVI’s spiritual and theological contributions through Cardinal Sarah’s lens, including previously unpublished writings that showcase the depth of Benedict XVI’s thoughts on faith, spirituality, and the church.

The discussion also delves into the broader impact of Pope Benedict XVI’s work, emphasizing his humility, profound theological insight, and dedication to guiding the faithful toward a deeper understanding of their faith and the Church’s teachings. Fr. Fessio and Collins discuss the significance of the catechism, the importance of tradition, and the legacy of theological scholarship represented by figures like Ratzinger, de Lubac, and von Balthasar.

Throughout the conversation, both Collins and Fr. Fessio highlight the enduring relevance of Pope Benedict XVI’s teachings, his approach to theology as a means of encountering the divine, and the transformative power of his writings on individuals’ spiritual lives. The episode paints a picture of Pope Benedict XVI not just as a theologian but as a spiritual master whose life and work continue to inspire and guide the faithful toward a deeper relationship with God.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

Spiritual Mentorship and Legacy: Reflect on the role of spiritual mentorship in your own faith journey. How has the guidance of spiritual leaders like Pope Benedict XVI or other mentors in your life influenced your understanding and practice of the Catholic faith?
The Theology of Relation and Self-Giving: Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the importance of going beyond oneself in self-giving and forming relationships to truly find oneself in the image of the Triune God. How can you apply this theology of relation and self-giving in your daily life to grow closer to God and to others?
The Richness of Catholic Tradition: The conversation highlights the depth and breadth of Catholic tradition, including the works of theologians like Ratzinger, de Lubac, and von Balthasar. How does engaging with the Church’s intellectual and spiritual heritage enrich your personal faith and understanding of Catholicism?
The Liturgy as the Center of Spiritual Life: Pope Benedict XVI is described as a “homo liturgicus,” with the liturgy at the center of his life. Reflect on your own experience of the liturgy. How does active participation in the liturgy enhance your spiritual life and relationship with the divine?
Encountering Christ in the Marginalized: The episode recounts Pope Benedict XVI’s profound encounter with a disfigured child, where he saw and affirmed her beauty and dignity. How does this story inspire you to see and serve Christ in the marginalized and suffering in your own community?