“On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Seven Swans A Swimming …”
representing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion or the seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, penance, Eucharist, marriage, anointing of the sick, and holy orders. This is a day of new beginning, seven is the number of finality and we finish the old year and begin anew this day.
Prayer: Lord, examine our hearts today, let us come to You as anew, pure as the snow of the season. Show us our conscience, help us take Your words to heart, and make a new beginning. Lord, let this season of birth be a new birth in me. Amen
“On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Six Geese A Laying …”symbolizing the six days of the creation. Eggs are also a universal symbol of new life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are reminded this day that there is holiness in the ordinary. There is holiness in the birth of a new child, in the creation of life, and in the ordinary task of raising those children.We are blessed to all be Your children, brothers, and sisters in Christ. Help us to bear our unique responsibility to bring forth into the world the gifts we have received. Lord, let us see the holiness every day in the face of children. Amen.
Do you truly know how to pray? A prayer primer with Msgr. John Esseff Discerning Hearts Podcast
In a profound episode of Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts, Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor delve into the essence of prayer and its central role in the Christian life. Msgr. Esseff, with decades of experience in spiritual guidance, emphasizes that prayer is foundational, akin to kindergarten, where one learns the basic, yet crucial aspects of communicating with God. He insists that prayer is not just a ritual but a conversation that necessitates the presence of God. Without this presence, prayer risks becoming an empty gesture.
Drawing on Jesus’ example, Msgr. Esseff encourages finding solitude and silence for prayer, underlining the importance of establishing a relationship with God. He uses the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew’s Gospel to illustrate the difference between merely performing religious acts and cultivating a personal connection with God. This relationship is rooted in understanding one’s identity as God’s child, which then shapes the way one prays.
Kris McGregor broaches the common challenge of discerning God’s voice in prayer. Msgr. Esseff acknowledges this difficulty and suggests that spiritual direction can be invaluable in learning to distinguish and understand the divine communication.
In conclusion, Msgr. Esseff stresses that prayer is not just about asking or saying things to God but also about listening and being open to His will. He urges listeners to approach prayer with a focus on forming a deep relationship with God, which, in turn, empowers them to be channels of God’s peace in the world. The podcast is a reminder of the transformative power of prayer in the Christian journey.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:
Understanding Prayer as Relationship:
How do you currently perceive prayer in your life? Is it more of a routine or a relational conversation with God?
Reflect on the idea that prayer is like kindergarten. In what ways are you learning the basics of prayer, and how can you grow in this area?
Presence of God in Prayer:
Recall a time when you felt God’s presence strongly during prayer. What was different about that experience compared to other times?
How can you create a conducive environment for recognizing God’s presence in your daily prayer life?
The Role of Solitude and Silence:
What are the distractions that most commonly interfere with your prayer life? How can you minimize these distractions?
How can you incorporate solitude and silence into your daily routine to enhance your prayer experience?
Personal Relationship with God:
Reflect on the parable of the ten virgins. In what ways are you like the wise virgins, and in what ways are you like the foolish ones in your spiritual life?
What practical steps can you take to strengthen your personal relationship with God?
Identity as a Child of God:
How does understanding your identity as a child of God change the way you approach prayer?
In moments of prayer, how can you remind yourself of this identity and its significance?
Listening to God:
What are some of the challenges you face in listening to God during prayer?
How can you develop a more discerning heart to recognize and understand God’s voice?
The Importance of Spiritual Direction:
Have you ever considered seeking spiritual direction? If not, what might be holding you back?
How can a spiritual director assist you in deepening your prayer life and relationship with God?
Applying the ‘Our Father’ Prayer:
Reflect on how you usually pray the ‘Our Father’. How can you pray it more thoughtfully and intentionally, considering Msgr. Esseff’s insights?
How does the ‘Our Father’ encapsulate your relationship with God and your daily spiritual needs?
Msgr. Esseff offers a basic of prayer, R.I.M. – Relationship, Identity, and Mission.
Matthew 6:9-13Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)
9 Pray then like this:
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread;[a] 12 And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; 13 And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.[b]
Episode 6 – Insights into Advanced Directives and Catholic Ethical Perspectives
– The Final Journey with Dr. Stephen Doran, M.D.
In this episode, Dr. Stephen Doran and Kris McGregor highlight the crucial significance of advanced directives, in particular the living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare. Emphasizing the need for understanding these documents, Dr. Doran underscores their role in guiding healthcare decisions when communication from the patient is impossible.
He cautions against misinterpretations in the practical aspects of advanced directives, urging alignment with genuine desires through open communication with the designated power of attorney. The podcast stresses the importance of the durable power of attorney for healthcare, designating a crucial point person for medical decisions and facilitating family support.
Dr. Doran also advises caution on physician orders for life-sustaining treatment, encouraging viewers to view advanced directives as expressions of the human inclination to control destiny while embracing mystery and grace in the face of death.
Stephen Doran, M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon with over twenty-five years of experience, is an ordained permanent deacon and serves as the bioethicist for the Archdiocese of Omaha. His writings in bioethics, neurosurgery, and gene therapy for brain disorders have been widely published in national media outlets, academic journals, and neurosurgery textbooks. He is married with five sons. He co-founded Seeking Truth Catholic Bible Study with his wife, Sharon.
Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:
Understanding and Embracing Mortality: How does creating an advanced directive challenge us to confront and accept our own mortality from a Catholic perspective? Reflect on how this acceptance can lead to a deeper spiritual understanding and preparation for death.
The Role of Faith in Decision-Making: In light of the conversation about advanced directives and living wills, how can your faith inform your decisions about end-of-life care? Consider the Catholic Church’s teachings on the dignity of human life and the sanctity of death.
Choosing a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: Why is it important to select someone who shares your faith and values as your durable power of attorney for healthcare? Reflect on the significance of having someone who respects and understands your beliefs making decisions on your behalf.
The Limits of Human Control and Trust in God: How does the desire to control every aspect of our end-of-life care reflect our human nature? From a Catholic perspective, how can we balance this desire with trust in God’s plan and the mystery of His grace?
Ethical and Moral Considerations: Discuss the ethical and moral considerations that should guide the creation of an advanced directive or living will. How can these documents be aligned with Catholic teaching on end-of-life care?
Communication and Community in End-of-Life Decisions: How important is open communication with family members and loved ones when preparing for end-of-life decisions? Reflect on the role of community, family, and the church in supporting these conversations.
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: In light of Dr. Doran’s mention of euthanasia and assisted suicide as expressions of controlling one’s destiny, discuss the Catholic Church’s stance on these issues. How does this stance challenge contemporary societal views on death and dying?
The Spiritual Journey of Dying Well: Reflect on the concept of dying well from a Catholic viewpoint. How can preparing for death through advanced directives and thoughtful consideration of end-of-life care be a part of a spiritual journey toward eternal life?
Dr. Stephen Doran draws from his vast experience as a neurosurgeon, a bioethicist, and a permanent deacon to present the Catholic perspective on the art of dying well. The spiritual and moral issues related to death and the process of dying can be challenging and complicated. To Die Well provides a detailed yet readily understandable guide to these topics.
Each chapter begins with a story from Dr. Doran’s personal or professional life that not only provides context for the topic at hand but also gently draws the reader toward the personal realities of dying. The first part focuses on the moral issues that surround death and dying, including end-of-life medical decisions. The second part is devoted to the Catholic spiritual understanding of dying and the rites that accompany the death of a Catholic.
To Die Well will help readers contemplate, pray about, and prepare for the end of their earthly lives.
“On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Five Golden Rings …” pointing to the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. This is the history of humanity’s fall from grace and God’s response to make those people a light unto the world.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, guide us through the wilderness of our lives, let us live as light unto the Earth by Your light radiating through us. As we light candles in our homes and trim them with lights, let us be mindful that salvation and reconciliation come through your Son, the living light Jesus Christ. Amen.
“Act now to tap into the current of God’s loving grace.
While uncertainty and tough times are hallmarks of life, our current era feels more than a little unpredictable. And if we’re honest with ourselves, many of us are feeling uncertain about God’s plan. In times like these, we need a healthy boost of faith and a solid shot of inspiration to get through the day and lead us back to God. Pie-in-the-sky advice or overwrought platitudes won’t do. We need substantial, practical ways to fortify our souls.
In 8 Steps to Energize Your Faith, beloved spiritual teacher Joe Paprocki offers hands-on advice to guide us out of the fog of an often-confusing world and bolster our confidence in who we are—children of God with a vision and a purpose. This, of course, means growing in faith, but how? By tapping into God’s loving Spirit so we can go with the holy flow to put first things first and let the small stuff go.
Timely, inspiring, and filled with hard-earned, practical wisdom that applies to your life right now, 8 Steps to Energize Your Faith offers a path that we can all start on today to feel motivated, focused, and renewed in the Spirit.”
About the Author: Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press. He has over 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry and has taught at the high school, college, and general-adult levels. He is the author of over 20 books that have sold nearly a half-million copies, including the best sellers The Catechist’s Toolbox and A Well-Built Faith. His latest book, 8 Steps to Energize Your Faith, was published in 2023. He has presented in over 150 dioceses in North America and blogs about the catechetical ministry at www.catechistsjourney.com.
Joy, Love, and Friendship – A Lord of the Rings Spiritual Retreat w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts
The episode begins with Fr. Gallagher describing “The Lord of the Rings” as a heroic romance, highlighting its themes of joy and good news, which resonate deeply with Christian beliefs. He uses the story of Samwise Gamgee’s eavesdropping on Frodo and Gandalf’s conversation about the One Ring to illustrate the concept of “first love” in the spiritual sense – an initial joy and enthusiasm in the beginning of a spiritual journey.
Fr. Gallagher discusses the power of friendship in the narrative, citing examples from the book where characters express their dedication to each other. This theme is paralleled in the Christian journey, emphasizing the importance of companionship and support in faith.
The episode also explores the unexpected friendship between Legolas, an elf, and Gimli, a dwarf. Fr. Gallagher notes how their bond, despite historical enmity between their races, serves as a metaphor for overcoming prejudice and division.
Kris McGregor relates these themes to personal experiences, such as the joy of parenthood and the complexities of receiving friendship. Fr. Gallagher reflects on this, suggesting that accepting friendship involves risks but is essential for support on life’s journey.
Towards the end, the episode emphasizes the Christian concept of friendship as exemplified by Jesus, reminding listeners of the importance of companionship in spiritual life.
Discerning Hearts reflection questions:
Heroic Virtue in Daily Life: Reflect on your own life. In what ways are you called to exhibit heroic virtue in your daily experiences, similar to the characters in “The Lord of the Rings”?
Joy Amidst Adversity: Consider a time when you found joy in a challenging situation. How did your faith influence your ability to find joy? How can you cultivate a spirit of joy in your current life circumstances, as seen in the story of Sam and Frodo?
Value of Friendship and Community: Who are the ‘fellowship’ members in your life who support you in your spiritual journey? How do you contribute to the spiritual growth of others in your community, as the characters in “The Lord of the Rings” support each other?
Overcoming Prejudice and Building Bridges: Reflect on the friendship between Legolas and Gimli. Are there areas in your life where you need to overcome prejudice or misunderstanding to build meaningful relationships?
First Love for God: The concept of ‘first love’ is discussed in the episode. Reflect on your initial encounter with God or your early experiences of faith. How can you rekindle that ‘first love’ in your current spiritual practice?
The Role of Sacrifice in Faith: Contemplate the sacrifices made by the characters in “The Lord of the Rings”. How does sacrifice play a role in your faith life? Are there areas where you feel called to make sacrifices for the greater good?
Encountering God in Literature and Art: How do you find spiritual truths and God’s presence in literature, art, or other forms of culture, as Father Gallagher finds in Tolkien’s works?
Responding to God’s Call: Like Frodo and Sam, we all have a unique call in our spiritual lives. How do you discern and respond to God’s call? Are there times when you have resisted or embraced this call?
‘Well, sir,’ said Sam dithering a little. ‘I heard a deal that I didn’t rightly understand, about an enemy, and rings, and Mr. Bilbo, sir, and dragons, and a fiery mountain, and – and Elves, sir. I listened because I couldn’t help myself, if you know what I mean. Lor bless me, sir, but I do love tales of that sort. And I believe them too, whatever Ted may say. Elves, sir! I would dearly love to see them. Couldn’t you take me to see Elves, sir, when you go?’
Suddenly Gandalf laughed. ‘Come inside!’ he shouted, and putting out both his arms he lifted the astonished Sam, shears, grass-clippings and all, right through the window and stood him on the floor. ‘Take you to see Elves, eh?’ he said, eyeing Sam closely, but with a smile flickering on his face. ‘So you heard that Mr. Frodo is going away?’ ‘
I did, sir. And that’s why I choked: which you heard seemingly. I tried not to, sir, but it burst out of me: I was so upset.
’ ‘It can’t be helped, Sam,’ said Frodo sadly. He had suddenly realized that flying from the Shire would mean more painful partings than merely saying farewell to the familiar comforts of Bag End. ‘I shall have to go. But’ – and here he looked hard at Sam – ‘if you really care about me, you will keep that dead secret. See? If you don’t, if you even breathe a word of what you’ve heard here, then I hope Gandalf will turn you into a spotted toad and fill the garden full of grass-snakes.’
Sam fell on his knees, trembling. ‘Get up, Sam!’ said Gandalf. ‘I have thought of something better than that. Something to shut your mouth, and punish you properly for listening. You shall go away with Mr. Frodo!’ ‘
Me, sir!’ cried Sam, springing up like a dog invited for a walk. ‘Me go and see Elves and all! Hooray!’ he shouted, and then burst into tears.
Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings (pp. 63-64). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.
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
“On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Four Calling Birds …”symbolizing the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John which proclaim the good news of God’s reconciliation of the world to Himself through Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, today we give thanks for the good news! We are blessed to have heard it in our lives and are called to share the news with others. Help us share the news with just one today, Lord. Bless those whose lives are dedicated to the proclamation of the news…the ministers, priests, missionaries, teachers, evangelists and saints of the Church. During these holy days, and everyday, help us to foster Your kingdom on Earth! Amen.
“Act now to tap into the current of God’s loving grace.
While uncertainty and tough times are hallmarks of life, our current era feels more than a little unpredictable. And if we’re honest with ourselves, many of us are feeling uncertain about God’s plan. In times like these, we need a healthy boost of faith and a solid shot of inspiration to get through the day and lead us back to God. Pie-in-the-sky advice or overwrought platitudes won’t do. We need substantial, practical ways to fortify our souls.
In 8 Steps to Energize Your Faith, beloved spiritual teacher Joe Paprocki offers hands-on advice to guide us out of the fog of an often-confusing world and bolster our confidence in who we are—children of God with a vision and a purpose. This, of course, means growing in faith, but how? By tapping into God’s loving Spirit so we can go with the holy flow to put first things first and let the small stuff go.
Timely, inspiring, and filled with hard-earned, practical wisdom that applies to your life right now, 8 Steps to Energize Your Faith offers a path that we can all start on today to feel motivated, focused, and renewed in the Spirit.”
About the Author: Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press. He has over 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry and has taught at the high school, college, and general-adult levels. He is the author of over 20 books that have sold nearly a half-million copies, including the best sellers The Catechist’s Toolbox and A Well-Built Faith. His latest book, 8 Steps to Energize Your Faith, was published in 2023. He has presented in over 150 dioceses in North America and blogs about the catechetical ministry at www.catechistsjourney.com.
En las personas que van de pecado mortal en pecado mortal, el enemigo se sirve comúnmente de proponerles placeres aparentes, haciéndoles imaginar delicias y placeres sensuales para retenerlas más y hacerlas crecer en sus vicios y pecados. En estas personas el buen espíritu usa el método contrario, aguijoneándoles y mordiendo sus conciencias por medio del proceso de la razón.
El Padre Timothy Gallagher destaca el itinerario espiritual de San Agustín como ejemplo de la primera regla de los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio. La historia de Agustín ilustra la batalla entre las tentaciones sensuales y la conciencia moral. De joven, Agustín se entregó a los placeres sensuales, llevando una vida alejada de Dios. Este periodo estuvo marcado por la inquietud y el conflicto moral. El padre Gallagher señala que el “enemigo” tienta con placeres aparentes, mientras que el “buen espíritu” contraataca removiendo la conciencia. El momento de conversión de Agustín en un jardín, influido por el Espíritu Santo y las palabras de las Escrituras, ejemplifica esta lucha y transformación. El padre Gallagher subraya que comprender esta dinámica espiritual es esencial para reconocer y superar las tentaciones, lo que conduce a una comunión más profunda con Dios. El diálogo subraya la importancia de la conciencia y la acción en la vida espiritual, especialmente en la cultura actual, saturada de medios de comunicación.
Preguntas de reflexión de Discerning Hearts para este episodio:
Contrastando Tentaciones y Conciencia: Reflexiona sobre tus experiencias con la tentación. ¿Cómo reconoces cuando te sientes atraído por los “placeres terrenales”? ¿Cómo responde a estas tentaciones tu conciencia informada por la fe?
La transformación de san Agustín: Considera el viaje espiritual de San Agustín. ¿Qué aspectos de su historia resuenan con tus propias experiencias espirituales? ¿Ha habido momentos en tu vida en los que hayas sentido un cambio significativo en tu fe o en tu comprensión moral?
El papel de los medios de comunicación y las influencias modernas: En el mundo actual, lleno de medios de comunicación, ¿cómo disciernes qué influencias te acercan a Dios y cuáles te alejan? ¿Qué pasos puedes dar para alinear tu compromiso diario con los medios con tus valores católicos?
Reconocer el “buen espíritu”: ¿Cómo identificas la acción del “buen espíritu” en tu vida? ¿Puedes recordar casos en los que sentiste que tu conciencia te guiaba activamente por el buen camino?
Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio: ¿Conoces bien los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio? Teniendo en cuenta las ideas de la discusión, ¿cómo podrían estos ejercicios beneficiar a tu propio crecimiento espiritual, especialmente en la comprensión de la interacción entre la tentación y la conciencia?
El Padre Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., fue ordenado en 1979 como miembro de los Oblatos de la Virgen María, una comunidad religiosa dedicada a los retiros y a la formación espiritual según los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio. El P. Gallagher aparece en la serie de EWTN “Living the Discerning Life: Las enseñanzas espirituales de San Ignacio de Loyola”.
Para más información sobre cómo obtener copias de los diversos libros y audios del P. Gallaghers que están disponibles para su compra, por favor visite su website: www.frtimothygallagher.org
“On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Seven Swans A Swimming …” 
“On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Six Geese A Laying …”symbolizing the six days of the creation. Eggs are also a universal symbol of new life.
“On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Five Golden Rings …” pointing to the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. This is the history of humanity’s fall from grace and God’s response to make those people a light unto the world.
“On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Four Calling Birds …”symbolizing the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John which proclaim the good news of God’s reconciliation of the world to Himself through Jesus Christ.
