The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives

FJ7 – The Complexity of Brain Death – The Final Journey with Dr. Stephen Doran M.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Episode 7 – The Complexity of Brain Death – The Final Journey with Dr. Stephen Doran, M.D.

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Doran and Kris McGregor explore brain death, its historical evolution, and challenges in determining death for organ transplantation. Highlighting the ontological nature of death, Dr. Doran cautions against dehumanizing language, and encourage trust in God for guidance in end-of-life decisions. He also mentions the significance of precise criteria and highlights the impact of a third party in organ donation decisions.

Dr. Doran advises against succumbing to perceived urgency, urging reflection and prayer. For those with regrets, he advocates assuming good intent, learning from the experience, and moving forward with newfound strength.

For more episodes in the series, visit The Final Journey: Insights from a Catholic Doctor and Neurosurgeon w/ Dr. Stephen Doran M.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts.

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:

Ontological Reflection: How does Dr. Doran’s discussion deepen your understanding of death as an ontological event, separating the soul from the body?
Evolution of Criteria: In what ways has the historical evolution of criteria for determining death influenced your perception of end-of-life decisions?
Dehumanizing Language: Reflect on the caution against dehumanizing language, such as “harvest.” How can language impact attitudes towards organ donation and end-of-life decisions?
Impact of External Interests: Consider the role of a third party in organ donation decisions. How does this introduction of external interests impact the decision-making process?
Avoiding Perceived Urgency: Dr. Doran advises against succumbing to perceived urgency in end-of-life decisions. How can this perspective change your approach to such decisions?
Prayerful Guidance: Reflect on the advice to trust in God for guidance in end-of-life decisions. How does prayer play a role in your decision-making process, especially in difficult situations?

You can find the book here

From the book description:

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.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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“On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Twelve Drummers Drumming …” sounding out the cadence of what we believe in our lives, the Twelve Points of Doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed:

1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
2. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
5. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
6. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
7. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
8. The holy catholic Church,
9. The communion of saints,
10. The forgiveness of sins,
11. The resurrection of the body,
12. And life everlasting.

Text gratefully found at
Via Rosa Rosaries, Devotional Chaplets, Rosary Beads, and Catholic Gifts
entitled A Christian meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas
Copyright © 2005-2006

DOS4- La Segunda Regla- Discernimiento de Espíritus con el Padre Timothy Gallagher – Podcasts de Corazones Discernientes

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Episodio 4 -La Segunda Regla

La Segunda Regla:

En las personas que van limpiando intensamente sus pecados y elevándose de bien en mejor en el servicio de Dios nuestro Señor, es el método contrario al de la primera Regla, pues entonces es propio del mal espíritu morder, entristecer y poner obstáculos, inquietando con falsas razones, para que no se siga adelante; y es propio del bien dar ánimo y fortaleza, consuelos, lágrimas, inspiraciones y sosiego, aliviando y apartando todos los obstáculos, para que se siga adelante en el bien obrar.

El Padre Gallagher retoma discusiones anteriores sobre cómo el enemigo facilita el alejamiento de una persona de Dios, utilizando la imaginación y las imágenes sensuales, mientras que el buen espíritu se esfuerza por obstaculizar este movimiento. La segunda regla invierte este escenario, examinando la dinámica cuando un individuo se esfuerza sinceramente por eliminar el pecado y acercarse a Dios. Es aquí donde el espíritu maligno emplea tácticas para interrumpir: morder, entristecer, poner obstáculos e inquietar con falsas razones, todo ello diseñado para impedir el progreso espiritual.

Los oyentes reciben ejemplos perspicaces y análisis detallados, que ofrecen una comprensión clara de estas dinámicas espirituales. El episodio también enfatiza la importancia de reconocer y rechazar las tácticas del enemigo, destacando cómo el discernimiento juega un papel crucial en el crecimiento espiritual.

Esta profunda discusión no sólo ilumina las luchas del viaje espiritual, sino que también ofrece esperanza y guía para superar estos desafíos. Es una lectura obligada para cualquiera que busque una comprensión más profunda de su vida espiritual y de las fuerzas que influyen en ella.

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?

Para ver más episodios de la serie, visite: El Discernimiento de los Espíritus: Liberar a los cautivos con el Padre Timothy Gallagher; Podcast de Discernimiento de Corazones

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

LORT11 – Echoes of Eucatastrophe: Unveiling Spiritual Truths – A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Echoes of Eucatastrophe: Unveiling Spiritual Truths – A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

In the final episode of “A Lord of the Rings Spiritual Retreat,” Father Timothy Gallagher concludes his profound exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “On Fairy-Stories.” Here, he emphasizes how fairy tales transcend age, captivating both children and adults with their enchanting narratives that delve into universal themes of joy, sorrow, and the perennial battle between good and evil.

Father Gallagher meticulously dissects Tolkien’s notion of ‘eucatastrophe,’ a term coined to describe a sudden, redemptive turn of events in a story, effectively tying it to the Christian ethos of salvation and redemption. He presents Tolkien’s fantasy world as a reflective mirror of our reality – a world where hope and joy triumph in the face of despair, underscored by God’s redemptive grace.

This final episode also highlights other literary giants like George MacDonald and C.S. Lewis, who, akin to Tolkien, utilize fantasy as a medium to convey profound spiritual truths. Gallagher encourages listeners to delve into these narratives, offering insights into the workings of grace in both our personal spiritual journeys and the wider world.

As the retreat draws to a close, Father Gallagher invites listeners to perceive Tolkien’s work as a metaphor for our spiritual journey. The experiences of the characters in “The Lord of the Rings,” particularly their encounters with eucatastrophe, mirror our own life experiences where hope and redemption are possible amidst tribulation and adversity.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Eucatastrophe and Personal Faith: Reflect on a moment in your life that felt like a ‘eucatastrophe’ – a sudden turn from despair to hope. How did this experience strengthen or challenge your faith?
Fairy Stories and Spiritual Truths: How do fairy stories or fantasy literature, like Tolkien’s works, help you understand or relate to spiritual truths in your own life? Can you identify any specific instances where such a story mirrored your spiritual journey?
The Battle Between Good and Evil: In what ways do you experience the battle between good and evil in your daily life? How do you find strength and guidance in your Catholic faith to navigate this battle?
Grace in Trials and Tribulations: Consider a difficult period in your life. How did you experience God’s grace during this time? Did this period bring any insights or deepened understanding of God’s plan for you?
Joy and Sorrow in Faith: Reflect on how joy and sorrow coexist in your spiritual life. How do these emotions bring depth to your understanding and experience of faith?
Christian Redemption and Personal Salvation: How do you relate the Christian concept of redemption and salvation to your personal life? Are there aspects of your life where you’ve felt particularly redeemed or called to a deeper understanding of salvation?
Hope in a Fallen World: In the face of global or personal challenges, how does your faith sustain your hope? What role does prayer, the sacraments, and community play in maintaining this hope?
Spiritual Growth Through Literature: How has engaging with spiritually-themed literature, like Tolkien’s works, contributed to your spiritual growth or understanding of your faith?
Tolkien’s Vision and Christian Living: How can J.R.R. Tolkien’s vision of a world filled with hope, courage, and redemption inspire your everyday Christian living?
The Call to Spiritual Adventure: In what ways are you being called to a ‘spiritual adventure’ in your life right now? How does this call align with your understanding of God’s purpose for you?

I PROPOSE to speak about fairy-stories, though I am aware that this is a rash adventure. Faerie is a perilous land, and in it are pitfalls for the unwary and dungeons for the overbold. And overbold I may be accounted, for though I have been a lover of fairy-stories since I learned to read, and have at times thought about them, I have not studied them professionally. I have been hardly more than a wandering explorer (or trespasser) in the land, full of wonder but not of information.

The realm of fairy-story is wide and deep and high and filled with many things: all manner of beasts and birds are found there; shoreless seas and stars uncounted; beauty that is an enchantment, and an ever-present peril; both joy and sorrow as sharp as swords. In that realm a man may, perhaps, count himself fortunate to have wandered, but its very richness and strangeness tie the tongue of a traveller who would report them. And while he is there it is dangerous for him to ask too many questions, lest the gates should be shut and the keys be lost.

Tolkien, J.R.R.. On Fairy Stories

For more episodes in this series: A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

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 Eleventh Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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“On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Eleven Pipers Piping …” symbolizing the eleven faithful apostles: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Phillip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas son of James. The list does not include Judas Iscariot, the twelfth disciple who betrayed Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Son Jesus called the twelve to His side, called them to leave their homes and families, just as Jesus left his to teach us to live worthily. As we are called this holy season to help the poor and needy, the weak, the inflicted and the abandoned help us to walk perseveringly in the difficult and sometimes painful paths of service to others. Amen.

Text gratefully found at
Via Rosa Rosaries, Devotional Chaplets, Rosary Beads, and Catholic Gifts
entitled A Christian meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas
Copyright © 2005-2006

The Tenth Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Ten Lords A Leaping …” the lords or rulers of our lives establish the law. The lords stand for the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai, which are holy and good, by which we should live and by which we are all judged. (Gal 3:10-28)

Prayer: Heavenly Father we strive to live by your commandments, help us oh Lord. We pray for those who have been called to rule, give them good judgment, discernment, and humbleness. Lord, help us to honor those who have been called to lead and pray for them and their families. Amen.

Text gratefully found at
Via Rosa Rosaries, Devotional Chaplets, Rosary Beads, and Catholic Gifts
entitled A Christian meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas
Copyright © 2005-2006

LORT10 – The Experience of Eucatastrophe – A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts

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In this episode, Fr. Gallagher discusses “eucatastrophe.” J. R. R. Tolkien defined this term in his lecture “On Fairy-Stories,” as a “good catastrophe, the sudden joyous ‘turn’…it is a sudden and miraculous grace…a fleeting glimpse of Joy” (On Fairy-Stories 153) Going further, it is a moment experienced in the Gospel, referencing the greatest moment of eucatastrophe in human history: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (On Fairy-Stories 156). When understood through the mechanism of eucatastrophe “The Lord of the Rings” becomes a “fundamentally religious and Catholic work” (Letter 142).

Father Gallagher’s reflections extend to the joy of heaven as imagined in literature, drawing parallels between Tolkien’s fictional world and Christian eschatology. He concludes with a focus on the joys of home and family, as seen in Tolkien’s works, emphasizing their importance in both the spiritual and earthly realms.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Experiencing ‘Eucatastrophe’: Reflect on an instance in your life that mirrored a ‘eucatastrophe’ – a sudden shift from hardship to joy. How did this experience impact your faith and understanding of God’s plan?
Joy from Sorrow: How do you comprehend the Christian concept of finding joy in sorrow, as seen from Good Friday to Easter Sunday? Have you experienced such a transformation in your life?
Nature’s Divine Connection: Reflect on moments when you’ve felt God’s presence in nature. How do these experiences enhance your spiritual life?
Stories Shaping Faith: Think of a story, biblical or literary, that profoundly influenced your spiritual journey. What lesson did you take from it?
Heavenly Joy in Daily Life: Can you identify moments in your life that seemed like a glimpse of heavenly joy? How do these moments influence your perspective on spirituality?
Home and Family as Spiritual Foundations: How do your family and home life reflect Christian virtues like love and sacrifice? What steps can you take to strengthen these virtues?
Learning from Fictional Characters: Which character in “The Lord of the Rings” resonates with you spiritually, and what lessons can you draw from their journey?

Full memory flooded back, and Sam cried aloud: ‘It wasn’t a dream! Then where are we?’ And a voice spoke softly behind him: ‘In the land of Ithilien, and in the keeping of the King; and he awaits you.’ With that Gandalf stood before him, robed in white, his beard now gleaming like pure snow in the twinkling of the leafy sunlight. ‘Well, Master Samwise, how do you feel?’ he said. But Sam lay back, and stared with open mouth, and for a moment, between bewilderment and great joy, he could not answer. At last he gasped:

‘Gandalf! I thought you were dead! But then I thought I was dead myself. Is everything sad going to come untrue? What’s happened to the world?’ ‘

A great Shadow has departed,’ said Gandalf, and then he laughed, and the sound was like music, or like water in a parched land; and as he listened the thought came to Sam that he had not heard laughter, the pure sound of merriment, for days upon days without count. It fell upon his ears like the echo of all the joys he had ever known. But he himself burst into tears. Then, as a sweet rain will pass down a wind of spring and the sun will shine out the clearer, his tears ceased, and his laughter welled up, and laughing he sprang from his bed. ‘How do I feel?’ he cried. ‘Well, I don’t know how to say it. I feel, I feel’ – he waved his arms in the air – ‘I feel like spring after winter, and sun on the leaves; and like trumpets and harps and all the songs I have ever heard!’

Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings (Kindle Locations 4133-4140). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.

Frodo ran to meet him, and Sam followed close behind. ‘Well, if this isn’t the crown of all!’ he said. ‘Strider, or I’m still asleep!’

‘Yes, Sam, Strider,’ said Aragorn. ‘It is a long way, is it not, from Bree, where you did not like the look of me? A long way for us all, but yours has been the darkest road.’

And then to Sam’s surprise and utter confusion he bowed his knee before them; and taking them by the hand, Frodo upon his right and Sam upon his left, he led them to the throne, and setting them upon it, he turned to the men and captains who stood by and spoke, so that his voice rang over all the host, crying:

‘Praise them with great praise!’

And when the glad shout had swelled up and died away again, to Sam’s final and complete satisfaction and pure joy, a minstrel of Gondor stood forth, and knelt, and begged leave to sing. And behold! he said:

‘Lo! lords and knights and men of valour unashamed, kings and princes, and fair people of Gondor, and Riders of Rohan, and ye sons of Elrond, and Dúnedain of the North, and Elf and Dwarf, and greathearts of the Shire, and all free folk of the West, now listen to my lay. For I will sing to you of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom.’ And when Sam heard that he laughed aloud for sheer delight, and he wept.

And all the host laughed and wept, and in the midst of their merriment and tears the clear voice of the minstrel rose like silver and gold, and all men were hushed. And he sang to them, now in the elven-tongue, now in the speech of the West, until their hearts, wounded with sweet words, overflowed, and their joy was like swords, and they passed in thought out to regions where pain and delight flow together and tears are the very wine of blessedness.

Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings (Kindle Locations 4178-4193). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.

For more episodes in this series: A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

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 Ninth Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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“On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Nine Ladies Dancing …”
symbolizing the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Prayer: Holy Spirit abide in me, let my life be abundant with Your fruit that I may bring peace and love to a hurting world. I pray that during this season of excess that the greatest of all will be the harvest of Your fruits in my life, for without an abundant harvest of Your fruits, I have nothing to give. Amen.

The Eighth Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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“On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Eight Maids a Milking …”

who were the least of the servants in a home. They symbolize Christ’s love for the least of us, and His faithfulness to those who don’t deserve it. The eight maids stand for the Beatitudes or blessings listed in Matthew.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for standing by us when we least deserve it…we remember today that blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn, blessed are the meek, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the pure in heart, blessed are the peacemakers, blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake….let us open our lives to Your blessings! Amen.

Holy Family Sunday – Honoring Mother and Father – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff Podcast

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Holy Family Sunday – Honoring Mother and Father

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the need for healing mother and father wounds, a topic that resonates with many. Monsignor Esseff, with his deep spiritual insight and experience, provided profound reflections on the complex dynamics of family life, emphasizing the crucial role of understanding and forgiveness.

Msgr. Esseff discusses the intricacies of parental relationships and the profound impact of fatherhood. Monsignor Esseff shares personal narratives that illustrate the journey of reconciling with parental figures and the transformative power of forgiveness. He highlights how these familial relationships significantly influence our spiritual and emotional growth.

Central to the reflection is the healing from mother and father wounds. Monsignor Esseff addressed the emotional scars left by strained or absent parental relationships and the path to healing these deep-seated wounds. Through his guidance, listeners are encouraged to explore forgiveness, not just as a religious act, but as a vital step towards inner peace and spiritual maturity.

This episode offers an enlightening exploration of the challenges and opportunities for growth presented by our relationships with our parents. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and heal from the complex emotions tied to their family experiences.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. Understanding Parental Influence: Reflect on how your relationship with your parents has shaped your faith and personal beliefs. What positive lessons have you learned, and what challenges have you faced?
2. Healing and Forgiveness: Consider any wounds or unresolved issues you may have with your parents. How can you approach these with a spirit of forgiveness and understanding, as guided by Catholic teachings?
3. Role of Fathers in Faith: How has the role of your father or father figures impacted your spiritual life? Reflect on the importance of fatherhood in the Catholic faith.
4. Caring for Aging Parents: Reflect on the commandment to honor your father and mother. How does this apply to caring for aging parents in today’s world, and how can you balance this responsibility with other duties?
5. Embracing Love and Understanding: How can you better incorporate the virtues of love, patience, and understanding in your family relationships, as modeled by the Holy Family?
6. Personal Transformation through Forgiveness: Share a personal experience where forgiveness led to healing and transformation in your family or community.
7. Spiritual Growth through Family Dynamics: In what ways have your family experiences contributed to your spiritual growth? How can you use these experiences to deepen your faith?
8. Impact of Absent Parents: If applicable, reflect on the impact of an absent parent in your life. How has this shaped your understanding of God as a Father?
9. Prayer and Family Life: How can prayer strengthen your family relationships? Consider developing a prayer routine that includes praying for and with family members.
10. Role Modeling and Legacy: What legacy do you wish to leave for your children or future generations in terms of faith and family values?

Reading 1 SIR 3:2-6, 12-14

God sets a father in honor over his children;
a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.
Whoever honors his father atones for sins,
and preserves himself from them.
When he prays, he is heard;
he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,
and, when he prays, is heard.
Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;
he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.My son, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not all the days of his life;
kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
firmly planted against the debt of your sins
—a house raised in justice to you.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta and encountered St. Padre Pio, who became a spiritual father to him. Msgr. Esseff has lived in various parts of the world, working in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to spread the Good News, especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff continues his service as a retreat leader and director for bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders worldwide.