The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives

The Presentation in the Temple – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Heart Podcast

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The Presentation in the Temple – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor reflect on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the deep spiritual significance of this moment. He recounts the Gospel passage from Luke 2:22-40: about the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph in following Jewish law, the prophetic revelation given to Simeon, and the devotion of Anna. It draws attention to the immediacy of encountering Christ—not just in the temple, but within our own hearts, homes, and daily lives. We should recognize Jesus within ourselves first so we can see Him in our families, communities, and ultimately in the world. True relationship begins with Christ dwelling within us, transforming how we see and love those around us.

The mission that follows from this encounter is carrying Christ into the world beyond the church walls. Whether at work, in family life, or in everyday interactions, we need to be conscious of Christ’s presence within them and in those we meet.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Feast of the Presentation Significance: What significance does the Feast of the Presentation hold, and how does it commemorate the biblical account of Joseph and Mary presenting Jesus in the temple?
Fulfillment of Jewish Law: How did Joseph and Mary, devout Jews, fulfill the requirements of the Jewish law by presenting Jesus in the temple 40 days after His birth?
Encounter with Simeon: Reflect on Simeon’s encounter with the infant Jesus. How does Simeon’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah reflect the fulfillment of divine promises?
Prophecy and Blessing: Explore the powerful prophecy spoken by Simeon and the blessing bestowed upon Mary and Joseph. How do these prophetic words foreshadow the challenges and significance of Jesus’ life?
Prophetess Anna: Consider the role of Prophetess Anna in the presentation scene. How does her devout life and recognition of Jesus contribute to the unfolding narrative?
Interior Encounter with Jesus: Reflect on Msgr. Esseff’s emphasis on the immediate encounter with Jesus within oneself. How can one cultivate this interior relationship with Jesus in daily life?
Recognizing Jesus in Others: In what ways does Msgr. Esseff encourage recognizing Jesus in family members and others in the community? How does this recognition contribute to building relationships?
The Temple Within: How does Msgr. Esseff underscore the concept of being the temple of God and encountering Jesus within? What practices, like morning prayer, does he suggest for fostering this awareness?
Family as a Sacred Unit: Reflect on Msgr. Esseff’s insights into seeing family members as reflections of Christ. How can recognizing Christ within family members strengthen familial bonds?
Mission Beyond the Church: Consider Msgr. Esseff’s perspective on the mission after leaving the church, bringing Jesus into the world. How does this concept align with the universal availability of Jesus in daily life?
Prayer for Trust: Explore the efficacious novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. How does this prayer, rooted in trust, align with the themes discussed in the podcast?
Applying Psalm Responsorial: Apply the words of the responsorial psalm from the Mass to personal reflection. How can one open the portals of their heart to let the King of Glory, Jesus, enter?

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
—and you yourself a sword will pierce—
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.

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 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)

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.

The Presentation of the Lord – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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The Presentation of the Lord – 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 2:22-40

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace,
just as you promised;
because my eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared for all the nations to see,
a light to enlighten the pagans
and the glory of your people Israel.’

As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’

There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.

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:

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace,
just as you promised;
because my eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared for all the nations to see,
a light to enlighten the pagans
and the glory of your people Israel.’

As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’

There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.

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:

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace,
just as you promised;
because my eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared for all the nations to see,
a light to enlighten the pagans
and the glory of your people Israel.’

As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’

There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.

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.

Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Saturday of the Third 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 4:35-41

With the coming of evening, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind they took him, just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him. Then it began to blow a gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped. But he was in the stern, his head on the cushion, asleep. They woke him and said to him, ‘Master, do you not care? We are going down!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet now! Be calm!’ And the wind dropped, and all was calm again. Then he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?’ They were filled with awe and said to one another, ‘Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him.’

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:

With the coming of evening, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind they took him, just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him. Then it began to blow a gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped. But he was in the stern, his head on the cushion, asleep. They woke him and said to him, ‘Master, do you not care? We are going down!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet now! Be calm!’ And the wind dropped, and all was calm again. Then he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?’ They were filled with awe and said to one another, ‘Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him.’

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:

With the coming of evening, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind they took him, just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him. Then it began to blow a gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped. But he was in the stern, his head on the cushion, asleep. They woke him and said to him, ‘Master, do you not care? We are going down!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Quiet now! Be calm!’ And the wind dropped, and all was calm again. Then he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?’ They were filled with awe and said to one another, ‘Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him.’

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.

IP#484 – Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Abiding in Christ on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Abiding in Christ on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss Abiding in Christ: Staying with God in a Busy World, a book aimed at helping the laity cultivate a deeper spiritual life. Abiding in Christ requires intentionality amidst the distractions of modern life and the importance of regularly recalling God’s presence, particularly through Scripture and the sacraments. Using the analogy of a physical move, he describes the spiritual journey as a transition from the fleeting pleasures of sin to the lasting fulfillment found in God’s presence. Sin often appears tangible and immediately gratifying, but God provides an equally concrete counter-move through the sacraments, which invite believers into a deeper encounter with Him.

Keating also addresses the modern challenge of reducing faith to an intellectual exercise or mere entertainment. Prayer and worship should focus on being with Christ rather than following rigid methodologies or seeking emotional highs. Simple, heartfelt prayer for the Eucharist as the ultimate home for the soul. To combat discouragement, we should seek fellowship with those who find hope in Christ, avoid the negativity of social media, and remain steadfast in prayer and sacramental life.

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

The Struggle to Remain with God: How do I intentionally make space in my daily life to abide in Christ despite the distractions of modern culture?
The Power of Scripture in Spiritual Renewal: In what ways can I incorporate Lectio Divina into my routine to displace worldly anxieties and deepen my encounter with God?
The Deceptive Pleasure of Sin: What sins in my life offer fleeting gratification, and how can I allow the beauty of God’s truth to attract me away from them?
The Tangibility of the Sacraments: How do I recognize and receive God’s presence in the sacraments as a real and substantial counter to the false comforts of sin?
The Challenge of Spiritual Transition: Where do I currently find myself in my spiritual journey, and how can I persevere through the discomfort of transition toward deeper communion with God?
The Eucharist as Spiritual Home: How does my participation in the Mass and reception of the Eucharist reflect my longing for true rest in Christ?
The Temptation to Reduce Faith to Entertainment: In what ways have I sought emotional or superficial experiences in my spiritual life instead of true encounter with God?
The Simplicity of Prayer: How can I strip away unnecessary complexity in my prayer life and simply rest in the presence of Christ?
The Need for Christian Fellowship: Who in my life strengthens my faith, and how can I cultivate relationships that encourage spiritual growth?
The Call to Persevere in Hope: What steps can I take to avoid discouragement and remain steadfast in my pursuit of holiness amid life’s challenges?

You can find the book here

About the Book

Deacon James Keating’s book Abiding in Christ: Staying with God in a Busy World is a how-to-pray resource. This book helps readers to find a quiet space wherein they can be present to God and offers suggestions of how they can be more open to God’s movement within them.

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

Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Friday of the Third 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 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come.’

He also said, ‘What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.’

Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone.

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 the crowds: ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come.’

He also said, ‘What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.’

Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone.

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 the crowds: ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come.’

He also said, ‘What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.’

Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone.

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.

SJC10 – Barricades on the Road to Contemplation, Part 1 – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Barricades on the Road to Contemplation, Part 1 – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty

Fr. Donald Haggerty discusses the spiritual obstacles, or “barricades,” that hinder the path to deeper contemplation, as outlined in Chapter 7 of his book. Drawing from St. John of the Cross’ The Dark Night, he explains how the seven capital sins manifest as spiritual vices, impeding progress in the interior life. The dangers of spiritual pride—where one becomes self-absorbed in their own growth—and spiritual avarice, where the pursuit of consolations in prayer can become an obstacle to true surrender to God. We must be aware of the temptation to measure one’s spiritual progress through experiences rather than love and self-forgetfulness, and that true growth requires detachment and humility.

Spiritual lust can subtly emerge as a distraction, either through natural human tendencies or even demonic influence, especially when deepening one’s prayer life. We need perseverance in prayer, focusing not on emotional experiences but on the will’s desire for God. Genuine love for God is not based on feelings but on fidelity, trust, and self-abandonment, as exemplified by saints like St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Teresa of Calcutta.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Recognizing Spiritual Pride: How do you guard against the temptation to measure your spiritual progress based on feelings or personal achievements rather than love and self-forgetfulness?
Detaching from Spiritual Avarice: In what ways do you seek spiritual consolations in prayer, and how can you surrender more fully to God’s will regardless of emotional experiences?
Understanding the Role of Humility: How does self-forgetfulness help you grow in humility, and what practical steps can you take to focus more on God rather than yourself in your spiritual life?
Persevering Through Dryness in Prayer: When you experience dryness or lack of consolation in prayer, how can you respond with faith and perseverance rather than frustration or discouragement?
Discerning Spiritual Distractions: How do you recognize and resist subtle distractions or temptations, such as spiritual lust, that may arise as you deepen your life of prayer?
Embracing Hidden Acts of Love: What hidden acts of love and service can you offer without seeking recognition, trusting that God sees and values them?
Anchoring in Scripture: How can you incorporate the Gospels more intentionally in your prayer life to remain focused on God rather than seeking personal experiences?
Trusting in God’s Formation: How can you embrace the slow and often challenging process of spiritual purification, trusting that God is leading you to deeper union with Him?

An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation

“We can view this next chapter as an argument in defense of the rigors of purification proposed in the many previous instructions. It is a preparatory chapter for taking up a more concentrated examination of the prayer of contemplation in the subsequent chapters. The treatise of The Dark Night begins in book 1 with a vivid treatment of certain imperfections commonly seen in those still in the earlier stages of spiritual pursuit. Saint John of the Cross is referring here to people who have already committed themselves to a habit of spiritual exercises and daily prayer, usually in the structured context of religious life, yet among laity as well, but who typically do not understand yet the serious nature of giving themselves fully to God. They are untried in the rigors of dedicated virtue and have not faced yet the arduous interior struggles that must be withstood over some time before a depth of spiritual quality embraces the soul. There can be no tested endurance in a soul that has not had sufficient time to persevere through hard trials.

This demand is not just a need for seasoning and maturing in the experience of the spiritual life. The essential testing is much more fundamental. As an astute spiritual psychologist, Saint John of the Cross plunges underneath the surface of lives and identifies the motivation of souls in the early period of spiritual pursuit as often sullied and impure. Almost everyone in this early period of the spiritual life professes to be seeking only God, while at the same time the person shows signs of being excessively preoccupied with self in the spiritual pursuit. Saint John of the Cross comments explicitly: “Since their motivation in their spiritual works and exercises is the consolation and satisfaction they experience in them, and since they have not been conditioned by the arduous struggle of practicing virtue, they possess many faults and imperfections in the discharge of their spiritual activities” (DN 1.1.3). In this incisive section at the beginning of The Dark Night, he uses the schema of the seven capital vices to expose seven spiritual vices that generally afflict souls in the early period of a spiritual life. It proves to be an interesting commentary on the factor of underlying self-interest in the pursuit of spiritual life. This tendency to self-preoccupation demands a clear effort of interior mortification if we are to seek God with the selfless spirit that can lead eventually to contemplative graces in prayer.”

Haggerty, Donald. Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation (pp. 141-142). 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.

HRS4 – Finding Balance – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Finding Balance – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB

Using the Holy Rule of St. Benedict, Fr. Mauritius Wilde defines soberness not merely as abstinence but as living with balance and attentiveness to one’s true needs, avoiding unhealthy compensations such as overeating, excessive internet use, or addictive behaviors. We must discern the authentic responses to feelings like stress, loneliness, or powerlessness, rather than turning to substitutes that fail to address the root issues. Drawing on St. Augustine’s insight that “our hearts are restless until they rest in God,” he stresses that addressing one’s deepest spiritual and emotional needs with humility and reliance on God’s grace leads to true peace and freedom.

Conversion, or turning back to God, is a laborious process requiring persistent effort, humility, and trust in divine grace. Using St. Benedict’s teachings, he reflects on the need to shed the “layers” of compensations and bad habits that obscure our true selves.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Identifying Compensations: Reflect on areas in your life where you rely on substitutes, such as distractions or addictions, instead of addressing your true needs.
Recognizing Restlessness: Consider moments when your heart feels restless and how this reflects a deeper longing for God.
Seeking Balance: Examine how you strive for balance in your physical, emotional, and spiritual life and whether your responses are appropriate.
Embracing Soberness: Evaluate how you practice the virtue of soberness by living attentively and avoiding excess or indulgence.
Responding to Needs with Grace: Ponder how you can bring your needs humbly before God and respond to them in a way aligned with His will.
Labor of Conversion: Acknowledge the work involved in spiritual growth and how you can patiently cooperate with God’s grace to shed unhealthy habits.
Listening to God’s Call: Reflect on how you listen to God’s voice in daily life and strive to align your actions with His loving guidance.
Trusting in God’s Providence: Contemplate how you trust in God to provide for your needs and how this trust can deepen your relationship with Him.

From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict

Prologue (50 lines total):

1. Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is the advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice.
2. The labor of obedience will bring you back to him from whom you had drifted through the sloth of disobedience.

Matthew 7:7-10

“Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Revised Standard Version (RSV)
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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

“The Cross exemplifies every virtue” – Saint Thomas Aquinas from the Office of Readings

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From a conference by Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest
(Collatio 6 super Credo in Deum)

The Cross exemplifies every virtue

Why did the Son of God have to suffer for us? There was a great need, and it can be considered in a twofold way: in the first place, as a remedy for sin, and secondly, as an example of how to act.

It is a remedy, for, in the face of all the evils which we incur on account of our sins, we have found relief through the passion of Christ. Yet, it is no less an example, for the passion of Christ completely suffices to fashion our lives. Whoever wishes to live perfectly should do nothing but disdain what Christ disdained on the cross and desire what he desired, for the cross exemplifies every virtue.

If you seek the example of love: “Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends.” Such a man was Christ on the cross. And if he gave his life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for his sake.

If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross. Great patience occurs in two ways: either when one patiently suffers much, or when one suffers things which one is able to avoid and yet does not avoid. Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently, because when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth. Therefore Christ’s patience on the cross was great. In patience let us run for the prize set before us, looking upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who, for the joy set before him, bore his cross and despised the shame.

If you seek an example of humility, look upon the crucified one, for God wished to be judged by Pontius Pilate and to die.

If you seek an example of obedience, follow him who became obedient to the Father even unto death. For just as by the disobedience of one man, namely, Adam, many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one man, many were made righteous.

If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow him who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Upon the cross he was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck, crowned with thorns, and given only vinegar and gall to drink.

Do not be attached, therefore, to clothing and riches, because “they divided my garments among themselves.” Nor to honours, for he experienced harsh words and scourgings. Nor to greatness of rank, for “weaving a crown of thorns they placed it on my head.” Nor to anything delightful, for “in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.”

MC4 – Encountering Christ in Scripture – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Encountering Christ in Scripture – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher delves into the practical and spiritual steps for engaging in Ignatian meditation and contemplation. Preparation is a vital stage, encouraging a moment of stillness to recognize God’s loving presence before beginning prayer. It’s important to read the scripture passage attentively, allowing the text to become “fresh in our consciousness.” We should imaginatively “compose” ourselves within the biblical scene, drawing upon St. Ignatius’ and St. Francis de Sales’ teachings to vividly visualize the setting and characters, enriching the prayer experience.

He recounts examples from the lives of saints, such as St. Jane de Chantal and St. Catherine of Siena, who lingered deeply on meaningful moments in scripture, allowing their hearts to align with God’s. This method leads to profound intimacy with the Lord, where “heart speaks to heart.” Prayer is a grace-filled gift, encouraging freedom from rigid methods and focusing on the relational encounter with God.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Recognizing God’s Loving Gaze
Reflect on how you begin your prayer time by acknowledging God’s loving presence and your response to it.
Preparing with Scripture
Consider the steps you take to make scripture fresh in your heart before entering into meditation or contemplation.
Engaging Imaginatively with the Gospel
Reflect on how visualizing yourself within a biblical scene enriches your prayer and draws you closer to Jesus.
Remaining Where God Speaks
Think about how you discern the moments in prayer where God is speaking to your heart and allow yourself to remain there without rushing.
Praying with Simplicity and Trust
Evaluate how you approach prayer as a gift of grace, setting aside anxiety and focusing on a deep, relational encounter with God.

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

The Presentation in the Temple – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes – Day One

The Presentation of the Lord – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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.

Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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.

Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Abiding in Christ on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

You can find the book here

About the Book

Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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.

Barricades on the Road to Contemplation, Part 1 – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation

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.

Finding Balance – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict

Prologue (50 lines total):

Matthew 7:7-10

Revised Standard Version (RSV) Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

From a conference by Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest (Collatio 6 super Credo in Deum)

The Cross exemplifies every virtue

Encountering Christ in Scripture – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 15 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts? Visit here to discover more!

Revised Standard Version (RSV)
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

From a conference by Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest
(Collatio 6 super Credo in Deum)

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 15 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!