Carmelite Archives

BTP-LR9 – Day 8, pt. 1 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Day 8, Part 1 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles reflects with Kris McGregor on the eighth day of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s Last Retreat, focusing on her meditation on adoration as a continuous interior act. Drawing from the Book of Revelation and St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, she contemplates how the soul can imitate the ceaseless praise of heaven by becoming deeply rooted in love—specifically, in the indwelling presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit. This rooting in divine love transforms every ordinary act into a continuous homage to God. This hidden interior adoration, sustained even in suffering or darkness, aligns the soul with the eternal liturgy of heaven.

He further unpacks St. Elizabeth’s insight that true joy and adoration arise from faith-filled love—one that acknowledges God’s glory even when his ways are obscure. This form of prayer, far from being abstract or removed, draws the individual into an intimate, living relationship with God, echoing the unending worship of the saints. Rather than viewing heaven as distant, St. Elizabeth invites us to participate now in its mystery by surrendering to God’s love in faith, contemplation, and daily fidelity.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can I allow my soul to become a place of unceasing adoration like the heavenly worship described by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity?
In what ways am I rooted and grounded in love, as St. Paul describes, and how does that shape my daily actions?
When I do not understand God’s work in my life, do I still choose to keep my eyes fixed on Him?
How does contemplating the glory and holiness of God transform the way I approach ordinary tasks?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping me dwell more deeply in Christ through faith?
Do I allow suffering and hiddenness to draw me into deeper trust, or do I resist them out of fear or doubt?
How can I respond more fully to God’s love in a way that becomes a visible praise of His glory in the world?
What prevents me from living the joy of heaven now, and how can I surrender that to God?

Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity — St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

From “Last Retreat Day 8 pt 1” found in The Complete Works vol 1

“20. “And they do not rest day and night, saying, Holy holy , holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and who is, and who will be for ages unending. . . . And they fall down and worship Him and they cast down their crowns before the throne, saying, Worthy are you, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power. . . .” 113 How can I imitate in the heaven of my soul this unceasing occupation of the blessed in the Heaven of glory? How can I sustain this uninterrupted praise and adoration? St. Paul gives me light on this when he writes to his followers his wish that “the Father would strengthen them inwardly with power through His Spirit so that Christ would dwell through faith in their hearts, and so that they would be rooted and grounded in love.” 114 To be rooted and grounded in love: such, it seems to me, is the condition for worthily fulfilling its work as praise of glory. The soul that penetrates and dwells in these “depths of God” of which the royal prophets sings, 115 and thus does everything “in Him, with Him, by Him and for Him” with that limpid gaze which gives it a certain resemblance to the simple Being, this soul, by each of its movements, it aspirations, as well as by each of its acts, however ordinary they may be, “is rooted” more deeply in Him whom it loves. Everything within it pays homage to the thrice-holy God: it is so to speak a perpetual Sanctus, an unceasing praise of glory!”

This the text we are using to discuss “Heaven in Faith” you can find it here and order from the Carmelite Sisters

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .

BTP-LR8 – Day 7, pt. 2 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Day 7, Part 2 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles reflects on Day 7 of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity’s Last Retreat, delving into the mystery of suffering, self-emptying, and divine union. St. Elizabeth sees the soul as a heaven that must echo the glory of God, whether in joy or in weakness. Every aspect of life—including failures, dislikes, and suffering—can become a message of God’s glory when embraced in faith. Drawing on Psalm 18, she describes how even the darkest “nights” can carry divine light if one remains faithful and chooses to love amid pain. Dr. Lilles connects this to the theology of St. John of the Cross, explaining how our trials, when offered in faith, become part of Christ’s redemptive mission and mediate grace to the world.

The reflection culminates in the image of the soul as a bridal chamber prepared for Christ. When emptied of self and filled only with love and the desire for God’s glory, the soul becomes a dwelling place for the Word. This divine indwelling results in a mutual possession between the soul and Christ—”each seems to be the other, and the two are but one.” Dr. Lilles relates this mystical union to the love found in Christian marriage and consecrated life, both of which reflect a deeper spiritual reality. Elizabeth’s vision is an invitation to receive Christ even in suffering, and in doing so, become a living praise of God’s glory—a message especially directed to contemplative nuns, yet deeply enriching for all who long to live faithfully in Christ.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can I allow my weaknesses and daily struggles to become a source of glory to God?
In what ways am I being invited to participate in Christ’s redemptive suffering today?
Do I trust that even my failures can be used by God when surrendered in faith?
What does it mean for my soul to be a “bridal chamber” for Christ, and how can I prepare it?
Am I open to letting Jesus dwell more fully in the hidden, ordinary parts of my life?
How does my understanding of death—physical or spiritual—affect my willingness to love and surrender?
In what ways do I resist dying to self, and how can I practice greater self-gift for love of Christ?
How does my vocation reflect the mutual love and self-giving that Blessed Elizabeth describes?
When faced with suffering or silence, do I keep my gaze fixed on Christ or turn inward in fear?
What visible or invisible realities in my life help me perceive God’s presence more deeply?

From “Last Retreat Day 7, pt. 2” found in The Complete Works vol 1:

“18. “Night to night announces it.” 106 How very consoling that is! My weaknesses, my dislikes, my mediocrity , my faults themselves tell the glory of the Eternal! My sufferings of soul or body also tell the glory of my Master! David sang: “How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” This: “I will take up the cup of salvation.” 107 If I take up this cup crimsoned with the Blood of my Master and, in wholly joyous thanksgiving, I mingle my blood with that of the holy Victim, it is in some way made infinite and can give magnificent praise to the Father. Then my suffering is “a message which passes on the glory” of the Eternal.

19. “There (in the soul that tells His glory) He has pitched a tent for the Sun.” 108 The sun is the Word, the “Bridegroom.” If He finds my soul empty of all that is not contained in these two words— His love, His glory, then He chooses it to be “His bridal chamber”; He “rushes” in “like a giant racing triumphantly on his course” and I cannot “escape His heat.” 109 He is this “consuming fire” 110 which will effect the blessed transformation of which St. John of the Cross speaks when he says: “Each seems to be the other and the two are but one”: 111 a “praise of glory” 112 of the Father!

This the text we are using to discuss “Heaven in Faith” you can find it here and order from the Carmelite Sisters

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

BTP-LR7 – Day 7 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Day 7 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor reflect on the seventh day of The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Dr. Lilles explains how Elizabeth sees the soul as a “heaven” that proclaims the glory of God, drawing from Psalm 19, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” Just as the physical heavens shift through day and night, so too does the soul experience seasons of light and darkness. These shifts are not random but part of God’s presence and action in the soul.

St. Elizabeth teaches us that the soul becomes radiant by faithfully responding to God’s interior movements—subtle invitations to act with love, withdraw from conflict, or enter into prayer. These promptings don’t always come as words but are more often sensed deeply within, illuminating the soul from within and revealing God’s glory.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How do I recognize and respond to God’s quiet promptings in my heart throughout the day?
In what ways do the joys and struggles in my life reflect the glory of God?
Do I take time to discern whether I am experiencing spiritual darkness or emotional distress?
Who are the wise and faithful companions I turn to for spiritual discernment and support?
How do I unite my personal sufferings—physical, emotional, or spiritual—to the redemptive suffering of Christ?
Am I open to becoming a radiant soul by faithfully obeying God’s interior commands, even in small things?
What prevents me from trusting that God’s presence remains with me in seasons of spiritual dryness or confusion?
How can I become a source of hope and light to those around me through quiet fidelity to God’s will?

From “Last Retreat Day 7 pt 1” found in The Complete Works vol 1:

17. “Coeli enarrant gloriam Dei.” 101 This is what the heavens are telling: the glory of God.

Since my soul is a heaven in which I live while awaiting the “heavenly Jerusalem,” 102 this heaven too must sing the glory of the Eternal, nothing but the glory of the Eternal.

“Day to day passes on this message.” 103 All God’s lights, all His communications to my soul are this “day which passes on to day the message of His glory.” “The command of the Lord is clear,” sings the psalmist, “enlightening the eye. . . .” 104 Consequently, my fidelity in corresponding with each of His decrees, with each of His interior commands, makes me live in His light; it too is a “message which passes on His glory.” But this is the sweet wonder: “Yahweh, he who looks at you is radiant!” 105 the prophet exclaims . The soul that by the depth of its interior gaze contemplates its God through everything in that simplicity which sets it apart from all else is a “ radiant” soul: it is “a day that passes on to day the message of His glory.”

18. “Night to night announces it.” 106 How very consoling that is! My weaknesses, my dislikes, my mediocrity , my faults themselves tell the glory of the Eternal! My sufferings of soul or body also tell the glory of my Master! David sang: “How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” This: “I will take up the cup of salvation.” 107 If I take up this cup crimsoned with the Blood of my Master and, in wholly joyous thanksgiving, I mingle my blood with that of the holy Victim, it is in some way made infinite and can give magnificent praise to the Father. Then my suffering is “a message which passes on the glory” of the Eternal.

This the text we are using to discuss “Heaven in Faith” you can find it here and order from the Carmelite Sisters

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

BTP-LR6 – Day 6 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Day 6 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor delve into the sixth day of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s Last Retreat. Reflecting on Revelation’s vision of the Lamb and the 144,000, they explore Elizabeth’s interpretation of those marked by the Lamb’s and the Father’s name. These souls are described as conformed to Christ through suffering, contemplation, and purity of heart, reflecting divine attributes like justice, mercy, and truth. St. Elizabeth sees contemplatives—especially religious—as deeply united to the Lamb, living out a hidden, sacrificial love that vibrates like strings playing a new heavenly song. Their lives teach the Church how to praise from the depths of the soul, not just outwardly but in total interior surrender.

Dr. Lilles expands on St. Elizabeth’s teaching about dying to self. This spiritual death, expressed through detachment and suffering, frees a person to follow Christ completely and live by His indwelling presence. Drawing from Galatians 2:20, the conversation highlights how Elizabeth, like St. Paul, lived from this radical faith—a faith that trusts God’s purifying trials and seeks nothing less than full union with Him. The soul that lives this hidden life in God reflects His perfections and becomes a living sacrifice of love. Her words invite others to stop trying to live in two worlds and instead surrender fully, trusting that such a life leads to deep, abiding joy.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How am I being invited to bear the name of the Lamb through conformity to Christ in my daily life?
In what ways can I open my heart more fully to the Father’s divine attributes—justice, mercy, and truth?
What attachments might I need to surrender to follow Christ more freely and deeply?
How does the image of singing a “new song” speak to my personal prayer and relationship with God?
Am I willing to embrace trials as a path to inner freedom and deeper union with Christ?
How can I grow in the practice of mental prayer to allow Christ’s sacrifice to shape my soul?
What does “dying to self” look like in the concrete circumstances of my life right now?
How might the hidden life of contemplatives inspire my own spiritual journey?
Do I truly believe, like St. Paul, that Christ lives in me, and how does that shape my actions?
What prevents me from fully trusting God’s will, and how can I let go of that resistance?

From “Last Retreat Day 6” found in The Complete Works vol 1:

16. What a going out from self that implies! What a death! Let us say with St. Paul, “Quotidie morior.” 95 The great saint wrote to the Colossians, “You have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” 96

That is the condition: we must be dead! Without that we may be hidden in God at certain moments; but we do not LIVE habitually in this divine Being because all our emotions, self-seekings and the rest, come to draw us out of Him.

The soul that gazes steadfastly on its Master with this “single eye which fills the whole body with light” 97 is kept “from the depths of iniquity within it 98 of which the prophet complains. “The Lord has brought it into “this spacious place” 99 which is nothing else than Himself; there everything is pure, everything is holy! O blessed death in God! O sweet and gentle loss of self in the beloved Being which permits the creature to cry out: “I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live in this body of death, I live in the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

This the text we are using to discuss “Heaven in Faith” you can find it here and order from the Carmelite Sisters

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

BTP-LR5 – Day 5 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Day 5 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss St. Elizabeth’s eschatological vision rooted in the Book of Revelation, where she contemplates the heavenly liturgy and the hidden spiritual reality taking place even now around the throne of the Lamb. He draws parallels between Elizabeth’s vision and the Easter Vigil liturgy; how liturgical images—white robes, palm branches, and candles—are not merely symbolic, but signs of a deeper spiritual truth that opens to us through contemplative prayer. Despite lacking formal biblical scholarship, Elizabeth saw clearly that heaven touches earth, and through the Church’s teaching and the gift of faith, we can participate in this mystery now.

Her insights take on even more depth as she writes while enduring excruciating suffering from Addison’s disease, approaching death with peace and love for Christ. Dr. Lilles explains how her inner conformity to Christ crucified—offering her pain as a participation in his redemptive sacrifice—reveals a spiritual maturity grounded in love, not in emotional or physical comfort. Her writings invite others into that same surrender, where trust in God transforms suffering into rest.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does contemplating the heavenly liturgy described in Revelation influence your understanding of what truly matters in daily life?
In what ways can you become more aware of the hidden spiritual drama unfolding around the throne of the Lamb?
Do you view suffering as something to be avoided or as a means of union with Christ?
How can you foster peace in the midst of external and internal trials through faith?
What distractions in your life might be keeping you from deeper contemplation or openness to God’s will?
How can you create a more prayerful atmosphere in your home, especially during times of illness or difficulty?
Are you willing to offer your daily struggles as a spiritual sacrifice in union with Christ’s own offering?
What does it mean for you personally to be conformed to the image of the one “crucified by love”?
How does participating in the liturgy help you encounter the same mystery that Elizabeth of the Trinity describes?
In what ways is God inviting you to trust more deeply in His love, even when you do not understand your circumstances?

From “Last Retreat Day 5” found in The Complete Works vol 1:

12. “I saw a great multitude which no man could number. . . . These are they who have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple, and He who sits upon the throne will dwell with them. They shall neither hunger nor thirst anymore, neither shall the sun strike them nor any heat. For the Lamb will be their shepherd, and He will lead them to the fountains of the waters of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. . . .”

All these elect who have palms in their hands, 69 and who are wholly bathed in the great light 70 of God, have had first to pass through the “great tribulation,” to know this sorrow “immense as the sea,” 71 of which the psalmist sang. Before contemplating “with uncovered face the glory of the Lord,” 72 they have shared in the annihilation of His Christ; before being “transformed from brightness to brightness in the image of the divine Being,” 73 they have been conformed to the image of the Word Incarnate, the One crucified by love.

This the text we are using to discuss “Heaven in Faith” you can find it here and order from the Carmelite Sisters

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

BTP2 – El Cielo en la Fe Día 1 Oración 2 por Santa Isabel de la Trinidad – Comenzando a orar con el Dr. Anthony Lilles – Podcast Corazones Discernientes

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Episodio 2 – El Cielo en la Fe Día 1 Oración 2 por Santa Isabel de la Trinidad – Comenzando a orar con el Dr. Anthony Lilles – Podcast Corazones Discernientes

Este episodio con el Dr. Anthony Lillis y Kris McGregor se centra en las reflexiones espirituales de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad, concretamente en su retiro “El Cielo en la Fe” y su aplicación a la vida de oración. El debate se centra en la integración de la vida cotidiana con la oración constante, inspirada en la segunda oración del primer día del retiro. Esta oración, profundamente arraigada en los escritos de Santa Isabel, hace hincapié en la llamada a «permanecer en mí» expresada por Jesús, abogando por una morada perpetua y habitual en la presencia de Dios.

Las reflexiones de Santa Isabel, exploradas por la Dra. Lillis, subrayan la importancia de incorporar temas de meditación a lo largo del día, una práctica que se alinea con los ejercicios espirituales desarrollados por San Ignacio de Loyola. Este método de reflexión, que incluye oraciones matutinas y vespertinas seguidas de meditación, tiene como objetivo fomentar una comunión más profunda con el amor transformador de Cristo. Los escritos de Isabel sirven de guía para que su hermana y otros creyentes interioricen las enseñanzas divinas y las apliquen a sus vidas, cultivando así una conciencia continua de la presencia de Dios.

El Dr. Lillis desarrolla la profunda comprensión de Isabel del “Permanecer” en Dios, que no se limita a momentos fugaces, sino que se extiende a un estado permanente y habitual de estar con Dios en todos los aspectos de la vida. Este enfoque tiene sus raíces en las experiencias personales de Isabel de la presencia divina y su contemplación de las Escrituras, en particular su meditación sobre la simple pero profunda línea de las Escrituras, “permanece en mí”. Las enseñanzas de Elizabeth abogan por una vida en la que cada acción y relación esté impregnada de la conciencia de Dios, animando a los creyentes a mantener la alegría en Su presencia en medio de los desafíos cotidianos.

La conversación también profundiza en los fundamentos teológicos de las ideas de Isabel, destacando la inhabitación de la Trinidad y el viaje transformador que supone reconocer la propia miseria y la nada ante la misericordia de Dios. Los escritos de Isabel revelan un camino hacia la transformación espiritual a través de la aceptación de nuestras debilidades y fracasos, donde los encuentros con la misericordia de Dios conducen a una vida de amor y gracia.

Día 2 – Segunda oración

3. “Permaneced en Mí». Es la Palabra de Dios quien da esta orden, expresa este deseo. Permaneced en Mí, no unos instantes, unas horas que deben pasar, sino «permaneced…” permanentemente, habitualmente, Permaneced en Mí, orad en Mí, adorad en Mí, amad en Mí, sufrid en Mí, trabajad y actuad en Mí. Permanece en Mí para que puedas encontrarte con cualquiera o con cualquier cosa; penetra aún más en estas profundidades. Esta es verdaderamente la «soledad a la que Dios quiere atraer el alma para hablarle», como cantaba el profeta.

4. Para comprender este dicho tan misterioso, no debemos, por así decirlo, detenernos en la superficie, sino adentrarnos cada vez más en el Ser divino por medio del recogimiento. “Sigo mi camino”, exclamó San Pablo; así debemos descender cada día por esta senda del Abismo que es Dios; deslicémonos por esta pendiente en confianza totalmente amorosa.”Abismo llama a abismo”.Es allí, en lo más profundo, donde se produce el impacto divino, donde el abismo de nuestra nada se encuentra con el Abismo de la misericordia, con la inmensidad del todo de Dios.Allí encontraremos la fuerza para morir a nosotros mismos y, perdiendo todo vestigio del yo, seremos transformados en amor. . . . “¡Bienaventurados los que mueren en el Señor!

Isabel de la Trinidad. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Obra completa de Isabel de la Trinidad) (pp. 94-95).
ICS Publications. Edición Kindle.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Encuentro personal con la presencia de Dios: Reflexiona sobre tus propias experiencias de la presencia de Dios en tu vida.
¿Recuerdas momentos en los que te hayas sentido particularmente cerca de Dios, semejantes a las experiencias de Santa Isabel? ¿Cómo influyen esos momentos en tu deseo de “permanecer en Él” continuamente?
Integración de la oración en la vida cotidiana: Santa Isabel subraya la importancia de permanecer habitualmente en la presencia de Dios, no sólo durante los momentos formales de oración, sino a lo largo de todo el día.
Reflexiona sobre los retos y las oportunidades que se te presentan a la hora de integrar la oración y la conciencia de Dios en tus actividades cotidianas. ¿Cómo puedes hacer que cada acción y relación sea un reflejo de tu comunión orante con Dios?
Encontrar a Dios en la debilidad y la miseria: El podcast analiza el concepto de encontrar la misericordia de Dios en medio del reconocimiento de nuestra propia miseria y debilidad.
Reflexiona sobre cómo el reconocimiento de tus debilidades y fracasos puede ser un camino para experimentar más profundamente la misericordia y el amor de Dios. ¿Cómo cambia esta perspectiva tu forma de entender el crecimiento y la transformación espirituales?
Práctica del recogimiento: Santa Isabel habla del recogimiento como un volver el corazón y la mente a Dios.
Reflexiona sobre la práctica del recogimiento en tu propia vida espiritual. ¿Qué pasos prácticos puedes dar para cultivar esta disciplina, asegurándote de que tu conciencia de Dios impregna todo lo que haces?
Vivir una vida transformada por el amor: El objetivo último de las reflexiones de Santa Isabel es ser transformados en amor por la gracia de Dios.
Reflexiona sobre lo que significa para ti ser “transformado en amor”. ¿Cómo puedes vivir más plenamente esta transformación en tus relaciones, decisiones y acciones?

Nos gustaría dar las gracias a Miriam Gutiérrez por proporcionar “la voz” de Santa Isabel para esta serie.

Para ver otros episodios de la serie, visite la página Corazones Perspicaces del Dr. Anthony Lilles.

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., ha servido a la Iglesia y ayudado en la formación del clero y los seminaristas desde 1994. Antes de llegar a San Patricio, trabajó en seminarios y casas de formación de la archidiócesis de Denver y la archidiócesis de Los Ángeles. Hijo de un granjero californiano, casado y con hijos adultos jóvenes, es licenciado en Teología por la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville y posee tanto la licencia eclesiástica como el doctorado en Teología Espiritual por la Universidad Pontificia Santo Tomás de Aquino de Roma (el Angelicum). Experto en los escritos de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad y de los Doctores Carmelitas de la Iglesia, es cofundador del Instituto de Formación Espiritual de Ávila y del Programa de Alta Vocación para vocaciones sacerdotales. También fundó el Centro Juan Pablo II para la Cultura Contemplativa, que organiza simposios, retiros y conferencias. Además de sus publicaciones, tiene un blog en www.beginningtopray.com .

BTP1 El Cielo en la Fe Día 1 Oración 1 por Santa Isabel de la Trinidad – Comenzando a orar con el Dr. Anthony Lilles – Podcast Corazones Discernientes

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Episodio 1 – El Cielo en la Fe Día 1 Oración 1 por Santa Isabel de la Trinidad – Comenzando a orar con el Dr. Anthony Lilles – Podcast Corazones Discernientes

El primer episodio del podcast, presentado por Kris McGregor con el Dr. Anthony Lilles, profundiza en el retiro El cielo en la fe de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad. El Dr. Lilles, experto en espiritualidad carmelita, destaca la importancia de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad, una mística carmelita de Dijon, que hizo hincapié en la oración profunda y en un encuentro transformador con Cristo accesible a todos los católicos. El retiro de Santa Isabel, destinado a su hermana, es una guía para fomentar una relación profunda y personal con Dios a través de la oración, que consiste en reflexiones diarias para la contemplación.

San Juan Pablo II, notablemente influido por Isabel, ejemplifica su amplio impacto, mostrando su papel en la profundización de la vida espiritual de muchos, incluida la suya propia. A pesar de su limitado acceso a la Biblia completa, las reflexiones de Isabel demuestran un profundo compromiso con las Escrituras, semejante a la Lectio Divina, mostrando su profunda comprensión e integración de las Escrituras en sus reflexiones sobre la oración y la comunión con Dios.

La primera reflexión de Elizabeth se centra en el deseo de Jesús de que estemos en comunión con Él y con el Padre, destacando el aspecto personal y relacional de la oración. Elizabeth explica que experimentar el cielo, o vivir en comunión con Dios, no se limita al más allá, sino que comienza en el presente a través de la fe y la oración. Insiste en la llamada universal a la santidad, afirmando que todos los cristianos, independientemente de las circunstancias de su vida, están invitados a compartir esta comunión con Dios, que se alcanza dando prioridad a la oración en sus vidas.

Este episodio sienta las bases de una serie que promete explorar las profundidades de la espiritualidad carmelita y las profundas ideas de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad sobre la oración, la comunión con Dios y la búsqueda de la santidad en la vida cotidiana.

Día 1 – Primera oración

1. “Padre, quiero que donde yo estoy estén también conmigo los que Tú me has dado, para que contemplen mi gloria que Tú me has dado, porque Tú me has amado desde antes de la creación del mundo». 1 Tal es el último deseo de Cristo, su oración suprema antes de volver a su Padre. Quiere que donde Él está nosotros estemos también, no sólo por la eternidad, sino ya en el tiempo, que es eternidad comenzada y aún en curso. Es importante, pues, saber dónde debemos vivir con Él para realizar su sueño divino. «El lugar donde está escondido el Hijo de Dios es el seno del Padre, o la Esencia divina, invisible a todo ojo mortal, inalcanzable para todo intelecto humano»,2 como dijo Isaías: «Verdaderamente Tú eres un Dios oculto». 3 Y, sin embargo, su voluntad es que estemos establecidos en Él, que vivamos donde Él vive, en la unidad del amor; que seamos, por así decirlo, su propia sombra. 4

2. Por el bautismo, dice San Pablo, hemos sido unidos a Jesucristo. 5 Y además: «Dios nos sentó juntos en el cielo en Cristo Jesús, para mostrar en los siglos venideros las riquezas de su gracia». 6 Y más adelante: «Ya no sois huéspedes ni forasteros, sino que pertenecéis a la Ciudad de los santos y a la Casa de Dios». 7 La Trinidad: ésta es nuestra morada, nuestro «hogar», la casa del Padre que nunca debemos abandonar. El Maestro dijo un día: «El esclavo no permanece en la casa para siempre, pero el hijo 8 permanece allí para siempre» (San Juan). 9

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

¿De qué manera la forma en que Santa Isabel de la Trinidad entiende la oración desafía tu enfoque actual de la oración y de la relación con Dios?
Reflexiona sobre la idea de que el cielo no es sólo un estado futuro, sino una experiencia accesible en el presente a través de la fe y la oración. ¿Cómo cambia esta perspectiva tu visión de la vida cotidiana y de la práctica espiritual?
Santa Isabel subraya la importancia de las Escrituras para profundizar en nuestra relación con Dios, incluso sin tener pleno acceso a la Biblia. ¿Cómo puedes integrar más plenamente las Escrituras en tu vida de oración para fomentar una comunión más estrecha con Dios?
Teniendo en cuenta el deseo de Jesús de estar en comunión con nosotros, tal como lo destaca Santa Isabel, ¿cómo podrías responder más plenamente a este deseo en tu propia vida de fe y oración?
Las reflexiones de santa Isabel pretendían guiar a su hermana, una madre ocupada, en la profundización de su vida espiritual. ¿De qué manera habla esto de la posibilidad de una profunda profundidad espiritual en medio del ajetreo de tus responsabilidades diarias?

Nos gustaría dar las gracias a Miriam Gutiérrez por proporcionar “la voz” de Santa Isabel para esta serie.

Para ver otros episodios de la serie, visite la página Corazones Perspicaces del Dr. Anthony Lilles.

Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Day 7 – Discerning Hearts podcast

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O Mary, Help of Christians,
you assured us that wearing your Scapular worthily
would keep us from harm.
Protect us in both body and soul
with your continual aid.
May all that we do be pleasing to your Son and to you.
(State your request here…)

Recite the following prayers…

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
pray for us.

Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Day 5 – Discerning Hearts podcast

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O Mother of Fair Love,
through your goodness,
as your children,
we are called to live in the spirit of Carmel.
Help us to live in charity with one another,
prayerful as Elijah of old,
and mindful of our call to minister to God’s people.
(State your request here…)

Recite the following prayers…

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
pray for us.

Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Day 4 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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When you gave us, Gracious Lady,

the Scapular as our Habit,
you called us to be not only servants,
but also your own children.
We ask you to gain for us from your Son
the grace to live as your children in joy, peace and love.
(State your request here…)

Recite the following prayers…

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
pray for us.