Sunday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Sunday of the Twenty-Seventh 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 According to Luke 17:5-10

The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ The Lord replied, ‘Were your faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.
‘Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, “Come and have your meal immediately”? Would he not be more likely to say, “Get my supper laid; make yourself tidy and wait on me while I eat and drink. You can eat and drink yourself afterwards”? Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told? So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, “We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.”’

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:

The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ The Lord replied, ‘Were your faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.
‘Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, “Come and have your meal immediately”? Would he not be more likely to say, “Get my supper laid; make yourself tidy and wait on me while I eat and drink. You can eat and drink yourself afterwards”? Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told? So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, “We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.”’

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:

The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ The Lord replied, ‘Were your faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.
‘Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, “Come and have your meal immediately”? Would he not be more likely to say, “Get my supper laid; make yourself tidy and wait on me while I eat and drink. You can eat and drink yourself afterwards”? Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told? So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, “We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.”’

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.

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.

Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon of St. Francis of Assisi – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon of St. Francis of Assisi

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings. To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour, Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, And fair and stormy, all weather’s moods, by which You cherish all that You have made.

Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water, So useful, humble, precious and pure.

Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire, through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister, Mother Earth who sustains and governs us, producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs. Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial. Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death, from whom no-one living can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will. No second death can do them harm. Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks, And serve Him with great humility.

Amen.

We must be simple, humble and pure – St. Francis of Assisi from the Office of Readings – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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A letter from St Francis of Assisi to all the faithful

“It was through his archangel, Saint Gabriel, that the Father above made known to the holy and glorious Virgin Mary that the worthy, holy and glorious Word of the Father would come from heaven and take from her womb the real flesh of our human frailty. Though he was wealthy beyond reckoning, he still willingly chose to be poor with his blessed mother. And shortly before his passion he celebrated the Passover with his disciples. Then he prayed to his Father saying: Father, if it be possible, let this cup be taken from me.

Nevertheless, he reposed his will in the will of his Father. The Father willed that his blessed and glorious Son, whom he gave to us and who was born for us, should through his own blood offer himself as a sacrificial victim on the altar of the cross. This was to be done not for himself through whom all things were made, but for our sins. It was intended to leave us an example of how to follow in his footsteps. And he desires all of us to be saved through him, and to receive him with pure heart and chaste body.

O how happy and blessed are those who love the Lord and do as the Lord himself said in the gospel: You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart and your whole soul; and your neighbour as yourself. Therefore, let us love God and adore him with pure heart and mind. This is his particular desire when he says: True worshippers adore the Father in spirit and truth. For all who adore him must do so in the spirit of truth. Let us also direct to him our praises and prayers saying: Our Father, who art in heaven, since we must always pray and never grow slack.

Furthermore, let us produce worthy fruits of penance. Let us also love our neighbours as ourselves. Let us have charity and humility. Let us give alms because these cleanse our souls from the stains of sin. Men lose all the material things they leave behind them in this world, but they carry with them the reward of their charity and the alms they give. For these they will receive from the Lord the reward and recompense they deserve. We must not be wise and prudent according to the flesh. Rather we must be simple, humble and pure. We should never desire to be over others. Instead, we ought to be servants who are submissive to every human being for God’s sake. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on all who live in this way and persevere in it to the end. He will permanently dwell in them. They will be the Father’s children who do his work. They are the spouses, brothers and mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Let us pray.

Lord God, you made Saint Francis of Assisi

Christ-like in his poverty and humility.

Help us so to walk in his ways that,

with joy and love,

we may follow Christ your Son,

and be united to you.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Excerpts from the English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Day 9 – Living Mercy – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 9 – Living Mercy – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart

From the Diary of St. Faustina, 1317 – Jesus speaks to Faustina:

“If a soul does not exercise mercy somehow or other, it will not obtain My mercy on the day of judgment. Oh, if only souls knew how to gather eternal treasure for themselves, they would not be judged, for they would forestall My judgment with their mercy.”

Jesus makes it clear to St. Faustina that mercy must be lived out in our daily lives. We cannot simply receive God’s mercy without also extending it to others. How can you practice mercy today? Remember that mercy is not just about grand acts of forgiveness; it is also about the small acts of kindness and compassion we show each day. Reflect on how you can be more merciful in your thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus tells us that by showing mercy to others, we forestall His judgment and store up treasures in heaven. Make mercy a way of life.

Prayer & Petition:
Lord Jesus, You call me not only to receive Your mercy but to live it out in my daily life. Help me to show mercy to others in both great and small ways, knowing that in doing so, I am reflecting Your love to the world. May my life be a reflection of Your Divine Mercy, and may I store up eternal treasures by showing mercy in all things. St. Faustina, pray that I may live mercy in all things, so that I may obtain God’s mercy on the day of judgment. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, through the intercession of St. Faustina, Apostle of Divine Mercy, I ask for the grace to live more fully in Your mercy. Help me to trust in You completely, to offer mercy to others, and to live in the joy of Your love. May St. Faustina guide me in my journey toward holiness, and may her prayers obtain for me the graces I most need. Amen.

St. Faustina, pray for us.

You find the entire 9-Day St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart tap here

You can find the Discerning Hearts “Chaplet of Divine Mercy” tap here

You find the Diary here

Saturday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Saturday of the Twenty-Sixth 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 According to St. Luke 10:17-24

The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’
It was then that, filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, he said:
‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’
Then turning to his disciples he spoke to them in private, ‘Happy the eyes that see what you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.’

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:

The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’
It was then that, filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, he said:
‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’
Then turning to his disciples he spoke to them in private, ‘Happy the eyes that see what you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.’

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:

The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’
It was then that, filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, he said:
‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’
Then turning to his disciples he spoke to them in private, ‘Happy the eyes that see what you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.’

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.

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.

WOM7 – The Liturgy of the Word, pt. 1 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Eucharist and Moral Living Deacon James Keating Kris McGregor Discerning Hearts Podcast

The Liturgy of the Word, Part 1 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating

Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor explore how the Liturgy of the Word shapes conscience and draws the faithful into a deeper encounter with Christ. Conscience is not a mystical faculty but the human mind oriented toward discerning right and wrong, always influenced by what and whom we love. Because the mind is constantly being formed by outside voices, it is crucial to attend to the Word of God proclaimed at Mass, where Christ himself enters through language. Unlike mere information or historical detail, Scripture proclaimed in the liturgy is meant to bring transformation—similar to Christ’s dialogue with the Samaritan woman at the well. By allowing the Word to “take up residence” within, a person gradually shifts from deriving identity from worldly approval to resting in their Catholic identity, formed within the community of the Church.

The liturgy is not simply storytelling or nostalgia but a living prayer in which Christ becomes present and personally addresses each heart. To benefit fully, preparation is vital—reading the Scriptures beforehand ensures they penetrate deeply during Mass rather than fading like an overheard announcement. Within the liturgy, there is both a general message for the whole Church and a unique “particularization” by the Holy Spirit for each person’s circumstances, offering moments of genuine conversion. The Liturgy of the Word, then, is not passive listening but an encounter that requires hospitality toward God’s presence, openness to interior change, and the courage to allow conscience to be guided from within by the Word received through the Church.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How do I allow the Word of God at Mass to shape my conscience rather than letting worldly voices guide me?
Do I prepare for the Liturgy of the Word by reading and praying with the Scriptures during the week?
When hearing Scripture proclaimed, am I open to encounter Christ personally rather than receiving only information?
What loves or attachments influence the way I discern right and wrong in my daily life?
Do I let my Catholic identity rest in Christ and his Church, or do I still seek validation from the world’s approval?
How willing am I to welcome the particular ways the Holy Spirit convicts and challenges me during the readings?
In what areas of my life am I resisting the Word because I fear the change it might require?
Do I treat the Mass, especially the Liturgy of the Word, as true prayer where Christ comes close to me now?

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

Day 9 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 9 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Day 9: Detachment

St. Francis, you understood that to follow Christ perfectly, one must be detached from all that is not God. You surrendered not only your material possessions, but even your own will, seeking only to do the will of the Father. In your complete detachment from worldly desires, you found true freedom in Christ. You remind us that we are pilgrims on this earth and that our true home is in Heaven.

Let us pray:
Holy St. Francis, help me to detach from the things of world that separate me from God. Teach me to surrender my will to the will of the Father, trusting in His divine plan for my life. May I seek not my own desires but strive always to do what pleases the Lord. Through your intercession, may I grow in detachment from worldly distractions and attachments, keeping my eyes fixed on the eternal joys of Heaven, where Christ reigns forever.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

St. Francis, pray for us.

For the entire 9-Day St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Hearts with Msgr. John Esseff tap here

Day 8 – Bringing Joy to Others – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 8 – Bringing Joy to Others – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart

From the Diary of St. Faustina, 1074 – Jesus speaks to Faustina:

“My daughter, I desire that you live very close to My heart. Meditate upon the love and mercy of your Creator. When you come to know Me more deeply, you will be able to bring much joy to others. Speak of My mercy to all, so that souls may be strengthened and comforted. Bring joy to the world through My mercy.”

St. Faustina lived her life close to the heart of Jesus, and through this intimacy, she was able to bring joy to others. Jesus invites us to do the same—when we come to know Him deeply and experience His mercy, we are filled with joy, which overflows to others. Reflect on your relationship with Jesus and how it affects those around you. Do you bring joy to others through your words and actions? As you grow closer to the heart of Jesus, may your life become a source of joy and strength for those who need to experience His mercy.

Prayer & Petition:
Lord, You call me to be a source of joy in the world by reflecting Your love and mercy. Teach me to live close to Your heart, so that my words and actions may bring comfort and strength to those around me. May I spread the joy of Your mercy wherever I go. St. Faustina, help me to be a bearer of joy to others, reflecting God’s love in all my interactions. Amen.

Closing Prayer

St. Faustina, pray for us.

You find the entire 9-Day St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart tap here

You can find the Discerning Hearts “Chaplet of Divine Mercy” tap here

You find the Diary here

Friday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Friday of the Twenty-Sixth 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 According to St. Luke 10:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. And still, it will not go as hard with Tyre and Sidon at the Judgement as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell.
‘Anyone who listens to you listens to me; anyone who rejects you rejects me, and those who reject me reject the one who sent me.’

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 his disciples:
‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. And still, it will not go as hard with Tyre and Sidon at the Judgement as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell.
‘Anyone who listens to you listens to me; anyone who rejects you rejects me, and those who reject me reject the one who sent me.’

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 his disciples:
‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. And still, it will not go as hard with Tyre and Sidon at the Judgement as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell.
‘Anyone who listens to you listens to me; anyone who rejects you rejects me, and those who reject me reject the one who sent me.’

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.

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.

The Guardian Angels – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Msgr-Esseff-2-e1442263119679-497x526-283x300

The Guardian Angels – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr John Esseff

Msgr. Esseff discusses the important role of guardian angels in the life of every person. He shares personal reflections on his childhood experiences and how angels have been part of his spiritual life. Guardian angels are assigned to individuals from the moment of conception and remain with them throughout life, even after death, working to inspire prayers for those in purgatory.

There is an an importance in developing a personal relationship with one’s guardian angel, and Msgr. Esseff suggests that people can even ask their angel for its name. Angels are immensely powerful spiritual beings created individually by God, with different choirs of angels serving specific roles. These angels are protective, guiding people in daily life, and helping them in moments of danger or difficulty.

Guardian angels provide support during times of suffering, using the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where His angel ministered to Him in His agony. Msgr. Esseff encourages us to draw closer to their guardian angels, especially in moments of loneliness or hardship, recognizing them as companions who offer love, guidance, and protection.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can you become more aware of your guardian angel’s presence and influence in your daily life?
In what ways have you experienced or can you imagine your guardian angel guiding and protecting you through challenges?
How might asking for your guardian angel’s name deepen your relationship with this spiritual companion?
Do you trust that your guardian angel, sent by God, is actively working to safeguard and assist you in both physical and spiritual matters?
When faced with suffering or isolation, how can you turn to your guardian angel for comfort and support, as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane?
How does the knowledge that your guardian angel intercedes on your behalf and reminds others to pray for you shape your prayer life?
What significance does the belief in angels’ involvement at the time of death and the resurrection of the body have on your understanding of eternal life?
How can you embrace the idea of your guardian angel’s loving service as an extension of God’s love, rather than viewing them as merely a protector?
How can reflecting on the beauty and purpose of angels inspire a greater appreciation for God’s creation and your own divine calling?
What steps can you take to open yourself more fully to the blessings and healing that your guardian angel seeks to bring into your life?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to Blessed Mother Teresa. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. 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 Bl. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.