Sunday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Sunday of the Thirtieth 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. Mark 10:46-52

As Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting at the side of the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and to say, ‘Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.’ And many of them scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he only shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him here.’ So they called the blind man. ‘Courage,’ they said ‘get up; he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus. Then Jesus spoke, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Rabbuni,’ the blind man said to him ‘Master, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has saved you.’ And immediately his sight returned and he followed him along the road.

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:

As Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting at the side of the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and to say, ‘Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.’ And many of them scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he only shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him here.’ So they called the blind man. ‘Courage,’ they said ‘get up; he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus. Then Jesus spoke, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Rabbuni,’ the blind man said to him ‘Master, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has saved you.’ And immediately his sight returned and he followed him along the road.

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:

As Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting at the side of the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and to say, ‘Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.’ And many of them scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he only shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him here.’ So they called the blind man. ‘Courage,’ they said ‘get up; he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus. Then Jesus spoke, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Rabbuni,’ the blind man said to him ‘Master, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has saved you.’ And immediately his sight returned and he followed him along the road.

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.

TSP8 – The Danger of Self-Righteousness – St. Teresa of Avila, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul with Dan Burke – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 8 – The Danger of Self-Righteousness – St. Teresa, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul with Dan Burke

Dan Burke and Kris McGregor discuss spiritual discernment through the lens of St. Teresa of Ávila’s Fifth Mansion and St. Ignatius of Loyola’s spiritual exercises. Temptations can be disguised as goods and the importance of testing spiritual experiences to ensure they are truly from God. Drawing on the teachings of St. Ignatius and the need to recognize the “serpent’s tail” in spiritual phenomena, St. Teresa’s guidance helps discern supernatural events with caution. Love and charity, rather than judgment, are the true measures of spiritual growth.

Community is important in fostering growth, with corrections from others helping to develop self-knowledge and humility. Joy is a natural result of loving God and others, even in the face of trials, and that spiritual progress is reflected in a person’s capacity to love, serve, and embrace suffering with trust in God’s plan.

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

Discernment of Spiritual Experiences: How do you distinguish between a true spiritual consolation from God and a temptation disguised as a good?
Role of Humility in Spiritual Growth: In what ways does humility guide you in responding to spiritual experiences or feedback from others?
Testing of Supernatural Phenomena: How do you apply caution and discernment when encountering experiences that seem supernatural or beyond human origin?
Love as the Measure of Spiritual Maturity: How do you ensure that love, rather than judgment, is the foundation of your interactions with others, especially in challenging situations?
Embracing Suffering in Love: How do you respond to the call to embrace suffering as a form of love and sacrifice, following the example of Christ on the cross?
Importance of Community and Correction: How do you remain open to correction and guidance from your spiritual community to help foster your growth in humility and self-knowledge?
Joy in the Midst of Trials: How can you maintain a sense of joy and trust in God, even during moments of suffering or spiritual trial?

You can find the book here.

An excerpt from the book:

“Have you ever considered that the devil is active in your prayer life? In the parish church where you attend Mass? In the lives and actions of people of goodwill all around you? The saints remind us of a key aspect of living the spiritual life that we are wont to forget simply because we can’t see it and because we have been conditioned by the media and popular culture to think the devil works visibly only in “bad” people or in extraordinary ways, as in the movies. And although demons are certainly capable of extravagant or extraordinary manifestations, their ordinary work flies under our radar because it just isn’t that spectacular, though it is deadly.

In fact, subtlety, illusion, and deceit are their preferred methods of attack. An invisible battle for souls is being waged in and around us without reprieve, and we remain ignorant of it to our peril. St. Teresa of Avila, great mystic and Doctor of the Church, is best known for her writings on the way God leads souls along the path to union with Him through prayer. What many do not know about St. Teresa is that she also observed the actions of demons working with militant force to lead even good souls astray in ways that might surprise you. She shares these experiences freely in her autobiography, which she was commanded to write under obedience to her spiritual director.“

Burke, Dan; Burke, Dan. The Devil in the Castle: St. Teresa of Avila, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul (p. 12). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition.

For more episodes in this series visit Dan Burke’s Discerning Hearts page here:

Dan Burke is the founder and President of the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation, which offers graduate and personal enrichment studies in spiritual theology to priests, deacons, religious, and laity in 72 countries and prepares men for seminary in 14 dioceses.

Dan is the author and editor of more than 15 books on authentic Catholic spirituality and hosts the Divine Intimacy Radio show with his wife, Stephanie, which is broadcast weekly on EWTN Radio. Past episodes can be found, along with thousands of articles on the interior life, at SpiritualDirection.com.

In his deep commitment to the advancement of faithful Catholic spirituality, he is also the founder of Apostoli Viae, a world-wide, private association of the faithful dedicated to living and advancing the authentic spiritual patrimony of the Church.

Most importantly, Dan is a blessed husband, father of four, grandfather of one—and grateful to be Catholic.

SISL10 – I Don’t Feel God’s Love – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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I Don’t Feel God’s Love – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the spiritual journey, focusing on the experience of spiritual consolation and desolation using the story of Kathy, a participant in a six-week parish prayer program, as an example of how these experiences manifest in the life of prayer.

Kathy begins her prayer journey with moments of spiritual consolation, feeling God’s presence and love. As she engages deeply with scripture, she experiences a growing intimacy with God. However, as time progresses, she faces spiritual desolation, feeling abandoned and struggling with past pain, specifically related to her experience of cancer and the loss of the ability to have children. This leads to feelings of anger toward God, and she questions why she should continue praying.

Such desolation is a normal part of spiritual growth and not a sign that something is going wrong. Rather, it is often an invitation to deeper healing, as God touches painful areas of the soul that need to be addressed. In times of desolation, one should seek guidance from a spiritual director or a trusted companion in the faith to help make sense of the experience.

Spiritual desolation, while difficult, can lead to significant spiritual growth, helping individuals become more rooted in their relationship with God and opening them to new forms of healing and grace.

You can pick up a copy of the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How do you handle spiritual desolation?
Reflect on how you respond when you feel distant from God, and whether you seek guidance or attempt to push through on your own.
Are you open to spiritual growth through challenges?
Consider if you view spiritual desolation as an opportunity for growth and healing, even when it feels painful.
Do you seek spiritual support when needed?
Think about whether you reach out to spiritual directors, friends, or companions during times of desolation to help understand what God may be doing in your life.
Can you recognize God’s presence in both consolation and desolation?
Reflect on whether you are able to see God’s hand at work during moments of consolation and desolation, understanding that both are part of the spiritual journey.
Do you maintain faith during difficult spiritual moments?
Consider if you hold on to trust in God’s love and purpose even when you feel abandoned, and how you might cultivate resilience in your prayer life.

An excerpt from the chapter, “I Don’t Feel God’s Love”:

“This is yet another form of spiritual desolation: times when we feel no sense of God’s love, of His closeness, of warm love for others in God, but rather, we feel a kind of spiritual distance and coldness. As we’ve said so often, there is no shame in experiencing this. To feel this form of spiritual desolation does not mean that God does not love us, that we do not love Him, or that we do not desire to love others.

It simply means that God is permitting us to undergo a time of spiritual desolation because of the growth we gain when we go through it well (see the final paragraph of chapter 8). Cathy’s spiritual desolation as she prays with the calming of the storm is actually a sign that her prayer is progressing richly. For ten years, a wound in her heart has remained unhealed. God loves her too much to allow this to continue unaddressed. Almost inevitably, as she grows closer to God in prayer, this wound is touched. When it is, spiritual desolation results: pain, anger, a sense of distance from God, and an absence of all warmth. If Cathy finds wise counsel to help her understand this and if she does not stop praying, then, for the first time in ten years, deep spiritual healing can occur. Like the disciples in the boat and like Lazarus’s sisters, she will find that if Jesus slept and if he delayed two days, it was because he loved them and had a greater gift to give.”

Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (pp. 66-67). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition.

To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast

From the book’s description:

“Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It’s a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth.

All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness.

With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You’ll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you’ll be given the remedy for the struggle. You’ll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them.

In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You’ll gain confidence as you journey through desolation, and you’ll learn to reject the enemy’s ploys to infect you with a sense of hopelessness.“

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!

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

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Sunday of the Twenty-Ninth 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. Mark 10:35-45

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus. ‘Master,’ they said to him ‘we want you to do us a favour.’ He said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ They said to him, ‘Allow us to sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus said to them. ‘Can you drink the cup that I must drink, or be baptised with the baptism with which I must be baptised?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I must drink you shall drink, and with the baptism with which I must be baptised you shall be baptised, but as for seats at my right hand or my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted.’

When the other ten heard this they began to feel indignant with James and John, so Jesus called them to him and said to them, ‘You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’

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:

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus. ‘Master,’ they said to him ‘we want you to do us a favour.’ He said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ They said to him, ‘Allow us to sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus said to them. ‘Can you drink the cup that I must drink, or be baptised with the baptism with which I must be baptised?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I must drink you shall drink, and with the baptism with which I must be baptised you shall be baptised, but as for seats at my right hand or my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted.’

When the other ten heard this they began to feel indignant with James and John, so Jesus called them to him and said to them, ‘You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’

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:

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus. ‘Master,’ they said to him ‘we want you to do us a favour.’ He said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ They said to him, ‘Allow us to sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus said to them. ‘Can you drink the cup that I must drink, or be baptised with the baptism with which I must be baptised?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I must drink you shall drink, and with the baptism with which I must be baptised you shall be baptised, but as for seats at my right hand or my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted.’

When the other ten heard this they began to feel indignant with James and John, so Jesus called them to him and said to them, ‘You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’

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.

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

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Saturday of the Twenty-Eighth 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 12:8-12

Jesus said to his disciples:
‘I tell you, if anyone openly declares himself for me in the presence of men, the Son of Man will declare himself for him in the presence of the angels. But the man who disowns me in the presence of men will be disowned in the presence of God’s angels.
‘Everyone who says a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
‘When they take you before synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say, because when the time comes, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say.’

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:
‘I tell you, if anyone openly declares himself for me in the presence of men, the Son of Man will declare himself for him in the presence of the angels. But the man who disowns me in the presence of men will be disowned in the presence of God’s angels.
‘Everyone who says a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
‘When they take you before synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say, because when the time comes, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say.’

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:
‘I tell you, if anyone openly declares himself for me in the presence of men, the Son of Man will declare himself for him in the presence of the angels. But the man who disowns me in the presence of men will be disowned in the presence of God’s angels.
‘Everyone who says a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
‘When they take you before synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say, because when the time comes, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say.’

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.

IP#485 Fr. Cassian Koenemann – The Grace of Nothingness on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. Cassian Koenemann – The Grace of Nothingness on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Cassian Koenemann and Kris McGregor discuss the book The Grace of Nothingness, which explores the spiritual life of Blessed Columba Marmion. Fr. Koenemann shares how he initially resisted studying Marmion, but after Cardinal Burke’s persistent encouragement, he discovered Marmion’s profound teachings, especially through his book Christ the Life of the Monk.

Marmion, an Irish Benedictine monk, had a deep understanding of combining theological principles, such as Christ’s work in sanctifying individuals, with practical spiritual guidance. His teachings emphasized humility, prayer, and a reliance on God’s grace. His work, though not vast in volume, is rich in spiritual insight, especially his letters of spiritual direction, which guide individuals in their relationship with God.

A key theme is Marmion’s concept of “nothingness,” which highlights the paradox that while we are deeply loved by God, true spiritual growth comes from recognizing our dependence on His grace. This concept does not diminish personal value but encourages deeper humility and trust in God. Marmion’s spirituality also influenced St. Thérèse of Lisieux, especially in his reflections on God’s mercy.

Fr. Koenemann also addresses the modern struggle with control and self-reliance, advocating for surrender to God’s will and grace. Marmion’s spirituality is accessible and applicable for those seeking a deeper relationship with God, whether in monastic life or everyday situations.

To obtain a copy of the book, visit here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How do I approach spiritual growth in my life?
Reflect on whether you rely on your own efforts or open yourself to God’s grace for sanctification.
What role does humility play in my relationship with God?
Consider how accepting your “nothingness” before God can deepen your dependence on His will and grace.
Am I listening to God with the ear of my heart?
Examine how well you balance intellect and heart in discerning God’s voice and applying it to your life.
Do I recognize God’s mercy in my life?
Reflect on how you acknowledge and respond to God’s constant work in sanctifying and blessing you.
How do I understand the balance between personal dignity and humility?
Contemplate how you navigate your worth as God’s beloved while embracing a humble, selfless disposition.
Am I open to suffering as a means of grace?
Think about your attitude toward suffering and whether you trust God to bring good from painful experiences.
How do I live out humility in my interactions with others?
Evaluate your relationships and whether you express humility, service, and love in your community.

“The Grace of ‘Nothingness’ is a work of deep and sober reflection. What it reveals to us of Columba Marmion’s vision, however, is as fresh and surprising as the Gospel itself. Here we find, in the understanding of ‘nothingness,’ not the least hint of anything mandarin or esoteric, but a theme that focuses attention on the unique, saving grace of Christ. Fr Cassian complements his study with a helpful overview of the centuries of reflection on the theme of ‘nothingness’ in the writings of Catholic saints and mystics. This work is without question a truly insightful contribution to spiritual theology.”

—FR. PAUL MURRAY, OP
author of A Journey with Jonah

“St John of the Cross says that at the summit of the spiritual life there is ‘nothing.’ This introduction to the theme of ‘nothingness’ in the writings of Abbot Marmion offers fresh insights into this demanding feature of Christian life.”

—FR. CHRISTOPHER JAMISON, OSB
Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation

Living in the Sacred Heart of Jesus – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Living in the Sacred Heart of Jesus – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a spiritual tradition stemming from revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in Paray-le-Monial, France. Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary, describing it as a symbol of His immense love for humanity, a heart aflame with love yet surrounded by thorns, symbolizing human sin and ingratitude. He instructed her to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart and introduced practices like the First Fridays and the Holy Hour, promising blessings for those who honor His Sacred Heart.

Tthe “enthronement” of the Sacred Heart as an invitation for individuals and families to welcome Jesus as the king of their hearts. By enthroning Jesus in our hearts, we allow Him to dethrone ego and sin, creating a space for His love, peace, and truth to reign. This devotion encourages Christians to emulate the first-century apostles who recognized Jesus as the Messiah, not in earthly terms but as a king of hearts, leading through love and sacrifice.

This kingship is not limited by geography; it’s a universal calling to every individual, regardless of faith or nationality, to invite Jesus into their hearts and experience His transformative love. He shares that this enthronement reflects an interior act of faith, symbolized by displaying an image of the Sacred Heart at home. Through this devotion, families are encouraged to embody and spread Christ’s love, establishing His kingdom in their homes and communities.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Encounter with the Sacred Heart: How do I personally experience and understand the love that Jesus expresses through His Sacred Heart?
Embracing Enthronement: Am I willing to invite Jesus to reign as the king of my heart, dethroning my own ego and desires?
Living the Promises: In what ways can I incorporate the Sacred Heart devotions, such as First Fridays and Holy Hours, into my spiritual life?
Spreading the Devotion: How can I encourage my family and community to honor the Sacred Heart, creating a space for His love and peace?
Recognizing True Kingship: Do I fully grasp Jesus’ kingship as a spiritual reality rather than an earthly one, and how does this impact my faith?
Witnessing in the World: How am I called to share the love of the Sacred Heart with others, extending its influence beyond my personal devotion?
Responding to the Call: How can I deepen my relationship with Jesus by inviting Him into my heart daily, and what changes might this bring to my life?

In 2011, Paray le Monial, France, I had the chance to speak with Msgr. John Esseff at the First Sacred Heart World Congress. Msgr. Esseff is one of the founders of the Sacred Heart Apostolate, sponsor of this event which brought laity, religious, and priests from around the world. Talks were given by Cardinal Raymond Burke, Bishop Robert Herman, Christendom College President Timothy O’Donnell, and EWTN show host and author Fr. Mitch Pacwa, as well as many others Why did they come to this small French community nestled in Eastern France? Because our Lord choice this place and two very remarkably humble saints to communicate the message of his Sacred Heart.

He said to St. Margaret Mary:

“My Divine Heart is so inflamed with love for mankind … that it can no longer contain within itself the flames of its burning charity and must spread them abroad by your means.” She described that His Heart was on fire and surrounded by a crown of thorns. Our Lord told her that the flames represented His love for humanity, and the thorns represented man’s sinfulness and ingratitude. Jesus informed her that her mission was to establish the devotion to His Most Sacred Heart, and He revealed twelve promises that He would bestow upon all those who practice the devotion.

She had three more visions over the next year and a half in which Jesus instructed her in a devotion that was to become known as the Nine Fridays. Christ also inspired Margaret Mary to establish the Holy Hour and to receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of every month. In the final revelation, the Lord asked that a feast of reparation be instituted for the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi.

Blessed Claude de la Colombiere, a holy and experienced Jesuit, arrived as confessor to the nuns, and in him Margaret Mary recognized the understanding guide that had been promised to her in the visions. He became convinced that her experiences were genuine and adopted the teaching of the Sacred Heart that the visions had communicated to her.”

Msgr. Esseff talks about that message, what it means for us today, and how we can live it out.

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.

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

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Friday of the Twenty-Eighth 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 10:1-9

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.”’

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 Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.”’

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 Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.”’

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.

TSP7 – Entering the Fifth Mansion – St. Teresa of Avila, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul with Dan Burke – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 7 – Entering the Fifth Mansion – St. Teresa, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul with Dan Burke

Dan Burke and Kris McGregor discuss spiritual progress and the challenges faced in St. Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle, particularly through the fifth mansion and the spiritual journey as one of growth toward union with God; this path is neither solitary nor self-sufficient. They discuss the necessity of spiritual guidance and community, even for hermits, to maintain spiritual health and avoid isolation’s pitfalls.

There’s also critical virtues of humility and self-awareness. These act as shields against the enemy, especially at higher levels of spiritual development, where temptation becomes subtler and more insidious. Burke highlights the importance of a spiritual director who genuinely listens, able to discern God’s unique work in each soul, rather than adhering strictly to systematic approaches. He warns against overly programmatic spiritual direction, suggesting that the Holy Spirit should be the primary guide, with spiritual directors acting as humble servants to aid the soul’s unique journey.

We can have experiences of spiritual desolation and consolation, particularly the disorientation that can come with transitioning between the purgative and illuminative stages. Through these transitions, having a spiritual director to offer support and interpret the soul’s experiences is invaluable. Burke and McGregor conclude by stressing the importance of daily practices, such as examination of conscience, which keep one grounded and attuned to God’s direction, helping to avoid the small attachments that can subtly lead one away from God.