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

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Wednesday 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. Matthew 18:1-5,10

The disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

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 disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

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 disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

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.

TM3 – Facing Temptations with Grace – St. Therese and Marie: A Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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BA6 - "Refuse to Accept Discouragement" - Begin Again: The Spiritual Legacy of Ven. Bruno Lanteri with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Episode 3 – Facing Temptations with Grace – St. Thérèse and Marie: A Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor explore the depth and relatability of St. Thérèse of Lisieux through her family dynamics and her correspondence with her cousin, Marie Guérin. These correspondences exhibit Thérèse’s profound spiritual wisdom, even at a young age, and how she comforted Marie during a period of spiritual struggle, particularly with scrupulosity. Fr. Gallagher reflects on Thérèse’s ability to bring divine consolation to Marie, especially in the context of modern struggles, like those related to purity, temptations, and scruples.

The conversation focuses on a particular letter exchange in which Marie expresses distress over her experiences in Paris during the 1889 Exposition. She describes feeling overwhelmed by the temptations and nudity she encounters, fearing that she has sinned by being curious. Marie worries that she cannot receive Communion, as she feels complicit in her thoughts.

Thérèse responds with reassurance, expressing that Marie has committed no sin and encouraging her to continue receiving Communion. Thérèse shares her own experience with scrupulosity, offering spiritual advice and urging Marie to trust in God’s mercy and to not let the devil’s discouragement keep her from Christ in the Eucharist.

This exchange shows Thérèse’s deep understanding of the human heart and her unwavering focus on encouraging love for Jesus, especially through frequent reception of Communion. Through this exchange, Thérèse’s spiritual wisdom shines, and her letters become a source of hope, not just for Marie, but for all who struggle with similar concerns today

For more episodes in this series visit here:

St. Thérèse And Marie: The Story Of Two Cousins With Fr. Timothy Gallagher And Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How do we respond to spiritual struggles?
Reflect on how you handle moments of spiritual discouragement or scruples in your own faith journey.
Do we seek God’s mercy and reassurance?
Consider how often you trust in God’s mercy when feeling unworthy or distant from receiving the sacraments.
How do we relate to St. Thérèse’s example of love?
Ponder how Thérèse’s compassionate and understanding love can inspire you to be more attentive and caring in your relationships.
What role does family play in our spiritual lives?
Examine the influence of family dynamics on your spiritual development and how you express love within your family relationships.
Are we aware of Christ’s deep desire for communion with us?
Reflect on how often you approach Communion with the awareness of Christ’s longing to be united with you.
How do we handle temptations in daily life?
Think about how you face modern temptations and distractions and what spiritual practices help you remain focused on Christ.
Do we cultivate a strong devotion to the Eucharist?
Consider how frequently you receive the Eucharist and how this devotion strengthens your spiritual life.

About this Series

Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects upon the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, exploring how her life and spirituality, deeply influenced by her family and how it offers profound insights into everyday holiness. He examines the role of family and spiritual friendships in nurturing faith, the importance of compassionate care for others, and how Thérèse’s example can inspire listeners to seek sanctity in their daily lives. He also brings forth more details of the spiritual bond between the Martin and Guérin families, offering a model for fostering deeper connections within one’s own family and community.

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org

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

IP#481 – Anthony Ryan – Saint Thérèse of Lisieux by Fr. Didier-Marie Golay on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Anthony Ryan – Saint Thérèse of Lisieux by Fr. Didier-Marie Golay on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Kris McGregor and Anthony Ryan discuss the book St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Living on Love, an extraordinary compilation about St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s life and spirituality. Published by Ignatius Press, this book includes over 150 stunning photos and artworks, combined with deep insights into St. Thérèse’s life, family, and spirituality.

The book, created by Fr. Didier-Marie Golay, a Carmelite priest, offers a comprehensive exploration of not only St. Thérèse but also her family’s crucial role in shaping her spirituality. The Martín family—her parents, siblings, and extended relatives—are portrayed as a deeply Catholic family whose love and faith formed the foundation for Thérèse’s famous “little way.”

Providing an immersive experience, it offers readers insight into the struggles and sufferings of the Martín family, including the loss of four children and the challenges faced by Thérèse’s sister Léonie, who struggled with behavioral and health issues, possibly on the autism spectrum. Despite these hardships, the family’s devotion to faith, love, and service to others became central to St. Thérèse’s formation.

It’s a perfect gift for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and learn from St. Thérèse’s life of love and prayer!

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Embracing the Little Way
How can I follow St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” by offering small, everyday acts of love to God?
Offering Sacrificial Love
Am I willing to endure personal discomfort or inconvenience to show love to others as an offering to God?
Living with Humility
Do I recognize and accept my limitations while trusting in God’s greatness to work through my humble efforts?
The Power of Prayer
How can I strengthen my prayer life and trust in the intercession of the saints, especially St. Thérèse?
Childlike Trust in God
Do I cultivate a childlike trust in God’s providence, allowing Him to guide my decisions and bring peace to my heart?

From the book description:

“Thérèse of Lisieux is one of the most popular modern saints in the world, but the details of her life and spirituality are still not widely known and are somewhat of a mystery even to her devoted followers.

With over 150 stunning photographs, in-depth text, and plentiful sidebars on history, geography, and themes, this gorgeous work helps us enter into the universe of “the greatest saint of modern times” to discover the simplicity, yet depth of her daily life and of her relationships, both human and spiritual.

It invites us to a personal encounter with Thérèse, who once wrote, “I am your sister, your friend; I will always watch over you.” It invites us also to discover her appealing and rich spirituality of “the little way”. Patroness of missions, Doctor of the Church, this Carmelite sister, who died at only twenty-four, has not ceased to surprise us and to spread her powerful message of love and trust across the world.

Her whole life of can be encapsulated in her poem “Living on Love”: a passionate love of Christ lived out in the everyday, in the joys and trials of life, in inner and outer sufferings. Living on love is a spiritual program for life, but to live it requires a special grace for which we must ask, especially through the intercession of the “Little Flower” of Jesus. This unique, very beautiful and moving work will inspire readers to desire to imitate St. Thérèse in “living on love”.”

St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the spirituality and life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower.” Msgr. Esseff reflects on the humble, childlike simplicity and profound love that characterized St. Thérèse’s life. Although she lived a hidden existence in a Carmelite convent and died at the age of 24, she transformed everyday moments into acts of sacrificial love for God, even embracing small annoyances and difficult people as opportunities for spiritual growth.

Her life challenges modern notions of success, showing that prayer, humility, and love for others can lead to spiritual greatness. St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” of love and trust in God has inspired countless people, and she is recognized as a patroness of missions, despite never leaving her convent. Msgr. Esseff shares personal stories of her intercession and the miraculous signs people receive, such as roses, when invoking her in prayer.

Childlike innocence, humility, and prayer are important in the Christian life. St. Thérèse’s example is presented as a model for living with love, simplicity, and faith in God’s hidden work, encouraging us to embrace prayer and spiritual intercession in our lives.

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

The Value of Hiddenness in Spiritual Life
How can I embrace the hidden and ordinary moments of my life as opportunities to grow in love and holiness, following St. Thérèse’s example?
Transforming Annoyances into Love
Am I willing to see everyday frustrations and difficult relationships as occasions for offering sacrificial love to God?
Childlike Simplicity and Trust
Do I approach God with the trust, humility, and simplicity of a child, as Jesus teaches in the Gospel?
Prayer and Intercession in My Life
How can I deepen my reliance on prayer and the intercession of the saints and angels in my daily challenges and decisions?
Defining True Success and Attractiveness
Do I seek recognition and approval from the world, or do I strive to cultivate inner beauty and virtue through humility and love for others?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. 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 Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.

Day 7 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 7 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Day 7: Service

St. Francis, you lived out the Gospel commandment to love your neighbor as yourself, serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalized with great humility and love. You saw in each person the image of Christ, especially in the suffering and the outcast. You remind us that charity is the heart of the Christian life and that in serving others, we serve Christ Himself, who said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40).

Let us pray:
St. Francis, servant of the poor and suffering, help me to see Christ in every person I meet, especially in those who are in need. Teach me to serve others with the same love and humility with which you served, knowing that in doing so, I am serving Our Lord. May I follow your example by living a life of charity, always seeking to bring the love of Christ to those who are most in need.

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

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena – Day Nine – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena – Day Nine

St. Therese you have said:

“When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens, I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth.”

Saint Therese, flower of Carmel,
you said you would spend your heaven
doing good upon the earth.
Your trust in God was complete.

Listen to my prayer;
bring before God my special intention…
Pray for me that I may have something of your confidence
in the loving promises of our God.
Pray that I may live my life in union with God’s plan for me,
and one day see the Face of God who you so ardently loved.

Saint Therese,
you kept your word to love God
and to trust the world to that loving providence.
Pray for us that we may be faithful to our commitment to love.
May our lives, like yours,
be able to touch the world and bring it to peace.

Amen

Day 6 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 6 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Day 6: Joy

St. Francis, your heart was filled with heavenly joy, even in the midst of trials and sufferings. You understood that true joy comes from a heart that is united with Christ and surrendered to God’s will. You rejoiced in the Lord always, knowing that even the Cross, when borne with love, leads to eternal joy. In a world that seeks fleeting happiness, your life reminds us that joy is found not in comfort or pleasure, but in living for Christ and embracing His Cross.

Let us pray:
Holy St. Francis, joyful servant of God, pray for me that I may know the joy of living for Christ. Help me to rejoice in all things, trusting that God’s will is always for my good. Teach me to embrace the crosses in my life with faith and love, knowing that they lead to the joy of eternal life with Christ. May my heart be filled with the joy that comes from loving and serving the Lord with all my strength.

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

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

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Monday 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 Luke 9:46-50

An argument started between the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, and he took a little child and set him by his side and then said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.’
John spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘we saw a man casting out devils in your name, and because he is not with us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘You must not stop him: anyone who is not against you is for 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:

An argument started between the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, and he took a little child and set him by his side and then said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.’
John spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘we saw a man casting out devils in your name, and because he is not with us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘You must not stop him: anyone who is not against you is for 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:

An argument started between the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, and he took a little child and set him by his side and then said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.’
John spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘we saw a man casting out devils in your name, and because he is not with us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘You must not stop him: anyone who is not against you is for 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.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena – Day Eight – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena – Day Eight

St. Therese you have said:

“And it is the Lord, it is Jesus, who is my judge. Therefore I will try always to think leniently of others, that He may judge me leniently, or rather not at all, since He says: “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged.”

Saint Therese, flower of Carmel,
you said you would spend your heaven
doing good upon the earth.
Your trust in God was complete.

Amen

Day 5 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 5 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Day 5: Poverty

St. Francis, you embraced Lady Poverty, imitating Christ who was born in a humble manger and died naked upon the Cross. By detaching yourself from the things of this world, you found the riches of Heaven, for “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). You remind us that the true wealth of a soul is found in loving and serving God above all else, and that spiritual poverty is the path to perfect freedom in Christ.

Let us pray:
St. Francis, you gave up everything to follow Christ, finding perfect joy in holy poverty. Obtain for me the grace to detach from the fleeting things of this world and to seek the eternal riches of Heaven. Teach me to live with a spirit of poverty, trusting in God’s providence and finding contentment in His love. May I always place God first in my life, knowing that He alone is my true treasure.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

St. Francis, pray for us.

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

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

Episode 3 – Facing Temptations with Grace – St. Thérèse and Marie: A Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

About this Series

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

Anthony Ryan – Saint Thérèse of Lisieux by Fr. Didier-Marie Golay on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

From the book description:

St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

Day 7 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Day 7: Service

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

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena – Day Nine

Day 6 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Day 6: Joy

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

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

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena – Day Eight

Day 5 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Day 5: Poverty

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

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