BTP-LOT13 – The Journey of Prayer – The Life of St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Journey of Prayer – The Life of St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss chapters 9-11 in St. Teresa’s autobiography. In them, St. Teresa explores the degrees of prayer, moving from ascetical prayer to mystical prayer. She reflects on struggles, the importance of renewing the gift of prayer, and introduces the idea of the prayer of quiet as a mystical gift from God. Dr. Lilles observes she makes use of an analogy to a garden, meant to highlight the transformative journey.

The discussion underscores the boldness and courage required in following the Lord and the need to find a sacred place of prayer, especially in challenging times.

For more episodes in this series: The Life of St. Teresa of Avila; with Dr. Anthony Lilles

For an audio version of the book “The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus” by St. Teresa of Avila

For other audio recordings of various spiritual classics, you can visit the Discerning Hearts Spiritual Classics page.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Degrees of Prayer: How does St. Teresa of Avila transition from describing her life before conversion to exploring the different degrees of prayer in chapters 9-11?
Struggles in Prayer: What struggles does Teresa face in her prayer life, particularly in chapter 9, and how does she overcome discouragement?
Obedience in Sharing Mystical Prayer: Why does Teresa express reluctance to talk about the mystical prayer of quiet, and how does she connect it to obedience?
Analogies for Prayer: How does Teresa use analogies, such as the garden metaphor, to explain the importance of devotion and personal engagement in prayer?
Transformation in Prayer: Discuss the transformative journey from ascetical prayer to mystical prayer as Teresa introduces the prayer of quiet in chapter 10.
Boldness and Courage: Why is boldness and courage emphasized in the context of following the Lord, drawing parallels with other saints like St. Augustine?
Finding a Sacred Place: In challenging times, why is it crucial, according to Dr. Lilles, to find a sacred place of prayer and trust in God’s love and mercy?

An excerpt from Chapter 11, discussed in this episode:

“I speak now of those who begin to be the servants of love; that seems to me to be nothing else but to resolve to follow Him in the way of prayer, who has loved us so much. It is a dignity so great, that I have a strange joy in thinking of it; for servile fear vanishes at once, if we are, as we ought to be, in the first degree. O Lord of my soul, and my good, how is it that, when a soul is determined to love Thee—doing all it can, by forsaking all things, in order that it may the better occupy itself with the love of God—it is not Thy will it should have the joy of ascending at once to the possession of perfect love? I have spoken amiss; I ought to have said, and my complaint should have been, why is it we do not? for the fault is wholly our own that we do not rejoice at once in a dignity so great, seeing that the attaining to the perfect possession of this true love brings all blessings with it.

We think so much of ourselves, and are so dilatory in giving ourselves wholly to God, that, as His Majesty will not let us have the fruition of that which is so precious but at a great cost, so neither do we perfectly prepare ourselves for it. I see plainly that there is nothing by which so great a good can be procured in this world. If, however, we did what we could, not clinging to anything upon earth, but having all our thoughts and conversation in Heaven, I believe that this blessing would quickly be given us, provided we perfectly prepared ourselves for it at once, as some of the saints have done. We think we are giving all to God; but, in fact, we are offering only the revenue or the produce, while we retain the fee-simple of the land in our own possession.

We resolve to become poor, and it is a resolution of great merit; but we very often take great care not to be in want, not simply of what is necessary, but of what is superfluous: yea, and to make for ourselves friends who may supply us; and in this way we take more pains, and perhaps expose ourselves to greater danger, in order that we may want nothing, than we did formerly, when we had our own possessions in our own power.”

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D. is an associate professor and the academic dean of Saint John’s Seminary in Camarillo as well as the academic advisor for Juan Diego House of Priestly Formation for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. For over twenty years he served the Church in Northern Colorado where he joined and eventually served as dean of the founding faculty of Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. Through the years, clergy, seminarians, religious and lay faithful have benefited from his lectures and retreat conferences on the Carmelite Doctors of the Church and the writings of St. Elisabeth of the Trinity.

SD4 – Embracing Consolation, Understanding Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Embracing Consolation, Understanding Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor continue the discussion on spiritual desolation within the context of Rule 4. In this episode, they explore the varying intensities of desolation, emphasizing awareness and counteraction. In particular, Fr. Gallagher highlights the potential to halt the desolation snowball at its inception, preventing further negative impact.

Fr. Gallagher highlights the pull towards low things during desolation and advocates for rejecting discouraging lies that may come up during a period of desolation, and makes a point that experiencing spiritual desolation is normal, emphasizing that there is no shame in it. He contrasts experiences of consolation and desolation using various examples, providing practical Ignatian insights for navigating the hidden aspects of the spiritual journey.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Understanding Desolation: How does Fr. Timothy Gallagher describe the varying intensity and duration of spiritual desolation, and what impact can it have on an individual’s spiritual life?
Preventing the Snowball Effect: What strategies does Fr. Gallagher suggest to stop the snowball effect of spiritual desolation, and why is awareness, understanding, and prompt action essential in this process?
Desolation and Temptation Link: Explore the connection between spiritual desolation and temptation as discussed by Fr. Gallagher, and how can suitable gestures of penance and courageous responses help combat these challenges?
Normalizing Desolation: Why does Fr. Gallagher emphasize that experiencing spiritual desolation is a normal part of the spiritual life, and how does being aware, understanding, and taking action play a crucial role in handling it without shame?
Contrasting Thoughts in Consolation and Desolation: How does Fr. Gallagher illustrate the contrary nature of thoughts arising from consolation and desolation, and why is awareness crucial in rejecting discouraging lies during times of desolation?
Responding to Lack of Confidence: In what ways does spiritual desolation lead to a lack of confidence, and how can individuals counteract this lack of confidence in their spiritual journey?
The Role of Consolation: How does spiritual consolation, characterized by uplifting and joy-filled stirrings, influence one’s thoughts and actions, and what role can it play in sustaining and deepening one’s spiritual life?

From Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits:

“Rule 4 is the companion to rule 3 and describes its exact opposite: spiritual desolation. As in rule 3, Ignatius does not give a definition but rather a list of experiences of spiritual desolation. I have italicized each:

Fourth Rule. The fourth is of spiritual desolation. I call desolation all the contrary of the third rule, such asdarkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to low and earthly things, disquiet from various agitations and temptations, moving to lack of confidence, without hope,without love, finding oneself totally slothful, tepid, sad and, as if separated from one’s Creator and Lord. For just as consolation is contrary to desolation, in the same way the thoughts that come from consolation are contrary to the thoughts that come from desolation.”

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

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

Dr. Peter Kreeft – Practical Theology on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Dr. Peter Kreeft – Practical Theology on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

“Practical Theology: Spiritual Direction from St. Thomas Aquinas” by Dr. Peter Kreeft is outstanding! An incredible work that transforms the potentially intimidating Summa Theologiae into a vital life-giving, soul-nurturing work for the pilgrim soul. Dr. Kreeft offers us the religious wisdom of Aquinas in 359 bite-size pieces that can aid our growth in holiness. He has framed these readings as answers to questions that people actually ask their spiritual directors. Each answer is taken word for word from Aquinas. So many topics are covered. You’ll be returning to this book over and over again throughout your spiritual journey. An excellent gift to give yourself and those you love! Highly Recommended!!!

You can find the book here

“Its notoriously difficult to synopsize Aquinas on anything. However, if I were to choose someone to do the job well, it would be Peter Kreeft. Many will find this presentation helpful to develop their own replies to the questions that bother the minds of today’s searchers.”
– Romanus Cessario, O.P., Saint John’s Seminary, Brighton, Mass.

“How can we know the living God and attain to everlasting union with God? This is really the only question of life. Kreeft’s dialogue with Aquinas shows us what it means–existentially, not solely academically–to learn from a saint.” —Matthew Levering, Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

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

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

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel of St. Mark 1:21-28

Jesus and his disciples went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.
In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and it shouted, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. ‘Here is a teaching that is new’ they said ‘and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.’ And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.

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 and his disciples went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.
In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and it shouted, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. ‘Here is a teaching that is new’ they said ‘and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.’ And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.

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 and his disciples went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.
In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and it shouted, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. ‘Here is a teaching that is new’ they said ‘and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.’ And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen

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

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 9 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Day 9

St. Thomas you have taught

Suppose a person entering a house were to feel heat on the porch, and going further, were to feel the heat increasing, the more they penetrated within. Doubtless, such a person would believe there was a fire in the house, even though they did not see the fire that must be causing all this heat. A similar thing will happen to anyone who considers this world in detail: one will observe that all things are arranged according to their degrees of beauty and excellence, and that the nearer they are to God, the more beautiful and better they are.Sermon on the Apostles’ Creed , 13-14

Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

Grant me grace, O merciful God,
to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee,
to examine it prudently,
to acknowledge it truthfully,
and to accomplish it perfectly,
for the praise and glory of Thy name.

In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.
[Make your request here…]

Grant me, O Lord my God,
a mind to know you,
a heart to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
conduct pleasing to you,
faithful perseverance in waiting for you,
and a hope of finally embracing you.

Amen.

Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia” performed by “Capella Musica Seoul”

For the complete 9-day Novena with St. Thomas Aquinas

LSB3 – Who Broke The Bell? – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B. – Discerning Heart Podcast

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The Life of St. Benedict pt 3 – Who Broke The Bell?

In this episode of “The Holy Rule of St. Benedict: A Spiritual Path for Today’s World,” hosted by Kris McGregor and featuring Father Mauritius Wilde O.S.B., listeners are invited to explore the life and spiritual journey of St. Benedict.

The podcast highlights a pivotal moment in St. Benedict’s life when disgusted by his surroundings in Rome, he chooses to follow God’s call over his father’s wishes. This journey leads him to live in a cave for three years, where he is sustained by the monk Romanus, who discreetly delivers food to him. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when St. Benedict, in his quest for total solitude and detachment from worldly needs, mistakenly believes he no longer needs Romanus’s help. This leads to a deeper exploration of the themes of solitude, the dangers of spiritual extremism, and the necessity of community and moderation in spiritual life.

Father Mauritius skillfully connects St. Benedict’s experiences to broader spiritual lessons, emphasizing the importance of humility, community, and the balance between spiritual devotion and practical needs. The episode concludes with a reflection on St. Benedict’s realization that he had gone too far in his detachment, leading to an understanding of the need for balance between solitude and community.

Listeners are encouraged to learn from St. Benedict’s journey, understanding that while solitude and detachment are valuable, they must be balanced with community and humility. The podcast serves as a reminder that in the spiritual journey, extremism can be as dangerous as apathy, and that true holiness lies in recognizing our human limits and the grace of God in all aspects of life.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts:

Balancing Solitude and Relationships: Reflect on your ability to balance the call to solitude and contemplation with the responsibilities and relationships in your daily life, and consider how you can create a harmonious balance between these aspects.
Guarding Against Spiritual Extremism: In light of St. Benedict’s story, which highlights the dangers of spiritual extremism, think about ways you can guard against going to extremes in your own spiritual practices and beliefs.
Practicing Detachment: The concept of detachment is a key theme in the episode. Contemplate how you understand and practice detachment in your own life and how this brings you closer to God.
The Role of Community: Consider the role of community in your spiritual life. Reflect on how your faith community supports your spiritual growth and how you contribute to the spiritual well-being of others in your community.
Cultivating Spiritual Humility: Think about the idea of spiritual humility as discussed in the podcast. Explore ways in which you can cultivate a more humble approach to your spiritual life and your relationship with God.
Embracing Moderation: Given St. Benedict’s realization of the importance of moderation in his spiritual journey, identify how you can apply the principle of moderation to your own practices of prayer, fasting, work, and leisure.
Supporting and Being Supported: The story of St. Benedict and Romanus underscores the importance of mutual support in our spiritual journeys. Reflect on how you experience this mutual support in your life and how you can be more open to both giving and receiving spiritual support.
Responding to Disruption: Recall the moment when the bell, signaling Romanus’s delivery of food to St. Benedict, was broken. Think about moments in your spiritual journey where your ‘bell’ – a symbol of guidance or support – was broken, how you responded to this disruption, and what it taught you about reliance on God and others in your faith journey.
Integrating Lessons into Daily Life: Lastly, ponder how you can integrate the lessons from St. Benedict’s life into your daily actions, decisions, and relationships, keeping in mind the central message of finding balance between solitude, community, and service in your walk with God.

From the Life of Our Most Holy Father St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great:

CHAPTER I.

As he was travelling to this place, a certain monk called Romanus met him and asked whither he was going. Having understood his intention, he both kept it secret and afforded him help, moreover he gave him a religious habit and assisted him in all things. The man of God being come to this place lived for the space of three years in an obscure cave, unknown to any man except Romanus the Monk, who lived not far off in a Monastery governed by Father Deodatus. But he would piously steal forth, and on certain days bring to Benedict a loaf of bread which he had spared from his own allowance. But there being no way to the cave from Romanus his cell by reason of a steep and high rock which hung over it, Romanus used to let down the loaf by a long cord to which also he fastened a little bell, that by the sound of it, the man of God might know when Romanus brought him the bread, and going out may receive it. But the old enemy, envying the charity of the one and the refection of the other, when on a certain day he beheld the bread let down in this manner, threw a stone and brake the bell. Notwithstanding, Romanus afterwards failed not to assist him in the best manner he was able.

Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Nebraska

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 8 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 8

St. Thomas you have taught

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”

“We can’t have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves.”

Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

Grant me grace, O merciful God,
to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee,
to examine it prudently,
to acknowledge it truthfully,
and to accomplish it perfectly,
for the praise and glory of Thy name.

In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.
[Make your request here…]

Grant me, O Lord my God,
a mind to know you,
a heart to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
conduct pleasing to you,
faithful perseverance in waiting for you,
and a hope of finally embracing you.

Amen.

Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia” performed by “Capella Musica Seoul”
For the complete 9-day Novena with St. Thomas Aquinas

CHGD1 – Gertrud von Le Fort’s The Eternal Woman – Embarking on the Journey – Climbing Higher, Going Deeper w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 1 Embarking on the Journey – Gertrude von Le Fort’s The Eternal Woman – Climbing Higher, Going Deeper w/Kris McGregor & Vivian Dudro

Kris McGregor and Vivian Dudro shine a light on the influential works of Gertrud von Le Fort, focusing particularly on her masterpiece, The Eternal Woman. They share a deep understanding of von Le Fort’s exploration of the feminine essence and its timeless relevance.

Born in 1876 to a French aristocratic family in Northern Germany, von Le Fort lived through the profound ideological shifts that shaped Europe in the 20th century. Her conversion to Catholicism at age 50 significantly influenced her literary and theological works. The Eternal Woman stands out as a pivotal text that addresses the changing roles of women during these tumultuous times.

The podcast emphasizes the importance of surrender and receptivity to God as key to realizing one’s true strength and potential. Von Le Fort’s writings extend beyond the realm of femininity, offering profound insights into human nature, including aspects of masculinity and femininity. Her perspectives intertwine with ongoing feminist discourse, adding historical and philosophical depth.

Receive 20% off directly from this link at Ignatius.com with discount code LEFORT at checkout

McGregor and Dudro’s discussion promises more episodes delving into von Le Fort’s other works. They invite scholars and readers alike to immerse themselves in von Le Fort’s impactful and thought-provoking contributions to literature and theology.

Key Points to Ponder

1. The Feminine Genius: Von Le Fort’s exploration of the role of women in “The Eternal Woman” echoes the Catholic Church’s teachings on the unique and invaluable contributions of women to the Church and the world. This concept, often referred to as the “feminine genius,” highlights the distinct way women reflect God’s image, particularly through nurturing, empathy, and receptivity to life and love.
2. The Power of Surrender: The podcast touches on the paradoxical power found in surrender and receptivity, a theme central to Christian spirituality. This mirrors the Virgin Mary’s fiat—her “yes” to God—which is a model of surrender and obedience to God’s will. Mary’s example teaches that true strength and empowerment come from trusting in God and accepting His plan with an open heart.
3. The Interplay of Masculinity and Femininity: Von Le Fort’s writings offer deep insights into the dynamics of masculinity and femininity, reflecting the Catholic understanding of complementarity. The Church teaches that men and women, while different, are equal in dignity and are meant to complement and enrich each other’s lives.
4. The Role of Women in Salvation History: Von Le Fort’s work reaffirms the pivotal role women have played in salvation history, from Eve to Mary, and beyond. The podcast highlights how women, through their unique capacity for spiritual motherhood, contribute significantly to the spiritual life of the Church and society.
5. The Challenges of Modern Ideologies: The discussion also addresses the impact of modern ideologies on the understanding of sexual differences and human nature. The Catholic Church advocates for a view of the human person that is rooted in Scripture and Tradition, providing a counter-narrative to contemporary ideologies that often contradict the Christian understanding of the human person.
6. The Call to Holistic Education: Von Le Fort’s own extensive education and intellectual background underscore the Church’s call for holistic education, which includes not just intellectual formation, but also moral and spiritual development. Her works exemplify how a well-rounded education can lead to a deeper understanding of faith and reason.
7. The Need for Cultural Engagement: Finally, the podcast exemplifies the need for Catholics to engage with culture and literature. By studying and reflecting on works such as von Le Fort’s, Catholics can better understand the challenges of the modern world and offer a reasoned, faith-filled response.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Individual Reflection Questions:

1. Personal Understanding of Femininity: How does Gertrud von Le Fort’s depiction of the ‘eternal woman’ challenge or enrich your understanding of femininity in the context of your faith?
2. Surrender and Strength: Reflect on a time when surrendering to God’s will brought unexpected strength or insight into your life. How does this relate to the idea of ‘power in helplessness’ discussed in the podcast?
3. Mary as a Model: How does Mary’s fiat (Luke 1:38) inspire you in your daily life? In what ways can you emulate Mary’s receptivity to God’s will?
4. Balancing Faith and Modern Ideologies: In what ways do you find modern ideologies challenging your faith, particularly in understanding sexual differences and human nature?
5. Spiritual Motherhood/Fatherhood: Regardless of your state in life, how can you live out the call to spiritual parenthood in your current circumstances?

Group Study Discussion Questions:

1. Feminine Genius in the Church: Discuss how the concept of the ‘feminine genius’ is evident in your parish or community. How can the Church better utilize and honor the unique gifts of women?
2. Complementarity of the Sexes: How does von Le Fort’s work enrich your understanding of the complementarity between men and women? Share examples from personal experiences.
3. Impact of Cultural Shifts: As a group, discuss how cultural shifts in the understanding of sexual differences roles have impacted your faith community. What positive responses can be made in light of Catholic teaching?
4. Role of Women in Salvation History: Share thoughts on the roles of various women in the Bible and Church history. How do their stories inspire your own spiritual journey?
5. Engagement with Secular Culture: How can Catholics engage with secular literature and culture in a way that is both open-minded and faithful to Church teachings? Discuss the balance between being in the world but not of it.
6. Practical Application of Surrender: Discuss practical ways to live out the virtue of surrender to God’s will in everyday life. Share experiences where letting go of control led to greater spiritual growth.

Suggested References for Further Study:

Pope St. John Paul II

1. The Role of Women and the Feminine Genius:
  - Podcast Mention: Von Le Fort’s exploration of the feminine essence.
  - John Paul II’s Writing: In “Mulieris Dignitatem” (On the Dignity and Vocation of Women), John Paul II speaks extensively about the unique dignity and vocation of women, echoing von Le Fort’s themes. He particularly emphasizes the ‘feminine genius’ and women’s special capacity for empathy, receptivity, and nurturing (Mulieris Dignitatem, No. 30).
  - Reference: John Paul II. “Mulieris Dignitatem.” Vatican, 1988. Link to the document.
2. Surrender and Strength:
  - Podcast Mention: Discussion on the power found in surrender and trust in God.
  - John Paul II’s Writing: In “Redemptoris Mater” (Mother of the Redeemer), he describes Mary’s fiat as the ultimate act of trust and surrender to God’s will, a central theme in von Le Fort’s work (Redemptoris Mater, No. 13).
  - Reference: John Paul II. “Redemptoris Mater.” Vatican, 1987. Link to the document.

Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)

1. Understanding Femininity:
  - Podcast Mention: Von Le Fort’s examination of the essence of femininity.
  - Edith Stein’s Writing: In her essay “The Ethos of Women’s Professions,” Stein discusses the unique capacities and spiritual nature of women, paralleling von Le Fort’s exploration of the feminine essence. She speaks about the intrinsic value of women in both professional and personal spheres (Stein, Edith. “The Ethos of Women’s Professions.” 1930).
  - Reference: Stein, Edith. “Essays on Woman.” ICS Publications, 1996. Link to purchase the book.
2. The Complementarity of Men and Women:
  - Podcast Mention: Discussion on the complementarity of sexes.
  - Edith Stein’s Writing: In her work “On the Problem of Empathy,” Stein delves into the psychological and spiritual differences between men and women, emphasizing their complementary nature, which echoes the podcast’s discussion on von Le Fort’s insights (Stein, Edith. “On the Problem of Empathy.” 1917).
  - Reference: Stein, Edith. “On the Problem of Empathy.” ICS Publications, 1989. Link to purchase the book

Dietrich von Hildebrand

1. The Value of the Feminine:
  - Podcast Mention: Discussion of von Le Fort’s focus on the eternal essence of femininity.
  - Von Hildebrand’s Writing: In his book “Man and Woman: Love & the Meaning of Intimacy,” von Hildebrand explores the unique qualities of man and woman. He emphasizes the irreplaceable value and dignity of the feminine, much like von Le Fort (Dietrich von Hildebrand, “Man and Woman”).
  - Reference: Von Hildebrand, Dietrich. “Man and Woman: Love & the Meaning of Intimacy.” Sophia Institute Press, 1992. Link to purchase the book.
2. Surrender and Spiritual Strength:
  - Podcast Mention: The theme of surrendering to God’s will and finding strength in this surrender, as presented in von Le Fort’s work.
  - Von Hildebrand’s Writing: In “Transformation in Christ,” von Hildebrand speaks about the transformative power of Christian surrender to God’s will. This aligns with the discussion of von Le Fort’s portrayal of feminine strength through surrender (Dietrich von Hildebrand, “Transformation in Christ”).
  - Reference: Von Hildebrand, Dietrich. “Transformation in Christ: On the Christian Attitude.” Ignatius Press, 2001 Link to purchase the book.
3. The Beauty of the Feminine Soul:
  - Podcast Mention: Von Le Fort’s depiction of the beauty and depth of the feminine soul.
  - Von Hildebrand’s Writing: In his works, von Hildebrand discusses the beauty of the feminine soul and its capacity for receptivity, empathy, and sensitivity. He sees these qualities as reflective of a deep spiritual reality that von Le Fort also captures in her literature (Dietrich von Hildebrand, various writings).
  - Reference: For a collection of von Hildebrand’s writings, see the Dietrich von Hildebrand Legacy Project: Link to the project.
4. Response to Modern Ideologies:
  - Podcast Mention: Von Le Fort’s literary response to the ideologies of her time.
  - Von Hildebrand’s Writing: Dietrich von Hildebrand was a vocal critic of the Nazi regime and other totalitarian ideologies. He emphasized the importance of standing firm in truth and Christian values in the face of destructive ideologies, a stance that resonates with von Le Fort’s thematic concerns (Dietrich von Hildebrand, “My Battle Against Hitler”).
  - Reference: Von Hildebrand, Dietrich. “My Battle Against Hitler: Faith, Truth, and Defiance in the Shadow of the Third Reich.” Image, 2014. Link to purchase the book.

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

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

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel of St. Mark 16:15-18

Jesus showed himself to the Eleven and said to them:
‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’

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 showed himself to the Eleven and said to them:
‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’

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 showed himself to the Eleven and said to them:
‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen

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

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 7 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Day 7

St. Thomas you have taught

“Fear is such a powerful emotion for humans that when we allow it to take us over, it drives compassion right out of our hearts.”

“We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject, for both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in finding it.”

Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

Grant me grace, O merciful God,
to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee,
to examine it prudently,
to acknowledge it truthfully,
and to accomplish it perfectly,
for the praise and glory of Thy name.

In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.
[Make your request here…]

Grant me, O Lord my God,
a mind to know you,
a heart to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
conduct pleasing to you,
faithful perseverance in waiting for you,
and a hope of finally embracing you.

Amen.

Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia” performed by “Capella Musica Seoul”

For the complete 9-day Novena with St. Thomas Aquinas