Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts Archives

SBN1 – Introduction – Salvation Begins Now: Last Things First with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 1: Introduction – Salvation Begins Now: Last Things First

Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor explore the Christian understanding of life, death, and the eternal destiny in light of Catholic teaching on the “last things” (heaven, hell, death, and the final judgment). Contemporary Catholics may struggle with these concepts, as the vocabulary and focus on eternal destiny have diminished, often overshadowed by preoccupations with everyday life.

It’s important for us to acknowledge death as a reality and mystery that ultimately gives meaning to life. Avoidance of death, often seen in euphemisms like “passing,” detracts from the full Christian understanding of life and resurrection. Keating highlights that clergy should guide people in facing death meaningfully, as this helps people better live in alignment with their faith.

A core element is the resurrection of the body, which Christianity views as essential to personal identity and continuity with life on earth. Contrasting this with Platonic ideas that view the soul as separate from the body, Dcn. Keating tells us that, in Christian teaching, body and soul are intertwined and will be united in the resurrection. The sacramental life, particularly the Eucharist, provides a connection to this eternal life, as Jesus himself says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Faith, hope, and love in Jesus draw Christians into eternal life, already beginning on earth.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Awareness of Eternal Destiny: How often do I contemplate my eternal destiny, and do I see its relevance in my daily life?
Understanding of Death and Resurrection: How comfortable am I with discussing death, and do I fully understand the hope that the resurrection of the body offers?
Connection to Heaven in Everyday Life: Do I recognize the continuity between my current life and eternal life, seeing hints of resurrection in moments of healing and reconciliation?
Respect for the Dignity of the Body: How do I value and care for my own body and those of others, especially the vulnerable, as a reflection of my belief in the resurrection?
Living the Sacramental Life: How am I staying connected to Jesus, especially through the Eucharist, as a way to experience and deepen my communion with eternal life?

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

994 “But there is more. Jesus links faith in the resurrection to his own person: “I am the Resurrection and the life.”544 It is Jesus himself who on the last day will raise up those who have believed in him, who have eaten his body and drunk his blood.545 Already now in this present life he gives a sign and pledge of this by restoring some of the dead to life,546 announcing thereby his own Resurrection, though it was to be of another order. He speaks of this unique event as the “sign of Jonah,”547 the sign of the temple: he announces that he will be put to death but rise thereafter on the third day.548”

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

IP#366 Kimberly Hahn – Chosen and Cherished on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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What a delight to be joined by Kimberly Hahn to discuss Chosen and Cherished: Biblical Wisdom for your Marriage! Kimberly is the guide we have needed for far too long to lead us to the well of the maternal nurturing wisdom contained in the Sacred Scriptures. With her gift of insight and understanding, and fueled by her 24/7 receptivity to the Word, Kimberly speaks to both men and women about the grace contained for marriage in Proverbs 31. We truly feel this is a must have book for the discerning heart.

Kimberly also has entered the arena of podcasting. Her voice is a much-needed source of grace in this ever-expanding media platform. You can check it out at the link found below. We encourage you to subscribe!

You can find the book here

From the book description

Proverbs 31 paints a picture of a woman resplendent with virtue, “far more precious than jewels.” In Chosen and Cherished, a Bible study based on Proverbs 31, beloved author Kimberly Hahn highlights this radiant image as a model for all wives and provides lessons on marriage for each season of life.

Whether you are engaged or have been married for decades, Chosen and Cherished offers biblical insight that will nurture your heart—and your marriage. With advice on everything from prioritizing relationships, communication, financial goals, and more, Kimberly Hahn invites you to boldly embrace Proverbs 31 to become

A woman of faith who trusts in the Lord

A woman of truth who knows her worth

A woman of virtue who values faithfulness in marriage

A woman of service who complements her husband

A woman of goodness who is committed to peace and

A woman of love who treasures the sanctity of marriage.

Chosen and Cherished is an inspiring Bible study, perfect for personal or group use, that will help you discover the noble virtues that every wife needs.

Be sure to also check out Kimberly’s Beloved and Blessed Podcast! You can find it by visiting: BelovedandBlessed.com

IP#367 – Kathleen Beckman – A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Podcast

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Kathleen Beckman was meant to write this book: A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare: Strategies for Deliverance and Healing! It is EXCELLENT! There really is no other person more suited to bring the wisdom of the Marian heart and the profound teachings of the Church to one of the most important needs of the domestic church, to prepare and undertake the spiritual battle with dark forces of the enemy assailing families around the world today! Do not be afraid! You can trust Kathleen’s guidance in this area. Always practical and presented with clarity, this book should be in every home. In this conversation, we touch on only the tip of spiritual gold contained in its pages. We cannot recommend this book more highly!

You can find the book here:

From the book description

In A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare, Kathleen Beckman offers you potent advice from her 12 years of active participation on an exorcist’s team. She shows you how to clean up your household by cultivating in your family a civilization of love and how to withstand the spiritual attacks that inevitably come to destroy the harmonious family life you create.

Beckman reveals how you can recognize diabolical disguises in your home and offers proven means of protection found only in the Church’s arsenal of spiritual weapons.

You’ll also learn the devil’s strategies how he does not necessarily seek to possess but simply to seed your family with the venom of hatred, desolation, envy, and vice. This, she explains, is why it s so important for spouses and children to become schooled in the art of spiritual combat. It’s the only way you can destroy the works of the devil and unmask the hidden evil that weaves in and out of your daily family life.

Along with more than two dozen effective prayers for family healing and deliverance, you’ll also learn:

How to understand the spirits working for and against your family, and what to do in response to them

What specific actions to take if you believe your family has come under the influence of demonic activity

How to use your baptismal, spousal, and parental authority in spiritual warfare

How curses can become effective and what can be done to counteract them

The difference between diabolical temptation, oppression, obsession, and possession

The seven ways your family can wear the full armor of God

The diabolical counterparts to each of the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes

The 13 weapons you can use to defend yourself and your family against evil spirits

You can also check out IP#262 Kathleen Beckman; Praying For Priests on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Episode 1 – A Short Primer for the Unsettled Laymen – Fr. Joseph Fessio S.J., Vivian Dudro, and Joseph Pearce FBC Podcast

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Why is there so much division in the Church? We begin to approach the question with help of Hans Urs von Balthasar’s book “A Short Primer for Unsettled Laymen”.

It is said during the conversation that * Correction: “A Short Primer” was published in 1989, it was actually published in 1980. *

You can find the book here

Hans Urs von Balthasar addresses the critical issues that have been unsettling the Catholic laity since the Second Vatican Council. In a clear and readable manner, he focuses on the core elements of the faith: the Word of God; the life, death, and resurrection of Christ; the sacraments; the structure of the Church; and Mary.

Speaking plainly about the polarization within the Catholic Church, he also discusses the various ideological trends—such as liberalism, progressivism, and traditionalism—that have undermined the confidence and the unity of the faithful.

“In this Primer, Balthasar addresses today’s faithful laity who feel that [the] solidity of the Church is shifting beneath their feet. He speaks to those who fear that the Church has done what she ought not to do: that she is in fact relaxing her demands in order to win favor, not from God, but from man. Into this situation Balthasar re-proposes the ‘form’ of Jesus Christ as revealed in his Church. This form is ‘only the whole’: the whole, concrete reality of Christ, conveyed within Catholic tradition. This form is ‘spun from three strands’ of Word, sacrament, and ecclesial authority. These three provide the Church with the ability to remain on course despite the winds blowing through history.”
— Angela Franks, Ph.D., From the Foreword

IP#281 Vivian Dudro - Meriol Trevor's "Shadows and Images" on Inside the Pages 1 — Vivian Dudro

HR29 The Life of St. Benedict – The Grace of Detachment – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B

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“The Life of St. Benedict pt 2”

We begin the reflection of the life of St. Benedict by using the biography penned by St. Gregory the Great. This episode continues the teaching on detachment, particularly from our earthly mothers.

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

INTRODUCTION.
THERE was a man of venerable life, Benedict by name and grace, who from the time of his very childhood carried the heart of an old man. His demeanour indeed surpassing his age, he gave himself no disport or pleasure, but living here upon earth he despised the world with all the glory thereof, at such time as he might have most freely enjoyed it. He was born in the province of Nursia of honourable parentage and sent to Rome to study the liberal sciences. But when he saw there many through the uneven paths of vice run headlong
to their own ruin, he drew back his foot, but new-set in the world, lest, in the search of human knowledge, he might also fall into the same dangerous precipice. Contemning therefore learning and studies and abandoning his father’s house and goods, he desired only to please God in a virtuous life. Therefore he departed skilfully ignorant and wisely unlearned.

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 Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Ne

ST-John Ep 24- John 11- I AM the Resurrection part 2 – The Gospel of St. John – Seeking Truth with Sharon Doran – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 24 – John 11: I AM the Resurrection part 2

“And I look forward to the resurrection of the dead.” With these words, we conclude our profession of faith at mass each week and today’s lesson is a very important teaching on this fundamental Catholic belief. In John 11, we read about the 5th sign (the raising of Lazarus) and the 7th “I Am” statement: “I am the resurrection and the life.”

The resurrection of Lazarus not only foreshadows the resurrection of Christ, but it is also a confirmation of the universal resurrection of the dead. Sharon reminds us of other resurrections found in the Bible. In the Old Testament, Elijah raises the son of the Zarephath widow, Elisha raises the son of the Shunammite woman and a dead man comes to life when he is buried next to the bones of Elisha. In the New Testament, Jesus raises not only Lazarus but also the daughter of Jarius and the son of the widow of Nain. In Acts of Apostles, Peter raises Tabitha (aka Dorcas) and Paul raises Eutychus.

The raising of the dead, particularly Lazarus, confirms our hope for the universal resurrection of the dead prophesied in Ezekiel 37. Sharon emphasizes a fundamental tenant of our faith: at the second coming of Jesus Christ, we will all experience a bodily resurrection, either to the resurrection of life in heaven or to the resurrection of condemnation in hell. We will be reunited with either our glorified or condemned bodies.

Looking more closely at the story of Lazarus, Sharon teaches us that John is theological and not necessarily chronological in how he presents the life of Jesus. The theme of the resurrection of the dead is found elsewhere in John’ Gospel: “the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment (5:28-29).” As when he healed the man born blind, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead so that God will be glorified. This miracle is deeply personal for Jesus. He could have chosen to spare Lazarus from death, healing him from afar, just as he did with the royal official’s son in John 4. Instead, he enters into the suffering of Mary and Martha, weeping for the friends he loves so dearly. As a result of the fall, death entered the world, separating humanity from the Father.

Through the death and resurrection of Christ, death no longer separates us from the Father; death becomes the gateway back to the Father. When Christ comes again, those dead in Christ will rise first and their glorified bodies will be reunited with their souls in heaven and so we can with great hope profess at mass: “And I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come!”

Sharon Doran serves as the teaching director of “Seeking Truth.” An experienced Bible Study teacher, Sharon has a passion for scripture that will motivate and challenge you to immerse yourself in God’s Word and apply His message to your everyday life.

For more in this series visit the Seeking Truth with Sharon Doran Discerning Hearts page

“Seeking Truth” is an in-depth Catholic Bible Study, commissioned by the Archdiocese of Omaha in response to John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization as well as Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation for all Catholics to study scripture. To learn more go to www.seekingtruth.net

LFT-10 Interior Healing – Listening For Truth w/ Deacon James Keating- Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 10-Listening For Truth– Practical ways of living a life of virtue prayer…one way to listen to friends and even enemies to hear the truth God may be wanting to reveal to us. The wounds that surface in the healing process. The interior healing that can occur and who should help with that process.

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a Professor of Spiritual Theology at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO. He previously served as the Director of Theological Formation at the Institute for Priestly Formation, located at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.

Listening for Truth leads men and women in a search for a fuller experience of God that begins in prayer, grows in the rediscovery of our spiritual being, and grounds itself in the truth of Jesus Christ. A presentation of the Christian life as an engagement of the whole person — body, mind, and soul — in the challenge of daily living.

BKL217 “Who are the wise virgins?” – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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Gospel MT 25:1-13

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins
who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
The foolish ones, when taking their lamps,
brought no oil with them,
but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.
Since the bridegroom was long delayed,
they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

At midnight, there was a cry,
‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise,
‘Give us some of your oil,
for our lamps are going out.’
But the wise ones replied,
‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you.
Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’
While they went off to buy it,
the bridegroom came
and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.
Then the door was locked.
Afterwards the other virgins came and said,
‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’
But he said in reply,
‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’
Therefore, stay awake,
for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30, 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Mother Teresa. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity. 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 St. 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.

The Moment of Christian Witness with Dr. Rodney Howsare pt. 3 – “Balthasar: Beauty, Goodness, Truth” Podcast

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The Moment of Christian Witness with Dr. Rodney Howsare Ph.D. – pt. 3

With Dr. Rodney Howsare, Ph.D., we continue our conversation on The Moment of Christian Witness. We explore in-depth section two of the book discussing various philosophical systems, such as those proposed by Kant and Marx, and their effect on the human person.

Balthasar: Beauty, Goodness, Truth is a series of conversations with noted theological scholars about the life and teachings of Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar who is considered to be one of the most important Catholic intellectuals and writers of the twentieth century.

Find the paperback book here
Find the e-book here

From the book description:

Hans Urs von Balthasar puts his finger on the precise origin of all those elements in modern Christianity which see the real Jesus Christ as unknowable, the Gospels as merely the confused reflections of later Christians, and Christian tradition as a perpetuation of the mythology.

For more podcast episodes with Dr. Rodney Howsare discussing The Moment of Christian Witness – The Moment of Christian Witness Podcasts

For Audio and Text Excerpts from The Moment of Christian Witness – Audio and Text Excerpts

LFT-9 The Supernatural Virtues – Listening For Truth w/ Deacon James Keating- Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 9-Listening For Truth– The supernatural virtues provide for us the gifts to walk and respond to moral truths. We need to practice the virtues to receive the wisdom of God and to be more deliberate in the love of the good. The theological, contemplative language is foreign to many, unlike the political language in which the culture swims, and that can affect how we respond to moral questions. What can we do to listen and respond to Truth?