Inside the Pages Archives

Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum, Pt. 2 – In Conversation with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum, Pt. 2 – In Conversation with Deacon Omar Gutierrez

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor take a look at the remarkable legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who inspired Pope Leo XIV’s chosen name, and his major contributions to modern Catholic thought and life and his wide-ranging influence: reviving Thomistic philosophy, championing the Sacred Heart devotion, initiating the Saint Michael Prayer, and issuing over 80 encyclicals that addressed freedom, citizenship, and social responsibility. Pope Leo XIII’s guidance helped unify the Benedictine orders, supported missionary efforts of saints like Thérèse of Lisieux, Frances Cabrini, and Katharine Drexel, and offered a vision of the Church that engaged deeply with modern challenges. His encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for Catholic social teaching: a response to industrialization rooted in the dignity of the human person, especially the working poor.

They discuss connections between Leo XIII’s era and current developments such as artificial intelligence and economic shifts. We shouldn’t reduce Catholic social teaching to political ideologies or mislabeling it as socialist. Instead, we must look at it from the truth that it stems from a call to love God and neighbo: caring for the vulnerable, implementing ethical labor practices, and the right use of property are not merely political concerns but spiritual imperatives grounded in Christ’s command to serve.

For Part 1 of this conversation, click here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can Pope Leo XIII’s engagement with the modern world inspire my own response to current social and technological challenges?
In what ways am I called to recognize and uphold the dignity of the working poor in my daily decisions?
How does my understanding of Catholic social teaching shape the way I live out my faith in the public square?
What fears or misconceptions might I hold that prevent me from embracing the Church’s social doctrine more fully?
Do I make time to discern how Christ is calling me to respond to the needs of others in my community?
How can I, like Pope Leo XIII, listen attentively to differing perspectives and respond with truth and charity?
Where in my life am I being invited to sacrifice comfort for the sake of justice and solidarity?
How do I balance the gifts and resources I’ve received with my responsibility to serve others?
Have I ever avoided learning about Catholic social teaching because it felt too political or overwhelming?
What step can I take this week to deepen my understanding of Rerum Novarum and apply it practically?

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez is the President and co-Founder of the Evangelium Institute as well as the Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

About his book, “A Summary of Rerum Novarum or On Capital and Labor”

This short introduction provides the historical background for Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum as well as some detail about the pope himself. It also provides a paragraph-by-paragraph summary of the document to better understand the teaching. This is ideal for students of the document and those studying Catholic Social Teaching.

You can buy a copy of the book here.

IP#510 Dr. Matthew Bunson – Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Dr. Matthew Bunson – Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Kris McGregor interviews Dr. Matthew Bunson about his new book on Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Dr. Bunson recounts the extraordinary events surrounding Pope Francis’s final days and the surprising election that followed. He offers a deeply personal perspective on the historic transition, describing his experience covering the month-long period in Rome with EWTN. Dr. Bunson reflects on the unexpected yet providential choice of Pope Leo XIV—a U.S.-born Augustinian with extensive missionary and Vatican experience—and explores why he resonated so strongly with the College of Cardinals.

Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate is already marked by clarity, humility, and theological depth rooted in the Augustinian tradition, as well as the Pope’s focus on the dignity of the human person, renewal of Catholic social teaching, and the global challenges posed by technology and modernity. With insight into the papal conclave, the Church’s current needs, and Pope Leo XIV’s spiritual and pastoral formation, Dr. Bunson presents a compelling portrait of a man uniquely positioned to guide the Church in a new era of both continuity and renewal.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

How does the unexpected election of Pope Leo XIV challenge your assumptions about how the Holy Spirit guides the Church?
What can Pope Leo XIV’s missionary background teach you about serving Christ across cultures and boundaries?
How might the Augustinian motto “In Christ, we are one” shape your approach to unity in your parish or community?
In what ways can you foster greater clarity and charity when sharing the truths of the Catholic faith?
How can you respond with trust when God’s plans surprise or disrupt your expectations?
What role does the Liturgy of the Hours or Church Fathers like Augustine play in your personal spiritual growth?
How do you discern the dignity of each person in light of today’s technological and societal shifts?
What does the reverence Pope Leo XIV shows for Church tradition invite you to reconsider in your own relationship with the Church’s teachings?
How can you contribute to healing divisions within the Church by anchoring your life more deeply in Christ?
What might God be asking of you in this new chapter of the Church’s journey under Pope Leo XIV?

From the book’s description:

We have a Pope! And his name is Leo XIV.

But who is this American-born 266th successor to St. Peter? What is the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s vision for the Church, and what impact will his papacy have on Catholics and on the world?

Renowned Vatican journalist Dr. Matthew Bunson offers the first authoritative portrait of the new Holy Father. With unmatched access and a reputation for integrity and insight, Bunson delivers a compelling, richly textured narrative of the new pope’s life, beliefs, and most improbable journey to the Chair of St. Peter.

This book will roll off the presses on May 21st, making it the first definitive biography available to readers worldwide. Accessible, informative, and rooted in journalistic rigor and an intimate understanding of the Church, Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the man inside the white cassock — and the moment in which he will reign.

About the Author

Dr. Robert Enright is a member of the Catholic Church. He is a licensed psychologist and the founder of the International Forgiveness Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating knowledge about forgiveness and community renewal through forgiveness. In 2020, he was awarded the Aristotelian Professorship in Forgiveness Science in the Department of Educational Psychology at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is the first to publish a scientific study on the topic of person-to-person forgiving (1989). He is a popular speaker on forgiveness, and his work has appeared in such outlets as Time magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune and on ABC’s 20/20. His International Forgiveness Institute organized the Jerusalem Conference on Forgiveness for the Renewal of Individuals, Families, and Communities at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, 2017; the Rome Conference on Forgiveness at the University of Santa Croce, 2018; and the International Educational Conference on Agape Love and Forgiveness in Madison, Wisconsin, 2022. For his innovative research on forgiveness, he received in 2022 what the American Psychological Association calls “psychology’s highest awards:” the APF Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology..

Pope Leo XIV and the Path Forward, Pt. 1 – In Conversation with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Pope Leo XIV and the Path Forward, Pt. 1 – In Conversation with Deacon Omar Gutierrez

Kris McGregor and Deacon Omar Gutierrez discuss the significance of the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, reflecting on the profound impact of his surprising selection. They discuss the connection between this new pope and his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, known for his foundational contributions to Catholic social teaching and spiritual devotion, including the Saint Michael prayer. This connection is seen as a powerful symbol of continuity and hope, emphasizing the unifying power of the Holy Spirit during times of change.

They also touch on the cultural and spiritual roots of the new pope, including his upbringing in Chicago and deep ties to Peru, which many see as a bridge-building moment for the Americas, with hopeful anticipation for how Pope Leo XIV will engage with contemporary challenges, reflecting the Church’s enduring mission to speak truth to a fragmented world.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can the surprising election of Pope Leo XIV inspire us to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in unexpected moments?
In what ways can the legacy of Pope Leo XIII’s social teachings influence how we live our faith today?
How might the deep cultural and spiritual connections of a leader shape their approach to serving the global Church?
What can we learn from the humility and spiritual roots of the Augustinian tradition that Pope Leo XIV embodies?
How does reflecting on moments of grace and hope, like this papal election, strengthen our faith during challenging times?
In what ways can we contribute to unity and communion within our own communities, as highlighted by the new pope’s early messages?
How does the example of Pope Leo XIV encourage us to engage with the world as a witness to Christ’s light and truth?
Why is it important to remember that each pope brings unique gifts and perspectives to the Church, guided by the same Holy Spirit?
How can we cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God’s providence, even when the future feels uncertain?
What role does spiritual memory and reflection play in sustaining our faith over time?

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez is the President and co-Founder of the Evangelium Institute as well as the Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

IP#344 Timothy Muldoon – The Discerning Parent on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Timothy Muldoon – The Discerning Parent on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Kris McGregor speaks with theologian and author Timothy Muldoon about The Discerning Parent: An Ignatian Guide to Raising Your Teen, co-written with his wife, Sue. Ignatian spirituality offers a helpful framework for parenting teens—not by prescribing rigid methods, but by inviting parents into a deeper awareness of their own spiritual journey as they accompany their children. Rather than presenting a “how-to” manual, the book encourages a reflective, prayerful stance that allows for genuine listening to both God and the child. It highlights the importance of recognizing each teen’s unique development and being attentive to how God might be working in their life without oversteering or controlling their path.

The challenge many parents face in fearing their children might drift from the Church, and how that fear often reflects unresolved questions in the parent’s own spiritual life. He draws on the example of Saint Monica and the Ignatian principle of letting God deal directly with each soul. The book invites parents to shift from decision-making to discernment, cultivating what Muldoon calls the “acoustics of the heart”—a spiritual sensitivity that helps both parent and child recognize what aligns with God’s voice. Topics like moral development, body awareness, and complex issues like social media and sexuality are approached through reflection and conversation, not prescriptive answers.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How is God inviting me to grow spiritually through the experience of parenting my teen?
In what ways am I truly listening to my child’s heart rather than reacting out of fear or control?
Have I taken time to reflect on how my own relationship with God shapes how I parent?
Do I trust that God is actively at work in my child’s life, even when I cannot see it clearly?
How can I model discernment and prayerful reflection for my teen in daily life?
Am I fostering a space in our home where faith is lived, questioned, and deepened with honesty?
What fears do I need to surrender to God when I think about my child’s faith journey?
How am I encouraging moral reflection and conscience development in my teen?
When faced with difficult topics like sexuality or peer pressure, do I approach them with compassion, truth, and openness?
In what ways is God using my child to challenge or refine my own faith and values?

You can find the book here

From the book description:

“This thoughtful approach shows you how to talk with your children openly about freedom vs. limits, friendships, family time, sexuality, the use and abuse of technology, faith and Catholic practice, recognizing the needs of others, and getting through hard times together. You’ll discover when to be tough and when to be forgiving, when to control and when to give freedom, when to give feedback and when to wait. You will learn the importance of praying for your teens, and the important of praying together as a family.

Daily and weekly prayers, devotions, and meditations will guide you as the Muldoons show how this is a time of discernment for you as well as your teens–and create a way for you to move through these challenging years together. The Discerning Parent offers you an opportunity to pause and consider your life and your teen’s in the light of faith.”

About the Author

Timothy P. Muldoon is a philosopher, theologian, and author of many books in the areas of Christian theology and spirituality. His research interests in both Philosophy and Theology include the thought of Bernard Lonergan, SJ, particularly as his work sheds light on reversing cultural decline; and the history and practice of Christian spirituality, particularly in the Ignatian tradition. He held several administrative and teaching roles at Boston College since 2005, and joined the Philosophy Department in 2020. He has held visiting professorships at LaSalle University, the Catholic University of America, and Washington Theological Union, and has lectured widely in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Prior to coming to Boston College, he was the Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Theology at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania. His current work involves the philosophy of community and the promotion of flourishing communities.

“Bernadette” and “The Passion of Bernadette”- In Conversation with Sydney Penny – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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“Bernadette” and “The Passion of Bernadette”- In Conversation with Sydney Penny

In this classic interview from 2007, Bruce and Kris McGregor speak with actress Sydney Penny about her portrayal of St. Bernadette Soubirous in the films Bernadette and The Passion of Bernadette. Sydney reflects on how she was cast in the role as a young actress and how the experience of playing Bernadette—both in Lourdes and later in the convent at Nevers—deeply impacted her spiritually. She shares how the films aimed to faithfully present the saint’s life; not only the famous apparitions but also Bernadette’s later years marked by suffering, humility, and joyful perseverance. Sydney discusses how the role taught her about true spiritual strength, the value of simplicity, and the depth of Bernadette’s character, which continues to inspire her in everyday life.

They also explore the challenges Sydney faced filming in both English and French, her connection to the physical locations of Lourdes and Nevers, and the gift of encountering Bernadette’s incorrupt body. Sydney, though not Catholic, expresses how the story and spirit of Bernadette enriched her life and gave her a lasting model of grace.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does St. Bernadette’s humble acceptance of suffering challenge your own attitude toward trials in life?
In what ways can you cultivate the kind of joy and peace Bernadette maintained despite poor health and hardship?
How does Bernadette’s spiritual simplicity reveal a deeper kind of wisdom than academic knowledge alone?
When have you experienced God’s grace most profoundly in moments of loneliness or limitation?
What does it mean to you to be “in the effort business, not the results business,” as mentioned in the interview?
How can Bernadette’s example help you discern when to withdraw from public activity for deeper spiritual growth?
What role does humility play in your relationship with God, and how might you grow in it?
How do you see God working through art, film, and storytelling to deepen faith in today’s world?
When faced with decisions that may separate you from comfort or loved ones, how do you entrust those choices to God?
What can Bernadette’s witness teach you about obedience, trust, and faithfulness in your daily vocation?

Bernadette

The Passion of Bernadette

You can purchase a copy “Bernadette” and “The Passion of Bernadette” here.

You can also stream both these movies on Prime Video.

IP#509 Dr. Robert D. Enright – Forgiving as Unity with Christ on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Dr. Robert D. Enright – Forgiving as Unity with Christ on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Dr. Robert Enright speaks with Kris McGregor about his book Forgiving as Unity with Christ: A Journey for Healing, Resentment, and Relationships. He shares how an epiphany in 1985 redirected his academic career toward the study of forgiveness, which had previously been neglected in psychological research. Forgiveness, as a moral virtue, can transform the heart by healing the effects of injustice such as anger, resentment, and mistrust. Drawing from Aristotle and Aquinas, forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing, demand forgetfulness, require reconciliation, or negate the pursuit of justice. Rather, it involves offering goodness to one who has acted unfairly, allowing a person to reclaim peace and dignity while also maintaining boundaries and seeking fairness where needed.

Dr. Enright outlines forgiveness as a deliberate, grace-filled path that must often be walked slowly, with self-awareness and even journaling. He discusses its spiritual dimensions, particularly its unity with Christ’s suffering and love on the cross, which brings healing not only to the individual but potentially to the offender and their relationship. He touches on the need for forgiveness education, especially within Catholic contexts, to help children and adults alike cope with life’s inevitable wounds. Dr. Enright also speaks on self-forgiveness, highlighting its importance in embracing one’s worth before God, especially through confession and sincere restitution. His research in diverse settings—from survivors of incest to prison inmates—demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness on emotional, relational, and even physical well-being.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

How does unhealed resentment affect your relationship with God and others?
In what areas of your life might God be inviting you to forgive, even if the other person hasn’t repented?
How can uniting your suffering with Christ on the cross transform your experience of injustice?
Are there ways you’ve misunderstood forgiveness—as excusing, forgetting, or reconciling—that need to be corrected?
How might your pursuit of justice be more Christ-like if it flows from a forgiving heart?
Who in your life do you need to forgive not just for their sake, but for your own healing and freedom?
How do you see the Sacrament of Reconciliation supporting both seeking and offering forgiveness?
What role does prayer and grace play in your ability to forgive someone who deeply wounded you?
How can cultivating forgiveness in your family or community reflect the mercy of Christ more fully?
In what ways have you struggled with self-forgiveness, and how can God’s mercy reshape your self-understanding?

From the book’s description:

Dr. Robert D. Enright, founder of the International Forgiveness Institute, invites you to travel with him down the road from alienation to forgiveness to possible reconciliation. His cathartic exercises will enliven your relationship with Jesus and provide a healing balm that will deepen your empathy and dispose you to forgiving others.

Similar to The Imitation of Christ, this work is divided into three books comprising short chapters with brief points to consider. The first book lays out forgiveness in general and includes biblical stories of forgiveness; the second approaches forgiveness from the Catholic perspective, including loving others through our intimate connection with Christ and seeking forgiveness ourselves; the third discusses skeptical views of forgiveness as well as self-forgiveness, forgiveness within communities, and what legacy you will leave behind.

These powerful exercises will help you understand what forgiveness actually is and why it is beneficial, including scientific studies of those who were suffering physically, psychologically, or emotionally and experienced healing.

You will learn answers to soul-searching questions and discover:

How to embrace your littleness with the humility of a beloved child of God

The Process Model of Forgiveness to aid you in becoming “forgivingly fit”

Seven forgiveness lessons in the Old Testament story of Joseph and his brothers

The three Rs that help complete the triangle of forgiveness and rebuild trust

Seven aspects of “forgiveness as redemptive suffering”

The importance of forgiveness in God’s design for our peace and joy

As you contemplate God’s love for you in these extraordinary pages, you will grow deeper in your faith through journaling prompts and transformative meditations, including penetrating questions to guide you on your path to freedom. The book has been given an imprimatur by Bishop Donald Hying of the Catholic Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin.

About the Author

IP#508 Dr. Alexander Harb – The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Dr. Alexander Harb – The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Dr. Alexander Harb and Kris McGregor explore The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East, his new book that gives both spiritual and theological insight into Eastern Christian spirituality through the lens of the Desert Fathers and the Philokalia. Dr. Harb draws from his Melkite upbringing to describe how Eastern Christianity puts prayer and transformation toward the heart—an inner stillness cultivated through asceticism and the Jesus Prayer. This tradition invites us to unite our hearts with Christ’s, not just in theory but through lived compunction, metanoia (inner conversion), and deep emotional engagement with God’s love. True knowledge of God isn’t just academic but relational—akin to the intimacy of family—and how early monks wept not out of guilt, but out of being overwhelmed by divine love.

The roles of mercy, trust, and detachment from worldly distractions are essential to guarding the heart. Bright sadness—a concept from Eastern Lent—captures the paradox of Christian sorrow infused with hope. Finally, the discussion circles back to Christ’s own battle with temptation in the desert, illustrating how scripture and silence anchor the soul in times of trial. Dr. Harb’s book invites us into a journey of inner transformation with divine intimacy, wisdom born of suffering, and a deep call to holiness.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

How is God inviting me to place my mind in my heart during prayer?
In what ways have I experienced metanoia as more than just repentance, but a turning of my whole self toward Christ?
Do I allow Jesus to truly love me in my brokenness, or do I hide behind shame or pride?
What role does compunction—sorrow for sin born of love—play in my spiritual life?
How can I better guard my heart from the noise, anxieties, and distractions of the world?
Am I allowing the Jesus Prayer or similar practices to bring silence and stillness into my prayer life?
What does spiritual fatherhood (or motherhood) look like in my vocation, and how am I being formed in it?

From the book’s description:

“Although the story of our salvation began in the Orient, the richness of the spirituality of our Eastern Fathers and Mothers in the Faith has long remained hidden. The Church is indebted to the East for revealing how Christians from apostolic times lived their faith, from founding Christian monastic life to developing the worship that has helped shape our liturgy.

In this spiritual masterpiece, Dr. Alexander Harb offers penetrating meditations on nine themes of the spiritual life, drawing from Eastern Christian sources and his own real-life examples. Each chapter includes a power-packed meditation, a related Scripture passage, engaging reflection questions, and challenges that are perfectly accessible for individual or group study.

Through the lens of the Eastern Church and the Desert Fathers, you will reflect on topics such as repentance, the Jesus Prayer, heartbrokenness, discernment, family, friendship, and total reliance on God.

In these absorbing pages, you will discover:

Advice on building virtue and accepting the love, life, and fire of the Holy Spirit

Tips on entering into the stillness of prayer and reorienting yourself when distractions arise

The four stages of conversion and three stages of prayer, according to the Eastern Fathers

Ways to discern spirits, and simple yet rich wisdom to help you in times of temptation

How to encounter God’s peace more deeply in the liturgy and how to worship Him more fruitfully

Methods of attaining metanoia, cardiagnosia (knowledge of the heart), and true transformation

Although practicing asceticism can be challenging, the fruits of inner freedom, peace, and the vision of God are unmistakable. These life-changing reflections aim to help you experience God’s compassionate and healing love for you and your family. By absorbing the wisdom of the East, you will come to know the Father’s merciful love more deeply, grow closer to our Lord, Jesus Christ, and become enlightened by the Holy Spirit.”

About the Author

Having grown up in the Melkite Catholic Church, Dr. Alexander Sami Harb became interested in Eastern Christianity at a very young age. He completed his doctorate in Eastern Christian Studies at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome with the publication of his thesis in 2022. His theological focus was on the Desert Fathers and their attention to the heart. Dr. Harb especially worked to find ancient textual evidence of attention to Jesus’ heart within the desert and among the early Church Fathers. He lives and works as a theology teacher in Birmingham, Alabama.

IP#353 Sally Read – Annunciation on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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It was truly a delight to once again to talk with Sally Read! This time we discuss her beautiful book “Annunciation: A Call to Faith in a Broken World”.

You can find the book here

From the book description:

Sensing the precarious nature of faith in an overwhelmingly secular world, Read, through meditation and anecdote, began writing down the compelling reasons for holding onto both God and Church. Taking the Annunciation as her template (that most fundamental yes to God), she explores common experiences of the spiritual life: His presence and invitation (And he came to her); the fears we have to let go of (Do not be afraid); the realization of our identity in God (Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord) and what our vocation might be (Let it be to me according to your word); and when God feels very distant from us (And the angel departed from her).

Drawing on Scripture, lives of the saints, and the lives of people she has known personally and professionally as a nurse, Read shows how God is with us always―through suffering, spiritual dryness and depression, as well as in joyful and mystical ways. This book was inspired by a mother’s loving response to a daughter―but what has resulted is something that will speak to any believer engaged in the bliss and bewilderment of a relationship with God.

Check out our previous conversation: IP#309 Sally Read – Night’s Bright Darkness on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

IP#507 Sr. Josephine Garrett – Wilderness Within on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Sister Josephine Garrett and Kris McGregor discuss Wilderness Within, a Lenten journal designed to guide individuals in deepening their spiritual journey. Sister Josephine explains that the book is not for the faint of heart but for those willing to reflect on their implicit beliefs about God, faith, and themselves. The book explores the theme of the “wilderness within,” likening it to the Desert Fathers’ realization that the greatest spiritual battle is fought in the human heart and the importance of rendering one’s heart open to Christ, engaging in interior reflection, and embracing the challenges of Lent not as failures but as necessary struggles on the path to spiritual growth.

The need for authentic hope amid personal and societal struggles is important during the Jubilee of Hope. Fasting, penance, and detachment each share a role in gaining clarity and deepening union with God rather than simply self-denial. She encourages listeners to avoid rushing through Lent, instead embracing the rhythm of the liturgical season as a model for ongoing spiritual discipline.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

How does the concept of the “wilderness within” resonate with your own spiritual struggles and growth?
In what ways do you see God’s love sustaining you, even in times of doubt or hardship?
What are the “stories” you tell yourself about your relationship with God, and how do they shape your faith?
How can you practice rendering your heart more fully open to God during Lent?
What attachments or distractions in your life may be keeping you from fully trusting in God’s plan?
How do you respond to suffering and the cross in your own life—do you resist it or see it as a path to deeper union with Christ?
How can fasting, prayer, and almsgiving help you detach from worldly concerns and focus more on God?
In what ways does the Jubilee of Hope challenge you to rediscover hope in your personal faith journey?
How does reflecting on Christ’s suffering during Holy Week draw you closer to His heart?
What steps can you take after Lent to ensure that your spiritual growth continues beyond the season?

From the book’s description:

This Lent, allow Sr. Josephine Garrett to be your guide as you explore the interior wilderness of your heart and invite Jesus in to heal you with his love.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus went into the wilderness? Some believe it was to reveal his divinity or to restore humanity’s relationship with God. In Wilderness Within, Sr. Josephine Garrett, a mental health counselor and popular speaker, reflects on the belief that Jesus went into the wilderness to rescue us—to rescue us! The Lord does not want us to view the wilderness as something that causes worry, anxiety, or fear. “What if, instead,” Sr. Josephine writes, “we looked at how God has been a faithful provider in the wilderness and trusted that He will do the same for us in the wilderness journey ahead? What if we joyfully take His hand and journey into the wilderness, because when Christ enters there, ‘this opposite place of the garden becomes the place of reconciliation and healing’” (Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth)?

In Wilderness Within, Sr. Josephine will guide you through the forty days of Lent to attend to the wilderness of your heart as a place to be explored, restored, and sent on mission by Jesus’s tender love.

Week of Ash Wednesday: Enter Lent by recognizing your ability to always begin anew in Christ.

Week One: Open your heart to God’s love, allowing yourself to reverence your heart as a gift from your Creator.

Week Two: Reflect on the truth that we are created for relationships, and examine the relationships in your life.

Week Three: Take an honest look at your limitations, wounds, and sin guided by a spirit of humility and repentance.

Week Four: Begin to see how God designed your heart to be rescued by him and grow in your capacity to be healed by him.

Week Five: Leave the wilderness of your heart so that you can go on mission—with a heart restored by Christ’s love—to love your neighbor and be a good steward of the gifts and charisms given to you.

Holy Week: Follow in Jesus’s footsteps to the Cross and discover how you can love him well through each stage of the Passion and Resurrection.

Each day’s content includes brief meditations, specially crafted illustrations, thought-provoking reflection questions, heartfelt prayers curated to uplift your spirit, and ample journaling space for personal revelations and insights. Whether you’re journeying alone or with a group, Wilderness Within is your guide to a beautiful and renewing Lent.

About the Author

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, is a sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, a licensed counselor, host of the Hope Stories podcast, and a Catholic speaker and author.

Garrett earned a bachelor’s degree in political philosophy from the University of Dallas. Prior to entering religious life, she worked as vice president in the home loans division of Bank of America. In 2019, she earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and became a nationally certified counselor licensed in Texas.

She worked as a school counselor in Tyler, Texas, and is presently serving as a counselor in private practice. Garret is a voice for mental health on various platforms such as Formed and Hallow.

She resides in Tyler, Texas.

IP#494 Fr. Thomas Morrow – Straight to Heaven on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Fr. Thomas Morrow on “Straight to Heaven: A Practical Guide for Growing in Holiness”

Kris McGregor talks with Fr. Thomas Morrow about his book Straight to Heaven: A Practical Guide for Growing in Holiness. Fr. Morrow explains the significance of understanding heaven, hell, and purgatory as motivators for spiritual growth. Heaven is a deep union with God, similar to a divine marriage. While God’s mercy is abundant, rejecting Him leads to hell, which Christ frequently spoke about in Scripture; and purgatory as a place of purification for those who die in God’s grace but still need to atone for sins.

Fr. Morrow presents prayer as the foundation of holiness and encourages believers to develop a daily habit of conversation with God. He recommends the Rosary for its meditative power and speaks about the importance of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, as essential sources of grace.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

The Reality of Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory: How does understanding the Church’s teaching on heaven, hell, and purgatory shape the way you live your daily life and make moral choices?
The Joy of Union with God: In what ways can you deepen your desire for heaven by growing in your relationship with God through prayer and the sacraments?
The Role of Suffering in Holiness: How can you embrace suffering as a means of uniting yourself with Christ and growing in holiness rather than avoiding or resenting it?
The Power of Daily Prayer: What steps can you take to develop a consistent and meaningful prayer life that brings you closer to God?
The Call to Love God and Neighbor: How can you practice the two greatest commandments more intentionally, especially in difficult relationships or challenging situations?
The Importance of the Sacraments: What role do the Eucharist and Reconciliation play in your spiritual life, and how can you make them a greater priority?
The Challenge of Living a Virtuous Life: Which virtues do you struggle with the most, and how can you work on strengthening them through prayer and action?
The Commitment to Spiritual Growth: What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to foster a deeper relationship with God and grow in holiness?

You can find the book here.

From the book description:

“If you’re hoping to get to Heaven, you’ll need a plan to reach your goal. This handy manual not only presents all the elements of a life well lived; it also helps you incorporate those elements into everyday practice. Straight to Heaven is the one guide you need to achieve holiness now and Heaven later – all while eluding the traps and pains of Hell.

Fr. Morrow explains that happiness is attainable now for those who live the gospel because they are bringing a bit of Heaven to earth. Conversely, those who fail to live the gospel are doomed to live a hellish life in this world and in the next.

That’s why Fr. Morrow wrote this book – to help you put in place a practical plan to enable you to love God with your whole heart, mind, and soul. Fr. Morrow shows you how to discern and follow God’s will and improve your ability to extend mercy to others.

Through engaging stories of individuals who lived heroically in difficult circumstances, you will discover ways to overcome vice and grow in the fruits of the Holy Spirit so you can become the saint God calls you to be. Most importantly, you will learn to keep your eyes fixed on the heavenly Wedding Feast and your eternal reward. You will also learn:

The difference between meditation and contemplation

How to grow in authentic sorrow for sin

The three methods of prayer – and when to use each

The most effective aid to staying on the path to holiness

How to overcome difficulties in prayer

Three ways to display your love to God”

About the Author: Fr. Thomas G. Morrow graduated from St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia and was ordained in 1982 for the Archdiocese of Washington (DC). He has an STL in Moral Theology from the Dominican House of Studies and received his Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in 1999. He was host for three years (1989-1992) of Catholic Faith Alive!, a radio program on WNTR in Washington, in which he explained the Catholic faith. Fr. Morrow has appeared as a guest on Mother Angelica Live and The Abundant Life programs on Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). He has written booklets on the rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and on heaven, hell and purgatory.