SJ1 – Holy Listening – The Spiritual Journey with Kris McGregor – A Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

“Let’s start at the very beginning, because it’s the very best place to start…”

“Holy Listening” is the lead topic of this first episode of “The Spiritual Journey Podcast with Kris McGregor.”  Appreciating the presence of God in the Word (capital W) and the challenge of truly listening to the voice of God are the primary topics for this podcast.  Before we can really move forward in the spiritual journey, we need to learn to listen to God.  How is that done?

The Gospel of John (RSVCE)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 He was in the beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life,a and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Psalm 1 (Jerusalem Bible)

1 Happy the man who never follows the advice of the wicked, or loiters on the way that sinners take, or sits about with scoffers,

2 but finds his pleasure in the Law of Yahweh, and murmurs his law day and night.

3 He is like a tree that is planted by water streams, yielding its fruit in season, its leaves never fading;

4 It is nothing like this with the wicked, nothing like this! No, these are like chaff blown away by the wind.

5 The wicked will not stand firm when judgment comes, nor sinners when the virtuous assemble.

6 For Yahweh takes care of the way the virtuous go, but the way of the wicked is doomed.

From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict:

Prologue:
1. Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is the advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice.

 

Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts mentioned in the podcast:

LOH2-V2 Praying with the Psalms- Praying the Liturgy of the Hours with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

HR17 – The Value of Listening and Silence – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B

HR37 – Listening to the Word of God – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B

 

Other Links:

IP#221 Dr. Scott Hahn – Consuming the Word on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

IP#54 Dr. Scott Hahn – Verbum Domini part 1 on Inside the Pages

IP#57 Dr. Scott Hahn – Verbum Domini part 2 on Inside the Pages

IP#49 Dr. Matthew Bunson – Pope Benedict – Verbum Domini part 1 on Inside the Pages

IP#52 Dr. Matthew Bunson – Pope Benedict’s Verbum Domini part 2 on Inside the Pages

 

Resources:

For the Liturgy of the Hours:  Universalis    and  iBrevary

From Vatican.va:

Dogmatic Constitution of Divine Revelation – DEI VERBUM

Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy – SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM

 

Kris McGregor Founder and editor/producer/executive director of “Discerning Hearts ®. To learn more about Kris visit here

IP#251 – Anne Costa – Embracing Edith Stein on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

What a joy to discover “Embracing Edith Stein:  Wisdom for Women from St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross” by author Anne Costa. Anne-Costa-214x300 Far from a clinical dissertation on Edith Stein’s writings, Anne introduces us to a woman with whom she has shared a rich spiritual friendship.  By learning from and then implementing  her wealth of teaching, Anne gives a saint who can help us to grow in faith and wisdom .  Highly recommended!

414YNX+k4cL._SX320_BO1,204,203,200_You can find the book here

From the book description:

Embracing Edith Stein shows how the different aspects of the life and teachings of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross can serve as a guide for women and their unique vocation today. Written in a friendly, conversational style, this is one woman sharing the story of her friendship with this saint with her readers.

IP#283 Sr. Regina van den Berg – Communion with Christ according to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross on Inside the Pages w/ Kris McGregor podcast

Sr.-Regina

In “Communion with Christ according to Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross” Sr. Regina van den Berg, F.S.G.M has authored a compelling exploration on the life and teachings of the extraordinary 20th century philosopher Edith Stein, who would convert from Judaism to the Christian faith and become religious sister in the Order of Carmel.  This book is a diamond, with each chapter a shining facet which illuminates St. Teresa’s “spirituality of communion” and her quest for “Truth”.  The whole section on Edith Stein’s theory of empathy and her understanding of community makes this a must have for those on the spiritual journey!  Don’t miss.

Communion-with-ChristYou can find the book here
“Sister Regina unveils the depths of Edith Stein’s insights, revealing Stein’s nuanced account of community between women and men, human and angelic communities, membership in the Mystical Body, etc. An impressive achievement that teaches much about how to be more fully human.”
– Sarah Borden Sharkey, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Wheaton College”This book will help the reader deepen an appreciation for the significance of Teresa Benedicta/Edith Stein in contemporary debates.”
– Fr. John Sullivan, O.C.D., Institute of Carmelite Studies

IP#333 Dr. Peter C. Kleponis – Restoring Trust on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor


This is THE book!  Dr. Peter Kleponis has given us incredible insights on the damage addictions, and in particular those in the area of pornography can do not only to ourselves but also to the relationships we find ourselves in.  But there is hope!  Take a listen to our conversation, share the information below AND get the book!

Dr. Kleponis can be contacted for counseling and conferences at 610-397-0960, pklepon91@aol.com, and through his websites: www.PeterKleponis.com and www.IntegrityRestored.com

From the book description:

“Those who refuse to forgive become prisoners of the past.” – Pope Saint John Paul II

Discovering a pornography addiction is traumatic – but knowing about it is necessary for true healing and recovery to begin.

In Restoring Trust, licensed clinical therapist Peter C. Kleponis, Ph.D., SATP-C, co-founder of IntegrityRestored.com and creator of the Integrity Starts Here! recovery program, provides an authentically Catholic approach to understanding and recovering from pornography addiction whether you, your spouse, or both are addicted.

Drawing on real-life case studies, teachings of the Church, and Scripture, this book will show you how healing, recovery, and restoration are possible for each of you personally and for your marriage. Past mistakes and hurts, no matter how deep, do not have to rule your future. With the right tools, and relying on God’s grace, you can restore trust in your relationship and achieve lasting freedom.

IP#329 Fr. Augustine Wetta O.S.B. – “Humility Rules” on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor podcast

What a delight to talk with Fr. Augustine Wetta about “Humility Rules:  Saint Benedict’s Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem!   In this episode, we discuss humility, obedience, prudence, reverence, fear of the Lord, self-denial, the wisdom of “old monks” and so much. Fr. Wetta has a joyful soul and a listening “ear of the heart” which makes our conversation on the Holy Rule of St. Benedict and his engaging book one of my favorites.

You can find the book here

From the book description:

Saint Benedict’s fifth-century guide to humility offers the antidote to the epidemic of stress and depression overwhelming modern young adults. But the language of The Rule by Saint Benedict is medieval, and its most passionate advocates are cloistered monks and nuns. How then does this ancient wisdom translate into advice for ordinary people?

With candor, humor, and a unique approach to classical art, Father Augustine, a high school teacher and coach, breaks down Saint Benedict’s method into twelve pithy steps for finding inner peace in a way that can be applied to anyone’s life.

Drawing upon his own life experiences, both before and after becoming a Benedictine monk, the author explains every step, illustrating each chapter with color reproductions of sacred art that he has embellished with comic flourishes. The winsome combination is sure to keep readers from taking themselves too seriously—which is already a first step on the path to humility.

IP#312 Dr. Kevin Starr – Continental Ambitions on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

For the Audio only:

What a delight to speak with Dr. Kevin Starr about “Continental Ambitions: Roman Catholics in North America: the Colonial Experience”!  This volume is a  beautifully massive work of “historical art”; so thorough and engaging, I couldn’t stop turning the pages!  Dr. Starr is a master storyteller.  It’s as though he has you on a high precipice overlooking a grand vista, and with the broad swipe of his arm, he points out all the personalities and movements shaping an ever changing view. And during our conversation, it was an absolute joy to hear the enthusiasm and love he has for history and for this particular subject.  I simply cannot recommend this book more highly!

You can find the book here

“These accounts of a human drama heroic and villainous, saintly and sanguineous, are a feast for the historian and, more importantly, food for our generation starved of the story of its own past. The romantic whose knowledge is airbrushed and the cynic whose knowledge is cobbled together with clichés will jointly be challenged. For everyone, reading this book could be a transforming experience, and a delight as well.”
Fr. George Rutler, Author, He Spoke to Us: Discerning God in People and Events

“To see in one book the history of Catholics in the New World, its glories and its tragedies, is almost like reading a secret history of a lost tribe. Kevin Starr s magisterial narration of European Catholic presence in North America the Norse, the Spanish, the French, the English, plus a few others is a contribution of the first order to our understanding of the whole foundation of this land of the free.”
James V. Schall, S.J. Professor Emeritus, Georgetown University

IP#220 Mother Dolores Hart O.S.B. – The Ear of the Heart on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

This is the best biography I have read in years!  What a glorious testament to the fruitfulness of the Benedictine rule and how it transforms lives.  Mother Dolores Hart brings to us a generous sharing of her life experience and the joy found in the peace and stability in the living with her monastic community.  How could a woman walk away from “having it all”?  Mother Dolores discovered the “pearl of great price”, and she found it by listening to the “ear of the heart”.  An absolutely fantastic read and spiritually fulfilling work.  A must read!!!!  This conversation will go down as one of my favorites of all time!!!  Thank you God!!!

You can find the book here
“What a joy to be in the company of Mother Dolores Hart. She is a compassionate narrator, from her childhood days, darkened by parental alcoholism, to her Hollywood career and her calling as a Catholic nun. Mother Dolores talks candidly about the difficulty of becoming a cloistered, Benedictine nun. The struggle with years of discipline and the rigorous farm work at the Abbey of Regina Laudis. We learn there was something in her deepest heart she sought.” — —-Pia Lindstrom, television journalist, daughter of Ingrid Bergman

“Listen and attend with the ear of your heart.”
Saint Benedict

“Mother Dolores Hart is a remarkable woman with a remarkable story-one of love, devotion, and faith.”
Maria Shriver, bestselling author of Just Who Will You Be?

IP#328 Fr. George Rutler – The Stories of Hymns on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor podcast

What a delight to talk once again speak with Fr. George Rutler!  This we discuss his book “The Stories of Hymns:  The History Behind 100 of Christianity’s Greatest Hymns”!  A gifted story teller and a devotee of great hymnody, Fr. Rutler guides us into the richness of prayer through our sacred song.

You can find the book here

From the Inside Flap

IP#327 Dr. James Papandrea – From Star Wars to Superman on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Podcast

“From Star Wars to Superman:  Christ Figures in Science Fiction and Superhero Films” is outstanding!  Dr. James Papandrea is an engaging writer, as well as a solid theologian, who brings the lens of faith to our viewing of the beloved genres of science fiction and superhero films.  Perfect for the “discerning heart!”  The book and our conversation was great fun and a fantastic thought provoker.  We can’t wait for the sequel!

You can find the book here

Included herein are astute Christian analyses of:

Batman * Captain * America * Doctor Who * The Fifth Element * I, Robot * Iron Man * LOST * The Matrix * Planet of the Apes * Pleasantville * Spider-Man * Star Trek * Star Wars * Superman * The Terminator * The Time Machine * Tron * Wonder Woman

Here you’ll read about:

  • The pervasive Christian imagery in Doctor Who
  • Star Trek s predicted “death of God”
  • Free-will: the stumbling block in the first Matrix
  • The crucifixion of Spider-Man
  • Why Wonder Woman is an image of a gnostic savior
  • The meaning of salvation in Star Wars (It masquerades as Christian)
  • How Superman’s life begins as a parallel of Moses.
  • I, Robot: the religious reason why the robot is called “Sonny”
  • Whether, in any Christian sense, Neo is The One?
  • Captain American and Iron-Man: one defends the innocent, the other brings justice to the guilty
  • The tomb scene in the Fifth Element: it s not the resurrection we need
  • Matter vs. Spirit in Tron: gnostic to the core
  • The anti-Christian bias of Planet of the Apes
  • Why the Force in Star Wars is no analogy to Grace or the Holy Spirit
  • The Star Wars Christ figure: Obi-Wan? Luke? Or even, ultimately, Darth Vader
  • What Heaven is understood to be in the LOST universe
  • Time travel as incarnation in The Terminator: a compelling analogy
  • Regeneration as resurrection in Doctor Who: Is it Christ-like?
  • How Pleasantville reverses the dynamism of the Fall
  • The baptismal significance of the plane crash in LOST
  • Pleasantville: a twisted version of Eden
  • The incarnation of the Christ-figure in Planet of the Apes
  • Tron’s parallels between Christianity and the Roman Empire

. . . and much more about other science fiction and superhero shows!