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Sunday of the 1st Week of Advent – An Advent Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart


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Sunday of the 1st Week of Advent – An Advent Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

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 Matthew 24:37-44

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left.
‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’

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 said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left.
‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’

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 said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left.
‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’

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?

We thank you, Lord Jesus for this time with you.

Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God,

as we await the advent of Christ your Son,

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever

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.

 

Day 1 – Wakefulness – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts


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An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart:
Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening.

Week One: Awakening the Listening Heart

DAY 1 – Wakefulness

“Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.”

Romans 13.11 RSV

Advent opens with the quiet invitation to wake up spiritually. This is the first movement of a listening and discerning heart. Before the soul can notice God’s presence or receive His guidance, it must become aware, attentive, and ready to hear.

Spiritual sleep is subtle. It appears in distraction, noise, divided attention, discouragement, or the slow drift of the interior life. The mind fills with tasks. The heart loses sensitivity. Without choosing to fall asleep, the soul grows dull and slow to notice the gentle movements of grace.

Wakefulness is not anxious vigilance. It is the calm attentiveness that love creates. When the heart loves, it desires to notice even the smallest approach of the Beloved. St. Paul urges Christians to cast off whatever clouds the inner vision so they can stand ready for the Lord’s coming.

To begin Advent is to choose wakefulness. It is the decision to open the ear of the heart and say, “Lord, I am here. I desire to listen.”

Journey with the Saints –

St. Benedict

“Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.”
Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue 1

For St. Benedict, listening is an act of spiritual wakefulness. It is not passive or casual. It requires humility, interior quiet, receptivity, and a readiness to obey God’s movements. Benedict teaches that God speaks not only in moments of prayer, but in the simple, hidden details of ordinary life. Wakefulness helps the heart recognize these small invitations of grace.

Benedict also reminds his monks that listening comes before action. God initiates. God invites. God leads. The discerning heart responds by listening first. Wakefulness is the doorway to discernment because it keeps the soul attentive to the Lord who is always near.

The life of prayer begins when the heart says, “I am ready to listen You.”

Reflection for the Listening Heart

Today is about noticing. Noticing is the first gesture of true listening. Hearing happens automatically and without effort. It simply receives sound. Listening, however, is intentional. Listening chooses to attend. Listening turns toward the One who is speaking. Listening makes space for grace to enter.

We often hear without truly listening. We hear Scripture. We hear prayer. We hear the voice of conscience. Yet the heart may remain elsewhere. Listening requires presence. It asks the heart to stay awake to God’s quiet movements and to receive even the smallest whisper of His love.

Ask yourself: Where am I merely hearing God today, and where am I actually listening. What is Christ quietly placing before me that needs my attention.

A Simple Practice for Today

Choose one verse from today’s Scripture, even a single line, and sit with it for one quiet minute. Say, “Speak, Lord, I am listening.” Later in the day, pause again by stepping outside or standing at a window. Take a slow breath and say, “Lord, I am present to You.” Let both moments become intentional acts of wakefulness.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, awaken my heart. Clear the fog of distraction and stir the desire within me to listen to Your voice. Teach me to attend with the ear of my heart so I may follow You with love and trust. Come into the quiet places of my soul and make me ready for Your presence. Amen.

For more of the episodes of
An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor visit here

Citations for Day 1

Romans 13.11 RSV
Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue 1

© Discerning Hearts. All rights reserved.

A Novena to the Immaculate Conception – Day 1


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Day 1 – Novena to the Immaculate Conception

Recite the following prayer for nine days from November 29 – December 7
(or at a minimum on the first and ninth days of the novena).

Prayer to be said each day of the Novena

O God,
who by the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son,
we beseech You that,
as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son,
You did preserve Her from all stain,
so too You would permit us,
purified through Her intercession,
to come unto You.
Through the same Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son, who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, world without end.

Amen.

Day 1

O most Holy Virgin,
who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother,
immaculate in body and spirit,
in faith and in love,
look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession.
O most Holy Mother,
who by your blessed Immaculate Conception,
from the first moment of your conception
did crush the head of the enemy,
receive our prayers as we implore you
to present at the throne of God the favor we now request…

(State your intention here…)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception,
Mother of Christ,
you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth;
you have the same influence now in heaven.
Pray for us
and obtain for us from him
the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

For the complete 9 day novena visit the Discerning Hearts:

The Immaculate Conception Novena page

 

 

Saturday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Saturday of the Thirty-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 According to St. Luke 21:34-36

Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’

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 said to his disciples:
‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’

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 said to his disciples:
‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

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

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

Amen

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

Friday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast


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Friday of the Thirty-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 According to St. Luke 21:29-33

Jesus told his disciples a parable: ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’

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 told his disciples a parable: ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’

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 told his disciples a parable: ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

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

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

Amen

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

Thanksgiving: Cultivating a Spirit of Gratitude – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Thanksgiving: Cultivating a Spirit of Gratitude – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the centrality of gratitude in the spiritual life on Thanksgiving (in the United States), using the Gospel of Luke’s story of the ten lepers and the one Samaritan leper who returned to thank Jesus. This act of gratitude not only healed him physically but also brought him into a saving relationship with Christ. True Thanksgiving is not just about material blessings or familial gatherings but about cultivating a relationship with God that transforms our relationships with others, even amidst family tensions or personal wounds.

Gratitude can resolve brokenness within families and communities, especially during the Thanksgiving holiday. There are challenges that arise in family gatherings but a heart centered on Christ allows us to love and forgive, despite past grievances. Gratitude is foundational to building a life of joy and love, as it leads to a deeper awareness of God’s presence in all circumstances.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Gratitude as a Foundation: How does recognizing all you have as gifts from God influence your approach to prayer and service?
  2. Healing Through Thanksgiving: In what ways can gratitude deepen your relationship with Jesus, as seen in the Samaritan leper’s story?
  3. Relationships and Brokenness: How can a spirit of gratitude help you address tensions or unresolved conflicts within your family during gatherings?
  4. Joy and Peace in Christ: How does gratitude lead to joy and peace, even in challenging circumstances or strained relationships?
  5. Faith and Awareness: How does faith help you become more aware of God’s gifts, and how can this awareness shape your daily actions?
  6. Unity in Diversity: How does the Gospel call to gratitude challenge you to embrace love and unity across differences in faith, culture, or relationships?
  7. Thanksgiving and Mission: How can you extend the spirit of Thanksgiving to include those outside your family or community, reflecting Christ’s love?
  8. Gratitude in Worship: How does participating in the Eucharist deepen your sense of gratitude and your relationship with God and others?
  9. Challenges to Gratitude: What attitudes or vices might be obstacles to gratitude in your life, and how can you overcome them with God’s grace?
  10. Living the Spirit of Thanksgiving: How can you carry the spirit of Thanksgiving into your everyday life, cultivating joy, peace, and love in all that you do?

Reading 1 SIR 50:22-24

“And now, bless the God of all,
who has done wondrous things on earth;
Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb,
and fashions them according to his will!
May he grant you joy of heart
and may peace abide among you;
May his goodness toward us endure in Israel
to deliver us in our days

Gospel LK 17:11-19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten persons with leprosy met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying,
“Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
And when he saw them, he said,
“Go show yourselves to the priests.”
As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
He was a Samaritan.
Jesus said in reply,
“Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
Then he said to him, “Stand up and go;
your faith has saved you.”

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton.  Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta.    He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world.  Msgr. Esseff encountered St.  Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him.  He has lived in areas around the world,  serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor.  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.  

Thursday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast


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Thursday of the Thirty-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 According to Luke 21:20-28

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you must realise that she will soon be laid desolate. Then those in Judaea must escape to the mountains, those inside the city must leave it, and those in country districts must not take refuge in it. For this is the time of vengeance when all that scripture says must be fulfilled. Alas for those with child, or with babies at the breast, when those days come!
‘For great misery will descend on the land and wrath on this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive to every pagan country; and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over.
‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.’

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 said to his disciples, ‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you must realise that she will soon be laid desolate. Then those in Judaea must escape to the mountains, those inside the city must leave it, and those in country districts must not take refuge in it. For this is the time of vengeance when all that scripture says must be fulfilled. Alas for those with child, or with babies at the breast, when those days come!
‘For great misery will descend on the land and wrath on this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive to every pagan country; and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over.
‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.’

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 said to his disciples, ‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you must realise that she will soon be laid desolate. Then those in Judaea must escape to the mountains, those inside the city must leave it, and those in country districts must not take refuge in it. For this is the time of vengeance when all that scripture says must be fulfilled. Alas for those with child, or with babies at the breast, when those days come!
‘For great misery will descend on the land and wrath on this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive to every pagan country; and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over.
‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

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

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

Amen

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

VEC5 – Nero – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Mike Aquilina Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast JudasEpisode 5 – Nero – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore the life of Emperor Nero as one of the earliest and most notorious persecutors of Christians. In the book, Mike Aquilina describes Nero as a product of a corrupt dynasty rooted in assassination, manipulation, and unchecked power. Despite his violent and unstable behavior—including the murders of his wife and mother—Nero was adored by segments of the lower classes because he turned Rome into a kind of perpetual party, indulging the public and turning society upside-down. His vanity as a performer and obsession with applause fueled bizarre decisions, and his reputation as an embarrassment among Rome’s elite contrasted sharply with his popular appeal.

His persecution of Christians began after the Great Fire of Rome, which people suspected he caused to clear land for a grand palace. Lacking evidence to charge Christians with arson, he accused them of “hatred of humanity” for rejecting behaviors that Roman culture treated as normal. Nero executed them in shocking public spectacles, such as burning them alive as garden torches. Pagan historian Tacitus noted that these atrocities stirred sympathy rather than contempt, marking the beginning of conversions in Rome. This connects Nero to later tyrants throughout history and notes that figures like him recur as enemies of the faith, a theme echoed in the symbolism of the Book of Revelation.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when I encounter cultural pressure to accept moral standards that contradict the Gospel?
  2. What areas of my life reveal an attachment to comfort, entertainment, or popularity over fidelity to Christ?
  3. When facing injustice or persecution, how can I imitate the patience and courage shown by early martyrs like Peter and Paul?
  4. Do I pray for those who hold power, even when they misuse it or act in ways harmful to the Church?
  5. In what ways can I deepen my study of history so I can recognize patterns of spiritual danger in my own time?
  6. How does the witness of Christian martyrs challenge my understanding of sacrifice and love for God?
  7. What worldly influences tempt me to compromise my conscience, and how can I strengthen myself against them through prayer and sacrament?

An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church

“Pilate was a waffling dupe. Judas was a tortured soul who didn’t have the courage to repent. But perhaps no villain in Christian legend comes out as completely and utterly villainous as Nero. He isn’t just a sinner who made the wrong choice: in much of Christian legend, and even theology, he is literally the Antichrist.”

Aquilina, Mike. Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians. Emmaus Road Publishing. Kindle Edition.

You can find the book on which this series is based here.

For more episodes in the Villians of the Early Church podcast visit here – Villains of the Early Church – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the Eternal Word Television Network and is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio.

Mike Aquilina’s website is found at fathersofthechurch.com

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


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Wednesday of the Thirty-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 According to St. Luke 21:12-19

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

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 said to his disciples: ‘Men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

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 said to his disciples: ‘Men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

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

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

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

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

Amen

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

WOM15 – The Unitive Way – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Unitive Way – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating

Deacon Keating explains how spiritual growth develops through three stages. Catholic moral teaching is not an unreachable ideal. Drawing on Pope John Paul II’s Veritatis Splendor, he says real transformation is possible because the power of Christ’s resurrection works within us. The purgative stage involves turning away from attachment to sin, often a difficult shift. The illuminative stage brings a growing attraction to virtue and inner peace. Keating uses Thomas Merton’s experience to show how grace reaches us in ordinary life—on a morning commute or after attending Mass.

The unitive stage goes further: one begins not only to love virtue but to love Christ Himself, the source of all virtue. This is like tasting heaven on earth and reflects Scripture’s nuptial imagery—God desires a relationship of love with His people. The sacramental life of the Church nourishes this union. Keating invites listeners to become attentive to God’s quiet arrivals in everyday moments: a sudden clarity, peace, or prompting of conscience. When these come, remain in that presence as long as it naturally lasts, letting grace deepen love for God and uncover anything that blocks receiving Him more fully.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of my life do I still cling to sin, and how might I open these places to Christ’s healing power?
  2. When have I experienced a new affection for virtue, and how did I sense grace at work in that moment?
  3. Do I live as though Jesus is truly alive within me, influencing my choices and desires?
  4. How does the sacramental life—especially the Eucharist—deepen my relationship with Christ rather than simply improve my behavior?
  5. Where in ordinary life might God be quietly visiting me, and how can I become more attentive to His subtle presence?
  6. What attitudes or habits might be blocking me from receiving His love more fully, and how can I bring them to confession?
  7. How do I understand the unitive way as a relationship of love rather than an achievement of spiritual “success”?
  8. When I sense God’s presence, do I linger with Him as long as prudence allows, or do I rush back to distraction?

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