Media Archives

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:46 — 6.9MB) | Embed

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide – 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. John 10:22-30

It was the time when the feast of Dedication was being celebrated in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the Temple walking up and down in the Portico of Solomon. The Jews gathered round him and said, ‘How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus replied:
‘I have told you, but you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father’s name are my witness;
but you do not believe,
because you are no sheep of mine.
The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice;
I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life;
they will never be lost
and no one will ever steal them from me.
The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone,
and no one can steal from the Father.
The Father and I are one.’

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:

It was the time when the feast of Dedication was being celebrated in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the Temple walking up and down in the Portico of Solomon. The Jews gathered round him and said, ‘How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus replied:
‘I have told you, but you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father’s name are my witness;
but you do not believe,
because you are no sheep of mine.
The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice;
I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life;
they will never be lost
and no one will ever steal them from me.
The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone,
and no one can steal from the Father.
The Father and I are one.’

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:

It was the time when the feast of Dedication was being celebrated in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the Temple walking up and down in the Portico of Solomon. The Jews gathered round him and said, ‘How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus replied:
‘I have told you, but you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father’s name are my witness;
but you do not believe,
because you are no sheep of mine.
The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice;
I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life;
they will never be lost
and no one will ever steal them from me.
The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone,
and no one can steal from the Father.
The Father and I are one.’

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.

Conference 2 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:04 — 29.0MB) | Embed

Conference 2 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher continues his series on discerning the will of God, focusing on the importance of building a solid foundation for discernment. He presents real-life examples, including a young man struggling to choose between marriage and priesthood and a couple discerning a career change. Foundational discernment is rooted in a deep awareness of God’s eternal love, which calls for a reciprocal desire for communion with the divine will. He reflects on the spiritual insight that the human heart naturally seeks to align itself with God’s will as a response to being profoundly loved, and that discernment is not merely a technical process but an expression of this foundational relationship.

You can find various handouts spoken of by Fr. Gallagher in the links below:

Handout 1: https://www.discerninghearts.com/PDF/Discerning_the_Will_of_God-DISCERNING_HEARTS.pdf
Handout 2: https://www.discerninghearts.com/PDF/Text-of-St-Ignatius-SpirEx,175-188.pdf

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does a deep awareness of God’s eternal love shape your approach to discernment?
In what ways can you build a more solid spiritual foundation for your decisions?
Are you aware of your unique, God-given mission, and how might you deepen this understanding?
How does the desire for communion with God’s will influence your daily choices?
When faced with significant life decisions, how do you ensure that your choices align with God’s will?
How does the example of saints and spiritual mentors inspire your own path of discernment?
Are you open to the idea that your life has a specific, irreplaceable purpose within God’s plan?
How do you respond to the call to “fall in love, stay in love” with God as a guide for your life’s direction?
How might you cultivate a greater sensitivity to God’s presence and guidance in your life?
What role does prayer play in grounding your discernment in the love of God?

For more episodes from Discerning The Will of God conference talks visit here.

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 13 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?

Visit here to discover more Fr. Gallagher podcasts!

Monday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:29 — 8.1MB) | Embed

Monday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide – 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. John 10:1-10

Jesus said:
‘I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but gets in some other way is a thief and a brigand. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out. When he has brought out his flock, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow because they know his voice. They never follow a stranger but run away from him: they do not recognise the voice of strangers.’
Jesus told them this parable but they failed to understand what he meant by telling it to them.
So Jesus spoke to them again:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
I am the gate of the sheepfold.
All others who have come
are thieves and brigands;
but the sheep took no notice of them.
I am the gate.
Anyone who enters through me will be safe:
he will go freely in and out
and be sure of finding pasture.
The thief comes
only to steal and kill and destroy.
I have come
so that they may have life and have it to the full.’

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:
‘I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but gets in some other way is a thief and a brigand. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out. When he has brought out his flock, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow because they know his voice. They never follow a stranger but run away from him: they do not recognise the voice of strangers.’
Jesus told them this parable but they failed to understand what he meant by telling it to them.
So Jesus spoke to them again:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
I am the gate of the sheepfold.
All others who have come
are thieves and brigands;
but the sheep took no notice of them.
I am the gate.
Anyone who enters through me will be safe:
he will go freely in and out
and be sure of finding pasture.
The thief comes
only to steal and kill and destroy.
I have come
so that they may have life and have it to the full.’

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:
‘I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but gets in some other way is a thief and a brigand. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out. When he has brought out his flock, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow because they know his voice. They never follow a stranger but run away from him: they do not recognise the voice of strangers.’
Jesus told them this parable but they failed to understand what he meant by telling it to them.
So Jesus spoke to them again:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
I am the gate of the sheepfold.
All others who have come
are thieves and brigands;
but the sheep took no notice of them.
I am the gate.
Anyone who enters through me will be safe:
he will go freely in and out
and be sure of finding pasture.
The thief comes
only to steal and kill and destroy.
I have come
so that they may have life and have it to the full.’

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.

St. Augustine of Hippo, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:51 — 21.2MB) | Embed

St. Augustine of Hippo, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

Born: 13 November 354
Died: 28 August 430

In part 2 of their conversation, Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor explore the transformative journey of St. Augustine from his baptism in Italy to his return to Africa, where he established a monastic community and eventually became a priest and bishop. Augustine’s profound transformation and commitment to spiritual renewal equipped him to compassionately address heresies like Donatism and Pelagianism, emphasizing the Church’s teachings on the efficacy of the sacraments and grace.

Augustine’s pastoral nature, his focus on communicating the faith in accessible ways, show his deep concern for individuals’ relationships with God. They also discuss the challenges Augustine faced during the Vandal invasion of North Africa, his final days filled with prayer and sorrow, and the lasting impact of his works, particularly “The Confessions,” which serves as a roadmap for spiritual growth.

St. Augustine’s humility, intellectual brilliance, and dedication to the Church, makes him a timeless figure whose teachings continue to resonate in the Church today.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Transformation through Grace: How has the sanctifying grace of God transformed your life and deepened your commitment to constant renewal?
Compassion in Evangelization: In what ways can you, like St. Augustine, approach those in error with compassion rather than intellectual superiority?
Sacramental Efficacy: How do you understand and appreciate the teaching that Christ is the true minister of the sacraments, regardless of the priest’s worthiness?
Pastoral Leadership: How can you apply St. Augustine’s example of pastoral care, balancing intellectual rigor with a deep concern for the well-being of individuals?
Communicating Faith Simply: In your efforts to evangelize, how can you simplify the message of the Gospel to make it accessible to all, as St. Augustine did?
Humility in Confession: Reflect on the humility required to confess your sins openly—what lessons can you draw from St. Augustine’s “Confessions” for your own spiritual journey?
Finding Rest in God: How do you seek and experience the true rest that comes from surrendering to God’s love, as St. Augustine expressed in his famous dictum about the restlessness of the human heart?

From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2008:

“After his Baptism, Augustine decided to return to Africa with his friends, with the idea of living a community life of the monastic kind at the service of God. However, while awaiting their departure in Ostia, his mother fell ill unexpectedly and died shortly afterwards, breaking her son’s heart. Having returned to his homeland at last, the convert settled in Hippo for the very purpose of founding a monastery. In this city on the African coast he was ordained a priest in 391, despite his reticence, and with a few companions began the monastic life which had long been in his mind, dividing his time between prayer, study and preaching. All he wanted was to be at the service of the truth. He did not feel he had a vocation to pastoral life but realized later that God was calling him to be a pastor among others and thus to offer people the gift of the truth. He was ordained a Bishop in Hippo four years later, in 395. Augustine continued to deepen his study of Scripture and of the texts of the Christian tradition and was an exemplary Bishop in his tireless pastoral commitment: he preached several times a week to his faithful, supported the poor and orphans, supervised the formation of the clergy and the organization of mens’ and womens’ monasteries. In short, the former rhetorician asserted himself as one of the most important exponents of Christianity of that time. He was very active in the government of his Diocese – with remarkable, even civil, implications – in the more than 35 years of his Episcopate, and the Bishop of Hippo actually exercised a vast influence in his guidance of the Catholic Church in Roman Africa and, more generally, in the Christianity of his time, coping with religious tendencies and tenacious, disruptive heresies such as Manichaeism, Donatism and Pelagianism, which endangered the Christian faith in the one God, rich in mercy.

And Augustine entrusted himself to God every day until the very end of his life: smitten by fever, while for almost three months his Hippo was being besieged by vandal invaders, the Bishop – his friend Possidius recounts in his Vita Augustini – asked that the penitential psalms be transcribed in large characters, “and that the sheets be attached to the wall, so that while he was bedridden during his illness he could see and read them and he shed constant hot tears” (31, 2). This is how Augustine spent the last days of his life. He died on 28 August 430, when he was not yet 76. We will devote our next encounters to his work, his message and his inner experience.”

For more visit Vatican.va

For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.

Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and a senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

St. Augustine of Hippo, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:04 — 21.4MB) | Embed

St. Augustine of Hippo, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

Born: 13 November 354
Died: 28 August 430

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discusses the life and legacy of St. Augustine, one of the most influential figures in Christian history. Dr. Bunson describes Augustine as a towering figure, honored as a saint, a Church Father, and a Doctor of the Church, often referred to as the “Doctor of Grace.” His vast body of work, including Confessions and City of God, has profoundly impacted Western civilization and Christian thought.

The podcast delves into Augustine’s early life, marked by a search for truth that led him through various philosophical and religious paths, including Manichaeism, a sect that emphasized the struggle between good and evil. Despite his brilliant intellect, Augustine’s early years were also characterized by moral failings and spiritual struggles, including a notorious prayer, “Lord, make me chaste, but not yet,” reflecting his inner conflict.

A pivotal moment in Augustine’s life was his encounter with St. Ambrose in Milan, whose teachings and personal example deeply influenced him. Augustine’s eventual conversion to Christianity was spurred by an emotional and spiritual crisis, culminating in a mystical experience where he heard a child’s voice saying, “Take and read,” leading him to a passage in Romans that brought about his complete transformation. He was baptized by Ambrose, marking the beginning of his new life dedicated to Christ.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Augustine’s Influence on Christianity How has St. Augustine’s theological contributions shaped both Catholic and broader Christian thought throughout history?
The Role of Intellectual Pride What lessons can we learn from Augustine’s struggle with intellectual pride, especially in his early years with the Manicheans?
The Importance of Spiritual Guidance How did the influence of key figures like St. Monica and St. Ambrose guide Augustine towards his conversion, and how can we seek similar guidance in our own spiritual journeys?
Conversion as a Lifelong Process Augustine experienced multiple conversions throughout his life; in what ways can we recognize and embrace ongoing conversion in our own faith lives?
The Struggle Between Faith and Reason How did Augustine reconcile his desire for intellectual understanding with his need for faith, and what does this teach us about the balance between reason and belief?
Impact of Sin and Redemption Reflect on Augustine’s confessions of sin and the transformative power of God’s grace; how can we apply this understanding to our own experiences of sin and redemption?
Resting in God’s Peace Augustine famously stated, “Our hearts find no peace until they rest in you”; how does this insight challenge us to seek true peace in our relationship with God?

From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2008:

“In Milan, Augustine acquired the habit of listening – at first for the purpose of enriching his rhetorical baggage – to the eloquent preaching of Bishop Ambrose, who had been a representative of the Emperor for Northern Italy. The African rhetorician was fascinated by the words of the great Milanese Prelate; and not only by his rhetoric. It was above all the content that increasingly touched Augustine’s heart. The great difficulty with the Old Testament, because of its lack of rhetorical beauty and lofty philosophy was resolved in St Ambrose’s preaching through his typological interpretation of the Old Testament: Augustine realized that the whole of the Old Testament was a journey toward Jesus Christ. Thus, he found the key to understanding the beauty and even the philosophical depth of the Old Testament and grasped the whole unity of the mystery of Christ in history, as well as the synthesis between philosophy, rationality and faith in the Logos, in Christ, the Eternal Word who was made flesh.
Augustine soon realized that the allegorical interpretation of Scripture and the Neo-Platonic philosophy practised by the Bishop of Milan enabled him to solve the intellectual difficulties which, when he was younger during his first approach to the biblical texts, had seemed insurmountable to him.

Thus, Augustine followed his reading of the philosophers’ writings by reading Scripture anew, especially the Pauline Letters. His conversion to Christianity on 15 August 386 therefore came at the end of a long and tormented inner journey – of which we shall speak in another catechesis -, and the African moved to the countryside, north of Milan by Lake Como – with his mother Monica, his son Adeodatus and a small group of friends – to prepare himself for Baptism. So it was that at the age of 32 Augustine was baptized by Ambrose in the Cathedral of Milan on 24 April 387, during the Easter Vigil.”

For more visit Vatican.va

For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:31 — 6.1MB) | Embed

Sunday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide – 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. John 10:27-30

Jesus said:
‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice;
I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life;
they will never be lost
and no one will ever steal them from me.
The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone,
and no one can steal from the Father.
The Father and I are one.’

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:
‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice;
I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life;
they will never be lost
and no one will ever steal them from me.
The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone,
and no one can steal from the Father.
The Father and I are one.’

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:
‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice;
I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life;
they will never be lost
and no one will ever steal them from me.
The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone,
and no one can steal from the Father.
The Father and I are one.’

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.

RN-13 – Pope Leo XIII and “Rerum Novarum” (The Condition of Labor) – Regnum Novum with Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:18 — 20.9MB) | Embed

Pope Leo XIII and “Rerum Novarum” (The Condition of Labor) – Regnum Novum with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez

Deacon Omar Gutierrez and Kris McGregor discuss the life and contributions of Pope Leo XIII, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping modern Catholic social teaching. Pope Leo XIII, a deeply intellectual and spiritually grounded leader, sought to engage the modern world rather than retreat from it, producing over 80 encyclicals and major works like Rerum Novarum and Libertas. These documents laid the foundation for Catholic social doctrine, addressing issues like the proper understanding of liberty, the role of the state, and the moral dimensions of labor and capital. His insights on the dignity of work, the family as the fundamental social unit, and the rejection of socialism as incompatible with Christian principles continue to influence Catholic thought today. Pope Leo XIII’s visionary approach also included emphasizing the importance of St. Thomas Aquinas in seminary formation and fostering a deep awareness of the spiritual realm, as reflected in his institution of the St. Michael Prayer and the consecration of the 20th century to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Pope Leo XIII’s legacy shaped not only the Church’s intellectual framework but also its practical outreach. His encounters with figures like St. Katharine Drexel and St. Thérèse of Lisieux illustrate his belief in the personal responsibility of all Catholics to live out the faith in concrete ways. For Drexel, this meant founding schools for marginalized communities in the United States, while for Thérèse, it meant embracing a spirituality of small sacrifices, which transformed the Church’s understanding of mission. This balance of intellectual rigor and spiritual depth, coupled with a profound commitment to social justice, positioned Leo XIII as a transformative figure whose teachings continue to guide the Church’s mission to this day.

About Pope Leo XIII

Pope Leo XIII (2 March 1810 – 20 July 1903), born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci , was the 256th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, reigning from 1878 to 1903. He was the oldest pope (reigning until the age of 93), and had the third longest pontificate, behind his immediate predecessor Pius IX and John Paul II.

He is known for intellectualism, the development of social teachings with his encyclicalRerum Novarum and his attempts to define the position of the Church with regard to modern thinking. He influenced Roman Catholic Mariology and promoted both the rosary and the scapular. He issued a record eleven encyclicals on the rosary, approved two new Marian scapulars and was the first Pope to fully embrace the concept of Mary as mediatrix. He is also the author of the St. Michael the Archangel prayer, among others.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can we draw inspiration from Pope Leo XIII’s commitment to intellectual engagement with the challenges of his time?
In what ways does our spiritual life influence our ability to address the social issues of today?
How can the family serve as the foundation for both individual and communal flourishing in society?
What role does private property play in Christian stewardship and our responsibility to others?
How can we avoid the trap of class conflict while working for social justice?
What lessons can we learn from the examples of St. Katharine Drexel and St. Thérèse of Lisieux in living out our faith?
How does the Eucharist fuel our mission to bring Christ’s love into the world?
How should our Catholic faith influence our approach to work and economic decisions?
What does it mean to truly respond to the call for solidarity with others in our community?
How can we embody the “both/and” approach of Catholic social teaching in our daily lives?

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.

Saturday of the Third Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:03 — 7.8MB) | Embed

Saturday of the Third Week of Eastertide – 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. John 6:60-69

After hearing his doctrine many of the followers of Jesus said, ‘This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?’ Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, ‘Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?
‘It is the spirit that gives life,
the flesh has nothing to offer.
The words I have spoken to you are spirit
and they are life.
‘But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, ‘This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows him.’ After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him.
Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.’

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:

After hearing his doctrine many of the followers of Jesus said, ‘This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?’ Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, ‘Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?
‘It is the spirit that gives life,
the flesh has nothing to offer.
The words I have spoken to you are spirit
and they are life.
‘But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, ‘This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows him.’ After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him.
Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.’

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:

After hearing his doctrine many of the followers of Jesus said, ‘This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?’ Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, ‘Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?
‘It is the spirit that gives life,
the flesh has nothing to offer.
The words I have spoken to you are spirit
and they are life.
‘But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, ‘This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows him.’ After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him.
Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.’

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.

SFTH-2 – Rooted in Faith – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:58 — 25.5MB) | Embed

Episode Two – Rooted in Faith – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his family’s deep roots in the Maronite Catholic tradition, tracing his lineage back to Lebanon. He shares how his grandparents immigrated to Pennsylvania, where distinct ethnic enclaves formed around coal mining towns like Wilkes-Barre. He describes his grandfather’s journey from Lebanon and the strong faith that shaped his upbringing and the significance of being baptized in the Maronite Rite, which maintains a continuous connection to the ancient Christian traditions and Aramaic language used by Jesus. This connection profoundly shaped his spiritual identity, grounding him in a lineage that extends back to the earliest days of the Church.

Msgr. Esseff also recounts the colorful and sometimes turbulent story of his parents’ marriage. His father, a hard-living truck driver, found faith after a men’s retreat, marking a pivotal turning point in his life. Despite their unconventional beginnings and the cultural tensions of their respective backgrounds, his parents maintained a steadfast marriage for 60 years. This legacy of faith, family, and resilience profoundly influenced his vocation as a priest, connecting him to the deep roots of his family’s spiritual heritage.

Reflection Questions

How does your family history influence your faith and sense of identity?
In what ways have your ancestors’ sacrifices shaped your spiritual journey?
What role does tradition play in grounding your faith today?
How can understanding your spiritual heritage deepen your relationship with God?
In moments of doubt, how can you draw strength from the legacy of faith passed down to you?
How does the idea of being grafted into a spiritual family tree resonate with your understanding of baptism?
What lessons can you learn from the way Msgr. Esseff’s parents overcame cultural and familial challenges?
How can you better appreciate the spiritual impact of your own baptism?
In what ways can your family’s story inspire your faith journey today?
How might reflecting on your spiritual roots renew your gratitude for the sacraments?

About the Series

In this deeply personal and spiritually rich podcast series, Msgr. John Esseff—renowned retreat master, confessor, and spiritual director—shares intimate stories of his remarkable life. Having encountered some of the most beloved and influential figures of the modern Church, including St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Padre Pio, Pope St. John Paul II, and many others, Msgr. Esseff offers listeners a living memory of the Church’s heart in the 20th and 21st centuries. This series also explores his missionary work with the poor, his years of service through the Pontifical Missions, and the profound lessons drawn from hidden saints and everyday holiness.

Friday of the Third Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:40 — 6.8MB) | Embed

Friday of the Third Week of Eastertide – 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. John 6:52-59

The Jews started arguing with one another: ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ they said. Jesus replied:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,
you will not have life in you.
Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood
has eternal life,
and I shall raise him up on the last day.
For my flesh is real food
and my blood is real drink.
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood
lives in me
and I live in him.
As I, who am sent by the living Father,
myself draw life from the Father,
so whoever eats me will draw life from me.
This is the bread come down from heaven;
not like the bread our ancestors ate:
they are dead,
but anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.’
He taught this doctrine at Capernaum, in the synagogue.

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:

The Jews started arguing with one another: ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ they said. Jesus replied:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,
you will not have life in you.
Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood
has eternal life,
and I shall raise him up on the last day.
For my flesh is real food
and my blood is real drink.
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood
lives in me
and I live in him.
As I, who am sent by the living Father,
myself draw life from the Father,
so whoever eats me will draw life from me.
This is the bread come down from heaven;
not like the bread our ancestors ate:
they are dead,
but anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.’
He taught this doctrine at Capernaum, in the synagogue.

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:

The Jews started arguing with one another: ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ they said. Jesus replied:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,
you will not have life in you.
Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood
has eternal life,
and I shall raise him up on the last day.
For my flesh is real food
and my blood is real drink.
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood
lives in me
and I live in him.
As I, who am sent by the living Father,
myself draw life from the Father,
so whoever eats me will draw life from me.
This is the bread come down from heaven;
not like the bread our ancestors ate:
they are dead,
but anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.’
He taught this doctrine at Capernaum, in the synagogue.