“On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Four Calling Birds …”symbolizing the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John which proclaim the good news of God’s reconciliation of the world to Himself through Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, today we give thanks for the good news! We are blessed to have heard it in our lives and are called to share the news with others. Help us share the news with just one today, Lord. Bless those whose lives are dedicated to the proclamation of the news…the ministers, priests, missionaries, teachers, evangelists and saints of the Church. During these holy days, and everyday, help us to foster Your kingdom on Earth! Amen.
¡Cuántas cosas realizo cuando el alma, tanto en sus necesidades espirituales como en aquellas materiales, se vuelve a mí, me mira y diciéndome: “Jesús, ocúpate Tú de ello”, cierra los ojos y reposa. Obtenéis pocas gracias cuando os atormentáis por producirlas, sin embargo tenéis muchísimas cuando la oración es un encomendarse plenamente a mí. En el dolor, vosotros oráis para que yo obre, pero para que obre como creéis que debo obrar… No os dirigís a mí, sino que queréis que yo me adapte a vuestras ideas; no sois enfermos que piden al médico que les cure, sino que le sugerís la cura. No obréis así, sino orad como os he enseñado en el Padrenuestro: Santificado sea tu nombre, es decir, sed glorificado en esta necesidad mía. Venga a nosotros tu reino, o sea, todo contribuya a tu reinado en nosotros y en el mundo. Hágase tu voluntad así en la tierra, como en el cielo, es decir, dispón Tú, en esta necesidad, como mejor te parezca en lo tocante a nuestra vida temporal y eterna. Si me decís de verdad: “hágase tu voluntad”, que es lo mismo que decir: “Jesús, ocúpate Tú de ello”, yo intervendré con toda mi omnipotencia y venceré las mayores dificultades.
O Jesús, yo me entrego a Ti, ¡ocúpate de todo! (Repítelo 10 veces)
Madre, soy tuyo ahora y siempre.
A través de ti y contigo siempre quiero pertenecer completamente a Jesús.
Amén
Para la versión completa en audio de 9 días de la Novena del Abandono a la Voluntad de Dios visite aquí
Esta Novena fue compuesta por el Padre Dolindo Ruotolo (1882-1970) un sacerdote de Nápoles, Italia, para ayudar a quienes la rezan a entender que el Señor quiere que confiemos en Él sin importar cuál sea nuestro problema. Solo podemos elevarnos a este nivel de confianza a través de la gracia de Dios y la ayuda del Espíritu Santo. Debemos dejar de lado nuestros problemas, dejar de preocuparnos y tratar de resolverlos nosotros mismos. Debemos creer, confiar y permitir que nuestro Señor nos rescate de nosotros mismos y suplir nuestros deseos, necesidades y resolver nuestros problemas como solo Él puede. “Jesús, cuídalo tú”, deben ser las primeras palabras que nos vienen a la mente y brotan de nuestros labios.
The Feast of the Holy Innocents- A Christmas 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 St. Matthew 2:13-18
After the wise men had left, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, because Herod intends to search for the child and do away with him.’ So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod was dead. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:
I called my son out of Egypt.
Herod was furious when he realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men, and in Bethlehem and its surrounding district he had all the male children killed who were two years old or under, reckoning by the date he had been careful to ask the wise men. It was then that the words spoken through the prophet Jeremiah were fulfilled:
A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loudly lamenting: it was Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted because they were no more.
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 the wise men had left, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, because Herod intends to search for the child and do away with him.’ So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod was dead. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:
I called my son out of Egypt.
Herod was furious when he realised that he had been outwitted by the wise men, and in Bethlehem and its surrounding district he had all the male children killed who were two years old or under, reckoning by the date he had been careful to ask the wise men. It was then that the words spoken through the prophet Jeremiah were fulfilled:
A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loudly lamenting: it was Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted because they were no more.
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 the wise men had left, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, because Herod intends to search for the child and do away with him.’ So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod was dead. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:
I called my son out of Egypt.
Herod was furious when he realised that he had been outwitted by the wise men, and in Bethlehem and its surrounding district he had all the male children killed who were two years old or under, reckoning by the date he had been careful to ask the wise men. It was then that the words spoken through the prophet Jeremiah were fulfilled:
A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loudly lamenting: it was Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted because they were no more.
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.
May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
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.
Dr. Peter Kreeft – Probes on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Kris McGregor discusses with Dr. Peter Kreeft about his book Probes: Deep Sea Diving into St. John’s Gospel. Inviting readers to actively engage with scripture as a dialogue with God, it blends study and prayer in a manner akin to Lectio Divina. Dr. Kreeft describes it as a deep-sea dive into the Gospel of John, requiring readers to immerse themselves, ask questions, and ponder deeply, trusting God to guide their understanding. Designed for both personal reflection and communal study, it interprets scripture as a living, transformative encounter with God rather than a passive academic exercise.
The Gospel of John is a profound exploration of Christ’s divinity and humanity, particularly in passages like John 17, which offers a glimpse into the life of the Trinity. Scripture “reads” us as much as we read it, creating a dynamic relationship with the living
Suitable for all Christians and even inquirers, Probes bridges study and devotion, encouraging readers to see scripture as a window to encounter God’s truth and love.
How Do I Engage With Scripture? Reflect on whether you approach the Bible as a living dialogue with God or merely as a study tool.
Am I Open to God’s Questions? Consider if you allow scripture to “read” and challenge your heart as much as you seek to understand its meaning.
Do I Ponder or Rush Through Prayer? Ask yourself if your spiritual practices include time for deep pondering and slow reflection, as Mary modeled in the Gospel.
Is My Faith Both Personal and Communal? Evaluate how your engagement with scripture fosters personal transformation and enriches group faith experiences.
How Does the Gospel Reveal Christ to Me? Reflect on how the Gospel of John helps you encounter the person of Christ, especially through passages like John 17.
Do I Trust God’s Guidance in My Search? Consider whether you trust God to lead you through the depths of scripture, even when answers aren’t immediately clear.
How Do I Share Scripture with Others? Contemplate how you can introduce others to a more profound engagement with the Word of God through shared study and prayer.
Do I Connect Scripture and Sacraments? Reflect on how your encounter with the Word deepens your appreciation of Christ’s presence in the sacraments.
From the book description
“This is no ordinary book. It is a set of probing questions (1,450 in fact) designed to help individuals or groups, especially groups, to dive deeply into Saint John’s Gospel. No answers are provided, but the questions are phrased in such a way as to set a person in a reliable direction for finding the answers.
The questions correspond to the verses of the Gospel and require active and personal interaction. Some of the questions are easy, some difficult, and they are marked accordingly. Some questions include background information or hints that help the reader along. Some were written with a fair bit of humor. Any person or group using these questions to explore John will find themselves entertained as well as informed and inspired.”
About the Author
Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, is one of the most respected and prolific Christian authors of our time. His books cover a vast array of topics in spirituality, theology, and philosophy. They include Doors in the Walls of the World, The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived, How to Be Holy, Because God Is Real, You Can Understand the Bible, and Summa of the Summa.
“On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Three French Hens …” symbolic of the gifts of the Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts symbolize the three theological values of faith, hope, and charity or sacrificial love and foretells of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father, we give thanks for family and the sacrificial love that is the glue that holds families together. We give thanks regardless of the situation and know You will bless us in our rejoicing. Jesus, we give thanks for Your exquisite, exemplary life and the model that it provides for our family and all others. We pray we can share faith, hope, and love this holiday season. Holy Spirit, we thank You for your presence in our life at all times. Amen.
¿Entregarse a mí no significa ni inquietarse, ni estar amargado, ni perder la esperanza, ni tampoco significa ofrecerme una oración pidiéndome que le siga y transformarle la preocupación en oración. Está en contra de esta entrega, profundamente en contra, la preocupación, el estar nervioso y pensar en las consecuencias de todo. Es como la confusión que sienten los críos cuando les piden a su madre atender a sus necesidades, y luego intentan ocuparse de esas necesidades por sí mismos con el fin de que sus intentos se entrometan en el camino de su madre. Rendir significa cerrar plácidamente los ojos del alma, rechazar los pensamientos de tribulación y ponerse en mi cuidado, para que sólo yo actúe, diciendo “Ocúpate tu”.
O Jesús, yo me entrego a Ti, ¡ocúpate de todo! (Repítelo 10 veces)
Madre, soy tuyo ahora y siempre.
A través de ti y contigo siempre quiero pertenecer completamente a Jesús.
Amén
Para la versión completa en audio de 9 días de la Novena del Abandono a la Voluntad de Dios visite aquí
Esta Novena fue compuesta por el Padre Dolindo Ruotolo (1882-1970) un sacerdote de Nápoles, Italia, para ayudar a quienes la rezan a entender que el Señor quiere que confiemos en Él sin importar cuál sea nuestro problema. Solo podemos elevarnos a este nivel de confianza a través de la gracia de Dios y la ayuda del Espíritu Santo. Debemos dejar de lado nuestros problemas, dejar de preocuparnos y tratar de resolverlos nosotros mismos. Debemos creer, confiar y permitir que nuestro Señor nos rescate de nosotros mismos y suplir nuestros deseos, necesidades y resolver nuestros problemas como solo Él puede. “Jesús, cuídalo tú”, deben ser las primeras palabras que nos vienen a la mente y brotan de nuestros labios.
Surrender to me does not mean to fret, to be upset, or to lose hope, nor does it mean offering to me a worried prayer asking me to follow you and change your worry into prayer. It is against this surrender, deeply against it, to worry, to be nervous and to desire to think about the consequences of anything. It is like the confusion that children feel when they ask their mother to see to their needs, and then try to take care of those needs for themselves so that their chi ldlike efforts get in their mother’s way. Surrender means to placidly close the eyes of the soul, to turn away from thoughts of tribulation and to put yourself in my care, so that only I act, saying “You take care of it”.
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)
Mother, I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you I always want to belong completely to Jesus.
The Feast of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist – A Christmas 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 St. John 20:2-8
On the first day of the week Mary of Magdala came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’
So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed.
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:
On the first day of the week Mary of Magdala came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’
So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed.
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:
On the first day of the week Mary of Magdala came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’
So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed.
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.
May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
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.
Episode 9 – The Passion of Saint Thérèse – St. Thérèse and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
**The last 30 minutes of this episode contains graphic descriptions that some might find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.**
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor examine the profound and often overlooked suffering of St. Thérèse of Lisieux during the final months of her life in 1897. The narrative begins with the context of her perpetual profession as a Carmelite and the subsequent public ceremony where she received the black veil, marking her definitive commitment.
He goes into Thérèse’s deteriorating health, marked by severe tuberculosis, which inflicted immense physical and spiritual pain. Despite the excruciating treatments and the lack of adequate pain relief, Thérèse maintained a remarkable composure, often displaying humor and unwavering faith. Her spiritual struggle, characterized by a profound darkness of faith, is juxtaposed with her outward calm and readiness to embrace suffering and unite it with Christ.
These struggles also took a significant emotional toll on her family and the Carmelite community, reinforcing the deep love and admiration they held for her. These accounts shed light on the lesser-known aspects of Thérèse’s final journey, revealing the depth of her suffering and the strength of her faith.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Self-Denial and Saving Souls: How can we practically apply Thérèse’s teaching on self-forgetfulness and saving souls to our lives, balancing self-care and self-sacrifice within Catholic self-denial?
The Hidden Suffering of a Saint: How does the delayed revelation of Thérèse’s suffering deepen or challenge our understanding of her “Little Way” and redemptive suffering?
The Body as Temple: Medical Details and Overall Understanding: How do Marie’s medical details about Thérèse contribute to an overall understanding of her, connecting to the Catholic view of the body as a temple?
Discerning Encouragement and Prioritizing Well-being: How do we discern between encouraging perseverance through suffering and prioritizing well-being, especially when caring for others?
The Spirituality of the Holy Face and Finding God in Suffering: How does meditating on Christ’s suffering (the “Holy Face”) inform our understanding of suffering and our relationship with God in difficult times?
Marie Guérin
About this Series
Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects upon the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, exploring how her life and spirituality were deeply influenced by her family and how it offers profound insights into everyday holiness. He examines the role of family and spiritual friendships in nurturing faith, the importance of compassionate care for others, and how Thérèse’s example can inspire listeners to seek sanctity in their daily lives. He also brings forth more details of the spiritual bond between the Martin and Guérin families, offering a model for fostering deeper connections within one’s own family and community.
Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola.” For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio, which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org
Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!
¿Por qué se confunden al preocuparse? Dejadme a mí el cuidado de vuestros negocios y todo mantendrá la calma. Le digo que todo acto de verdadera, ciega y completa rendición a mí me produce el efecto que deseáis y que resuelve toda complicada situación.
O Jesús, yo me entrego a Ti, ¡ocúpate de todo! (Repítelo 10 veces)
Madre, soy tuyo ahora y siempre.
A través de ti y contigo siempre quiero pertenecer completamente a Jesús.
Amén
Para la versión completa en audio de 9 días de la Novena del Abandono a la Voluntad de Dios visite aquí
Esta Novena fue compuesta por el Padre Dolindo Ruotolo (1882-1970) un sacerdote de Nápoles, Italia, para ayudar a quienes la rezan a entender que el Señor quiere que confiemos en Él sin importar cuál sea nuestro problema. Solo podemos elevarnos a este nivel de confianza a través de la gracia de Dios y la ayuda del Espíritu Santo. Debemos dejar de lado nuestros problemas, dejar de preocuparnos y tratar de resolverlos nosotros mismos. Debemos creer, confiar y permitir que nuestro Señor nos rescate de nosotros mismos y suplir nuestros deseos, necesidades y resolver nuestros problemas como solo Él puede. “Jesús, cuídalo tú”, deben ser las primeras palabras que nos vienen a la mente y brotan de nuestros labios.
“On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Four Calling Birds …”symbolizing the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John which proclaim the good news of God’s reconciliation of the world to Himself through Jesus Christ.
“On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Three French Hens …” symbolic of the gifts of the Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts symbolize the three theological values of faith, hope, and charity or sacrificial love and foretells of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
