Day 7 – The Principalities – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Day 7 – The Celestial Choir of Principalities – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena

V/. O God, + come to my assistance
R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory Be

Day 7 – The Celestial Choir of Principalities

The PRINCIPALITIES are the first of the choirs most concerned with the earth and are traditionally declared to have the roles of caretakers over every nation, province, county, district, city, town, village, and house, working with the guardian angels, who also are assigned to every spot and person. Two other areas of concern for the principalities are religion and politics. The former they encourage to spread by prayer and spiritual encouragement; the latter they seek to regulate for the good of humanity by guiding the thoughts and especially the ethics of what Dionysius termed the “leaders of people” all over the world.

Bunson, Matthew. Angels A to Z (Kindle Locations 4096-4110). Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale. Kindle Edition.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.

Our Father …Hail Mary

O GLORIOUS Prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King, and our admirable conductor, thou who dost shine with excellence and superhuman virtue, vouchsafe to deliver us from all evil, who turn to thee with confidence, and enable us by thy gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.

V/. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ.
R/. That we may be made worthy of His promises.

Almighty and Everlasting God, Who by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, hast appointed the most glorious Archangel, St. Michael, Prince of Thy Church, make us worthy, we beseech Thee, to be delivered from all our enemies that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into the august presence of Thy Divine Majesty. This we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Visit here for the entire 9-Day Novena to St. Michael and the Holy Angels

Visit here for the Chaplet of St. Michael – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

Day 1 – Trust in Divine Mercy – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 1 – Trust in Divine Mercy – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart

From the Diary of St. Faustina, 1578 – Jesus speaks to Faustina:

“The graces of My mercy are drawn by one vessel only, and that is trust. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive. Souls that trust boundlessly are a great comfort to Me, because I pour all the treasures of My graces into them. I rejoice that they ask for much, because it is My desire to give much, very much. On the other hand, I am sad when souls ask for little, when they narrow their hearts.”

St. Faustina’s mission centered on the importance of trust in God’s mercy. Jesus revealed to her that trust is the vessel through which we receive the treasures of His grace. Reflect today on how much trust you place in Jesus. Do you open your heart to receive the abundant grace He wants to give you, or do you limit Him by asking for little? Jesus invites you to trust Him more deeply so that He can pour “much, very much” into your life. Expand your heart, knowing that His desire is to bless you far more than you can imagine.

Lord Jesus, I know that Your mercy is abundant and infinite. Help me to trust in Your Divine Providence and open my heart to receive all the graces You wish to pour into my life. May I never ask for too little, but always trust that You desire to bless me in ways beyond my understanding. St. Faustina, help me to trust in Jesus’ Divine Mercy in all things, especially in times of difficulty, doubt, and fear. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, through the intercession of St. Faustina, Apostle of Divine Mercy, I ask for the grace to live more fully in Your mercy. Help me to trust in You completely, to offer mercy to others, and to live in the joy of Your love. May St. Faustina guide me in my journey toward holiness, and may her prayers obtain for me the graces I most need. Amen.

St. Faustina, pray for us.

You find the entire 9-Day St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart tap here

You can find the Discerning Hearts “Chaplet of Divine Mercy” tap here

You find the Diary here

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

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Friday of the Twenty-Fifth 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 9:18-22

One day when Jesus was praying alone in the presence of his disciples he put this question to them, ‘Who do the crowds say I am?’ And they answered, ‘John the Baptist; others Elijah; and others say one of the ancient prophets come back to life.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ It was Peter who spoke up. ‘The Christ of God’ he said. But he gave them strict orders not to tell anyone anything about this.
‘The Son of Man’ he said ‘is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.’

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:

One day when Jesus was praying alone in the presence of his disciples he put this question to them, ‘Who do the crowds say I am?’ And they answered, ‘John the Baptist; others Elijah; and others say one of the ancient prophets come back to life.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ It was Peter who spoke up. ‘The Christ of God’ he said. But he gave them strict orders not to tell anyone anything about this.
‘The Son of Man’ he said ‘is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.’

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:

One day when Jesus was praying alone in the presence of his disciples he put this question to them, ‘Who do the crowds say I am?’ And they answered, ‘John the Baptist; others Elijah; and others say one of the ancient prophets come back to life.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ It was Peter who spoke up. ‘The Christ of God’ he said. But he gave them strict orders not to tell anyone anything about this.
‘The Son of Man’ he said ‘is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.’

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.

WOM6 – The Penitential Rite, pt. 2 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Eucharist and Moral Living Deacon James Keating Kris McGregor Discerning Hearts Podcast

The Penitential Rite, Part 2 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating

Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss the role of silence and mercy within the Mass, especially during the penitential rite. Practical concerns, such as time pressures, often cause parishes to rush past important prayers like the Confiteor or the Kyrie. Genuine silence allows people to transition from the busyness of daily life into the sacred encounter of the liturgy. Silence isn’t “dead air” but a sacred space where Christ Himself speaks truth to the heart. To benefit from this gift, the faithful need formation on how to enter silence and discern God’s voice from distractions, guilt, or mere psychological noise. Pastors and parishes should embrace these pauses more generously and to create a rhythm that differs from the entertainment-driven pace of modern culture.

Dcn. Keating also reflects on the Kyrie as the most authentic human prayer, since it acknowledges God’s very identity as mercy and places our sins within the context of Christ’s saving ministry. Even fleeting moments of awareness during Mass can bring profound communion with God, similar to suddenly noticing a spouse’s beauty in an ordinary moment. Families can nurture this capacity by practicing silence and prayer at home with their children, so that when extended silences occur in church, they feel natural. The Mass should never be treated as a performance but as the sober, transformative action of the Holy Spirit drawing the congregation into deeper union with Christ, where both music and silence have their rightful place.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How do I personally prepare to move from the noise of daily life into the silence of the Mass?
When silence is offered during the liturgy, do I truly rest in God’s presence or simply wait for the next part to begin?
How do I understand the words “Lord, have mercy” as both a prayer of need and an encounter with God’s very identity?
In what ways might I be rushing through the liturgy instead of opening space for God to act in me?
How can I practice silence and prayer within my home so that it becomes natural during Mass?
Do I recognize moments, even fleeting, when Christ’s mercy deeply touches me, and do I allow myself to receive them fully?
How might my participation in Mass change if I viewed silence not as absence, but as a sacred form of communion?
Am I open to the Holy Spirit’s quiet work within me during the Eucharist, or do I cling to my own expectations and pace?

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

Day 1 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 1 – St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Day 1: Simplicity

St. Francis, you gave up everything to follow Our Lord more perfectly. In embracing holy poverty, you lived the Gospel in its most radical form, imitating the poverty of Christ Himself. You found in simplicity the freedom to love God with an undivided heart, rejecting the fleeting pleasures of this world for the eternal joy of Heaven. In a society distracted by material wealth, your life is a beacon that points us to the true treasure—union with Christ.

Let us pray:
O holy St. Francis, obtain for me the grace to embrace the virtue of simplicity. Help me detach from material possessions and worldly concerns, so that I may live with a heart free to love and serve God above all things. Teach me to imitate your spirit of poverty, finding joy in possessing nothing but Christ. Through your intercession, may I grow in trust in Divine Providence, confident that God will supply all my needs.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

St. Francis, pray for us.

For the entire 9-Day St. Francis of Assisi Novena for the Discerning Hearts with Msgr. John Esseff tap here

Courage – The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart w/Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor

Courage

Courage is the third attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, courage means trusting Christ even when the path is uncertain. When fear threatens to hold us back, His words remind us: “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” St. Teresa of Ávila teaches us to persevere in faith, showing that true courage rests not in ourselves but in God who never changes.

Scripture Reading:
“But immediately he spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart, it is I; have no fear.’ And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’” (Matthew 14:27–29)

The disciples were in the boat when a storm rose against them. Waves crashed, the wind howled, and their hearts were filled with fear. In that moment, they saw Jesus walking on the water, but instead of comfort, their terror deepened — they thought they were seeing a ghost.

Into their fear, Jesus spoke words that cut through the chaos: “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” With those words, He not only calmed the storm, but He gave His disciples courage.

Courage is not the absence of fear. Even saints felt trembling in the face of difficulty. Courage means moving forward in trust, even while fear is still present. It is choosing to fix our eyes on Christ rather than on the storm.

In the discerning heart, courage means letting go of our demand for certainty. We may not know how everything will unfold. The road ahead may be hidden. Yet if Christ is calling, courage moves us to step forward. Each act of trust, no matter how small, strengthens us to follow Him more faithfully.

Saint’s Teaching:
St. Teresa of Ávila knew well what it meant to face storms. She endured illness, criticism, misunderstanding, and many obstacles in her reform of the Carmelite order. Yet she pressed on with steadfast trust in God.

She encouraged her sisters with words that still speak to us today: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing; God never changes.”

Her courage was not loud or dramatic. It was rooted in the quiet conviction that God is faithful, that His presence is stronger than fear, and that He never abandons His children.

Guided Application Questions:

In what part of my life is fear holding me back from following God’s call?
Bring that fear to prayer and hear Christ’s words spoken to you: “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”
How can I take one step forward in trust, even if I cannot see the whole path?
Ask the Lord for the grace of courage, and act on one small step today.
When I hesitate, how can I remember to pray: “Jesus, I trust in You”?
Offer that moment to God and move forward with confidence in His care.

Closing Prayer:
Almighty God, You strengthened St. Teresa of Ávila to trust You in times of trial.
Grant me the gift of holy courage to follow wherever You call.
Calm my fears with the words of Your Son: “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”
Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Discover The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart — openness, generosity, courage, interior freedom, prayerful reflection, right priorities, and God as the true end — HERE

A Novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux – Day Four – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena – Day Four

St. Therese you have said:

“I am convinced that one should tell one’s spiritual director if one has a great desire for communion, for our Lord does not come from heaven every day to stay in a golden ciborium; He comes to find another heaven, the heaven of our soul in which He loves to dwell.”

Saint Therese, flower of Carmel,
you said you would spend your heaven
doing good upon the earth.
Your trust in God was complete.

Listen to my prayer;
bring before God my special intention…
Pray for me that I may have something of your confidence
in the loving promises of our God.
Pray that I may live my life in union with God’s plan for me,
and one day see the Face of God who you so ardently loved.

Saint Therese,
you kept your word to love God
and to trust the world to that loving providence.
Pray for us that we may be faithful to our commitment to love.
May our lives, like yours,
be able to touch the world and bring it to peace.

Amen

Day 6 – The Powers – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Day 6 – The Celestial Choir of Powers – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena

V/. O God, + come to my assistance
R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory Be

Day 6 – The Celestial Choir of Powers

The POWERS have the task of defeating the efforts of the demons in overthrowing the world and are declared the awesome defenders of the cosmos against all evil and the maintainers of all cosmic order and equilibrium. They are the guardians of the heavenly paths, policing the routes to and from heaven to the earth, which means that they concern themselves as well with all humanity. The great harmonizers, they assist each soul to overcome the temptations placed before it to do evil and to lean instead toward the proper action, which is to love and worship God.

Bunson, Matthew. Angels A to Z (Kindle Locations 3988-3999). Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale. Kindle Edition.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers, may the Lord vouchsafe to protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.

Our Father …Hail Mary

V/. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ.
R/. That we may be made worthy of His promises.

Visit here for the entire 9-Day Novena to St. Michael and the Holy Angels

Visit here for the Chaplet of St. Michael – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

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

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Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth 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 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch had heard about all that was being done by Jesus; and he was puzzled, because some people were saying that John had risen from the dead, others that Elijah had reappeared, still others that one of the ancient prophets had come back to life. But Herod said, ‘John? I beheaded him. So who is this I hear such reports about?’ And he was anxious to see Jesus.

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:

Herod the tetrarch had heard about all that was being done by Jesus; and he was puzzled, because some people were saying that John had risen from the dead, others that Elijah had reappeared, still others that one of the ancient prophets had come back to life. But Herod said, ‘John? I beheaded him. So who is this I hear such reports about?’ And he was anxious to see Jesus.

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:

Herod the tetrarch had heard about all that was being done by Jesus; and he was puzzled, because some people were saying that John had risen from the dead, others that Elijah had reappeared, still others that one of the ancient prophets had come back to life. But Herod said, ‘John? I beheaded him. So who is this I hear such reports about?’ And he was anxious to see Jesus.

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.

HSE9 – The Reasons for Spiritual Desolation – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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The Reasons for Spiritual Desolation – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J.

Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor explores St. Ignatius of Loyola’s rules for discerning spirits, which are seen as one of the saint’s greatest gifts to the Church. Fr. Wieck explains that thoughts can arise from three sources: ourselves, God and the good angels, or the evil one and his forces. The rules help us recognize these origins, allowing us to receive inspirations that lead toward God and reject those that draw us away. In the first stages of the spiritual life, Ignatius notes that the evil spirit encourages people to remain in sin by appealing to comfort, vanity, and pride, while the Holy Spirit unsettles the conscience to draw the soul back. As one grows in virtue, this dynamic reverses—the Holy Spirit consoles and strengthens, while the evil spirit creates obstacles, discouragement, and confusion.

Consolation brings inner joy, a deepening of faith, hope, and charity, and a greater desire for God. Desolation, on the other hand, feels heavy and dry, with temptations toward sadness, doubt, or giving up. St. Ignatius teaches not to make changes during desolation, but rather to resist by continuing prayer, even adding to it, and by remembering hopeful truths. God allows desolation for three reasons: to show us when we have strayed, to strengthen spiritual “muscles” through resistance, and to remind us that consolation is pure gift, not something earned. Both states, when lived faithfully, draw us deeper into freedom and love of God, helping us persevere in the daily choice to follow Christ.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Reflection Questions:

When I notice my thoughts, can I pause to ask whether they come from myself, God, or the evil one?
How have I experienced the difference between thoughts that leave me consoled versus those that leave me restless or discouraged?
Do I sometimes confuse false humility or self-criticism with authentic movements of the Holy Spirit?
How do I respond when I fall into desolation—do I give up, or do I remain faithful to prayer and trust in God’s timing?
Can I recognize times when God used dryness or struggle to strengthen my spiritual life?
Do I remember that every consolation I experience is pure gift from God, not something I can claim as my own achievement?
In my daily choices, how do I discern whether I am moving toward deeper praise, reverence, and service of God or away from Him?

Fr. Anthony Wieck is a Jesuit priest of the Central & Southern province. Sixth of nine children, raised on a farm in Oregon, Fr. Anthony began religious life in 1994, spending his first five years of formation in Rome, Italy, studying at the Casa Balthasar and the Gregorian. The former was under the watchful patronage of Pope Benedict XVI (then-Card. Joseph Ratzinger). Fr. Anthony currently acts as retreat master at White House Jesuit Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri. He also offers spiritual direction at the St. Louis diocesan seminary for 25 future priests there.