Generosity – 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

Generosity

Generosity is the second attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, generosity means giving ourselves to God without reserve, echoing Mary’s fiat: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Inspired by the radical joy of St. Francis of Assisi, this reflection invites us to let go of conditions and respond to God’s call with a heart that trusts His goodness.

Scripture Reading:
“And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son…’ And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’” (Luke 1:30–31, 38)

At the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel brings Mary a message she could never have imagined. She is told she will conceive and bear the Son of God. Her whole life will change in a moment.

Mary’s response is simple yet profound: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” She does not ask for guarantees. She does not negotiate terms. She simply offers herself, completely and without reserve, into the hands of God.

This is the heart of generosity: a willingness to give ourselves to God’s plan, even when we do not fully understand it. True generosity is not only about giving possessions or time, but about offering our very selves. It means holding nothing back, trusting that God’s will, though sometimes mysterious, is always rooted in love.

In the discerning heart, generosity frees us. When we cling to control or keep parts of our lives closed off from God, we carry burdens He never meant for us to carry. But when we give ourselves wholly to Him, we discover a freedom and joy that only surrender can bring.

Saint’s Teaching:
St. Francis of Assisi is a shining example of this kind of generosity. Born into wealth, he renounced every privilege, not out of bitterness, but out of joy. He discovered that by giving up possessions, reputation, and comfort, he was free to live entirely for God.

Francis did not simply give things away; he gave himself away. His life became a continual yes to God, echoing the fiat of Mary. In him, we see that generosity is not loss — it is the discovery of life in abundance.

Guided Application Questions:

In what ways do I place conditions on my willingness to follow God’s will?
Ask Him to make your yes more complete, and pray for the grace to surrender freely.
How can I practice generosity of heart today?
Choose one small act of love — a kindness, a sacrifice, or an offering of time — and give it to God with joy.
When I pray, how can I echo Mary’s words: “Let it be to me according to Your word”?
Repeat her fiat slowly today, asking God to make it true in your own heart.

Closing Prayer:
Lord God, You filled the Blessed Virgin Mary with grace so she could say yes without hesitation.
Grant me a generous heart that holds nothing back from You.
Through the example of St. Francis of Assisi, teach me to surrender everything in love.
May my life echo Mary’s fiat: “Let it be done to me according to Your word.”
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 Three – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena – Day Three

St. Therese you have said:

“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”

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 5 – The Virtues – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Day 5 – The Celestial Choir of Virtues – 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 5 – The Celestial Choir of Virtues

The VIRTUES specifically preside over the elements of the world and the process of celestial life. Thus all heavenly bodies—from the stars and planets to the galaxies themselves—are kept in their divinely appointed routes and progress. On earth the Virtues maintain a watch over nature, marking and guiding every facet of natural life: rain, wind, snow, etc. St. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologica, noted that Virtues are in charge of miracles. As if these duties were not enough, the Virtues also assist humanity by bestowing grace and valor within the mortal heart. They give encouragement to the human to turn always to the good and help bolster the person’s will to endure hardship and suffering and to have the personal strength to turn ever toward God. As the angels in charge of miracles, they receive their orders from the powers, but they also are connected closely to the saints.

Bunson, Matthew. Angels A to Z (Kindle Locations 5051-5060). Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale. Kindle Edition.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil and suffer us not to fall into temptation. 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

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

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Wednesday 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 9:1-6

Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for the journey: neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and let none of you take a spare tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there; and when you leave, let it be from there. As for those who do not welcome you, when you leave their town shake the dust from your feet as a sign to them.’ So they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and healing everywhere.

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 called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for the journey: neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and let none of you take a spare tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there; and when you leave, let it be from there. As for those who do not welcome you, when you leave their town shake the dust from your feet as a sign to them.’ So they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and healing everywhere.

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 called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for the journey: neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and let none of you take a spare tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there; and when you leave, let it be from there. As for those who do not welcome you, when you leave their town shake the dust from your feet as a sign to them.’ So they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and healing everywhere.

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. Padre Pio and the Healing of the Church – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Padre Pio and the Healing of the Church – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his encounters with Padre Pio, especially the suffering and rejection that marked the saint’s life. He recalls visiting him during the years when Padre Pio was silenced and confined to a remote monastery, accused of falsifying his wounds. In spite of this, Padre Pio remained obedient, serving tirelessly in the confessional and carrying both the visible stigmata and the hidden wounds of abandonment. He shares personal experiences—such as being looked at deeply by Padre Pio, attending his Mass, and witnessing the Eucharistic sacrifice marked by blood—that profoundly shaped his priesthood. Padre Pio promised his ongoing help through prayer and angelic intercession, a gift Esseff has leaned on throughout his ministry, especially in confession and spiritual direction.

Just as the saint’s hidden suffering could not keep his light concealed, so too God works through rejection, weakness, and silence to reveal truth and love. The example of Padre Pio demonstrates humility, prayer, and complete union with Christ’s cross, which leads to resurrection glory. Sainthood is not about perfection but about reliance on grace. Even the holiest figures struggled with weakness and sin, yet God’s power was revealed through them.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does Padre Pio’s hidden suffering challenge me to accept moments of rejection or misunderstanding in my own life?
In what ways am I called to remain obedient and faithful when silenced or limited by circumstances beyond my control?
Do I recognize the Eucharist as the place where Christ unites my own struggles with his sacrifice?
How do I allow the light of Christ within me to shine when I feel hidden or forgotten?
When faced with weakness or temptation, do I turn to prayer as Padre Pio did in his “Stay with me, Lord” prayer?
What does Padre Pio’s example teach me about relying on God’s grace rather than my own strength?
How can I participate in the rebuilding of the Church today through humility, love, and fidelity to Christ?

St. Padre Pio Communion Prayer:

Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have you present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life and without You I am without fervor.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light and without You I am in darkness.

Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice and follow You.

Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You very much and alway be in Your company.

Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You.

Stay with me, Lord, as poor as my soul is I want it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of Love.

Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close and life passes, death, judgment and eternity approach. It is necessary to renew my strenth, so that I will not stop along the way and for that, I need You. It is getting late and death approaches, I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows. O how I need You, my Jesus, in this night of exile!

Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all its dangers, I need You.

Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of the bread, so that the Eucharistic Communion be the Light which disperses the darkness, the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart.

Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You, if not by Communion, at least by grace and love.

Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for, Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more.

With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity. Amen.

Openness – 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

Openness

Openness is the first attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, this means learning to listen with trust — to receive God’s word not only with our minds but with the “ear of the heart,” as St. Benedict teaches. In this episode, we explore how openness helps us recognize God’s voice, let go of our own expectations, and enter prayer with faith that His will is always good. Guided by Scripture and the wisdom of the saints, this reflection invites us to begin the journey of the Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart.

Scripture Reading:
“The Lord came and stood forth, calling as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” (1 Samuel 3:10)

When Samuel first heard God’s voice, he did not recognize it.
He thought it was the priest Eli calling him.
But once Eli guided him, Samuel responded with the words that would shape the rest of his life: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

That short prayer shows us the heart of openness.
It is the attitude of one who knows that God is speaking, and who chooses to listen with trust.

Openness does not mean coming to prayer empty of cares.
We are invited to bring our joys, our struggles, our needs, and our gratitude before the Lord.
But in the discerning heart, openness means that after laying these things at His feet, we do not cling to our own answers or expectations.
We trust that His ways are higher than our ways, and that His word may surprise us.

To be open is to make space for God to act in ways we could not have planned.
It is to say, “Lord, I am ready for whatever You desire in this moment.”
This is the attitude of the heart that discerns well.

Saint’s Teaching:
St. Benedict begins the Rule with these words:
“Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.”

The “ear of the heart” listens differently from the ear of the body.
It is tuned not just to sounds, but to the movements of God in silence, in Scripture, and in daily life.

In the discerning heart, openness means cultivating this kind of listening.
Not selective, not distracted, but attentive, willing, and ready to respond with love.

Guided Application Questions:

Am I truly open to God’s voice, or do I only want Him to confirm my own plans?
Ask the Lord to show you one place where He is inviting you to listen more deeply.
In what part of my life am I clinging to my own expectations instead of trusting God’s desire for me?
Pray: “Jesus, I trust in You. Not my will, but Yours be done.”
How can I begin to listen with the “ear of my heart” each day?
Try setting aside a few minutes of silence today, asking God to speak, then simply rest in His presence.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, open the ears of my heart to hear Your word.
Grant me the grace to listen as Samuel did, and to answer You with trust.
Through the intercession of St. Benedict, may I grow in the desire to follow You faithfully.
I ask this 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 Two – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena – Day Two

St. Therese you have said:

“If I did not simply live from one moment to another, it would be impossible for me to be patient, but I only look at the present, I forget the past, and I take good care not to forestall the future.”

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

Amen

Visit here for the complete 9 Day St. Therese Novena

Day 4 – The Dominations – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Day 4 – The Celestial Choir of Dominations – 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 4 – The Celestial Choir of Dominations

The DOMINATIONS are called also the Dominions. The Dominations belong to the second triad, with the virtues and powers, and are ranked fourth overall among the angelic choirs. The Dominations have the duty in the heavenly host of regulating the tasks of the angels, and “through them the majesty of God is manifested.” Through the efforts of the Dominations—who are naturally seen only rarely by mortals—the very order of the cosmos is maintained. They handle the minute details of cosmic life and existence, designating tasks to the lower orders of angels. The Dominations receive their instructions from the cherubim or thrones.

Bunson, Matthew. Angels A to Z (Kindle Locations 1467-1471). Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale. Kindle Edition.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominations, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and subdue our unruly passions. 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

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

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Tuesday 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 8:19-21

The mother and the brothers of Jesus came looking for him, but they could not get to him because of the crowd. He was told, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to see you.’ But he said in answer, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’

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 mother and the brothers of Jesus came looking for him, but they could not get to him because of the crowd. He was told, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to see you.’ But he said in answer, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’

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 mother and the brothers of Jesus came looking for him, but they could not get to him because of the crowd. He was told, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to see you.’ But he said in answer, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’

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.

SD6 – Dealing with Dryness in Prayer – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Dealing with Dryness in Prayer – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor explore the relationship between dryness in prayer and spiritual desolation through the lens of St. Ignatius and early Jesuit writings. While Ignatius’ Rule 4 doesn’t list dryness explicitly, later directories—some influenced by his notes—do connect dryness with desolation, describing it as the absence of consolation, warmth, or clarity. Different forms of dryness are discussed: lack of instruction in prayer, neglect of regular practices, or inconsistency between prayer and life. In these cases, the response is practical—learning to pray, renewing commitment, or aligning life with prayer. Importantly, not every dryness signals failure; some arises from natural life changes or circumstances that shift how prayer can be lived out.

The conversation also highlights real-life examples: new parents unable to attend daily Mass, elderly or ill individuals whose energy for formal prayer diminishes, or active servants of the Church suddenly facing aridity. In each case, the counsel is to pray in ways that are possible within current circumstances, without guilt or self-condemnation. True prayer may take humble forms—silent trust, brief moments of recollection, or even offering suffering as prayer. Gallagher points to St. Francis de Sales and St. Thérèse of Lisieux as guides, noting that the smallest acts of love united with God can bear immense fruit for the Church. The enemy exploits discouragement, but Ignatian wisdom helps recognize such lies and persevere with hope.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

When I experience dryness in prayer, do I pause to ask whether it comes from lack of instruction, neglect, or inconsistency in my life?
How can I better learn from the Church’s rich tradition of prayer to strengthen my daily practice?
In what ways might my choices or habits be creating a disconnect between my life and my prayer?
Do I allow changing life circumstances—such as family, work, or health—to discourage me, or do I seek new ways to pray within them?
How do I respond when I cannot pray as I once did—do I receive it with surrender and trust, or with self-condemnation?
Am I willing to see my sufferings, limitations, or small daily sacrifices as a form of prayer united to Christ?
When discouragement whispers that I am failing, how do I recall God’s truth about my worth and His closeness?
Do I believe that even the smallest movement of love offered to God can bear great fruit for the Church and the world?

From Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits:

“A first form of dryness may result simply from lack of formation in prayer. Persons of good will desire to pray and make sincere attempts to do so. Because these persons, how- ever, have never received formation in prayer, they flounder, unsure of how to proceed: their prayer is dry. The need here is exposure to classic and effective forms of prayer: lectio div- ina, Ignatian meditation or imaginative contemplation, the Liturgy of the Hours, and so forth. Once these persons learn how to pray, the floundering will cease, and this form of dry- ness will be overcome.21

Dryness may also arise from negligence in the life of prayer or from an inconsistency between a person’s prayer and life. If such persons weaken in fidelity to prayer, no longer dedi- cate consistent time to it, or no longer prepare in the way they find helpful, dryness may result. Likewise, behavior contrary to the Gospel may also cause prayer to feel dry: the dishar- mony between prayer and life will render prayer more dif- ficult—more dry.22

Yet another experience of “dryness” may result from solid growth in prayer. A point may arrive when God now calls such persons to a more simplified form of prayer. The ear- lier, more active and discursive methods no longer assist as before, while the new and simpler way of praying is not yet firmly established. This is a healthy “dryness” and a sign of growth. Competent spiritual direction will greatly assist such persons to negotiate this blessed passage in prayer.”

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