In this episode, Dr. Lilles discusses the Sixth Mansions Chapter 6 part 1 of the “Interior Castle” which covers:
DESCRIBES AN EFFECT WHICH PROVES THE PRAYER SPOKEN OF IN THE LAST CHAPTER TO BE GENUINE AND NO DECEPTION, TREATS OF ANOTHER FAVOUR OUR LORD BESTOWS ON THE SOUL TO MAKE IT PRAISE HIM FERVENTLY.
1. The soul longs for death. 2. The soul cannot help desiring these favours. 3. St. Teresa bewails her inability to serve God. 3. Fervour resulting from ecstasies. 5. Excessive desires to see God should be restrained. 6. They endanger health. 7. Tears often come from Physical causes. 8. St. Teresa’s own experience. 9. Works, not tears, are asked by God. 10. Confide entirely in God. 11. The jubilee of the soul. 12. Impossibility of concealing this joy. 13. The world’s judgment of this jubilee. 14. Which is often felt by the nuns of St. Joseph’s. 15. The Saint’s delight in this jubilee.
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D. is an associate professor and the academic dean of Saint John’s Seminary in Camarillo as well as the academic advisor for Juan Diego House of Priestly Formation for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. For over twenty years he served the Church in Northern Colorado where he joined and eventually served as dean of the founding faculty of Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. Through the years, clergy, seminarians, religious and lay faithful have benefited from his lectures and retreat conferences on the Carmelite Doctors of the Church and the writings of St. Elisabeth of the Trinity.
Episode 1 -Baptism: Born from Above– The significance of Jesus’ baptism. The ministry of parenthood. The role of the father.
Deacon Keating takes a careful look at the Baptismal Rite and offers prayerful reflection and insight to help us live out the faith and nurture the domestic church.
From the Baptismal Rite for Children:
From the earliest times, the Church, to which the mission of preaching the Gospel and of baptizing was entrusted, has baptized not only adults but children as well. Our Lord said:
‘Unless a man is reborn in water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’ The Church has always understood these words to mean that children should not be deprived of baptism, because they are baptized in the faith of the Church, a faith proclaimed for them by their parents and godparents, who represent both the local Church and the whole society of saints and believers: ‘The whole Church is the mother of all and the mother of each.’
To fulfill the true meaning of the sacrament, children must later be formed in the faith in which they have been baptized. The foundation of this formation will be the sacrament itself that they have already received. Christian formation, which is their due, seeks to lead them gradually to learn God’s plan in Christ, so that they may ultimately accept for themselves the faith in which they have been baptized.
How can this be accomplished? What is the role of the parents, the godparents, the minister of baptism, the Church? These and other questions are reflected upon in “Baptism: Born from Above with Deacon James Keating”.
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.
You can find the book here.
(A great gift for clergy)
From the book description:
Deacon James Keating’s book Abiding in Christ: Staying with God in a Busy World is a how-to-pray resource. This book helps readers to find a quiet space wherein they can be present to God and offers suggestions of how they can be more open to God s movement within them.
Episode 11 – Julian the Apostate – “Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians“
In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss Julian the Apostate, an emperor of Rome who was disillusioned by how his family who claimed to be Christians, yet acted counter to what they professed. He would embrace paganism and tried to eliminate Christian influence in the Roman Empire.
An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church:
Christians remembered Julian as “the Apostate”—the one emperor who tried to turn back to paganism. There would be no others. From 363 to 1453, when Constantinople finally fell, the Roman Empire would be Christian.
But what can we say about Julian the man? He might have been a very good emperor if he had had better relatives. In spite of his retrograde religious views, he was personally moral—in fact, puritanical—and a competent administrator when the problem was limited and solvable. Perhaps the best tribute to him comes from the Christian poet Prudentius, who neatly summed up Julian in one line:
Faithless he was to God, though not to Rome.7
Aquilina, Mike. Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians . Emmaus Road Publishing. Kindle Edition.
You can find the book on which this series is based here
Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries(2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the Eternal Word Television Network and is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio.
Does Catholicism oppress women? Or is it the opposite? More tough questions as we move through Hans Urs von Balthasar’s “A Short Primer for Unsettled Laymen”.
Hans Urs von Balthasar addresses the critical issues that have been unsettling the Catholic laity since the Second Vatican Council. In a clear and readable manner, he focuses on the core elements of the faith: the Word of God; the life, death, and resurrection of Christ; the sacraments; the structure of the Church; and Mary.
Speaking plainly about the polarization within the Catholic Church, he also discusses the various ideological trends—such as liberalism, progressivism, and traditionalism—that have undermined the confidence and the unity of the faithful.
“In this Primer, Balthasar addresses today’s faithful laity who feel that [the] solidity of the Church is shifting beneath their feet. He speaks to those who fear that the Church has done what she ought not to do: that she is in fact relaxing her demands in order to win favor, not from God, but from man. Into this situation, Balthasar re-proposes the ‘form’ of Jesus Christ as revealed in his Church. This form is ‘only the whole’: the whole, concrete reality of Christ, conveyed within Catholic tradition. This form is ‘spun from three strands’ of Word, sacrament, and ecclesial authority. These three provide the Church with the ability to remain on course despite the winds blowing through history.”
— Angela Franks, Ph.D., From the Foreword
In this episode, Dr. Lilles discusses the Sixth Mansions Chapter 5 part 2 of the “Interior Castle” which covers:
TREATS OF THE SAME SUBJECT AS THE LAST CHAPTER AND DESCRIBES THE FLIGHT OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS ANOTHER WAY BY WHICH GOD ELEVATES THE SOUL: THIS REQUIRES GREAT COURAGE IN ONE EXPERIENCING IT. THIS FAVOUR, BY WHICH GOD GREATLY DELIGHTS THE SOUL IS EXPLAINED. THIS CHAPTER IS VERY PROFITABLE.
1. The flight of the spirit. 2. Self-control completely lost. 3. Symbol of the two cisterns. 4. Obligations following the se favours. 5. Humility produced by them. 6. How our crucified Lord comforted such a soul. 7. A humble soul fears these favours. 8. Mysteries learnt during the flight of the spirit. 9. Imaginary visions sometimes accompany intellectual ones. 10. How the flight of the spirit takes place. 11. The soul fortified by it. 12. Three great graces left in the soul. 13. The third grace. 14. Fear caused by this favour..
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D. is an associate professor and the academic dean of Saint John’s Seminary in Camarillo as well as the academic advisor for Juan Diego House of Priestly Formation for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. For over twenty years he served the Church in Northern Colorado where he joined and eventually served as dean of the founding faculty of Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. Through the years, clergy, seminarians, religious and lay faithful have benefited from his lectures and retreat conferences on the Carmelite Doctors of the Church and the writings of St. Elisabeth of the Trinity.
Episode 1 The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the coming series and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
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: www.frtimothygallagher.org
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: www.frtimothygallagher.org
In the persons who go from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is commonly used to propose to them apparent pleasures, making them imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses the opposite method, pricking them and biting their consciences through the process of reason.
Fr. Timothy Gallagher highlights the spiritual journey of St. Augustine as an example of the first rule of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Augustine’s story illustrates the battle between sensual temptations and moral conscience. As a young man, Augustine indulged in sensual pleasures, leading a life far from God. This period was marked by restlessness and moral conflict.
Fr. Gallagher points out that the “enemy” tempts with apparent pleasures, while the “good spirit” strikes back by stirring the conscience. Augustine’s moment of conversion in a garden, influenced by the Holy Spirit and the words of Scripture, exemplifies this struggle and transformation. Fr. Gallagher stresses that understanding this spiritual dynamic is essential to recognizing and overcoming temptations, leading to deeper communion with God. The dialogue underscores the importance of awareness and action in the spiritual life, especially in today’s media-saturated culture.
Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:
Contrasting Temptations and Conscience: Reflect on your experiences with temptation. How do you recognize when you are being drawn toward ‘earthly pleasures’? How does your faith-informed conscience respond to these temptations?
St. Augustine’s Transformation: Consider St. Augustine’s spiritual journey. What aspects of his story resonate with your own spiritual experiences? Have there been moments in your life where you felt a significant shift in your faith or moral understanding?
Role of Media and Modern Influences: In today’s world, filled with various forms of media, how do you discern which influences bring you closer to God and which ones draw you away? What steps can you take to align your daily media engagement with your Catholic values?
Recognizing the ‘Good Spirit’: How do you identify the action of the ‘good spirit’ in your life? Can you recall instances where you felt your conscience was actively guiding you back to the right path?
Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: How familiar are you with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius? Considering the insights from the discussion, how might these exercises benefit your spiritual growth, especially in understanding the interplay between temptation and conscience?
The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
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: www.frtimothygallagher.org
In the persons who are going on intensely cleansing their sins and rising from good to better in the service of God our Lord, it is the method contrary to that in the first Rule, for then it is the way of the evil spirit to bite, sadden and put obstacles, disquieting with false reasons, that one may not go on; and it is proper to the good to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and quiet, easing, and putting away all obstacles, that one may go on in well-doing.
Father Gallagher revisits previous discussions on how the enemy facilitates a person’s movement away from God, using imagination and sensual images, while the good spirit endeavors to hinder this movement. The second rule flips this scenario, examining the dynamics when an individual earnestly strives to eliminate sin and draw nearer to God. It is here that the enemy employs tactics to disrupt – biting, saddening, placing obstacles, and disquieting with false reasons, all designed to prevent spiritual progress.
Listeners are treated to insightful examples and detailed analysis, offering a clear understanding of these spiritual dynamics. The episode also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and rejecting the enemy’s tactics, highlighting how discernment plays a crucial role in spiritual growth.
This profound discussion not only illuminates the struggles of the spiritual journey but also offers hope and guidance for overcoming these challenges. It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their spiritual life and the forces that influence it.
Discerning Hearts reflection questions:
Recognizing Spiritual Dynamics: Reflect on a time in your life when you felt hindered in your spiritual journey. Can you identify if these obstacles were a result of the enemy’s tactics, as described by St. Ignatius in the second rule? How did you respond to these challenges?
Discernment in Action: How can you apply the principles of discernment, as discussed by Father Gallagher, to differentiate between the disquieting actions of the enemy and the comforting presence of the good spirit in your daily life?
The Role of the Good Spirit: Consider a moment when you felt uplifted, encouraged, or found unexpected strength in your faith journey. How do you see the role of the good spirit in these instances as described in the second rule of St. Ignatius?
Personal Struggles and Growth: Reflect on the concept that through trials and tribulations, as mentioned in the podcast, we grow closer to God. Can you recall a personal struggle that, in hindsight, brought you closer to your faith and strengthened your relationship with God?
Application of Ignatian Spirituality: How can the teachings of St. Ignatius, especially the second rule, help you in making everyday decisions that align with your faith? Consider an upcoming decision or current dilemma and apply the rule to see how it might guide your choice.
The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
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: www.frtimothygallagher.org
Of Spiritual Consolation. I call it consolation when some interior movement in the soul is caused, through which the soul comes to be inflamed with love of its Creator and Lord; and when it can in consequence love no created thing on the face of the earth in itself, but in the Creator of them all.
Likewise, when it sheds tears that move to love of its Lord, whether out of sorrow for one’s sins, or for the Passion of Christ our Lord, or because of other things directly connected with His service and praise.
Finally, I call consolation every increase of hope, faith and charity, and all interior joy which calls and attracts to heavenly things and to the salvation of one’s soul, quieting it and giving it peace in its Creator and Lord.
In this episode, Father Timothy Gallagher, in conversation with Kris McGregor, explores Ignatius’ Third Rule of Spiritual Consolation. Spiritual consolation, as defined by Ignatius, involves an interior movement in the soul that ignites love for the Creator.
The rule encompasses various experiences, such as shedding tears for sins or the passion of Christ, an increase in hope, faith, and charity, and an interior joy attracting to heavenly things.
Father Gallagher emphasizes the importance of discerning spiritual consolation, distinguishing it from non-spiritual consolation, and recognizing it as a gift from God. Examples of individuals experiencing spiritual consolation are shared, highlighting the intensity and connection between non-spiritual and spiritual consolations.
The goal is to help listeners understand and name these experiences when encountered in their spiritual lives.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:
Defining Spiritual Consolation: How would you define spiritual consolation based on Ignatius’ Third Rule, as explained by Fr. Timothy Gallagher?
Personal Experience: Can you recall a personal experience of spiritual consolation in your life? How did it manifest, and what impact did it have on your relationship with God?
Connection between Consolations: Fr. Gallagher mentions the connection between non-spiritual and spiritual consolations. Can you identify instances in your life where a non-spiritual consolation served as a space for God’s grace to bring about spiritual consolation?
Degrees of Intensity: The episode highlights the varying degrees of intensity in spiritual consolations. Reflect on a time when you experienced a gentle uplifting of the heart versus a more intense uplifting. How did these experiences differ?
Response to Consolations: How do you typically respond to moments of spiritual consolation? Are you aware of these moments, and do you consciously accept the light they bring?
Discerning Consolations: Fr. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of discerning between spiritual and non-spiritual consolations. How can this discernment deepen your spiritual life and relationship with God?
Role of Tears: Consider the examples of tears of gratitude discussed in the episode. Can you relate to these experiences, and how have tears played a role in your spiritual journey?
Virtues of Hope, Faith, and Charity: Reflect on the role of hope, faith, and charity in your spiritual life. Are there specific moments when you’ve felt a noticeable increase in these virtues as a result of spiritual consolation?
Incorporating Teachings: How can you incorporate the teachings from this episode into your daily spiritual practices and deepen your understanding of spiritual consolation?
Recognizing and Naming Consolations: In what ways does recognizing and naming spiritual consolations contribute to your overall awareness and engagement in your faith journey?
The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free – Serves as an introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
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: www.frtimothygallagher.org
For other audio recordings of various spiritual classics you can visit the Discerning Hearts Spiritual Classics page
Episode 11 – Julian the Apostate – “Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians“
