Series Archives

TM9 – The Passion of Saint Therese – St. Therese and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 9 – The Passion of Saint Thérèse – St. Thérèse and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

**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.

For more episodes in this series visit here:

St. Thérèse And Marie: The Story Of Two Cousins With Fr. Timothy Gallagher And Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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?

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!

“Proclaim it to the World” – a Christmas message from Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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A Christmas message for everyone from Msgr. Esseff!

Is 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,
announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,
“Your God is King!”

Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry,
together they shout for joy,
for they see directly, before their eyes,
the LORD restoring Zion.
Break out together in song,
O ruins of Jerusalem!
For the LORD comforts his people,
he redeems Jerusalem.
The LORD has bared his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations;
all the ends of the earth will behold
the salvation of our God.

Gospel Jn 1:1-18.

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.

For more from Msgr. John Esseff visit: Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff podcasts

Christmas Eve – The Immense Love of the Father in Heaven – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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On Christmas Eve, the grand sweeping journey of salvation history comes to an important epoch with the “yes” of a virgin named Mary. From that point, the world is transformed forever. Msgr. Esseff challenges all of us to identify the tendency or flaw that cripples us. Give whatever that is to God. Christ has the power to heal you and change you into the person you were created to be. He encourages us to allow the Father in Heaven to embrace and love us.

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection on this episode:

Understanding God’s Plan: Reflect on a time in your life when you felt that God was guiding you through a difficult situation. How did you perceive His presence and guidance during this time, and how has this experience influenced your faith and trust in God’s plan for your life?
Role of the Sacraments: Consider the importance of the sacraments in your Catholic faith. How do sacraments like Baptism, Confession, the Eucharist, and Confirmation strengthen your relationship with God? What personal transformations or experiences have you had through participating in these sacraments?
Living the Beatitudes: The Beatitudes are a central teaching of Jesus. Choose one Beatitude that resonates with you the most. How do you apply this Beatitude in your daily life, and what challenges and rewards have you encountered in trying to live out this teaching of Christ?
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to forgive someone or seek forgiveness. How did you overcome these challenges, and what role did prayer, reflection, or the teachings of the Church play in this process? How did this experience impact your understanding of God’s forgiveness?
Personal Calling and Vocation: In what ways do you feel called by God to serve others and contribute to the Church’s mission? How do you discern your vocation or calling, and what steps are you taking to fulfill this calling in your daily life, whether through your career, volunteer work, family life, or community involvement?

Reading 1 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
“Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!”
Nathan answered the king,
“Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you.”
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
“Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?“‘It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his Kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever.’”

Gospel Lk 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
for he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hand of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

SISL18 – Image of God – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Image of God – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher continues the story of Bob to illustrate how the Ignatian spiritual exercises can reveal deeper wounds and foster healing. Bob experiences spiritual desolation while praying about sin and God’s justice, which evokes unresolved feelings tied to his critical relationship with his earthly father. With the guidance of a retreat director, Bob uncovers how he has projected his father’s image onto God. Through persistent prayer, especially with passages like Mark 1:11, Bob begins to see God as a loving Father, distinct from his earthly father, leading to transformative healing.

The podcast highlights the importance of perseverance in prayer, even amid dryness, and the critical role of spiritual direction in fostering growth. Bob’s journey demonstrates how engaging with difficult emotions in prayer can lead to profound encounters with God’s unconditional love, ultimately transforming not only his spiritual life but also his relationships. Father Gallagher encourages listeners to embrace spiritual struggles as opportunities for deeper intimacy with God, trusting that they can lead to lasting peace and renewal.

You can pick up a copy of the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Dryness in Prayer: How do you perceive and respond to periods of dryness in your prayer life, and what might God be inviting you to learn during these times?
Identifying Projections onto God: Have you ever noticed yourself projecting qualities or expectations from human relationships onto your image of God, and how does this affect your prayer and trust in Him?
The Role of Spiritual Direction: How might regular spiritual direction or accompaniment help you navigate struggles in your spiritual life and uncover areas in need of healing?
Encountering God’s Fatherhood: In what ways does reflecting on Scripture, such as Mark 1:11, help you to experience God’s unconditional love as a Father, and how might this transform your relationship with Him?
Healing Through Persistence: What personal or spiritual growth have you experienced by staying with challenging themes in prayer, even when they feel difficult or unfruitful?

An excerpt from the chapter, “Image of God”:

“When Bob perceives that his image of God differs from the biblical image of God, his prayer ceases to be dry. He is now free to meet God as He is: loving, close, understanding, merciful, encouraging — the heavenly Father whom Jesus reveals to us. Through no fault of his own, Bob has absorbed an image of God as a demanding Father, quick to note faults, impatient, ready to criticize. Bob is not aware of this image, but it burdens his relationship with God, and so his prayer.

When he prays with Genesis 3, Bob focuses on “all the harm that came from” this sin and “the way their sin was punished.” The message of mercy in that same chapter (Gen. 3:15) and, above all, in the Cross do not speak to him, and his prayer leaves him uneasy. He describes Romans 7:14–25 as “Paul’s struggle about not doing the good that he wants but doing the bad that he does not want,” again overlooking the message of freedom with which the passage concludes (Rom. 7:25). When he tries to pray, Bob writes, “I’m unsettled, I’m distracted, and God seems distant. . . . I try, but nothing moves me very much. It’s discouraging. Maybe I’m not made for this.” Bob’s prayer is dry. His prayer changes when Bob realizes that God is different — more loving, warm, close — than his image of God had led him to believe.

Conversation with his director, prayer on biblical passages that reveal God as a loving Father, and his willingness — not without struggle — to share with God his experience of human fatherhood and the mixture of goodness and pain found in it, begin to set Bob free. Now he can meet his heavenly Father as God really is. Now a relationship based on a true image of the Father can develop. Now he knows himself to be a beloved son of this Father. Now his prayer is not dry.”

Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (pp. 123-124). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition. “

To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast

From the book’s description: “Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It’s a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth.

All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness.

With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You’ll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you’ll be given the remedy for the struggle. You’ll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them.

In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You’ll gain confidence as you journey through desolation, and you’ll learn to reject the enemy’s ploys to infect you with a sense of hopelessness.”

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!

A Special Message from Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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This Advent and Christmas season, Kris McGregor, Founder of Discerning Hearts, shares a heartfelt message of gratitude and hope for our listeners.

For over 14 years, Discerning Hearts has been blessed to provide free spiritual resources to millions of listeners in over 265 countries, rooted in the timeless wisdom of saints like St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

In this brief message, Kris reflects on the impact your generosity has had on lives around the world and shares how you can help us continue this vital mission.

Join us to hear:

Stories from listeners like Tom in Vancouver and Juan in Mexico City whose lives have been touched by this ministry.
How your support helps us keep all our content free for those seeking Christ.
An invitation to pray, fast, and support Discerning Hearts as we work to meet our year-end goal of $75,000.

Your prayers and generosity make all the difference. Let’s work together to bring Christ’s light to the world.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Fourth Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Msgr. Esseff reflects on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary; her profound humility and obedience, which serve as the cornerstone of salvation through Christ. Drawing on scriptural passages, he highlights Mary’s pivotal role in the Incarnation, her identification with the “lowly,” and her deep faith in God’s will. He intertwines Mary’s example with the Christmas story. It inspires us to embrace the simplicity, humility, and joy embodied by the Holy Family. He also shares his personal experiences celebrating Christmas in Peru, illustrating how material poverty often coincides with spiritual richness and authentic joy.

Families should cultivate virtues of love, sacrifice, and service. Msgr. Esseff recounts the lives of saints and personal heroes, including his own mother and grandfather, as examples of humility and holiness in everyday life.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

The Role of Humility in Salvation How does Mary’s humility and submission to God’s will inspire your understanding of obedience in your own spiritual life?
Mary as the Model Disciple In what ways can you imitate Mary’s faith and trust in God during times of uncertainty or difficulty?
The Simplicity of Christmas How can you embrace the simplicity and humility of the Holy Family in your own Christmas preparations and celebrations?
Recognizing Spiritual Richness in Poverty What lessons can you draw from the spiritually rich yet materially poor communities Monsignor Esseff describes, and how can they transform your perspective on gratitude?
The Transformative Power of the Nativity How can reflecting on the nativity scene help you encounter Christ more deeply in your daily life and relationships?
Living as Witnesses of Joy and Peace How can you radiate the joy and peace of Christmas to others in your family, community, and workplace?
The Saints as Examples of Holiness Who are the everyday “saints” in your life that inspire you to grow in holiness, and how can you emulate their virtues?
Preparing Your Heart for Christ What steps can you take during Advent to spiritually prepare your heart for Christ’s arrival this Christmas?

Gospel LK 1:39-45

“Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30, 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St. Mother Teresa. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by St. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.

Embracing Hope and Presence – Advent Reflections with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Embracing Hope and Presence – Advent Reflections with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles reflects on Pope Benedict XVI’s teachings about waiting with hope, using the Christian understanding of time and history. Advent is a season of hopeful anticipation, where Christ’s presence infuses every moment with meaning. Using examples from parables and everyday life, he contrasts two forms of waiting: one empty and burdensome due to a lack of present fulfillment, and the other rich with purpose, grounded in Christ’s enduring presence. Through Scripture, sacraments, and creation, believers encounter a God who communicates love and purpose in every circumstance, transforming even suffering into a grace-filled opportunity to grow in trust and gratitude.

There’s futility of secular ideologies, which chase fleeting satisfaction or utopian futures, with the Christian hope rooted in God’s promises. Modern attitudes that seek fulfillment solely through material gains or political outcomes, leading to despair or compromise of integrity. In contrast, Christian hope recognizes the present as a gift where God is actively present and pouring out love. This hope enriches life with meaning and prepares hearts for the ultimate joy of heaven, where God’s infinite love will be fully revealed.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

What does waiting mean in your life? Reflect on how you approach periods of waiting—whether with hope, anxiety, or indifference—and how Christ’s presence might transform these moments.
How do you experience God’s presence in the present moment? Consider ways in which you notice God’s love and grace in daily life, even amidst challenges or suffering.
How do you respond to the world’s emptiness or misplaced hopes? Examine your reaction to the despair or misguided hopes around you and how your faith calls you to bring light and meaning.
What role does gratitude play in your spiritual journey? Ponder how cultivating thanksgiving for God’s gifts enhances your awareness of His love and strengthens your hope.
How does Advent shape your understanding of Christian hope? Reflect on how this season deepens your anticipation for Christ’s coming and prepares your heart to embrace His promises.

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.

The Gift of Holiness – Advent Retreat Reflection by Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Gift of Holiness – Advent Retreat Reflection by Deacon James Keating Ph.D.

Deacon James Keating reflects on the spiritual journey of focusing on “the one thing necessary,” inspired by the story of the Magi in Matthew 2, and the human tendency to be attracted to many distractions and how the saints exemplify unwavering commitment to God despite their struggles.

The sacrament of reconciliation, spiritual direction, and the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent help us to purify our hearts and draw us closer to God. Holiness brings interior quiet, freedom, and simplicity, which are cultivated through deep participation in the Eucharist and attentiveness to God’s presence in daily life. With the pervasive “spirit of distraction” in modern culture we must resist despair by embracing the ideals of faith.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

What Attracts Your Heart? Reflect on the things that draw your attention and whether they lead you closer to God or distract you from Him.
Are You Focused on the One Thing Necessary? Examine how well you prioritize your relationship with Christ amidst the chaos and distractions of life.
How Do You Respond to Spiritual Restlessness? Consider whether you seek peace through deeper communion with God or turn to worldly solutions that fail to satisfy.
Do You Allow the Eucharist to Transform You? Evaluate the depth of your participation in the Eucharist and its ability to bring quiet, freedom, and simplicity to your soul.
How Do You Handle Distractions and Temptations? Reflect on your willingness to notice distracting thoughts and redirect them to Christ through prayer and trust.
Are You Embracing the Ideals of Faith? Ask yourself whether you welcome the challenging yet uplifting ideals of the Gospel or allow discouragement to pull you away.
What Treasure Are You Offering to Christ? Consider how you can, like the magi, pour out your life as a gift to Christ in gratitude and surrender.

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

TM8 – Walking the Little Way Together – St. Therese and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 8 – Walking the Little Way Together – St. Thérèse and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher continues his look at the lives of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her cousin, Marie Guérin, who joined the Carmel as Sister Marie of the Eucharist in 1895.

St.Thérèse, as assistant novice mistress, lovingly guided Marie during her formative years in religious life. Through letters, poetry, and spiritual counsel, Thérèse helped Marie navigate struggles with scrupulosity and emotional exuberance, fostering a deeper understanding of virtue and selflessness. Thérèse’s guidance combined firmness, tenderness, and profound spiritual wisdom, reflecting her personal sanctity and commitment to the “Little Way.” Her letters and poems, such as “Jesus Alone” and “My Weapons,” offer a glimpse into her profound love for Jesus and her deep reliance on divine grace.

This includes the spiritual milestones during these last two years of her life, including her discovery of the “Little Way,” her act of offering herself to God’s merciful love, and her experience of spiritual darkness amidst her illness. Despite her physical suffering, Thérèse remained fully devoted to uplifting and forming her novices, including her cousin Celine, and fostering joy and unity in the community.

For more episodes in this series visit here:

St. Thérèse And Marie: The Story Of Two Cousins With Fr. Timothy Gallagher And Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Role of Spiritual Friendship: How can we cultivate spiritual friendships that guide others toward holiness while respecting their individuality and unique journey?
Guidance with Firmness and Tenderness: In what ways can we balance firmness and tenderness when offering guidance to those we mentor or love?
Finding Jesus in Daily Life: How can Thérèse’s “Little Way” inspire us to love God fully through the ordinary events of our daily lives?
Offering Our Suffering: How can we, like Thérèse, unite our personal suffering with Christ for the spiritual benefit of others?
Sacrifices for Vocations: What sacrifices are we willing to make, as individuals or families, to support vocations to religious life or priesthood?
Deepening Trust in God’s Love: How does reflecting on Jesus’ maternal and paternal love help us overcome fear and scruples in our relationship with Him?
Scripture as a Source of Strength: How can the example of Thérèse’s immersion in scripture inspire us to deepen our own prayer life and spiritual understanding?
Living Joyfully in Community: How can we contribute to a spirit of joy and virtue within our own families, parishes, or communities?
Embracing the Eternal Perspective: How does keeping heaven in mind shape the way we approach our struggles and relationships on earth?
Legacy of Holiness: In what ways can we leave a lasting spiritual impact on those we love, as St. Thérèse did for her novices and the Church?

About this Series

Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects upon the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, exploring how her life and spirituality, 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!

SJC5 – Mystery of Believing – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Mystery of Believing – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty

Using the teachings of St. John of the Cross, Fr. Donald Haggerty and Kris McGregor discuss how the goal of prayer is union with God, not the pursuit of mystical experiences. St. John cautions against seeking extraordinary spiritual phenomena, such as visions or locutions, as these can lead to spiritual pride or self-deception. True spiritual growth often occurs in dryness and trials, where one learns to surrender completely to God in faith and trust, mirroring the Marian disposition of “Let it be done unto me according to Your word.” Holiness lies in seeking God Himself and embracing His will, not in clinging to consolations or perceived gifts.

Discernment in prayer is necessary, as our imagination, desires, and emotions can cloud what we perceive as divine communication. We shouldn’t become attached to spiritual gifts rather than the Giver, a temptation that can stall one’s progress toward deeper union with God. According to St. John of the Cross, authentic prayer leads to humility, self-surrender, and greater love for God and others, whether in joy or aridity. True holiness is not measured by extraordinary experiences but by a life fully offered to God in trust and love.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Seeking Union with God: How can I focus on desiring God alone in my prayer life, rather than seeking spiritual consolations or extraordinary experiences?
Avoiding Spiritual Pride: Do I ever take pride in perceived spiritual gifts or experiences, and how can I cultivate humility in my relationship with God?
Persevering in Dryness: How do I respond when prayer feels dry or difficult, and can I trust that God is still working in those moments?
Discernment in Prayer: Am I carefully discerning my inspirations in prayer to ensure they align with God’s will and not my own desires or imagination?
Surrendering to God’s Will: How can I adopt a Marian disposition of surrender, echoing “Let it be done unto me according to Your word” in my daily life and prayer?
Embracing Trials as Gifts: Do I recognize that challenges and trials can be God’s way of leading me to greater spiritual maturity and trust in Him?
Loving the Giver, Not the Gifts: In what ways can I shift my focus from God’s gifts to loving and seeking the Giver Himself more deeply?

An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation

The urgent need of the soul in prayer must be, as such, to adopt a radical exercise of pure faith in its approach to God. At the point in the spiritual life when contemplative graces are beginning to stir, it is time to lift anchor, as it were, and plunge into deeper waters of faith: “Those who want to reach union with God should advance neither by understanding, nor by the support of their own experience, nor by feeling or imagination, but by belief in God’s being” (AMC 2.4.4). The last phrase “belief in God’s being” may seem ordinary enough. Is that not simply what faith is—to believe in God? But quickly we should recall the real demand in the deeper act of faith—a pure faith—that must take place in contemplative prayer. We must believe in God precisely as One who is beyond our measure or grasp or comprehension. We must adhere to him, search and seek for him, as infinite mystery and as a personal presence of love immediately engaged with us in the current hour of silent prayer. In short, we must enter into faith itself, into the mystery of believing, to approach the personal mystery of God. We believe in him in the prayer of contemplation as we surrender our being into him. We give way to him and allow him to abide in us: “For God’s being cannot be grasped by the intellect, appetite, imagination, or any other sense; nor can it be known in this life. The most that can be felt and tasted of God in this life is infinitely distant from God and the pure possession of him” (AMC 2.4.4).

Haggerty, Donald. Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation (p. 76). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.

Episode 9 – The Passion of Saint Thérèse – St. Thérèse and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

About this Series

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts? Visit here to discover more!

Gospel Jn 1:1-18.

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection on this episode:

Reading 1 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

Gospel Lk 1:67-79

Image of God – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

You can pick up a copy of the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

An excerpt from the chapter, “Image of God”:

To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts? Visit here to discover more!

The Fourth Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Gospel LK 1:39-45

Embracing Hope and Presence – Advent Reflections with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

The Gift of Holiness – Advent Retreat Reflection by Deacon James Keating Ph.D.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Episode 8 – Walking the Little Way Together – St. Thérèse and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

About this Series

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts? Visit here to discover more!

Mystery of Believing – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation

For more episodes in this series visit Fr. Haggerty’s Discerning Hearts page here

You find the book on which this series is based here.

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!