Series

BTP10 – Heaven In Faith: Day 5 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 10 – “Heaven in Faith”  Day 5 Prayer 2  – “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood, remains in Me and I in him.”

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the profound eucharistic themes in Elizabeth’s reflections, emphasizing the transformative power of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. Elizabeth portrays this communion as an intimate exchange where Christ’s love and generosity invite us to surrender fully, allowing Him to purify and consume our beings with His grace and presence.

Dr. Lilles highlights the significance of preparing oneself for receiving Holy Communion, engaging deeply with the liturgy, and being open to the transformative encounter with Christ’s presence. He also connects this to the broader spiritual life, illustrating how our union with Christ in the Eucharist fuels our capacity to love and give of ourselves in all aspects of life.

The discussion reveals how Elizabeth sees this communion with Christ as a pathway to experiencing the burning desires of His heart, urging us to open ourselves entirely to His love. This experience of divine love in the Eucharist is portrayed as an empowering source that enables us to face life’s challenges and to love others with Christ’s own love. Through this intimate union, we are called to become vibrant witnesses of Christ’s love, transforming our lives and drawing others into this mystery of divine intimacy and grace.

Catholic Devotional Prayers and Novenas - Mp3 Audio Downloads and Text 8

From “Heaven in Faith: Day 5 Prayer 2”:

Second prayer. “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood, remains in Me and I in him.” “The first sign of love is this: that Jesus has given us His flesh to eat and His blood to drink.” “The property of love is to be always giving and always receiving. Now the love” of Christ is “generous. All that He has, all that He is, He gives; all that we have, all that we are, He takes away. He asks for more than we of ourselves are capable of giving. He has an immense hunger which wants to devour us absolutely. He enters even into the marrow of our bones, and the more lovingly we allow Him to do so, the more fully we savor Him.” “He knows that we are poor, but He pays no heed to it and does not spare us. He Himself becomes in us His own bread, first burning up, in His love, all our vices, faults, and sins. Then when He sees that we are pure, He comes like a gaping vulture that is going to devour everything. He wants to consume our life in order to change it into His own; ours, full of vices, His, full of grace and glory and all prepared for us, if only we will renounce ourselves. Even if our eyes were good enough to see this avid appetite of Christ who hungers for our salvation, all our efforts would not prevent us from disappearing into His open mouth.” Now “this sounds absurd, but those who love will understand!” When we receive Christ “with interior devotion, His blood, full of warmth and glory, flows into our veins and a fire is enkindled in our depths.” “We receive the likeness of His virtues, and He lives in us and we in Him. He gives us His soul with the fullness of grace, by which the soul perseveres in love and praise of the Father!” “Love draws its object into itself; we draw Jesus into ourselves; Jesus draws us into Himself. Then carried above ourselves into love’s interior,” seeking God, “we go to meet Him, to meet His Spirit, which is His love, and this love burns us, consumes us, and draws us into unity where beatitude awaits us.” “Jesus meant this when He said: ‘With great desire have I desired to eat this pasch with you.’”

Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 9100-101). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Understanding Eucharistic Theology: How does Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity describe the relationship between Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and the believer’s transformation? Reflect on the reciprocal nature of this relationship. Discuss the implications of viewing Holy Communion as a transformative encounter with Christ’s love and presence.
  2. Personal Reflection on the Eucharist: How does the episode challenge you to prepare for and participate in Holy Communion more fully and consciously? In what ways can you deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Christian life?
  3. Connecting Eucharistic Life to Everyday Living: How can the transformative experience of the Eucharist influence your relationships and daily actions? Reflect on the statement that Jesus “yearns for our love” and “aches to be loved by us.” How does this influence your perception of the Eucharist and your relationship with Christ?
  4. Mystical and Theological Insights: Discuss the significance of Saint Elizabeth’s emphasis on the Eucharist as an encounter that consumes and purifies the believer, transforming them into an icon of Christ’s love. How does the Eucharistic theology presented by Dr. Lilles and Kris McGregor deepen your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and continual presence in the Church?
  5. Practical Application: After listening to the episode, identify one practical step you can take to enhance your preparation for and participation in the Eucharist. Share this with a group member or write it down as a personal commitment. Consider how you might help others in your community to grow in their understanding and reverence for the Eucharist. What actions or discussions could you initiate?
  6. Connecting with Scripture: Reflect on the scriptural basis of the Eucharistic themes discussed in the episode. How do the words of Christ at the Last Supper and other relevant scripture passages deepen your understanding of the Eucharist?

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .

SD10 – Recalling the Responses to Spiritual Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Recalling the Responses to Spiritual Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor reflect on spiritual desolation’s challenge and the need for prayer and trust in God to overcome it. Emphasizing the role of faith, they share personal experiences and strategies like focusing on truths of faith and seeking intercession.

Fr. Gallagher reminds us of hope in God’s providence and the growth desolation can bring and in facing spiritual challenges with resilience.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

  1. Recognizing Desolation: How does the speaker describe the experience of spiritual desolation, and what are some signs that one is in a state of desolation?
  2. Strategies for Overcoming Desolation: What strategies does the speaker suggest for overcoming spiritual desolation? How do prayer and routine play a role in this process?
  3. Importance of Spiritual Consolation: In what way does the conversation highlight the significance of spiritual consolation in the Christian journey? How does spiritual growth occur through both consolation and desolation?
  4. Trust in God’s Providence: How does the conversation emphasize the importance of trust in God’s providence, even in the midst of spiritual desolation? What biblical passages are referenced to support this idea?
  5. Encouragement and Hope: What message of encouragement and hope does the speaker convey to listeners facing spiritual challenges? How does the concept of God’s victory over the world contribute to this message?
You can find this book here

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

“The Enemy Claims Power over the Future”

“I wrote this next entry after a further surgery, when I could not yet see what lay ahead. The following are notes on a conversation of spiritual direction:

Ed spoke of the fear about the “what-ifs.” This is the taunting of the enemy, meant to discourage you, claiming power over the future. You’ll never return to active ministry, never be able to share community life as before. The enemy wants you to focus on what is dark, and to pull you into the future seen in this way.

The Holy Spirit is helping you to pray in this, and Mary is present to you. Turn quickly to the Lord, ask Mary’s intercession, in such times.

The enemy is all about the negatives, the “nos.” The truth, even on a medical level, is that there is progress, and you are getting stronger. The medical situations are moving ahead. There is real hope, and the Lord with his love is with you. So, be quick to turn away from the negative thoughts. Don’t even open the door! Renounce the lies. Even imagining what might happen is a temptation. Be in the present, be open to his grace today, surrender to his will today. As Ed said this, I realized that this I could do.

Surrender to his Heart as best you can today. The surrender is not a surrender to “the worst” but to his faithful love for you. This is the one you surrender to.

I found it very helpful to talk about this spiritual desolation and receive guidance regarding the enemy’s discouraging tactics (rule 13). This was a nonspiritual vulnerability after a surgery that gave the enemy an opening for spiritual desolation. A common trait of spiritual desolation—the enemy’s claim of power over the future, always seen in a dark light— was also evident that day. Ed’s advice to reject this tactic of the enemy immediately reflected Ignatius’s counsel in rule 12: resist in the very beginning, before the burden can grow. Ed was right, too, that objectively things were improving on the medical level. In the nonspiritual and spiritual desolation, I found it hard to see that on my own, and it was encouraging to hear Ed and recognize the truth of what he said.”

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

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

The Power of the Cross and Baptism – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Power of the Cross and Baptism – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

In the podcast episode, Msgr. John Esseff discusses the cross and crucifixion, detailing their historical and theological significance, and connects these topics with the sacrament of baptism.

Msgr. Esseff explains the evolution of the cross from a despised symbol associated with a gruesome form of execution to the central emblem of Christianity, representing salvation and victory over death. He provides a detailed account of the physical and emotional aspects of crucifixion, emphasizing the intense suffering Jesus endured. He compares this to other forms of execution to highlight the cross’s unique brutality and the profound significance of Christ’s sacrifice.

The discussion on baptism highlights its vital role in Christian life, linking it to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Through baptism, believers participate in Christ’s sufferings, die with Him, and are raised to new life, symbolizing their liberation from sin and death. This sacrament establishes a profound connection between Christians and Christ, enabling them to share in His victory over sin and death.

Msgr. Esseff underscores the importance of understanding and venerating the cross, urging Christians to remember its role in their salvation and to incorporate it meaningfully into their lives. He advocates for the presence of crucifixes in Christian homes as reminders of the triumph and grace they embody.

In summary, the podcast intertwines the theological reflections on the cross and crucifixion with the transformative power of baptism, illustrating how these foundational elements of Christian faith converge to convey the message of redemption, transformation, and eternal life.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

  1. How does the historical context of crucifixion deepen your understanding of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice? Reflect on the physical and emotional aspects of His Passion.
  2. The cross transitioned from a symbol of shame to one of salvation over centuries. How does this transformation influence your perception and veneration of the cross in your daily life?
  3. Reflect on the significance of the different representations of the cross in various Christian traditions (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox). How do these differences enrich your appreciation of the universal Christian faith?
  4. Msgr. John Esseff emphasizes the integration of Jesus’ suffering into our personal lives through baptism. How do you perceive your own sufferings in light of being baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection?
  5. Consider the practice of making the sign of the cross. How does understanding its deep roots and significance affect your attitude toward this gesture?
  6. Baptism is described as a union with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. In what ways does this sacrament shape your identity as a Christian?
  7. Reflect on the use of the crucifix in your home or worship space. How does its presence influence your prayer life and spiritual awareness?
  8. Msgr. Esseff suggests that looking at the cross should remind us of our redemption and salvation. How does this perspective impact your personal spiritual journey?
  9. In light of the podcast discussion, how do you understand the phrase “by His cross, we have been saved”? How does this influence your approach to challenges and sufferings?
  10. Reflect on the power of the cross to overcome death and sin. How does this assurance affect your daily actions, hopes, and fears?

 

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. 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 Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor.  He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders.

FJ10 – Finding Hope Amidst Despair – The Final Journey with Dr. Stephen Doran M.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Episode 10 – Finding Hope Amidst Despair – The Final Journey with Dr. Stephen Doran, M.D.

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Doran and Kris McGregor discuss societal challenges like addiction and suicide, reminding us of the importance of compassion and hope. They discuss the pressures individuals face to meet societal standards and how this can lead to self-medication and addiction. Using personal examples, Dr. Doran and Kris tell us two stories of family members who self-medicated via alcohol addiction, but have two dramatically different outcomes: one ending in tragedy and the other ending with hope.

Dr. Doran then delves into the alarming rise in suicide rates, particularly among youth, attributing it to factors such as isolation and excessive screen time via social media. They explore the impact of technology on mental health, emphasizing the need for empathy and support for those struggling. Both Dr. Doran and Kris discuss the evolving Catholic perspective on suicide, emphasizing the importance of approaching individuals with compassion rather than judgment.

They highlight the evolving Catholic perspective on suicide, urging listeners to respond with compassion. Overall, the podcast advocates for approaching challenges with hope, faith, and community support.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

  1. Challenges in Society: How do societal pressures contribute to addiction and despair, particularly in the context of achieving a certain standard of living?
  2. Impact of Technology: Reflect on the effects of technology, especially smartphones and social media, on mental health and isolation, considering the addictive nature of constant information consumption.
  3. Understanding Suicide: Explore the Catholic perspective on suicide, acknowledging the lack of freedom often associated with mental illness and despair, and the need for compassion and empathy toward those affected.
  4. Call to Compassion: How can individuals and communities respond with compassion and support to those struggling with addiction, isolation, or thoughts of suicide?
  5. Embracing Hope: Discuss the importance of fostering hope in the face of despair, drawing on the teachings of faith and the example of Christ’s love for all.


You can find the book here.

From the book description:

Dr. Stephen Doran draws from his vast experience as a neurosurgeon, a bioethicist, and a permanent deacon to present the Catholic perspective on the art of dying well. The spiritual and moral issues related to death and the process of dying can be challenging and complicated. To Die Well provides a detailed yet readily understandable guide to these topics.

Each chapter begins with a story from Dr. Doran’s personal or professional life that not only provides context for the topic at hand but also gently draws the reader toward the personal realities of dying. The first part focuses on the moral issues that surround death and dying, including end-of-life medical decisions. The second part is devoted to the Catholic spiritual understanding of dying and the rites that accompany the death of a Catholic.

To Die Well will help readers contemplate, pray about, and prepare for the end of their earthly lives.

For more episodes in the series, visit The Final Journey: Insights from a Catholic Doctor and Neurosurgeon w/ Dr. Stephen Doran M.D.  – Discerning Hearts Podcasts.

Stephen Doran, M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon with over twenty-five years of experience, is an ordained permanent deacon and serves as the bioethicist for the Archdiocese of Omaha. His writings in bioethics, neurosurgery, and gene therapy for brain disorders have been widely published in national media outlets, academic journals, and neurosurgery textbooks. He is married with five sons. He co-founded Seeking Truth Catholic Bible Study with his wife, Sharon.

BTP9 Heaven In Faith: Day 5 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 9 – “Heaven in Faith”  Day 5 Prayer 1  – “Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock”

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor continue their discussion on the spiritual teachings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, focusing on the concept of being calmly lost in God’s will. Dr. Lilles tells us of the importance of trust in God’s plan, even in times of confusion or darkness.

They explore the idea that prayer is a gift from God, and that experiences in prayer are beyond human comprehension, as well as the need for openness to God’s presence and the transformative power of welcoming Jesus into one’s heart.

Dr. Lilles also touches on the expansion of the heart through prayer, leading to deeper love and devotion to God, and encourages listeners to embrace prayer as a means of drawing closer to God and experiencing His love.

Catholic Devotional Prayers and Novenas - Mp3 Audio Downloads and Text 8

From “Heaven in Faith: Day 5 Prayer 1”:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man listens to My voice and opens the door to Me, I will come in to him and sup with him, and he with Me.”66 Blessed the ears of the soul alert enough, recollected enough to hear this voice of the Word of God; blessed also the eyes67 of this soul which in the light of a deep and living faith can witness the “coming” of the Master into His intimate sanctuary. But what then is this coming? “It is an unceasing generation, an enduring hymn of praise.” Christ “comes with His treasures, but such is the mystery of the divine swiftness that He is continually coming, always for the first time as if He had never come; for His coming, independent of time, consists in an eternal “now,”68 and an eternal desire eternally renews the joys of the coming. The delights that He brings are infinite, since they are Himself.” “The capacity of the soul, enlarged by the coming of the Master, seems to go out of itself in order to pass through the walls into the immensity of Him who comes; and a phenomenon occurs: God, who is in our depths, receives God coming to us, and God contemplates God! God in whom beatitude consists.”69

Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 99-100). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

 

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Trusting God’s Plan: How does the concept of being calmly lost in God’s will challenge our natural inclination towards anxiety and fear when faced with uncertainty?
  2. Understanding Prayer as a Gift: Reflect on the idea that prayer is a gift from God. How does this perspective change our approach to prayer and our expectations of what prayer should entail?
  3. Welcoming Jesus into the Heart: In what ways can we actively welcome Jesus into our hearts, especially during times of confusion or difficulty? How does this practice align with the teachings of Elizabeth of the Trinity?
  4. Experiencing God’s Presence: Consider the various ways in which individuals experience God’s presence in prayer. How can we recognize and appreciate these experiences, even when they may not conform to our preconceived notions?
  5. Expanding the Heart through Prayer: Reflect on the idea that prayer can enlarge the capacity of our hearts to love, receive love, and give love. How has prayer transformed your capacity for love and devotion to God?
  6. Living Out the Gift of Prayer: Evaluate whether your life reflects the fruits of prayer, such as deeper love for others and increased devotion to God. How can you continue to nurture and cultivate the gift of prayer in your life?

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .

Ep. 1 – A Sister of St. Thérèse: Servant of God, Léonie Martin – Bearer of Hope with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast


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Fr. Timothy Gallagher OMV

Introduction – A Sister of St. Thérèse: Servant of God, Léonie Martin – Bearer of Hope with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

A sister of St. Therese: Servant of God, Leonie Martin
Léonie Martin at the age of 20

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor begin their reflection and look into the life of the “forgotten” sister of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Servant of God Léonie Martin.  

Fr. Gallagher says, “Léonie’s life holds a very important story because she was the forgotten one; she was the one who was in the last place; she was the one who was less gifted than the others. Today we would call her a ‘problem child’, and we’ll see that she certainly was the source of great anxiety to her parents, especially to her mother, Zélie, who loved her dearly.”

As a child, Léonie suffered from severe illnesses and physical maladies that would plague her entire life. She also struggled with understanding social clues and interactions, and with behaving appropriately. Conventional educational models of the day failed to meet her particular needs, and she was labeled “developmentally delayed”. Yet those who knew her well described her as having a “heart of gold”.

Who was Léonie and what were her struggles? Why has her cause of canonization begun?  Father Gallagher, along with Kris McGregor,  answers these questions and explains why Léonie is “a bearer of hope” in this landmark series.

For more episodes in this series visit:
A Sister of St. Thérèse: Servant of God, Léonie Martin – Bearer of Hope w/Fr. Timothy Gallagher

For more episodes in this series click here

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions:

  1. Reflecting on Family Dynamics: How do the struggles and triumphs of Léonie’s family, as described in the podcast, resonate with your own experiences within your family or community?
  2. Empathy and Understanding: Consider the various challenges faced by Leonie, such as physical ailments and potential learning difficulties. How does this evoke empathy towards individuals who may face similar obstacles in life?
  3. The Power of Support: Reflect on the role of support systems, both familial and spiritual, in Léonie’s life. How have supportive relationships influenced your own journey through difficult times?
  4. Hope and Faith: Despite the challenges Léonie faced, her story demonstrates resilience and growth through faith and hope. How can we draw inspiration from her story to cultivate hope and faith in our own lives?
  5. Recognizing Sanctity in Everyday Life: Discuss how the example of Zelie Martin, a mother who faced numerous challenges yet became a saint, challenges our perception of sanctity and its manifestation in everyday life.

Leonie's parents - Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin

Marie

Pauline

Céline

St. Thérèse

Léonie's Aunt and Uncle - Céline and Isidore Guérin

Léonie's Aunt - Élise Guérin (Sr. Marie Dosithée)

A resource used for this series

Images in this post of the Martin/Guerin family are used with permission from the Archives of the Carmel of Lisieux website for strictly non-commercial use.  We encourage you to visit the website for more information on this remarkable family.


For more series Fr. Timothy Gallagher podcasts visit here

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

BTP8 Heaven In Faith: Day 4 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 8 – “Heaven in Faith”  Day 4 Prayer 2  – “I Have Come to Cast Fire Upon the Earth”

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor focus on prayer and Christian living, particularly the messages from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The core theme revolves around the concept of love as the essence of Christian prayer and life, emphasizing the need for a soul’s complete surrender to God’s will. It highlights how such surrender leads to a genuine conversion, growing deeper into love and allowing God’s love to transform and guide one’s life.

Catholic Devotional Prayers and Novenas - Mp3 Audio Downloads and Text 8

Elizabeth’s teachings encourage contemplation on God’s love, urging individuals, including those engaged in worldly duties like parenting, to align every aspect of their life with love. This alignment, they reason, fulfills God’s desire to elevate the soul, making love the central occupation, regardless of life’s distractions or responsibilities.

Dr. Lilles further delves into the notion of embracing God’s will, especially during trials or confrontations, advocating for a response rooted in love and mercy rather than self-defense or retaliation. Both Dr. Lilles and Kris touch on the lives of saints to exemplify how enduring silence and suffering out of love can manifest grace and spiritual growth, ultimately leading to a profound trust in God.

This episode underscores a life of deep faith characterized by the surrender to and trust in God’s will, living through love and mercy, and maintaining a constant focus on spiritual growth and communion with God.

Day 4: Second Prayer

“I have come to cast fire upon the earth and how I long to see it burn.”58 It is the Master Himself who expresses His desire to see the fire of love enkindled. In fact, “all our works and all our labors are nothing in His sight. We can neither give Him anything nor satisfy His only desire, which is to exalt the dignity of our soul.” Nothing pleases Him so much as to see it “grow.” “Now nothing can exalt it so much as to become in some way the equal of God; that is why He demands from the soul the tribute of its love, as the property of love is to make the lover equal to the beloved as much as possible. The soul in possession of this love” “appears on an equal footing with Christ because their mutual affection renders everything common to both.”59 “I have called you My friends because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”60 16.

But to attain to this love the soul must first be “entirely surrendered,”61 its “will must be calmly lost in God’s will”62 so that its “inclinations,” “its faculties” “move only in this love and for the sake of this love. I do everything with love, I suffer everything with love: this is what David meant when he sang, ‘I will keep all my strength for You.’”63 Then “love fills it so completely, absorbs it and protects it” so well “that everywhere it finds the secret of growing in love,” “even in its relations with the world”;64 “in the midst of life’s cares it can rightly say: ‘My only occupation is loving’! . . .”65

Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (p. 99). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Understanding Surrender to God’s Will
    How do you interpret the concept of total surrender to God’s will in your daily activities, and what challenges do you face in achieving it?
  2. Living by Love in Everyday Life
    Reflect on how the idea of making love your central life occupation is present in your interactions, responsibilities, and trials.
  3. Responding with Love and Mercy
    Evaluate your typical reactions to adversity or offense and consider how you might foster a more loving and merciful approach.
  4. Experiencing Transformative Love
    Recall instances where you have felt or observed love’s transformative power and its effects on those involved.
  5. Valuing God’s Esteem Over Self-Esteem
    Contemplate how prioritizing God’s view over self-esteem influences your perception of dignity, worth, and humility.
  6. Learning from Saints’ Silence and Suffering
    Relate to the spiritual practice of enduring silence and suffering for love, drawing inspiration from saintly examples.
  7. Offering Misery to God
    Reflect on how you perceive and present your own brokenness to God and the role it plays in your spiritual intimacy.
  8. Prayer Aligned with Christian Love
    Consider adjustments to align your prayer life more closely with the Christian principle of living through love.
  9. Practicing Perpetual Acts of Mercy
    Identify ways to integrate continuous acts of mercy into your daily interactions and choices.
  10. Deepening Trust in God Amidst Adversity
    Reflect on how to cultivate a deeper trust in God to maintain peace and resilience through life’s challenges.

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .

CTD3 – Waiting in the Desert – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Waiting in the Desert – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating

In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss Lent as a time of vulnerability to God’s mercy, emphasizing bringing sin into Christ’s light for liberation. They contrast morality’s true freedom with sin’s chains and highlight Christ’s presence in our struggles.

Deacon Keating gives us of a message of hope, reassuring listeners that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and mercy.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Lenten Focus: How does Deacon Keating suggest shifting focus during Lent from a mere “to-do list” approach to one of vulnerability and openness to God’s mercy?
  2. Recognizing Sin: According to the podcast, what is the significance of bringing hidden truths and sins into the light of Christ during Lent?
  3. Morality and Freedom: Describe the relationship between morality and true freedom, as discussed in the episode.
  4. Christ’s Presence: How does Deacon Keating emphasize Christ’s accompaniment through the Lenten journey, drawing parallels with Jesus’ experience in the desert?
  5. Message of Hope: Summarize the final message of hope conveyed by Deacon Keating in the conclusion of the episode.


An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion”:

“The ancient image of Lent as a time of withdrawal is relevant to the formation of conscience if we perceive that our consciences have been inordinately attached to anemic sources of influence.  Christians are called to transform the world of culture, work, and politics according to the truths learned through Christ in the Church.  It is a powerful and dignified calling.  Lent affords us a good opportunity to repent of those habits, attitudes, or behaviors that reflect a preoccupation with the secular.  Thus devoid of the religious, we are then called to eagerly respond to our faith and imbue the secular with religious and ethical meaning.  To do less than this is to render our baptisms impotent and meaningless.”

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

SD9 – Overcoming Pre-Event Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Overcoming Pre-Event Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss “pre-event desolation,” a form of spiritual discouragement before significant spiritual activities. They highlight its tactics by the enemy to deter individuals from growth opportunities. Drawing from C.S. Lewis’s “Perelandra,” he tells us of the importance of recognizing and countering this desolation with prayer and trust.

Fr. Gallagher reminds us to have compassion and understanding in supporting those experiencing such struggles, affirming that perseverance leads to spiritual growth.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

  1. Recognizing Pre-Event Desolation: How can we identify and acknowledge pre-event desolation in our spiritual journey, especially before significant events like retreats or ministry activities?
  2. Responding with Awareness: What are healthy ways to respond to pre-event desolation, and how can we cultivate spiritual awareness to distinguish it from genuine concerns or discernment?
  3. Trusting God’s Guidance: In times of pre-event desolation, how can we deepen our trust in God’s guidance and discern His will amidst feelings of discouragement or disinterest?
  4. Supporting Others: How can we compassionately support others experiencing pre-event desolation, particularly in familial or pastoral contexts, without judgment or resentment?
  5. Perseverance and Growth: Reflecting on our experiences of overcoming pre-event desolation, how can we encourage one another to persevere and trust in God’s plan for spiritual growth and blessings?
You can find this book here

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

“It is liberating to know that spiritual desolation is an ordinary experience in the spiritual life, that every disciple of the Lord for two thousand years—including the canonized saints—has undergone this experience, that there is no shame in experiencing spiritual desolation, that times of spiritual desolation are normal in a well-lived spiritual life (SpirEx 6), and that, therefore, we are not the only ones. Experiencing spiritual desolation is simply part of what it means to live the spiritual life in a fallen, redeemed, and loved world. What does matter is to live the discerning life: to be aware of spiritual desolation when it is present, to name it for the lie of the enemy that it is, and to reject it. The principle focus of these fourteen rules is to help us do precisely that.”

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

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

BTP7 Heaven In Faith Day 4 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 7 “Heaven in Faith” Day 4 Prayer 1  – “Our God, wrote St. Paul, is a consuming Fire”

This episode with Dr. Anthony Lillis and Kris McGregor discusses Elizabeth’s emphasis on the universal call to contemplative prayer and her belief that living in love, as she describes, should be an immediate and constant reality for Christians. Dr. Lillis elaborates on the retreat’s core message: that individuals are called to dwell in the love of the Trinity, experiencing this love in the present moment, and allowing it to inform and transform all aspects of their lives.

St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Elizabeth’s reflections suggest that contemplative prayer deepens one’s relationship with God and facilitates a transformation into divine love, influencing not only personal spirituality but also familial and communal relationships. Dr. Lilles connects this transformative process with the broader Christian tradition, including references to other saints and scriptural teachings. He also addresses potential misunderstandings about Christian mysticism, clarifying that becoming like God does not mean losing one’s personhood but fully realizing one’s humanity in the divine image.

Overall, the discussion underscores the profound impact of contemplative prayer on personal growth, familial bonds, and the ability to love authentically and selflessly, reflecting the heart of Christian life and vocation.

Day 4 First Prayer

13. “Deus ignus consumens.” Our God, wrote St. Paul, is a consuming Fire, that is “a fire of love” which destroys, which “transforms into itself everything that it touches.” “The delights of the divine enkindling51 are renewed in our depths by an unremitting activity: the enkindling of love in a mutual and eternal satisfaction. It is a renewal that takes place at every moment in the bond of love.” Certain souls “have chosen this refuge to rest there eternally, and this is the silence in which, somehow, they have lost themselves.” “Freed from their prison, they sail on the Ocean of Divinity without any creature being an obstacle or hindrance to them.”

14. For these souls, the mystical death of which St. Paul spoke yesterday becomes so simple and sweet! They think much less of the work of destruction and detachment that remains for them to do than of plunging into the Furnace of love burning within them which is none other than the Holy Spirit, the same Love which in the Trinity is the bond between the Father and His Word. They “enter into Him by living faith, and there, in simplicity and peace” they are “carried away by Him” beyond all things, beyond sensible pleasures, “into the sacred darkness” and are “transformed into the divine image.” They live, in St. John’s expression, in “communion” with the Three adorable Persons, “sharing” their life, and this is “the contemplative life”; this contemplation “leads to possession.” “Now this simple possession is eternal life savored in the unfathomable abode. It is there, beyond reason, that the profound tranquillity of the divine immutability awaits us.”

Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 98-99). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Contemplative Prayer and Daily Life: How can I integrate contemplative prayer into my daily routine to remain in constant communion with God? What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more prayerful attitude throughout my day?
  2. Dwelling in Love: Saint Elizabeth emphasizes the call to dwell in the love of the Trinity. Reflect on what it means to “dwell in love” in your own life. How can you open your heart more fully to this divine presence?
  3. Transformation through Love: Consider how the experience of God’s love has transformed or can transform your life. In what ways do you see yourself being called to change, to die to self, and to live more fully in God’s love?
  4. The Role of Suffering: Reflect on how encountering Jesus in the painful parts of your life has or can bring about spiritual growth. How can you invite God into these areas of struggle or suffering?
  5. Family and Community: Dr. Lilles connects Elizabeth’s teachings to the concept of the family as a “school of love.” How does your faith influence your relationships with family and community? In what ways can you foster a more loving, Christ-centered environment in your home or community?
  6. Christian Joy: Consider the distinction between happiness and joy in the Christian sense. How have you experienced the joy of the Lord even during challenging times? What does it mean to find joy in God’s presence regardless of external circumstances?
  7. Spiritual Maturity: Reflect on the process of becoming fully human and fully alive in God’s image, as discussed by Dr. Lilles. What does spiritual maturity look like for you? How can you cooperate more fully with God’s transformative grace in your life?
  8. Love in Action: Saint Elizabeth wanted her spirituality to apply to the real world. Reflect on the statement, “my only occupation is loving.” How can you apply this ideal in your interactions, decisions, and service to others?

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .