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An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part Three: Guide to Spiritual Formation – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part Three: How to Use the Discerning Hearts App

Kris McGregor introduces the breadth of spiritual formation resources offered by the apostolate. Listeners are guided through the riches of Ignatian spirituality with Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Fr. Anthony Wieck, Carmelite wisdom with Dr. Anthony Lilles and Fr. Donald Haggerty, Benedictine insights with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, and Dominican teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott. In addition, even more podcasts from Fr. Paul Hoesing, Fr. Scott Traynor, and Deacon James Keating.

Additional series feature Dr. David Fagerberg on the beauty of the liturgy, Dr. Paul Thigpen on spiritual warfare, and Msgr. John Esseff’s pastoral wisdom shaped by decades of service and encounters with saints. Beyond these, Discerning Hearts offers hundreds of Inside the Pages interviews covering spirituality, prayer, doctrine, and healing. All episodes are free, complete with detailed notes, reflection questions, and resources to accompany us on our journey of deeper union with Christ.

Transcription

Hi, this is Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts. If you’ve ever longed for someone to accompany you step by step on the spiritual journey, Discerning Hearts exists to walk with you. This apostolate was born from a deep desire to help souls encounter Christ through prayer, discernment, and proper spiritual formation.

Wherever you may be in the world, wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we want to accompany you with a spirit that seeks to reflect the tenderness and guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We simply want to give what we’ve been given. We are here to console, encourage, and offer spiritual wisdom in the midst of everyday life.

In this episode, we highlight some of the major series and trusted spiritual teachers you’ll encounter on Discerning Hearts. These voices don’t replace the Church—they echo her wisdom and invite you into deeper union with Christ.

Let’s begin with Ignatian spirituality. Father Timothy Gallagher, of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, offers one of the richest collections of resources you’ll find anywhere. He teaches the foundational 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits, helping us become aware of what stirs in our hearts, understand their sources, and respond well.

You’ll also find his teaching on the Examen Prayer, a powerful daily practice that helps you notice the movements of God in your day and grow in awareness of His grace. Father Gallagher also helps us navigate difficult moments in his series on spiritual desolation. When we feel confused, distant, or discouraged in prayer, this series may be especially helpful. For those called deeper, his series on the Second Week Rules of Discernment reveals how the enemy can use subtle deceptions even in committed souls.

These teachings aren’t just theoretical—they’re practical, drawn from the real-life experiences of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and everyday believers. They are meant to help you live in greater freedom. Father Gallagher also leads you into deeper prayer through meditation and contemplation in the Ignatian tradition and teaches how to enter into the rhythm of the Church through praying the Liturgy of the Hours.

Father Anthony Wieck joins this offering with a series on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, unpacking the interior path to holiness laid out in that masterwork of spiritual formation. We also feature a powerful series on discernment by Father Paul Hoesing, rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, who offers insight into how God forms and speaks to the heart—especially helpful for those discerning vocations or seeking deeper clarity in prayer.

Father Scott Traynor’s School of Prayer guides you into deeper relational prayer, helping you foster intimacy with God in daily life. Father Amon Bork offers a tender, accessible series on prayer that meets you wherever you are.

In the Carmelite tradition, Dr. Anthony Lilles walks with us through the spiritual retreats of Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, including Heaven in Faith and The Last Retreat, as well as her profound letters. His Beginning to Pray series also includes in-depth teachings on the major works of St. Teresa of Avila—The Life, The Way of Perfection, and The Interior Castle.

Father Donald Haggerty continues this contemplative path with a penetrating journey through the writings of St. John of the Cross, helping us understand God’s purifying love in The Dark Night of the Soul.

From the Benedictine tradition, Fr. Mauritius Wilde offers an in-depth series on the life of St. Benedict and his Holy Rule, showing how stability, obedience, and humility can shape our lives today. Father Thomas McDermott opens up the profound spiritual teachings of St. Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church, and the treasures of the Dominican tradition.

Dr. David Fagerberg opens our eyes to the mystical beauty of the liturgy in Pathways to Sacred Mysteries. His reflections help us experience the transcendent grace of the Church’s liturgy.

Deacon James Keating, in his uniquely contemplative way, offers sacramental series on Baptism (Born from Above), the Eucharist (The Way of Mystery), and Marriage (Marriage in the Lord). His other teachings—Communion with Christ, The School of Prayer, Listening for Truth, and Heart of Hope—invite us into deeper union with Christ and a more prayerful, interior life, while guiding us to live virtue-centered lives in the world.

Dr. Paul Thigpen’s Manual for Spiritual Warfare equips you with wisdom from Scripture and the saints, helping you stand firm with confidence in Christ. You’ll also find Inside the Pages interviews on spiritual warfare and exorcism, offering theological grounding and practical tools.

Dan Burke’s St. Teresa of Avila and Spiritual Warfare series shows how her teachings can strengthen us in our own battles through prayer, perseverance, and trust in God.

Monsignor John Esseff speaks with the voice of a pastor and shepherd. Formed by great saints such as Padre Pio and Mother Teresa, and serving over 70 years as a priest, retreat master, exorcist, and spiritual director, his words carry the lived experience of holiness.

You’ll also find video retreats on Discerning Hearts featuring Monsignor Esseff, Sister Cor Immaculatum, Father Gallagher, Dr. Lilles, and Deacon Keating. Each guides you in a more immersive retreat experience.

I’d also like to invite you personally to walk with me through Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love. Julian’s insights on suffering, love, and mercy continue to speak profoundly today.

You’ll also find reflections by Teresa Monaghan of the Pro Sanctity Movement, Sister Gill Goulding on mercy, Dr. Margaret Turek on the mystery of atonement, and Dr. Regis Martin on foundational Catholic teachings in spirituality and prayer.

All of these series—and many more—can be found in our Spiritual Formation section. And don’t forget our Inside the Pages interviews, with over 500 episodes exploring Catholic spirituality, doctrine, literature, healing, grief, and prayer. These conversations are more than author interviews; they’re spiritual instruction for every stage of life. Best of all, every episode is free.

You may also notice that we’ve been updating our show notes across the platform. Each episode now includes fuller summaries, links to helpful resources, and Discerning Hearts reflection questions to help you go deeper. Whether you’re listening alone, with a friend, or in a group, you don’t have to journey alone.

In our next episode, we’ll walk through the prayers and devotional section—how to pray with the saints, offer novenas in a new way, rediscover the power of prayer, and explore audio books, lectio divina, and much more.

Until then, thank you for listening, and may God meet you in every moment of your day.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the theological significance of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Msgr. Esseff uses the Assumption as a sign of Mary’s unique role in salvation history, being free from sin and death, like her Son, Jesus Christ. He connects Mary’s Assumption to the broader Christian belief in the resurrection and eternal life; that death has no power over those united with Christ.

He also shares personal reflections on the death of his family members, illustrating the hope and comfort that faith in the resurrection brings; along with the importance of understanding suffering as a way to unite with Christ, echoing Mary’s own participation in the suffering of her Son.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding the Assumption: How does the Assumption of Mary deepen your understanding of the resurrection and eternal life in Christ?
Conquering Death: In what ways does your faith help you to see death not as an end, but as the beginning of eternal life?
Role of Suffering: How can you embrace suffering as a path to unite more closely with Jesus, following the example of Mary?
Mary as a Model: How does Mary’s sinlessness and Assumption inspire you to strive for holiness in your own life?
The Power of the Rosary: How often do you pray the Rosary, and how do you see it as a tool for spiritual warfare and peace?
Personal Reflection on Loss: How do you find comfort in the belief that your loved ones are with Mary and Jesus in heaven?
Living with an Eternal Perspective: How can you cultivate a mindset that sees this life as a prelude to the eternal joy of heaven?

Reading 2 1 COR 15:20-27

Brothers and sisters:
Christ has been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since death came through man,
the resurrection of the dead came also through man.
For just as in Adam all die,
so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,
but each one in proper order:
Christ the firstfruits;
then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;
then comes the end,
when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father,
when he has destroyed every sovereignty
and every authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy to be destroyed is death,
for “he subjected everything under his feet.”

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 and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders.

Ep 10 – The 13th Shewing pt. 2 – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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All Shall Be Well: A Journey Through Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love with Kris McGregor

Episode 10: The Thirteenth Shewing (Part 2) —
God’s Hidden Counsels, His Rightfulness, and His Mercy

Summary:

In this episode, we continue our exploration of Julian of Norwich’s Thirteenth Shewing, set against the vibrant faith of 14th-century Norwich. We consider the Church’s clear teaching on heaven, hell, and purgatory, and how Julian’s mystical visions always remained anchored in that truth. She reflects on the “great Secret” God keeps hidden until the appointed time and the truths He reveals through the Church, urging us to trust His timing. Julian then unfolds the harmony of God’s “Rightfulness” — His perfect justice and order — with His unfailing mercy that lifts us from our falls. Finally, she shows us how the Lord calls us tenderly back to Himself, saying, “I am enough to thee,” and how miracles, often preceded by trials, are given to strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and draw us deeper into His love.

For other episodes in this series visit: All Shall Be Well: A Journey Through Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love with Kris McGregor

Full Julian of Norwich Quotations Used in Episode 10:

From Revelations of Divine Love, Long Text, Chapters XXXIII-XXXVI, trans. Grace Warrack, Methuen & Co., 1901 (PDF edition).

Holding Fast to the Faith

“I desired, as [far] as I durst, that I might have full sight of Hell and Purgatory. But it was not my meaning to make proof of anything that belongeth to the Faith: for I believed soothfastly that Hell and Purgatory is for the same end that Holy Church teacheth, but my meaning was that I might have seen, for learning in all things that belong to my Faith: whereby I might live the more to God’s worship and to my profit.”(Ch. 33)

“For though the Revelation was made of goodness in which was made little mention of evil, yet I was not drawn thereby from any point of the Faith that Holy Church teacheth me to believe. For I had sight of the Passion of Christ in diverse Shewings, the First, the Second, the Fifth, and the Eighth, wherein I had in part a feeling of the sorrow of our Lady, and of His true friends that saw Him in pain; but I saw not so properly specified the Jews that did Him to death. Notwithstanding, I knew in my Faith that they were accursed and condemned without end, saving those that converted, by grace.” (Ch. 33)

God’s Secrets and Our Understanding

“Our Lord God shewed two manner of secret things. One is this great Secret [Counsel] with all the privy points that belong thereto: and these secret things He willeth we should know [as being, but as] hid until the time that He will clearly shew them to us. The other are the secret things that He willeth to make open and known to us; for He would have us understand that it is His will that we should know them. They are secrets to us not only for that He willeth that they be secrets to us, but they are secrets to us for our blindness and our ignorance; and thereof He hath great ruth, and therefore He will Himself make them more open to us, whereby we may know Him and love Him and cleave to Him. For all that is speedful for us to learn and to know, full courteously will our Lord shew us: and [of] that is this [Shewing], with all the preaching and teaching of Holy Church.” (Ch. 34)

God’s Rightfulness and Mercy

“Rightfulness is that thing that is so good that [it] may not be better than it is. For God Himself is very Rightfulness, and all His works are done rightfully as they are ordained from without beginning by His high Might, His high Wisdom, His high Goodness. And right as He ordained unto the best, right so He worketh continually, and leadeth it to the same end; and He is ever full-pleased with Himself and with all His works.” (Ch. 35)

“And Mercy is a working that cometh of the goodness of God, and it shall last in working all along, as sin is suffered to pursue rightful souls. And when sin hath no longer leave to pursue, then shall the working of mercy cease, and then shall all be brought to rightfulness and therein stand without end. And by His sufferance we fall; and in His blissful Love with His Might and His Wisdom we are kept; and by mercy and grace we are raised to manifold more joys.

Thus in Rightfulness and Mercy He willeth to be known and loved, now and without end. And the soul that wisely beholdeth it in grace, it is well pleased with both, and endlessly enjoyeth.” (Ch. 35)

God’s Loving Call and the Gift of Miracles

“As long as we are in this life, what time that we by our folly turn us to the beholding of the reproved, tenderly our Lord God toucheth us and blissfully calleth us, saying in our soul: Let be all thy love, my dearworthy child: turn thee to me — I am enough to thee — and enjoy in thy Saviour and in thy salvation. And that this is our Lord’s working in us, I am sure the soul that hath understanding therein by grace shall see it and feel it.

And though it be so that this deed be truly taken for the general Man, yet it excludeth not the special. For what our good Lord will do by His poor creatures, it is now unknown to me.” (Ch. 36)

“He gave special understanding and teaching of working of miracles, as thus: — It is known that I have done miracles here afore, many and diverse, high and marvellous, worshipful and great. And so as I have done, I do now continually, and shall do in coming of time.

It is known that afore miracles come sorrow and anguish and tribulation; and that is for that we should know our own feebleness and our mischiefs that we are fallen in by sin, to meeken us and make us to dread God and cry for help and grace. Miracles come after that, and they come of the high Might, Wisdom, and Goodness of God, shewing His virtue and the joys of Heaven so far at it may be in this passing life: and that to strengthen our faith and to increase our hope, in charity. Wherefore it pleaseth Him to be known and worshipped in miracles. Then signifieth He thus: He willeth that we be not borne over low for sorrow and tempests that fall to us: for it hath ever so been afore miracle-coming.” (Ch. 36)

Scripture Featured

(Translations used: Revised Standard Version [RSV] )

(1 Timothy 2:4, RSV)

“This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

(John 16:12, RSV)

“I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church

“The Church, ‘the pillar and bulwark of the truth,’ faithfully guards ‘the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints’. She guards the memory of Christ’s words; it is she who from generation to generation hands on the apostles’ confession of faith. As a mother who teaches her children to speak and so to understand and communicate, the Church our Mother teaches us the language of faith in order to introduce us to the understanding and the life of faith.” (CCC 171, quoting 1 Timothy 3:15 and Jude 3)

“Thanks to the assistance of the Holy Spirit, the understanding of both the realities and the words of the heritage of faith is able to grow in the life of the Church:
‘through the contemplation and study of believers who ponder these things in their hearts’;
‘from the intimate sense of spiritual realities which [believers] experience’;
‘from the preaching of those who have received, along with their right of succession in the episcopate, the sure charism of truth.’”

“The last judgment will reveal even to its furthest consequences the good each person has done or failed to do during his earthly life… Then through his Son Jesus Christ he will pronounce the final word on all history.” (CCC 1039)

“By his providence God protects and governs all things which he has made, ‘reaching mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and ordering all things well.’ For ‘all are open and laid bare to his eyes,’ even those things which are yet to come into existence through the free action of creatures.” (CCC 302)

“The signs worked by Jesus attest that the Father has sent him. They invite belief in him. To those who turn to him in faith, he grants what they ask. So miracles strengthen faith in the One who does his Father’s works; they bear witness that he is the Son of God. ” (CCC 548).

Reflection Questions for Prayer

How does Julian’s teaching on God’s “great Secret” encourage you to trust Him with unanswered questions in your life?
In what ways do you see God’s rightfulness and mercy working together in your own spiritual journey?
When distractions pull your heart away from God, how might you respond to His gentle invitation, “Turn thee to me—I am enough to thee”?
Have there been moments in your life when trials seemed to precede an unexpected grace or “miracle”? How did that shape your faith?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
You are our Rightfulness and our Mercy.
In Your wisdom, You reveal what our hearts can bear,
and in Your love, You keep hidden what must wait for eternity.
Draw our hearts away from distractions,
fix our gaze upon You,
and prepare us to welcome Your miracles in Your time.
Grant that we may live in the hope of Your promises,
trusting that all shall be made well in You,
who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Amen.

HSE3 – The Charism and Gift of St. Ignatius – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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The Gift of Charism – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J.

Fr. Anthony Wieck begins by situating St. Ignatius’ spiritual exercises in the context of Ignatius’ life and mystical experiences, noting that knowing his background helps one understand the gifts God entrusted to him for the whole Church. He recounts Pope Benedict’s view that certain charisms, such as Ignatius’, are so close to the heart of the Church they will endure. While the classic 30-day retreat is ideal, Fr. Wieck explains that Ignatian principles can still deeply shape one’s prayer life without a formal retreat. He likens Ignatius’ insights to removing “spiritual cataracts,” granting clarity in perceiving God’s work. Drawing on Fr. Hugo Rahner’s image of a triptych, he describes the first panel as “God above”—the ever-greater Trinity—highlighting Ignatius’ profound devotion to each divine person and his transformative Cardoner River experience, which gave him a symphonic vision of truth and instilled reverential awe and loving humility toward God.

The second panel centers on Christ, the God-man—Ignatius’ “Creator and Lord”—who perfectly manifests the fullness of God and mediates our relationship with the Father. Fr. Wieck emphasizes the importance of encountering Jesus in Scripture through Ignatius’ meditations and contemplations, entering into biblical scenes to understand what Jesus and those around Him experienced, rather than starting with self-reflection. This method personalizes prayer through “colloquies,” intimate dialogues with Christ or the saints. He notes that everything Jesus does reveals the Trinity, inviting us into the divine exchange of self-giving love. Such prayer fosters trust in God’s will, freeing us from our “puny grasp” on life and leading to deeper joy and flourishing beyond what our own plans could achieve.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Reflection Questions:

How can learning about St. Ignatius’ life and mystical experiences help you better receive the gifts God has given through his spirituality?
In what ways might you bring elements of the Spiritual Exercises into your daily prayer, even without a formal retreat?
How do you personally experience “reverential awe” before the ever-greater God in your prayer life?
When was the last time you prayed distinctly to each Person of the Trinity, and what happened in your relationship with God as a result?
How does reflecting on the Cardoner River experience inspire you to seek deeper clarity in discerning God’s truth?
What steps can you take to grow in loving humility, recognizing that you are not God yet are deeply loved by Him?
How might entering into a Gospel scene as if you were there change the way you relate to Jesus?
What is one area of your life where you need to release your “puny grasp” and trust the Father’s will more fully?
How can you practice receiving yourself and others as a gift, in imitation of the Trinitarian self-giving love?
What might God be inviting you to see or do differently when you view all of Jesus’ actions as revelations of the Trinity?

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

HIDT8 – Conference 8 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Conference 8 – Hope in Difficult Times: with Sts. Therese, Louis, and Zelie and Their Family with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher recounts St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s compassionate outreach to Sister Maria of St. Joseph, a troubled nun often avoided by her community due to severe mood swings and emotional instability. Instead of joining in the avoidance, Thérèse intentionally sought her out, offering to assist in the linen room and patiently enduring her anger, all as a way of living her “casting flowers” spirituality—small acts of love and sacrifice offered to Jesus, who transforms them into blessings for the whole Church. While her words to the sister may sound poetic, Fr. Gallagher explains that beneath the tender imagery lies a steely, deliberate charity rooted in perseverance, humility, and the conviction that every small offering—especially in difficult relationships—has immense spiritual value when united to Christ.

Fr. Gallagher also reflects on Thérèse’s own explanation of “casting flowers” from Story of a Soul: never letting a single opportunity for love pass by, whether in smiles, patient endurance, or unnoticed sacrifices, and trusting Jesus to use them for the good of souls in purgatory and the Church on earth. The episode concludes with letters from Thérèse’s sister Léonie, showing how the Little Way shaped her own life. By the time of her final profession and even five weeks before her death, Léonie radiated the same trust, gratitude, and spiritual confidence, fully convinced that her littleness would lead her straight into the arms of Jesus.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can I respond with intentional love to those in my life who are difficult to be around?
When have I missed opportunities to offer small acts of kindness, and how can I be more attentive to them?
Do I truly believe that my smallest sacrifices, united to Jesus, have value for the whole Church?
In what ways am I tempted to avoid people who are isolated or struggling, and how might God be calling me to draw closer?
How do I practice perseverance in love when my efforts are met with ingratitude or rejection?
Can I see my own “littleness” as a path to greater trust in God, as Thérèse and Léonie did?
What “flowers” — daily acts of love — can I consciously offer to Jesus this week?

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 15 different podcasts series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts? Visit here to discover more!

Fr. Gallagher obtained his doctorate in 1983 from Gregorian University. He has taught (St. John’s Seminary, Brighton, MA; Our Lady of Grace Seminary Residence, Boston, MA), assisted in formation work for twelve years, and served two terms as provincial in his own community. He has dedicated many years to an extensive ministry of retreats, spiritual direction, and teaching about the spiritual life. Fr. Gallagher is the author of six books (Crossroad) on the spiritual teaching of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Are You a Faithful Servant? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Are You a Faithful Servant? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on God’s promise of an eternal home, drawing from the story of Abraham as an example of trusting and following God’s word. The “promised land” given to Abraham foreshadows the true kingdom that Christ came to reveal — not an earthly territory, but eternal life in heaven. Earthly nations, possessions, and positions of authority are temporary, and those entrusted with leadership — whether in the Church, family, or public office — will be held accountable for guiding those under their care toward their heavenly inheritance. The Gospel passage urges readiness for the Lord’s return at any moment, living each day with the awareness that our true home is not in this world but in God’s kingdom of love and truth.

We need to examine our responsibilities and influence, no matter how hidden, and to lead others toward eternal life through example, prayer, and faithfulness. He challenges us to resist the pull of a secular mindset focused on this life alone, instead preparing hearts and communities for the life to come. God’s message is not one of fear, but of mercy, compassion, and hope — and to turn away from distractions and attachments, live with readiness, and guide His “little flock” toward everlasting joy, peace, and union with Him.

From the Gospel of St. Luke 12:32-48

“Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock,
for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
Sell your belongings and give alms.
Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out,
an inexhaustible treasure in heaven
that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,
the Son of Man will come.”

Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied,
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants
to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
Truly, I say to you, the master will put the servant
in charge of all his property.
But if that servant says to himself,
‘My master is delayed in coming,’
and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,
to eat and drink and get drunk,
then that servant’s master will come
on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour
and will punish the servant severely
and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
That servant who knew his master’s will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely;
and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly.
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.””

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

How does Abraham’s trust in God’s promise inspire you to deepen your own faith in His plan for your life?
In what ways are you preparing daily for the “true home” Christ has promised in heaven?
Who is part of your “little flock,” and how are you leading them closer to God’s kingdom?
What earthly attachments might be distracting you from living for eternal life?
How can you use your position, influence, or relationships to witness to the hope of heaven?
When the Lord returns, what would you want Him to find you doing?
How can you make acts of mercy and compassion more present in your leadership and daily example?
What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself and others that “this world is passing away”?

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. 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 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.

HSE2 – The Gift of Charism – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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The Gift of Charism – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J.

Fr. Anthony Wieck reflects on how St. Ignatius’ deepening relationship with God transformed him from a self-focused seeker of sanctity into a man whose identity became rooted in serving others. Ignatius’ spiritual growth involved a shift from personal ambition to openness—allowing the graces he received in prayer to bear fruit in the lives of those around him. His life mirrors the pattern of saints like Catherine of Siena, whose contemplative encounters with God led naturally into acts of service. Fr. Wieck highlights that true transformation involves a movement from interior conversion to active love, not through personal projects, but through discerned response to God’s promptings.

Fr. Wieck also emphasizes Ignatius’ fidelity to the Church, particularly through the story of his forced departure from the Holy Land, which shaped his path toward religious life. He speaks of Ignatius’ commitment to reform from within—helping Catholics rediscover Christ through the Spiritual Exercises. The exercises are not merely techniques but encounters with the living Christ who calls each soul to deeper surrender. Fr. Wieck warns against reactionary spiritual motives and instead invites listeners to focus on the heart of Jesus. By pruning distractions and growing in holy detachment, we become more available for God’s mission, living out our vocations with clarity and authentic zeal.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Reflection Questions:

How is God inviting me to move from self-focus to a life poured out in love for others?
In what ways do I experience the graces of prayer as something to be quietly received rather than immediately shared?
Am I willing to let God direct how and when I share spiritual gifts, or do I take initiative without discernment?
Do I approach my daily responsibilities with anxious striving, or with a Marian spirit of receptivity and cooperation with Jesus?
How do I respond when God’s will comes through imperfect human authority, as Ignatius experienced in the Holy Land?
Is my spiritual energy rooted in reaction against something, or drawn from love for Christ and His Church?
What areas of my life need “holy pruning” so that my actions bear lasting fruit for God’s Kingdom?
How might I be called to share in Christ’s thirst for the salvation of souls through my vocation?
Do I view the Church as the place where God forms and purifies me, even when that’s uncomfortable?
How is Jesus inviting me to deeper intimacy so that my zeal flows from union with His heart?

When Was Your Transfiguration? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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When Was Your Transfiguration? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the mystery of the Transfiguration and its deep personal meaning for every Christian. Just as Jesus was transfigured on Mount Tabor in preparation for the suffering of Calvary, each Christian also experiences moments of radiant grace that prepare them to endure life’s inevitable trials. These moments are signs of the glory to come and serve as encouragement for the journey through suffering, death, and eventual resurrection with Christ.

Msgr. Esseff shares stories of individuals—including a father holding his newborn son, a radiant bride, his own ordination day, and a Peruvian street child named Walter—to illustrate how such moments reveal the divine presence and joy amid the hardships of life. We should reflect on our own lives to recognize these transformative experiences, which often go unnoticed amid modern distractions and lack of interior reflection.

From the Gospel of St. Mark 9:2-10

“Jesus took Peter, James, and John
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them,
and his clothes became dazzling white,
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,
and they were conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!
Let us make three tents:
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;
from the cloud came a voice,
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone
but Jesus alone with them.As they were coming down from the mountain,
he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,
except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
So they kept the matter to themselves,
questioning what rising from the dead meant.”

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

When have you experienced a moment in your life that felt like a “Mount Tabor” — a glimpse of God’s glory?
What “cross” are you being asked to carry right now, and how might God be preparing you through it?
Have you taken time recently to reflect on the sacred events in your life where God’s presence was unmistakable?
In what ways has suffering deepened your relationship with Christ?
Who or what has helped you see God’s love during your darkest moments?
Can you identify a moment when you were transformed by love, beauty, or grace?
How do distractions in your daily life keep you from reflecting on God’s work in your story?
Have you ever resisted suffering, thinking only of pain, and missed the invitation to glory within it?
What role does silence and prayer play in helping you remember God’s faithfulness?
How might your story—both the joys and the trials—be a witness to Christ for others?

Ep 9 – The 13th Shewing pt. 1 – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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All Shall Be Well: A Journey Through Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love with Kris McGregor

Episode 9: The Thirteenth Shewing (Part 1) — The Mystery of Sin and the Assurance of Divine Love

Summary:

In Episode 9 we begin with part 1 of the Thirteenth Shewing, Julian confronts the mystery of sin and the question that has echoed through every age: why did God allow it? Her desire for understanding is met not with explanation but with a word of divine assurance—”All shall be well.” This episode invites us into the mystery of redemptive hope, where God’s hidden work is not yet seen but fully underway. This is the first of several episodes on Julian’s longest and most theologically rich revelation.

For other episodes in this series visit: All Shall Be Well: A Journey Through Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love with Kris McGregor

Full Julian of Norwich Quotations Used in Episode 9:

From Revelations of Divine Love, Long Text, Chapters XXVII-XXXI, trans. Grace Warrack, Methuen & Co., 1901 (PDF edition).

The Mystery of Sin and the Surpassing Assurance of Christ

“AFTER this the Lord brought to my mind the longing that I had to Him afore. And I saw that nothing letted me but sin. And so I looked, generally, upon us all, and methought: If sin had not been, we should all have been clean and like to our Lord, as He made us.

And thus, in my folly, afore this time often I wondered why by the great foreseeing wisdom of God the beginning of sin was not letted: for then, methought, all should have been well. This stirring [of mind] was much to be forsaken, but nevertheless mourning and sorrow I made therefor, without reason and discretion.

But Jesus, who in this Vision informed me of all that is needful to me, answered by this word and said: It behoved that there should be sin; but all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” (Ch. 27)

The Nature of Sin, the Purpose of Pain, and the Consolation of the Passion

“But I saw not sin: for I believe it hath no manner of substance nor no part of being, nor could it be known but by the pain it is cause of.
And thus pain, it is something, as to my sight, for a time; for it purgeth, and maketh us to know ourselves and to ask mercy. For the Passion of our Lord is comfort to us against all this, and so is His blessed will.” (Ch. 27)

“And for the tender love that our good Lord hath to all that shall be saved, He comforteth readily and sweetly, signifying thus: It is sooth that sin is cause of all this pain; but all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner [of] thing shall be well.

These words were said full tenderly, showing no manner of blame to me nor to any that shall be saved. Then were it a great unkindness to blame or wonder on God for my sin, since He blameth not me for sin.”(Ch. 27)

Christ’s Compassion and the Glory to Come

THUS I saw how Christ hath compassion on us for the cause of sin. And right as I was afore in the [Shewing of the] Passion of Christ fulfilled with pain and compassion, like so in this [sight] I was fulfilled, in part, with compassion of all mine even-Christians—for that well, well beloved people that shall be saved. For God’s servants, Holy Church, shall be shaken in sorrow and anguish, tribulation in this world, as men shake a cloth in the wind.

And as to this our Lord answered in this manner: A great thing shall I make hereof in Heaven of endless worship and everlasting joys.”(Ch. 28)

“And then I saw that each kind compassion that man hath on his even-Christians with charity, it is Christ in him.

That same noughting that was shewed in His Passion, it was shewed again here in this Compassion. Wherein were two manner of understandings in our Lord’s meaning. The one was the bliss that we are brought to, wherein He willeth that we rejoice. The other is for comfort in our pain: for He willeth that we perceive that it shall all be turned to worship and profit by virtue of His passion, that we perceive that we suffer not alone but with Him, and see Him to be our Ground, and that we see His pains and His noughting passeth so far all that we may suffer, that it may not be fully thought.” (Ch. 28)

The Hidden Part and the Peace of Trusting God

“The other [part] is hid and shut up from us: that is to say, all that is beside our salvation. For it is our Lord’s privy counsel, and it belongeth to the royal lordship of God to have His privy counsel in peace, and it belongeth to His servant, for obedience and reverence, not to learn wholly His counsel. Our Lord hath pity and compassion on us for that some creatures make themselves so busy therein; and I am sure if we knew how much we should please Him and ease ourselves by leaving it, we would. The saints that be in Heaven, they will to know nothing but that which our Lord willeth to shew them: and also their charity and their desire is ruled after the will of our Lord: and thus ought we to will, like to them. Then shall we nothing will nor desire but the will of our Lord, as they do: for we are all one in God’s seeing.” (Ch. 30)

The Fivefold Promise of the Trinity

“AND thus our good Lord answered to all the questions and doubts that I might make, saying full comfortably: I may make all thing well, I can make all thing well, I will make all thing well, and I shall make all thing well; and thou shalt see thyself that all manner of thing shall be well.

In that He saith, I may, I understand [it] for the Father; and in that He saith, I can, I understand [it] for the Son; and where He saith, I will, I understand [it] for the Holy Ghost; and where He saith, I shall, I understand [it] for the unity of the blessed Trinity: three Persons and one Truth; and where He saith, Thou shalt see thyself, I understand the oneing of all mankind that shall be saved unto the blessed Trinity. And in these five words God willeth we be enclosed in rest and in peace.” (Ch. 31)