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LSB6 – Dealing with Serious Temptation – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Dealing with Serious Temptation – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, O.S.B.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor discuss St. Benedict’s struggle with sexual temptation, where he chose to endure pain rather than indulge in harmful behaviors. It contrasts this with modern society’s tendency to avoid pain through self-medication.

Fr. Mauritius also stresses the importance of facing suffering for spiritual growth, emphasizing detachment’s role in achieving true fulfillment and fruitfulness in life.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Engaging with Temptation: How does St. Benedict’s encounter with temptation challenge us to confront our own temptations in life?
Detachment and Self-Medication: How does the podcast critique modern society’s tendency to self-medicate instead of confronting pain and reality?
Embracing Suffering: What insights can we gain from St. Benedict’s willingness to endure suffering as a means of spiritual growth and detachment?
Fruitfulness Through Detachment: Reflect on how St. Benedict’s detachment ultimately led to fruitfulness in his life. How can we apply this principle to our own lives?
Value of Longing: Consider the hosts’ discussion on embracing longing and desire. How might viewing these yearnings positively impact our spiritual journey?

From the Life of Our Most Holy Father St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great:

CHAPTER I.

“The holy man being on a certain day alone, the tempter was at hand; for a little black bird, commonly called an ousel, began to fly about his face, and that so near as the holy man, if he would. might have taken it with his hand; but no sooner had he made the sign of the cross than the bird vanished. When presently so great a carnal temptation assailed him, that before the holy man had never felt the like. For the remembrance of a woman which some time he had seen, was so lively represented to his fancy by the wicked spirit, and so vehemently did her image inflame his breast with lustful desires, that almost overcome by pleasure, he was determining to leave the wilderness. But suddenly assisted with divine
grace he came to himself, and, seeing near him a thicket full of nettles and briars, he threw off his garments and cast himself naked into the midst of those sharp thorns and nettles, where he rolled himself so long, that, when he rose up, all his body was pitifully rent; thus by the wounds of his flesh he cured those of his soul, by turning pleasure into pain; and by the vehemence of outward torments he extinguished the unlawful flame which burnt within overcoming sin by changing the fire. After which time, as he himself related to his disciples, he was so free from the like temptation, that he never felt any such motion.”

Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, NE

BTP1 Heaven In Faith Day 1 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 1 Beginning to Pray: “Heaven in Faith” Day 1 Prayer 1 – “Remain in Me”

The podcast episode one, hosted by Kris McGregor with Dr. Anthony Lilles, delves into “Heaven in Faith” retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Dr. Lilles, an expert on Carmelite spirituality, highlights the significance of St. Elizabeth Of The Trinity, a Carmelite mystic from Dijon, who emphasized deep prayer and a transforming encounter with Christ as accessible to all Catholics. St. Elizabeth’s retreat, intended for her sister, is a guide to fostering a profound, personal relationship with God through prayer, consisting of daily reflections for contemplation.

St. John Paul II, notably influenced by Elizabeth, exemplifies her wide-reaching impact, showcasing her role in deepening the spiritual lives of many, including his own. Despite limited access to the full Bible, Elizabeth’s reflections demonstrate a profound scriptural engagement, akin to Lectio Divina, showcasing her deep understanding and integration of scripture into her reflections on prayer and communion with God.

Central to Elizabeth’s first reflection is the depiction of Jesus’ desire for us to be in communion with Him and the Father, highlighting the personal, relational aspect of prayer. Elizabeth articulates that experiencing heaven, or living in communion with God, isn’t confined to the afterlife but begins in the present through faith and prayer. She stresses the universal call to holiness, asserting that all Christians, regardless of their life circumstances, are invited to share in this communion with God, achievable through prioritizing prayer in their lives.

This episode sets the stage for a series that promises to explore the depths of Carmelite spirituality and the profound insights of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity on prayer, communion with God, and the pursuit of holiness in everyday life.

Day 1 First Prayer

1. “Father, I will that where I am they also whom You have given Me may be with Me, in order that they may behold My glory which You have given Me, because You have loved Me before the creation of the world.” 1 Such is Christ’s last wish, His supreme prayer before returning to His Father. He wills that where He is we should be also, not only for eternity, but already in time, which is eternity begun and still in progress. It is important then to know where we must live with Him in order to realize His divine dream. “The place where the Son of God is hidden is the bosom of the Father, or the divine Essence, invisible to every mortal eye, unattainable by every human intellect,” 2 as Isaiah said: “Truly You are a hidden God.” 3 And yet His will is that we should be established in Him, that we should live where He lives, in the unity of love; that we should be, so to speak, His own shadow. 4

2. By baptism, says St. Paul, we have been united to Jesus Christ. 5 And again: “God seated us together in Heaven in Christ Jesus, that He might show in the ages to come the riches of His grace.” 6 And further on: “You are no longer guests or strangers, but you belong to the City of saints and the House of God.” 7 The Trinity— this is our dwelling, our “home,” the Father’s house that we must never leave. The Master said one day: “The slave does not remain with the household forever, but the son 8 remains there forever” (St. John). 9

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s understanding of prayer challenge your current approach to prayer and relationship with God?
Reflect on the idea that heaven is not just a future state but an experience accessible in the present through faith and prayer. How does this perspective shift your view of daily life and spiritual practice?
St. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of scripture in deepening our relationship with God, even without full access to the Bible. How can you more fully integrate scripture into your prayer life to foster a closer communion with God?
Considering Jesus’ desire for communion with us, as highlighted by St. Elizabeth, how might you respond more fully to this desire in your own life of faith and prayer?
St. Elizabeth’s reflections were intended to guide her sister, a busy mother, in deepening her spiritual life. How does this speak to the possibility of profound spiritual depth amidst the busyness of your daily responsibilities?

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 .

SD7 – Dryness in Prayer: Is it Spiritual Desolation? – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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

In part two of this conversation, Fr. Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss prayer dryness causes: a lack of formation in prayer, changes in prayer practices, unshared burdens with God, and physical or emotional exhaustion. Fr. Gallagher makes of note the importance of discerning the specific cause of dryness and responding accordingly.

Kris raises questions about tears in spiritual experiences, to which Fr. Gallagher explains that tears can be a sign of spiritual consolation but are not necessary for experiencing God’s presence. He offers examples of how spiritual consolation can manifest and highlights the importance of being open and receptive to God’s gifts.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Identifying Dryness: How can you discern the cause of dryness in your prayer life, whether it be lack of formation, changing practices, unshared burdens, or exhaustion?
Embracing Changes in Prayer: Are you open to allowing your prayer practices to evolve and simplify, recognizing that different forms of prayer may nourish you at different times?
Sharing with God: Do you feel comfortable sharing your deepest burdens and emotions with God in prayer, knowing that He eagerly awaits your openness and offers understanding and mercy?
Understanding Spiritual Consolation: Are you aware that tears can be a sign of spiritual consolation, reflecting joy, warmth, and closeness with God, and are you open to receiving this gift when it comes?
Addressing Vulnerability to Desolation: How do you actively address dryness in your prayer life to avoid vulnerability to spiritual desolation, recognizing the importance of discerning and responding appropriately to your spiritual experiences?

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

“Dryness may again result when persons need to share with God a burden, fear, shame, or anxiety that fills their hearts— and have as yet been unable to do so. They experience dry- ness: nothing seems to help in prayer, the time passes slowly and with distractions, and the prayer they attempt appears to lack life.

A husband and wife sit across the table from each other at dinner. He knows that she holds a burden in her heart that she has not been able to express and share with him. Until the burden is expressed and shared, they will struggle to speak together with their habitual ease and communion. Their conversation will remain on a superficial level—it will feel dry—while both know that something deeper needs to be communicated. A man once told me that for eleven years his prayer had been dry. A few questions revealed that his young son had died eleven years earlier. When, after some hesitancy and with some courage, he shared with the Lord the stored- up pain and anger in his heart, the dryness ceased, and prayer flowed again.

Other Forms of Dryness

Other forms of dryness may result from nonspiritual factors. When persons are physically exhausted, they may find their prayer dry: they simply do not have the physical energy to pray in their usual way. Adequate rest will resolve this “dryness.” Something similar may result from depletion of emotional energy. Persons who have expended great emotional energy in difficult situations and who try to pray may also find that their prayer is dry: they are affectively spent and struggle to be emotionally present to their prayer. Healthy ways of replenishing emotional energy will resolve this “dry- ness” as well.

None of these forms of dryness are experiences of spiritual desolation.23 Each has its individual cause and so its indi- vidual remedy. Good spiritual direction will be sensitive to the cause of such persons’ individual experiences of dryness and so assist them to respond appropriately, helping them to eliminate its cause or—should such “dryness” indicate growth toward simplified prayer—assisting them to negotiate it well.

If, however, the dryness bears the mark of spiritual des- olation—affective aridity coupled with discouragement, a sense of distance from God, a weakening of hope, various temptations, and the like—then such persons will recognize the enemy at work and hear the call to active and energetic resistance.”

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 First Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

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The First Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

For the first Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Esseff reflects on Jesus’ desert retreat, relating it to Lent’s call for repentance, prayer, and fasting. He shares his own desert fasting experience, emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s role in awakening awareness of sin. He also warns against spiritual pride and emphasizes humility in recognizing God’s grace and the Lenten journey’s focus on repentance, prayer, and embracing God’s mercy.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Connection to Jesus’ Desert Experience: How does Jesus’ 40-day retreat in the desert parallel the Lenten season, particularly in terms of prayer, fasting, and resisting temptation?
Personal Reflection on Fasting: Reflecting on Msgr. Esseff’s fasting experience in the desert, how does fasting deepen spiritual awareness and intensify prayer?
The Call to Repentance: What does Lent’s call to repentance mean in your life? How does the Holy Spirit’s role in awakening awareness of sin manifest during this season?
Understanding Spiritual Pride: In what ways can spiritual pride hinder our Lenten journey? How can we cultivate humility in recognizing God’s grace and avoiding self-centeredness?
Embracing God’s Mercy: Reflecting on God’s infinite mercy, how does Lent provide an opportunity to deepen our understanding of God’s love and forgiveness?
The Lenten Journey’s Focus: How can we refocus our Lenten journey on repentance, prayer, and embracing God’s mercy, amidst the distractions and temptations of daily life?

Mk 1:12-15
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert,
and he remained in the desert for forty days,
tempted by Satan.
He was among wild beasts,
and the angels ministered to him.After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.

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.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Mother Teresa. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity. 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 around the world.

FJ9 – Remembering Our COVID Experience and Lessons for the Future – The Final Journey with Dr. Stephen Doran M.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Episode 9 – Remembering Our COVID Experience and Lessons for the Future – The Final Journey with Dr. Stephen Doran, M.D.

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Doran and Kris McGregor discuss the psychological and spiritual impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding how individuals and society have responded to the prolonged stress and challenges it has brought, especially for those in the nursing and caregiving professions. Dr. Doran highlights the story of a young nurse as an example of the former.

Dr. Doran and Kris make a particular note of the interconnectedness of physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being and the importance of maintaining faith, hope, and gratitude in the face of adversity.

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.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Psychological Impact: How has the prolonged pandemic affected your mental well-being and perception of challenges?
Virtue Cultivation: In what ways can you cultivate virtues like faith, hope, and gratitude in your daily life?
Discernment Practice: Are you actively discerning and responding to the movements of your heart, especially regarding fear and death?
Spiritual Awareness: How do you view death as a transition, considering the eternal nature of the soul?
Appreciating Caregivers: Reflect on your gratitude towards healthcare workers and other service providers.
Preparation for Adversity: How can you spiritually prepare for future challenges or crises, both personally and as a society?
Integration of Body and Soul: Do you acknowledge the spiritual dimension of your being and prioritize caring for your soul?
Gratitude in Daily Life: How can you maintain a sense of gratitude for the small acts of service others provide in your daily life?

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.

LSB5 – Holiness Beyond Appearance – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Holiness Beyond Appearance – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, O.S.B.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor continue their discussion of the life of St. Benedict. In this episode, they highlight his journey of detachment from cultural norms and societal expectations to deepen his relationship with God.

They explore how Benedict’s appearance in the wilderness led shepherds to mistake him for a wild animal initially, symbolizing his detachment from cultural conventions. Despite his unconventional appearance, Benedict’s holiness was recognized by the shepherds, highlighting the idea that true holiness transcends outward appearances.

Fr. Mauritius extends to the broader theme of detachment from cultural biases in spiritual growth, drawing parallels with missionaries and the need to embrace others. He notes the importance of being vulnerable before God, shedding societal masks to reveal our true selves. Fr. Mauritius encourages listeners to examine their cultural biases, appreciate different perspectives, and embrace vulnerability in their spiritual journeys.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Recognition of Holiness: How does St. Benedict’s story challenge our perceptions of holiness, particularly in recognizing it beyond outward appearances?
Detachment from Cultural Norms: What lessons can we learn from Benedict’s detachment from societal expectations, and how might this apply to our own cultural biases?
Embracing Perspectives: In what ways can we emulate Benedict’s openness to different perspectives and cultures in our interactions with others?
Authenticity in Prayer: How does Benedict’s journey encourage us to be authentic and vulnerable before God, especially in moments of prayer and reflection?
Cultural Critique and Improvement: Reflecting on our own culture, what aspects do we appreciate, and what areas do we see as needing improvement or correction?
Embracing Otherness: How do we view immigrants or unfamiliar cultures, and are we open to learning from them as God-inspired expressions of diversity?

From the Life of Our Most Holy Father St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great:

CHAPTER I.

“About the same time certain shepherds found him hid in a cave; who, at the first, spying him among the bushes, clothed in the skins of beasts, took him for some wild beast, but afterwards knowing him to be a servant of God, many of them were converted from their savage life to virtue. By this means his name began to be famous in the country, and many did resort unto him, bringing with them necessaries for his body, while they received from his lips the food of life.”

BTP-LOT14 – The Journey of Prayer – The Life of St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Journey of Prayer – The Life of St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the transformative journey of prayer as experienced and taught by St. Teresa of Avila. Dr. Lilles highlights St. Teresa’s autobiographical work as not just a recount of her life but as an instructional guide on the spiritual journey toward deeper communion with God through prayer.

St. Teresa’s teachings emphasize the progression through different stages or degrees of prayer, which she explores more deeply in her masterpiece, “The Interior Castle.” This progression reflects a soul’s journey from initial efforts in prayer, characterized by personal exertion and devotion, towards the profound experiences of mystical prayer, where God takes the initiative and intimately unites with the soul.

The focus of this episode is on St. Teresa’s use of vivid metaphors, like drawing water from a well and the soul as a garden, to describe the nurturing of spiritual virtues through prayer. These stages of prayer, from vocal and meditative prayer to the more advanced states of recollection, quiet, and ultimately union with God, are accessible to all baptized Christians as part of their spiritual heritage and call to holiness.

Dr. Lilles also addresses common challenges and misconceptions about spiritual progress, emphasizing the importance of humility, confidence in God’s grace, and openness to the transformative power of divine love. He encourages listeners to engage deeply with St. Teresa’s writings and to recognize the universal call to a profound spiritual life grounded in prayer.

This episode serves as a compelling invitation to deepen one’s prayer life by following the path laid out by St. Teresa of Avila, understanding prayer not just as a practice but as a journey of love, transformation, and intimate union with God.

For more episodes in this series: The Life of St. Teresa of Avila; with Dr. Anthony Lilles

For an audio version of the book “The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus” by St. Teresa of Avila

For other audio recordings of various spiritual classics, you can visit the Discerning Hearts Spiritual Classics page.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

How does St. Teresa of Avila’s metaphor of drawing water from a well resonate with your own prayer life and efforts to nurture spiritual virtues?
Reflect on the progression from vocal prayer to mystical prayer in your life. Have you experienced moments where you felt God was taking the initiative in your prayer?
St. Teresa emphasizes humility in prayer. How do you understand humility in the context of your spiritual journey, and how can you cultivate a more humble approach to God?
Consider the metaphor of the soul as a garden. What ‘flowers’ or virtues are you currently watering through your prayer, and what steps can you take to cultivate them more fully?
St. Teresa describes different stages of prayer, including the prayer of quiet and union with God. Have you encountered these states in your prayer life, and how have they transformed your relationship with God?
Reflect on the challenges and barriers you face in deepening your prayer life. How can St. Teresa’s teachings help you overcome these obstacles and grow in intimacy with God?
Prayer is both a personal journey and a way to draw closer to the community of the Church. How does your prayer life connect you with the wider Church, and how can you use your experiences to support and encourage others in their spiritual journeys?

An excerpt from Chapter 11, discussed in this episode:

“I speak now of those who begin to be the servants of love; that seems to me to be nothing else but to resolve to follow Him in the way of prayer, who has loved us so much. It is a dignity so great, that I have a strange joy in thinking of it; for servile fear vanishes at once, if we are, as we ought to be, in the first degree. O Lord of my soul, and my good, how is it that, when a soul is determined to love Thee—doing all it can, by forsaking all things, in order that it may the better occupy itself with the love of God—it is not Thy will it should have the joy of ascending at once to the possession of perfect love? I have spoken amiss; I ought to have said, and my complaint should have been, why is it we do not? for the fault is wholly our own that we do not rejoice at once in a dignity so great, seeing that the attaining to the perfect possession of this true love brings all blessings with it.

We think so much of ourselves, and are so dilatory in giving ourselves wholly to God, that, as His Majesty will not let us have the fruition of that which is so precious but at a great cost, so neither do we perfectly prepare ourselves for it. I see plainly that there is nothing by which so great a good can be procured in this world. If, however, we did what we could, not clinging to anything upon earth, but having all our thoughts and conversation in Heaven, I believe that this blessing would quickly be given us, provided we perfectly prepared ourselves for it at once, as some of the saints have done. We think we are giving all to God; but, in fact, we are offering only the revenue or the produce, while we retain the fee-simple of the land in our own possession.

We resolve to become poor, and it is a resolution of great merit; but we very often take great care not to be in want, not simply of what is necessary, but of what is superfluous: yea, and to make for ourselves friends who may supply us; and in this way we take more pains, and perhaps expose ourselves to greater danger, in order that we may want nothing, than we did formerly, when we had our own possessions in our own power.”

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D. is an associate professor and the academic dean of Saint John’s Seminary in Camarillo as well as the academic advisor for Juan Diego House of Priestly Formation for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. For over twenty years he served the Church in Northern Colorado where he joined and eventually served as dean of the founding faculty of Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. Through the years, clergy, seminarians, religious and lay faithful have benefited from his lectures and retreat conferences on the Carmelite Doctors of the Church and the writings of St. Elisabeth of the Trinity.

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

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

In part one of this conversation, Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor engage in a profound discussion on the nature of prayer, particularly in the context of suffering and spiritual desolation. They both point out the importance of prayer as more than just verbal communication with God, making note of its holistic nature, which involves the entire being united in love and longing for God.

Fr. Gallagher also shares examples of finding communion with God through suffering, citing St. Therese. He offers guidance from St. Ignatius to navigate spiritual desolation, encouraging listeners to embrace prayer and suffering for spiritual growth.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Engagement in Prayer: How do you respond when faced with obstacles in your prayer life, such as illness or physical limitations?
Unifying Suffering with Prayer: In what ways can you unite your daily suffering with prayer, following the examples of St. Therese and others?
Value of Small Acts of Love: Reflect on how you can incorporate small acts of pure love into your daily life, as emphasized by St. John of the Cross and St. Therese.
Facing Spiritual Desolation: Have you experienced periods of spiritual desolation? How can the teachings of St. Ignatius help you navigate such times?
Growth Through Challenges: Consider how both spiritual consolation and desolation contribute to your spiritual growth. How can you embrace challenges as opportunities for deeper connection with God?

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

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

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

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

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

The Sacrament of Healing – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Anointing of the Sick, known as one of the Sacraments of Healing. He speaks of his personal experience with the sacrament and the importance of having it readily available for the faithful. Msgr. Esseff also addresses particular issues related to laying on of hands.

From the USSCB:

Jesus came to heal the whole person, body and soul.

In the Church’s Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, through the ministry of the priest, it is Jesus who touches the sick to heal them from sin – and sometimes even from physical ailment. His cures were signs of the arrival of the Kingdom of God. The core message of his healing tells us of his plan to conquer sin and death by his dying and rising.

The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient.

When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God’s will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.

~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults | en español

Pray

Prayers for the Health and Dignity of the Sick

Order for the Blessing of the Sick

Learn

Explore the USCCA to learn about the liturgy for the Anointing of the Sickand its effects within the community and the life of the sick. | en español

Respecting the Dignity of the Human Person at the End of Life

Act

Anointing of the Sick: Joined to Christ, Witnesses of Hope and Healing| en español
The Corporal Works of Mercy include visiting the sick and burying the dead.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy include praying for the living and the dead.

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45

40 And a leper came to him begging him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And he sternly charged him, and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

Scripture quotations from Common Bible: Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1973, and Ignatius Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 2006, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

CHGD2 – Gertrud von Le Fort’s The Eternal Woman – The Importance of Symbolic Language – Climbing Higher, Going Deeper w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 2 – The Importance of Symbolic Language – Gertrude von Le Fort’s The Eternal Woman – Climbing Higher, Going Deeper w/Kris McGregor and Vivian Dudro

Kris McGregor, along with Vivian Dudro, continues their discussion of The Eternal Woman by highlighting the importance of the introduction, urging listeners to approach it slowly and prayerfully to grasp von Le Fort’s dense but insightful writing. The discussion emphasizes von Le Fort’s critique of simplifying theology for a broader understanding, advocating instead for elevating communication to convey truth more effectively, akin to Christ’s teachings.

Von Le Fort is praised for her precise but accessible language, despite her deep philosophical background. The episode explores her focus on the symbolic aspect of male and female, particularly the female, in relation to God’s creation and communication. It discusses how von Le Fort views the physical world and its symbols as mediums through which God communicates metaphysical realities, using symbolic language intrinsic to human expression and understanding.

The conversation also touches on modern philosophical shifts that have obscured the intrinsic meanings of symbols, contributing to a cultural disconnect from these deeper truths. Von Le Fort’s work is positioned as a call to rediscover the symbolic language lost over time, particularly concerning the essence of womanhood and its spiritual significance. The hosts discuss how von Le Fort uses Mary, the mother of Jesus, as the epitome of the feminine symbol, embodying both reception and nurturing, which are crucial for understanding human’s relationship with the divine.

This episode underscores von Le Fort’s aim to reorient readers towards a more profound comprehension of the symbolic meanings embedded in the creation, particularly the distinctions and roles of men and women, without reducing them to mere biological or psychological terms. It calls for a re-engagement with symbolic language to foster a deeper connection with God and a more authentic understanding of one’s identity and purpose.

Key Points to Ponder

1. Symbolic Language as a Medium of Divine Communication: The episode highlights von Le Fort’s exploration of symbolic language as a crucial tool through which God communicates with humanity. This symbolic language is not only a feature of religious texts and rituals but is also embedded in the creation itself, particularly in the symbolic aspects of male and female.
2. Rediscovering the Lost Language of Symbolism: There’s a call to rediscover the language of symbolism that modern philosophical shifts have obscured. This rediscovery is essential for understanding the deeper truths about God, creation, and the roles of men and women.
3. Mary as the Ideal Symbol of the Feminine: Mary, the mother of Jesus, is discussed as the epitome of the feminine, embodying reception and nurturing. Her role transcends biological and social functions, symbolizing a deeper spiritual truth about humanity’s relationship with the divine.
4. The Significance of Sexual Differentiation: The discussion touches on the importance of recognizing and understanding the symbolic significance of sexual differentiation. This differentiation is not merely biological but carries deep metaphysical meanings related to God’s creation and communication.
5. The Role of Women and Men in Symbolizing Divine Truths: Both hosts delve into how women and men symbolize different aspects of divine truths. While discussing the unique contributions of women through their receptivity and nurturing capabilities, they also explore how men embody bravery and protection, reflecting different facets of God’s nature.
6. The Danger of Ideological Confusion over Gender and Symbolism: The conversation warns against the modern ideological confusion that blurs the distinctions between genders and undermines the symbolic meanings embedded in our created nature. It stresses the importance of embracing our God-given identities to fully understand and live out our relationship with God.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Individual Reflection Questions:

1. Reflecting on Symbolic Language: How does the symbolic language found in Scripture, Liturgy, and the natural world deepen your understanding of God’s communication with humanity? Consider examples from your own experience where symbolic language has illuminated aspects of your faith.
2. The Role of Mary as a Symbol: Reflect on Mary’s role as the epitome of the feminine and the ideal disciple. How does her example of receptivity, nurturing, and obedience to God challenge and inspire your own journey of faith?
3. Understanding Theological Complexity: Gertrude von Le Fort critiques the oversimplification of theology for broader understanding. Reflect on a time when a deeper exploration of a complex theological concept led to a significant growth in your faith. How does this encourage you to approach theological studies in the future?
4. Sexual Differentiation and Symbolic Significance: How do you understand the symbolic significance of sexual differentiation in the light of Catholic teaching? Reflect on how this understanding influences your views on sexual differences, identity, and the complementarity of men and women in God’s plan.
5. Combatting Ideological Confusion with Faith: In a world where ideological confusion often blurs the distinctions between genders and undermines symbolic meanings, how can your faith guide you in affirming the truth about God’s design for humanity? Consider ways in which you can bear witness to these truths in your own life and community.

Group Study Discussion Questions:

1. Exploring Symbolic Language in Faith: As a group, discuss examples of symbolic language in the Catholic faith that resonate with you personally. How do these symbols enrich your understanding of divine truths and your relationship with God?
2. Mary’s Symbolic Role: Reflect on Mary’s role as not only the mother of Jesus but also as a symbol of the Church and the epitome of the feminine. How does this dual role of Mary inspire your group’s understanding of discipleship and the unique contributions of women in the Church?
3. Challenges of Theological Simplification: Share thoughts on the balance between making theology accessible and oversimplifying complex doctrines. Can you think of instances where a deeper understanding of a challenging theological concept significantly impacted your faith or the faith of someone you know?
4. Sexual Differentiation and Spiritual Symbolism: Discuss the significance of sexual differentiation as presented in the podcast. How can recognizing the spiritual symbolism of masculinity and femininity enhance the Church’s mission and the Christian community’s unity?
5. Addressing Ideological Confusion with Faithful Witness: In light of the podcast’s discussion on the modern ideological confusion surrounding gender and symbolism, how can your group actively promote a faithful understanding of human dignity and God’s design within your parish or community? What practical steps can be taken to support individuals struggling with these issues in a compassionate and truthful manner?

Suggested References for Further Study:

The Symbolic Significance of Femininity and Masculinity:

Podcast Mention: Discussion of Gertrude von Le Fort’s exploration of the symbolic aspects of femininity and masculinity, as well as their spiritual and metaphysical implications.

Reference to Theology of the Body:

Pope St. John Paul II’s Insight: In “Theology of the Body,” Pope St. John Paul II offers profound theological and philosophical reflections on human sexuality, complementarity, and the symbolism of the body as a divine mystery, echoing von Le Fort’s thematic discussions.
Reference: Pope St. John Paul II. “Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body.” Pauline Books & Media, translation by Michael Waldstein, 2006.

Ethical Dimensions of Human Relationships:

Podcast Mention: Touches on the importance of understanding the ethical and moral dimensions underpinning human relationships, hinting at a deeper, symbolic understanding of our interactions.

Karol Wojtyła’s (Pope St. John Paul II) Philosophical Foundation:

Insight from “Love and Responsibility”: Wojtyła addresses the ethical and moral considerations of human relationships, offering foundational insights that support the podcast’s discussion on the symbolic aspects of relationships.
Reference: Wojtyła, Karol (Pope St. John Paul II). “Love and Responsibility.” Ignatius Press, 1993.

Unique Gifts and Vocation of Women:

Podcast Mention: Emphasizes the unique contributions and vocation of women, as discussed by Gertrude von Le Fort and echoed by the podcast hosts.

Alice von Hildebrand’s Perspective:

Complementary Insights in “The Privilege of Being a Woman”: Von Hildebrand champions the beauty and strength of femininity, challenging contemporary misunderstandings, in parallel to von Le Fort’s discussions.
Reference: Von Hildebrand, Alice. “The Privilege of Being a Woman.” Veritas Press, 2002.