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The Gift of Empty Hands – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Gift of Empty Hands – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the readings from Ecclesiastes, Colossians, and the Gospel of Luke, focusing on the destructive nature of greed and the illusion of security found in material wealth. He contrasts the pursuit of possessions with the call to live in Christ, who alone satisfies the human heart. Using the parable of the rich man and stories from his own ministry, including encounters with the poor, missionaries, and saints like Mother Teresa, Msgr. Esseff illustrates how worldly riches can enslave the soul, while true freedom and peace come from union with Christ and a life centered on eternal values.

He shares moving examples of individuals who lived simply yet gave abundantly, revealing how detachment from luxury leads to spiritual richness. Msgr. Esseff also describes the radical poverty of the Missionaries of Charity and their joy in Christ, challenging listeners to examine their own relationship with wealth. He encourages young people to consider lives of missionary discipleship, not for fame or fortune, but to radiate Christ in the world. True richness, he says, is found in living a full life in God, where identity and peace are rooted not in possessions but in the presence of Jesus within.

From the Gospel of St. Luke 12:13-21

“Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,
“Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”
He replied to him,
“Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?”
Then he said to the crowd,
“Take care to guard against all greed,
for though one may be rich,
one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Then he told them a parable.
“There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.
He asked himself, ‘What shall I do,
for I do not have space to store my harvest?’
And he said, ‘This is what I shall do:
I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones.
There I shall store all my grain and other goods
and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you,
you have so many good things stored up for many years,
rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’
But God said to him,
‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;
and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’
Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves
but are not rich in what matters to God.”

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

What role do material possessions play in your life, and how might they be drawing your heart away from God?
How do you discern the difference between necessities and luxuries in your daily living?
In what ways are you seeking what is above, as St. Paul exhorts, rather than what is earthly?
Are there forms of hidden idolatry in your life, such as dependence on wealth, status, or comfort?
How can you practice generosity toward the poor and marginalized in a concrete way?
When was the last time you encountered poverty that challenged your perspective on your own abundance?
What would it mean for you to live a “full life in Christ” rather than just a successful or comfortable one?
How can you use your career or vocation as a mission field to reflect Christ to others?
In what areas of your life do you feel empty despite having much, and could that be a call to deeper union with God?
If you were to die today, would your life reflect a pursuit of eternal riches or temporary ones?

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.

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

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

In Part Two, Kris McGregor introduces us to the features and resources available through the Discerning Hearts website and mobile app. The platform offers rich spiritual content including spiritual formation, prayers, scripture study, Church teaching, and reflections. Listeners can easily navigate categories like “Spiritual Formation” to explore podcast series from trusted Catholic voices such as Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Dr. Anthony Lilles. The app includes user-friendly features like downloading episodes, playback controls, and access to 24/7 streaming channels focused on formation and meditative prayer.

She encourages us to explore content based on their spiritual needs, whether they’re seeking healing, dealing with grief, growing in prayer, or learning about the saints. Discerning Hearts is also available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube, and users can subscribe to a daily email with new content.

Transcription

Today, let’s help you take the next step: where to begin and how to explore what’s waiting for you. Whether you’re using our website or our free mobile app, we’ve designed it all to be easy to navigate and spiritually fruitful—but there is a lot.

Let’s start with the app. When you first open the Discerning Hearts app, you’ll see several major categories such as Spiritual Formation, Prayers and Devotionals, Scripture, Church History, and more. Once you enter a category—let’s say, Spiritual Formation—you’ll see a list of voices and themes: trusted teachers like Father Timothy Gallagher, Dr. Anthony Lilles, Father Donald Haggerty, and others, each offering series rooted in rich spiritual charisms.

When you tap on one of those voices or topics, you’ll see the podcast series available—some in audio form, others also available as YouTube videos. Once you enter into a particular series, you’ll find a list of episodes ready to explore.

Each episode includes a star icon you can tap to mark it as a favorite, and a circle with a downward arrow to download it for later listening. When you select an episode, you’ll see a full-screen player along with complete show notes so you can follow along or go deeper.

Your podcast will begin playing at the bottom of your screen where a small black bar will appear. If you tap that bar, the player will expand, giving you access to fast-forward and rewind controls. At the top right of the screen, you’ll find a small gear icon—tap that and you can adjust the playback speed, set the podcast to repeat, or even use a sleep timer to turn off playback automatically.

It’s all designed to be intuitive, flexible, and a true companion for your prayer and learning. And there’s more. Within the app, you’ll also find access to two 24/7 streaming audio channels. Think of them as spiritual radio—always on, always available.

DH1 offers continuous spiritual formation programming, while DH2 features continuous music, prayer, and guided meditation. Just tap to listen and enter into the rhythm of grace wherever you are.

And if you’re not sure where to begin, one of the easiest places is the Latest Podcast section on the website. You’ll find it just by scrolling down the homepage. You’ll also see links to our prayer and devotional offerings, frequently asked questions, and a complete list of all our series. The same features are available in the app—right at your fingertips.

Remember, Discerning Hearts is also on all major podcast platforms—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many more. Just search “Discerning Hearts” and you’ll find both our full channel and individual series like Inside the Pages or Building a Kingdom of Love.

You’ll also find us on YouTube, where many of our podcasts and teachings are available in video format if you prefer to watch or want to share a visual resource with a friend. Our YouTube channel is another simple way to stay connected and inspired.

And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to sign up for our daily newsletter. Every day, we’ll send a fresh offering to your inbox—sometimes a new podcast episode, other times a prayer or reflection. It’s a quiet, gentle way to stay close to the heart of this mission.

Finally, if you find Discerning Hearts helpful and you believe in this mission, there’s a donate button right within the app. Your gift, no matter the size, helps keep this content free and accessible to souls around the world.

Most of all, I want to invite you to explore with trust. You’re not just opening an app—you’re opening a door to a deeper relationship with Christ. Through every series, every episode, and every prayer, may you come to hear His voice more clearly and follow Him more closely.

In our next episode, we’ll help you match your season of life—or the longings of your heart—with the series and content that can meet you there. Whether you’re seeking healing, wrestling with grief, drawn to the saints, or just looking to go deeper in prayer, we’ll help you find the right place to start.

Until then, thank you for being with us, and may God continue to bless your journey.

SFTH-7 – The Days of Formation – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode Seven – The Days of Formation – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

In this episode of Stories from the Heart, Msgr. John Esseff joins Kris McGregor to reflect on his seminary years beginning in 1945 during the final months of World War II. He recalls the rigorous training in Latin and Greek and his deep love for philosophy, which he describes as refreshing and life-giving. The writings of Thomas Aquinas and Augustine awakened a hunger in him for truth, and the structure of disciplined study shaped his intellect and soul.

Msgr. Esseff later studied theology and Semitic languages at The Catholic University of America. There, he encountered extraordinary professors including Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Monsignor Joseph Clifford Fenton, and Fr. John Courtney Murray, whose work on religious freedom would shape the Second Vatican Council. He reflects on the vibrant discussions and theological tensions of that era, noting both the richness and the shortcomings of his formation. Though the sacraments were central, he was not taught how to pray from the heart. Over time, he came to understand true prayer as a response to the living presence of God. He encourages listeners to see prayer not as something we perform but as a loving relationship awakened by God’s own invitation.

Reflection Questions

What can Msgr. Esseff’s early commitment to becoming a good priest teach us about responding to God’s call in our own lives?
How did the structured routine of prayer, study, and sacramental life form his character, and what routines shape our faith today?
Why did the study of philosophy stir something so deep in Msgr. Esseff, and how do we nourish our minds in pursuit of truth?
How did the experience of daily Mass and weekly Confession sustain him during difficult times in formation?
What is the difference between being told to pray and being taught how to pray, as Msgr. Esseff describes it?
How can we become more aware of the presence of God in our daily life, especially in quiet moments of prayer?
Why does Msgr. Esseff say that prayer begins with God’s initiative, and how does this change our approach to prayer?
What does it mean to treat prayer as the breath of the soul, and how can we keep our spiritual life alive through daily prayer?

About the Series

In this deeply personal and spiritually rich podcast series, Msgr. John Esseff—renowned retreat master, confessor, and spiritual director—shares intimate stories of his remarkable life. Having encountered some of the most beloved and influential figures of the modern Church, including St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Padre Pio, Pope St. John Paul II, and many others, Msgr. Esseff offers listeners a living memory of the Church’s heart in the 20th and 21st centuries. This series also explores his missionary work with the poor, his years of service through the Pontifical Missions, and the profound lessons drawn from hidden saints and everyday holiness.

HSE1 – Introduction – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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

In this first episode, Fr. Anthony Wick joins Kris McGregor to explore the personal journey that led him to discover and embrace the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Drawing from his upbringing on a Montana farm, the influence of his Jesuit-formed father, and his own experiences with retreats and education at the St. Ignatius Institute, Fr. Wick recounts how Ignatian spirituality gradually drew him toward religious life. Despite early resistance and a desire for marriage and family, he found himself captivated by Ignatius’ approach to prayer, discernment, and inner freedom. A pivotal moment came when a Jesuit friend suggested he spend time at the Casa Alverà in Rome, a house of discernment that helped clarify his vocation.

The conversation highlights how St. Ignatius’ own life was transformed through suffering, especially during his convalescence after being wounded in battle. Reading the lives of Christ and the saints, Ignatius began to notice the different effects that thoughts had on his spirit. Some left him empty while others filled him with joy. This observation became the basis for his discernment of spirits, a foundational principle in the Spiritual Exercises. Fr. Wick explains how Ignatius’ mystical experiences in the cave at Manresa laid the groundwork for this practical and deeply personal spiritual tool. He also shares how discovering his own patron saint, St. Anthony of Egypt, helped confirm his call and opened his heart to the flourishing that comes with finding one’s true spiritual father. The episode invites listeners to explore which saints may have chosen them and to pursue those interior stirrings that lead toward deeper relationship with Christ.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Reflection Questions:

When you reflect on your own spiritual journey, can you identify moments when God reoriented your plans toward something deeper?
What inner responses do you experience when considering the lives of the saints—do any leave you especially consoled or stirred?
Have you ever noticed different spiritual “fruits” from your thoughts or desires, as St. Ignatius did during his convalescence?
What does it mean to you that the saints might choose us, rather than the other way around?
How has your understanding of spiritual fatherhood or motherhood shaped your prayer life and discernment?
In what ways might God be inviting you to surrender inordinate attachments or self-centered plans?
Which particular saints have helped you flourish in your spiritual life, and how have they guided your path?
How can you begin or deepen a habit of prayerfully listening to God through the charism of a particular spiritual tradition?

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.

An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part One: Formation, Prayer, and More – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part One: Formation, Prayer, and More

In this introductory episode, Kris McGregor welcomes listeners to Discerning Hearts and offers a guided overview of the rich spiritual resources available through the platform. From deep spiritual formation with renowned teachers like Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Dr. Anthony Lilles, to practical tools like the Daily Lectio Divina and Examen Prayer, Kris highlights how Discerning Hearts supports daily growth in prayer, scripture, and Catholic teaching. We are introduced to major categories including prayer and devotionals, scripture study, Church history, apologetics, Catholic social teaching, and more—all accessible for free through the website, mobile app, podcast platforms, and 24/7 streaming.

Whether you’re beginning your journey or seeking to deepen it, this episode shows how Discerning Hearts can become a daily companion in your spiritual life.

Transcription

Welcome to Discerning Hearts. I’m Kris McGregor, and whether this is your first time with us or you’re returning after journeying with us for a while, I’m so glad you’re here. This short series is designed to introduce—or reintroduce—you to everything Discerning Hearts offers. Over the next few episodes, I’ll walk with you step by step, showing you how to explore our content, use the app or website, and discover the spiritual tools that can help you grow closer to Christ.

Today, I want to give you a brief overview of the major categories you’ll find across our platform—whether you’re using the app, the website, or your favorite podcast platform. We begin with the heart of our mission: spiritual formation. Here, you’ll find podcast series that delve into the interior life, prayer, discernment, and the mystical tradition of the Church. We feature voices like Fr. Timothy Gallagher on Ignatian spirituality and the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her family, Dr. Anthony Lilles, and Fr. Donald Haggerty, who guide us into the depths of Carmelite mysticism. Fr. Thomas McDermott teaches the wisdom of St. Catherine of Siena and the Dominican tradition; Fr. Mauritius Wilde shares from the Benedictine way of life; and Deacon James Keating speaks on contemplative prayer and intimacy with Christ. These are just a few of the many series in this section.

In our Prayers and Devotionals section, you’ll find novenas structured as nine-day journeys with a saint, enriched with reflections and teachings from their lives. We also offer multiple versions of the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and a treasury of litanies and prayers to the Sacred Heart, Our Lady, St. Joseph, and more. Central to our daily rhythm are the Daily Lectio Divina and Examen Prayer—tools to help you notice God’s presence throughout your day.

If you want to go deeper into Sacred Scripture, we have in-depth studies from Sharon Doran’s Seeking Truth series, seasonal Gospel reflections, and thematic episodes tied to the liturgical year. It’s not just about learning the Word—it’s about loving and living it.

In the Church History and Apologetics section, you’ll find teachings from the early Church to the modern day. Mike Aquilina explores the early Church Fathers, Dr. Matthew Bunson highlights the Doctors of the Church. Other series showcase voices of conversion and evangelization, from G.K. Chesterton to St. John Henry Newman.

We also offer content on Living the Faith in the World, which explores Catholic social teaching, faith, and culture. Deacon Omar Gutierrez speaks on social doctrine and others explore art, literature, and beauty through a Gospel lens.

All of this is available for free on our website and the Discerning Hearts mobile app. You can also stream through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our YouTube channel. Be sure to sign up for our daily email newsletter for new reflections and episodes, and check out our 24/7 streaming channels—like a podcast radio, always on and always available. You don’t need to have a plan—just begin. We’re here to walk with you.

In our next episode, I’ll guide you through how to navigate the app and website, how to find the series that speaks to your heart, and how to integrate Discerning Hearts into your daily rhythm of prayer and formation. Thank you for being with us—may this be the beginning, or the deepening, of a beautiful spiritual journey.

St. Peter Chrysologus – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Anthony of Padua Doctor of Church Matthew Bunson Podcast

St. Peter Chrysologus – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

Born: 406 AD, Imola, Italy
Died: July 31, 450 AD

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss St. Peter Chrysologus, a Doctor of the Church known as the “Doctor of Homilies” due to his exceptional preaching skills. Chrysologus, who lived from around 380 to 450 AD, was noted for his brief, clear, and impactful homilies that conveyed deep theological truths concisely to avoid boring his congregation. His teachings emphasized prayer, fasting, and mercy, which he believed were interdependent and vital for a steadfast faith and virtuous life.

Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII, Chrysologus was honored during a period of rationalism and skepticism in Europe. His ability to distill complex theological concepts into accessible and inspiring messages made him an essential figure during the Enlightenment. Despite the turmoil of his era, including the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of various heresies like Arianism and Monophysitism, Chrysologus remained a steadfast defender of orthodox Christian doctrine.

Chrysologus’s significant influence is highlighted by his relationship with Pope Leo the Great and his response to the heretic Eutyches, which emphasized papal primacy and the importance of unity in the Church. His eloquence and gentle nature, combined with his theological depth, made his homilies resonate deeply with his congregation and contributed to his lasting legacy in the Church. The podcast underscores the relevance of Chrysologus’s teachings in today’s context of social and religious challenges, encouraging listeners to draw inspiration from his life and work.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding the Impact of Brevity in Homilies: How can the example of St. Peter Chrysologus’s concise and clear homilies inspire contemporary preachers to communicate more effectively?
Emulating the Zeal for Truth: In what ways can we, as modern Catholics, emulate St. Peter Chrysologus’s zeal for defending and teaching the true faith amidst today’s skepticism and rationalism?
Integrating Prayer, Fasting, and Mercy: How can we incorporate St. Peter Chrysologus’s teaching on the interdependence of prayer, fasting, and mercy into our daily spiritual practices?
Importance of Papal Primacy: Why is understanding and respecting papal primacy, as emphasized by St. Peter Chrysologus, important for maintaining unity and orthodoxy in the Church today?
Living the Faith Through Action: Reflect on a specific way you can live out your faith in action, following the example of St. Peter Chrysologus’s life and teachings.
Addressing Modern Heresies: What are some modern-day heresies or false teachings that the Church faces, and how can we effectively respond to them using the wisdom of St. Peter Chrysologus?
Importance of Holiness in Relationships: How does the relationship between St. Peter Chrysologus and other Church leaders like Pope Leo the Great illustrate the importance of fostering holy and supportive relationships within the Church community?
Lessons from Historical Context: How can the historical context of St. Peter Chrysologus’s time help us understand and address the challenges facing the Church in our current era?
Role of Homilies in Worship: Why is it crucial for homilies to be integrated within the context of worship and liturgy, as St. Peter Chrysologus exemplified?
Personal Spiritual Growth: Reflect on a recent homily that deeply moved you. How did it inspire your spiritual growth, and how can you seek to apply its message in your life?

For more on St. Peter Chrysologus and his teachings

From Wikipedia:

“Peter was born in Imola, where Cornelius, bishop of Roman Catholic Diocese of Imola, baptized him, educated him, and ordained him a deacon. He was made an archdeacon through the influence of Emperor Valentinian III. Pope Sixtus III appointed Peter as Bishop of Ravenna (or perhaps archbishop) circa 433, apparently rejecting the candidate whom the people of the city ofRavenna elected. The traditional account, as recorded in the Roman Breviary, is that Sixtus had a vision of Pope Saint Peter the Apostle and Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna, the first bishop of that see, who showed Sixtus a young man, the next Bishop of Ravenna. When a group from Ravenna arrived, including Cornelius and his archdeacon Peter from Imola, Sixtus recognized Peter as the young man in his vision and consecrated him as a bishop.

People knew Saint Peter Chrysologus, the Doctor of Homilies, for his short but inspired talks; he supposedly feared boring his audience. His piety and zeal won universal admiration. After hearing oratory of his first homily as bishop, Roman Empress Galla Placidia supposedly gave him the surname Chrysologus, meaning “golden-worded.” Empress Galla Placidia patronized many of projects of Bishop Saint Peter.

In his extant homilies, bishop Peter explained Biblical texts briefly and concisely. He also condemned Arianism and Monophysitism as heresies and explained beautifully the Apostles’ Creed, the mystery of the Incarnation, and other topics in simple and clear language. He dedicated a series of homilies to Saint John the Baptist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Peter advocated daily reception of Eucharist. He urged his listeners to confide in the forgiveness offered through Christ. He shared the confidence of Saint Pope Leo I the Great (440-461), another doctor of the Church.

A synod held in Constantinople in 448 condemned Eutyches for Monophysitism; Eutyches then appealed to Saint Peter Chrysologus but failed in his endeavour to win the support of the Bishop. The Acts of the Council of Chalcedon(451) preserves the text of letter of Saint Peter Chrysologus in response to Eutyches; Peter admonishes Eutyches to accept the ruling of the synod and to give obedience to the Bishop of Rome as the successor of Saint Peter.

Archbishop Felix of Ravenna in the early eighth century collected and preserved 176 of his homilies. Various authors edited and translated these works into numerous languages.

Death and veneration

St Peter died circa or after 450 during a visit to Imola, the town of his birth. Older reference books say he died on 2 December, but a more recent interpretation of the ninth-century “Liber Pontificalis Ecclesiae Ravennatis” indicated that he died on 31 July. When in 1729 he was declared a Doctor of the Church, his feast day, not already included in the Tridentine Calendar, was inserted in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints for celebration on 4 December. In 1969 his feast was moved to 30 July, as close as possible to the day of his death, 31 July, the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.”

For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.

Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and a senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

BTP-LR20 – Day 14 – Part 2 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Day 14 – Part 2 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore Day 14 of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s Last Retreat. The reflection centers on the idea that Holy Communion is not merely a moment of devotion but an invitation to unite fully with Christ’s obedience to the Father’s will. Elizabeth points to Christ’s declaration, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me”, to reveal that receiving the Eucharist properly requires interior readiness and surrender. When we approach the altar with selfish motives or spiritual distraction, we hinder the grace meant to transform us. Instead, St. Elizabeth calls for a soul open to the mystery of divine will: one that continues to offer praise and fidelity long after Mass ends. This disposition leads us deeper into the very heart of Christ’s sacrificial love, enabling us to join him in his prayer and suffering.

Silence is the place where union with God matures. St. Elizabeth portrays this silence not as mere absence of noise, but as the crucible of transformation, especially in suffering. Drawing from Jesus’ own cries from the cross—“Why have you abandoned me?” and “I thirst”—she identifies the soul’s participation in divine love through desolation and thirst for God. This silence prepares the heart to echo Jesus’ final surrender: “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” Dr. Lilles reflects that such surrender, born from silence and suffering, allows God’s glory and joy to enter the world. In a noisy culture, this interior stillness is rare but deeply necessary. It is within this silence, he says, that God astonishes the soul with his presence and leads it beyond its limits into the boundless mystery of divine love.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does receiving Holy Communion invite you to align your will with the Father’s, beyond the moment of the Mass?
In what ways might you be approaching Communion with personal agendas rather than openness to God’s purpose?
What does it mean for you personally to make the Father’s will your “food,” as Christ did?
How can you cultivate silence in your life as a place of strength and union with God?
When have you experienced the silence of God, and how did it affect your faith?
Are you willing to let suffering become a path through which God communicates his love to others?
How might embracing silence after Communion deepen your intimacy with Christ?
What does Jesus’ thirst from the cross reveal about his desire for your soul and others?
How can you surrender more fully to God in times of spiritual abandonment or trial?
What does it look like in your life to let Christ increase and yourself decrease?

From “Last Retreat Day 14” found in The Complete Works vol 1:

36. “It seems to me that all is loss since I have known the excelling knowledge of my Lord, Jesus Christ. For love of Him I have forfeited everything; I have accounted all else rubbish that I may gain Christ, so as to be found in Him, not with my own justice but with the justice that comes from God through faith. What I want is to know Him, to share in His sufferings, to become like Him in His death. I pursue my course, striving to attain to what Christ has destined me for by taking hold of me; my whole concern is to forget what is behind and to strain forward constantly to what is ahead; I run straight to the goal . . . , to the prize of the heavenly vocation to which God has called me in Christ Jesus.” 212 The Apostle has often revealed the greatness of this vocation: “God,” he says, “has chosen us in Him before the creation of the world that we might be holy and immaculate in His presence in love. . . . We have been predestined by the decree of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we may be the praise of His glory.” 213

37. But how do we respond to the dignity of this vocation? This is the secret: “Mihi vivere Christus est! . . . Vivo enim, jam non ego, vivit vero in me Christus. . . .” 214 We must be transformed into Jesus Christ; again it is St. Paul who teaches me this: “Those whom God has foreknown, He has predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” 215 It is important then that I study this divine Model so as to identify myself so closely with Him that I may unceasingly reveal Him to the eyes of the Father. First of all, what did He say when He came into the world? “Here I am, O God, I come to do your will.” 216 I think that this prayer should be like the bride’s heartbeat: 217 “Here we are, O Father, we come to do your will!”

This the text we are using to discuss “Heaven in Faith” you can find it here and order from the Carmelite Sisters

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 .

HIDT6- Conference 6 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Conference 6 – Hope in Difficult Times: with Sts. Therese, Louis, and Zelie and Their Family with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher explores the profound faith, resilience, and sacrificial love embodied by St. Zélie Martin, the mother of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Through excerpts from her letters, Fr. Gallagher illustrates St. Zélie’s trials in marriage, business, motherhood, and terminal illness. Her writings reveal a woman deeply devoted to her family, tirelessly caring for her children and employees despite her own suffering. Her honesty, humor, sense of duty, and unwavering trust in God are evident as she navigates economic hardship, family illnesses, and her growing awareness of her cancer. Even as her health declines, her concern remains for the well-being and formation of her children, especially Leonie whose personal struggles weighed heavily on her heart.

Fr. Gallagher highlights the mutual self-giving between St. Zélie and her husband St. Louis, who repeatedly sacrificed personal comfort and business pursuits for the good of his wife and daughters. He also takes a look at Zélie’s final months, her peaceful death, and the enduring spiritual legacy she and Louis left for their daughters—especially Thérèse. Fr. Gallagher ties their lived holiness to the “little way” Thérèse would later articulate, and encourages the audience to reflect on how ordinary acts done with love and fidelity can shape lives and sanctify families.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does Zélie Martin’s patient endurance through suffering challenge my own response to trials?
In what ways can I imitate Zélie’s devotion to family responsibilities even amid personal hardship?
How do I respond when God’s will seems to differ from my hopes or plans?
Am I willing to offer my daily work and sacrifices as a form of love and service to others?
What role does trust in divine providence play in how I make decisions and face uncertainty?
How can I better care for the vulnerable and poor, as the Martin family did with the homeless man?
Do I avoid complaining and choose instead to bear challenges quietly and with love?
How am I nurturing the faith of those in my care, especially children or those struggling spiritually?
What does Louis Martin’s sacrificial love teach me about living out charity in my vocation?
In what ways can I grow in accepting God’s timing, especially regarding unanswered prayers or delayed resolutions?

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.

The Legacy of St. Charbel Makhluf and St. Nimatullah Kassab – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Legacy of St. Charbel Makhluf and St. Nimatullah Kassab – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff shares a personal and profound connection with Saint Charbel Makhlouf, a Maronite saint from Lebanon, whose feast day is being celebrated. Msgr. Esseff recounts his experience in Lebanon as the Pontifical Mission Director, where he visited Saint Charbel’s shrine and learned about his life and influence.

Saint Charbel was a Maronite monk known for his deep spirituality and ascetic life, who eventually chose a hermit’s life for 27 years of prayer and fasting. His life and miraculous incorrupt body, which glowed after his death, drew many pilgrims, including Muslims and Christians.

Msgr. Esseff discusses the significance of Saint Charbel for both Eastern and Western Christians, and the importance for unity in Christ despite historical and political division and the need for holiness and true leadership rooted in Christ rather than worldly power.

St. Charbel Makhlouf... some call him the Padre Pio of Lebanon 1 — Saint Charbel Makhluf, O.L.M. (or Sharbel Maklouf)

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Reflect on how the lives of saints, particularly Saint Charbel, can inspire and guide your spiritual journey.
Consider the importance of personal holiness and how you can strive to be more Christ-like in your daily life.
Examine the qualities of true leadership in the Church, as exemplified by Saint Charbel, and how they differ from worldly power and prestige.
Contemplate the common foundation of faith in Christ that unites Eastern and Western Christians, despite historical and political differences.
Reflect on the role of prayer and fasting in deepening your relationship with God, inspired by Saint Charbel’s example.
Think about the significance of miracles in the Church, such as the incorrupt body of Saint Charbel, and what they reveal about God’s presence and power.
Consider how you can be a witness to Christ in your community, following the example of Saint Charbel’s humble and devoted life.

Reading 1 JER 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13

This word of the LORD came to me:
Go, cry out this message for Jerusalem to hear!

I remember the devotion of your youth,
how you loved me as a bride,
Following me in the desert,
in a land unsown.
Sacred to the LORD was Israel,
the first fruits of his harvest;
Should any presume to partake of them,
evil would befall them, says the LORD.

When I brought you into the garden land
to eat its goodly fruits,
You entered and defiled my land,
you made my heritage loathsome.
The priests asked not,
“Where is the LORD?”
Those who dealt with the law knew me not:
the shepherds rebelled against me.
The prophets prophesied by Baal,
and went after useless idols.

Be amazed at this, O heavens,
and shudder with sheer horror, says the LORD.
Two evils have my people done:
they have forsaken me, the source of living waters;
They have dug themselves cisterns,
broken cisterns, that hold no water.

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 serves 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.

HIDT5- Conference 5 – Hope in Difficult Times with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Conference 5 – Hope in Difficult Times: with Sts. Therese, Louis, and Zelie and Their Family with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

In this fifth conference, Fr. Timothy Gallagher explores the deep love, courage, and persistence of St. Zélie Martin in her struggles with her daughter Léonie’s challenges and a disturbing case of child mistreatment. Zélie tries yet another approach to educate Léonie, placing her with two former nuns who prove to be abusive not only to Léonie but especially to a neglected young girl in their care. She intervenes with fierce maternal determination, ultimately rescuing the child and exposing the women’s deceit, even involving the police—an unprecedented move for her. Her actions show the depth of her charity and moral conviction, as well as the cost of standing up for what is right in the face of injustice.

Fr. Gallagher also reflects on St. Zélie’s letters expressing her love for her children, her affection for extended family, and her commitment to honoring Sunday observance. Through these letters, her intense compassion and self-sacrificing nature shine, especially as she supports strangers, comforts her daughters, and shows heroic dedication even in physical exhaustion. He connects her spirit of loving service to the example of Christ and shows how her daily acts of kindness echo through the lives of her children—especially St. Thérèse, whose “Little Way” of love and sacrifice mirrors her mother’s hidden holiness.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

When faced with repeated failures or disappointments in caring for someone, do I remain persistent in love as Zélie did with Léonie?
How do I respond when I witness injustice or abuse—am I willing to act, even at personal cost?
In what ways do I practice charity toward strangers, especially those in need or distress?
Do I honor the Lord’s Day with reverence, and how might I grow in that devotion like Louis and Zélie?
How do I handle moments when others reject or misunderstand my intentions for doing good?
Am I open to the daily opportunities God gives me to show love, even in small, hidden ways?
Do I ever resist receiving help or affection from others, and what does that reveal about my heart?
How does my own suffering affect my ability to trust God’s timing and providence?
When I read about the saints or holy lives, do I let their example shape my daily actions?
In moments of discouragement, do I remember that God can use even my smallest acts of love for His greater purpose?