St. John of the Cross with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Beginning to Pray Special – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the relationship between St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. St. John initially considered joining the Carthusians due to his inclination toward the contemplative life. However, after encountering St. Teresa and her vision for the reform of the Carmelite order, he changed his vocation. St. Teresa convinced him that the renewal of the Church’s mental prayer and contemplation would be achieved through the reform of the Carmelites.
St. John of the Cross’ insights on the diversity of gifts within the Church are also mentioned, emphasizing the complementarity of different religious orders.
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.
A Spiritual Awakening Through Suffering – The Life of St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles
Join Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor as they dive into the life of St. Teresa of Avila, using her autobiography, “The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus of The Order of Our Lady of Carmel”. In this episode, Dr. Lilles discuss Teresa’s novitiate experience, where she was considered dead for four days.
Her severe illness, questionable medical treatment, and subsequent recovery are recounted, emphasizing her gratitude for God’s grace and a renewed commitment to prayer during a three-year recovery marked by comas and pain. Teresa’s struggle with discouragement during her recovery becomes a central theme, with a focus on her fear of offending God and reluctance to confront her imperfections. The concept of fear of the Lord is explored, distinguishing it from a fearful approach to God, with Dr. Lilles stressing the need to acknowledge one’s limitations, surrender to God, and trust in His mercy.
The transformative nature of prayer is also highlighted, acknowledging that engaging in prayer may initially disrupt one’s life. However, through prayer, individuals come to realize their dependence on God and His guidance through struggles. The potential fear of God asking individuals to do challenging things is discussed, with an emphasis on trust in His intentions for spiritual growth.
“After those four days, during which I was insensible, so great was my distress, that our Lord alone knoweth the intolerable sufferings I endured. My tongue was bitten to pieces; there was a choking in my throat because I had taken nothing, and because of my weakness, so that I could not swallow even a drop of water; all my bones seemed to be out of joint, and the disorder of my head was extreme. I was bent together like a coil of ropes—for to this was I brought by the torture of those days—unable to move either arm, or foot, or hand, or head, any more than if I had been dead, unless others moved me; I could move, however, I think, one finger of my right hand. Then, as to touching me, that was impossible, for I was so bruised that I could not endure it. They used to move me in a sheet, one holding one end, and another the other. This lasted till Palm Sunday.
The only comfort I had was this—if no one came near me, my pains frequently ceased; and then, because I had a little rest, I considered myself well, for I was afraid my patience would fail: and thus I was exceedingly happy when I saw myself free from those pains which were so sharp and constant, though in the cold fits of an intermittent fever, which were most violent, they were still unendurable. My dislike of food was very great.
I was now so anxious to return to my monastery, that I had myself conveyed thither in the state I was in. There they received alive one whom they had waited for as dead; but her body was worse than dead: the sight of it could only give pain. It is impossible to describe my extreme weakness, for I was nothing but bones. I remained in this state, as I have already said,126 more than eight months; and was paralytic, though getting better, for about three years. I praised God when I began to crawl on my hands and knees. I bore all this with great resignation, and, if I except the beginning of my illness, with great joy; for all this was as nothing in comparison with the pains and tortures I had to bear at first. I was resigned to the will of God, even if He left me in this state for ever. My anxiety about the recovery of my health seemed to be grounded on my desire to pray in solitude, as I had been taught; for there were no means of doing so in the infirmary. I went to confession most frequently, spoke much about God, and in such a way as to edify everyone; and they all marvelled at the patience which our Lord gave me—for if it had not come from the hand 34 of His Majesty, it seemed impossible to endure so great an affliction with so great a joy.”
Excerpt from Chapter 6 from “The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus of The Order of Our Lady of Carmel”
Listen Here to the Discerning Hearts audio recording of “The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus” by St. Teresa of Avila
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.
0:00-4:35: Introduction and gratitude for exploring St. Teresa’s life.
4:35-8:30: Discussion of St. Teresa’s novitiate experience, being considered dead for four days, and the significance of this event.
8:30-11:25: St. Teresa’s severe illness, questionable medical treatment, and her recovery marked by comas and pain.
11:25-15:05: Brief discussion of the nature of St. Teresa’s ailment and parallels with modern medicine.
15:05-17:15: The importance of cultivating mindfulness of death and how serious illness can foster such awareness.
17:15-20:25: St. Teresa’s struggle with discouragement during her recovery, fear of offending God, and the concept of fear of the Lord.
20:25-23:20: Msgr. Esseff’s insight on approaching God with humility, acknowledging limitations, and trusting in God’s mercy.
23:20-27:05: St. Teresa’s discouragement due to a misunderstanding of fear and failure to accept her position as a beggar before God.
27:05-30:30: The transformative nature of prayer, disrupting one’s life, and realizing dependence on God through struggles.
30:30-33:45: Potential fear of God asking individuals to do challenging things and the importance of trust in His intentions.
33:45-37:20: Caution against the abuse of devotions, true devotion involving surrender to God’s will, and St. Teresa’s devotion to St. Joseph.
37:20-40:30: St. Teresa’s upcoming journey of embracing the gift of prayer and learning from St. Joseph’s silent guidance.
40:30-44:00: St. Joseph’s continued care for humanity and his role in St. Teresa’s reform, including the establishment of the first convent dedicated to him.
44:00-45:38: Conclusion and summary of the overarching theme emphasizing humility, surrender, and trust in God’s mercy.
Exploring the Christian Dimensions in Tolkien’s World – A Lord of the Rings Spiritual Retreat w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
In this episode, host Kris McGregor engages in a profound dialogue with Father Timothy Gallagher about the Christian underpinnings in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” Father Gallagher delves into the non-allegorical but deeply Christian and Catholic elements of Tolkien’s masterpiece. He clarifies that while “The Lord of the Rings” is set in a pre-Christian era and does not explicitly reference Christianity, its truth and values are significantly shaped by Tolkien’s Christian worldview.
The conversation highlights the intentional absence of allegory in Tolkien’s writing, his preference for history (real or feigned), and the varied applicability of his stories to the reader’s experience. Father Gallagher emphasizes the deep impact of the narrative’s characters, their struggles, and the underlying thread of providence, drawing parallels to real-life challenges and choices. Kris and Father Gallagher explore the compelling nature of Tolkien’s writing and the profound way it speaks to the human heart, offering insights for those embarking on the spiritual journey through Middle-earth. This episode offers a unique perspective on how Tolkien’s faith subtly yet powerfully influenced one of the most beloved stories in literature.
He paused, and then said slowly in a deep voice: ‘This is the Master-ring, the One Ring to rule them all. This is the One Ring that he lost many ages ago, to the great weakening of his power. He greatly desires it – but he must not get it.’
Frodo sat silent and motionless. Fear seemed to stretch out a vast hand, like a dark cloud rising in the East and looming up to engulf him. ‘This ring!’ he stammered. ‘How, how on earth did it come to me?’
Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings (pp. 50-51). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.
‘There was more than one power at work, Frodo. The Ring was trying to get back to its master. It had slipped from Isildur’s hand and betrayed him; then when a chance came it caught poor Déagol, and he was murdered; and after that Gollum, and it had devoured him. It could make no further use of him: he was too small and mean; and as long as it stayed with him he would never leave his deep pool again. So now, when its master was awake once more and sending out his dark thought from Mirkwood, it abandoned Gollum. Only to be picked up by the most unlikely person imaginable: Bilbo from the Shire!
‘Behind that there was something else at work, beyond any design of the Ring-maker. I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you also were meant to have it. And that may be an encouraging thought.’ ‘
It is not,’ said Frodo. ‘Though I am not sure that I understand you. But how have you learned all this about the Ring, and about Gollum? Do you really know it all, or are you just guessing still?’
Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings (pp. 55-56). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.
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
00:00 – 01:05: Introduction by Kris McGregor about the collaboration with the Oblates of the Virgin Mary for a “Lord of the Rings” spiritual retreat featuring Father Timothy Gallagher.
01:05 – 02:17: Father Gallagher expresses his pleasure in joining the podcast and starts discussing the Christian aspects of “The Lord of the Rings,” including J.R.R. Tolkien’s intentions and background.
02:17 – 03:21: Detailed exploration of Tolkien’s views on allegory and literature, emphasizing his preference for storytelling that engages and moves readers without direct allegorical intent.
03:21 – 04:17: Further discussion on allegory in literature, with examples from other authors and a distinction between allegory and Tolkien’s approach.
04:17 – 05:14: Examination of Tolkien’s dislike for allegory and his preference for history and varied applicability in storytelling.
05:14 – 06:37: Insight into Tolkien’s intention for “The Lord of the Rings,” focusing on its rich applicability rather than allegorical interpretation.
06:37 – 07:02: Kris McGregor highlights Tolkien’s skill in creating full, relatable characters, with Father Gallagher agreeing and elaborating on Tolkien’s writing process.
07:02 – 07:29: Discussion on the depth and believability of Tolkien’s storytelling and its alignment with Christian faith.
07:29 – 08:31: Father Gallagher delves into Tolkien’s concept of sub-creation and the creation of a believable literary world.
08:31 – 10:06: Discussion on the realistic and richly detailed world of Middle-earth, created by Tolkien, and its impact on readers.
10:06 – 11:05: Kris McGregor reflects on the intimidating but ultimately engaging and immersive nature of Tolkien’s writing.
11:05 – 12:06: Father Gallagher speaks on Tolkien’s deep love for language and how it led to the creation of the Elvish languages and subsequently Middle-earth.
12:06 – 13:09: Exploration of the dense linguistic and historical aspects of Tolkien’s world, contributing to its immersive quality.
13:09 – 14:07: Father Gallagher discusses the comprehensive and detailed nature of Middle-earth’s creation and Tolkien’s meticulous writing process.
16:40 – 17:37: Further discussion on the significance of words in Tolkien’s narrative and the compelling nature of his characters.
17:37 – 18:50: Analysis of the relatability and truthfulness of Tolkien’s characters in relation to real-life experiences.
18:50 – 19:46: Father Gallagher touches on the challenges and responsibilities faced by characters in the story and their relevance to real life.
19:46 – 21:01: Discussion on the perceived length of “The Lord of the Rings” and its engrossing nature, with Tolkien’s own reflections.
21:01 – 21:30: Kris McGregor brings up the character of Frodo and asks Father Gallagher to elaborate on his significance.
21:30 – 22:51: Father Gallagher examines Frodo’s journey, his initial reluctance, and the realization of his pivotal role in the story.
22:51 – 24:04: A detailed look at the moment Frodo becomes aware of the Ring’s significance and its impact on his life.
24:04 – 25:40: Exploration of the theme of providence in Tolkien’s story and its parallels to Biblical and real-life experiences.
25:40 – 26:36: Further insights into the theme of providence and its manifestation in the narrative, with examples of seemingly chance encounters.
26:36 – 27:42: Discussion on the history of the One Ring and its journey to Frodo, highlighting the role of providence.
27:42 – 28:51: Analysis of the role of providence in Tolkien’s world, particularly in the development of the story’s critical events.
28:51 – 29:59: Father Gallagher discusses the invisible yet powerful presence of providence throughout “The Lord of the Rings.”
29:59 – 31:02: Examination of various ‘chance’ encounters in the story that significantly shape the narrative, illustrating providence at work.
31:02 – 32:15: More examples of providence in the story, with a focus
God’s temple in heaven was opened,
and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun,
with the moon under her feet,
and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth.
Then another sign appeared in the sky;
it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns,
and on its heads were seven diadems.
Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky
and hurled them down to the earth.
Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth,
to devour her child when she gave birth.
She gave birth to a son, a male child,
destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod.
Her child was caught up to God and his throne.
The woman herself fled into the desert
where she had a place prepared by God.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.”
From the Office of Readings:
From a report by Don Antonio Valeriano, a Native American author of the sixteenth century
(Nicon Mopohua, 12th ed., 3-9, 21)
The Voice of the Turtledove has been heard in our land
At daybreak one Saturday morning in 1531, on the very first days of the month of December, an Indian named Juan Diego was going from the village where he lived to Tlatelolco in order to take part in divine worship and listen to God’s commandments. When he came near the hill called Tepeyac, dawn had already come, and Juan Diego heard someone calling him from the very top of the hill: “Juanito, Juan Dieguito.”
He went up the hill and caught sight of a lady of unearthly grandeur whose clothing was as radiant as the sun. She said to him in words both gentle and courteous: “Juanito, the humblest of my children, know and understand that I am the ever virgin Mary, Mother of the true God through whom all things live. It is my ardent desire that a church be erected here so that in it I can show and bestow my love, compassion, help, and protection to all who inhabit this land and to those others who love me, that they might call upon and confide in me. Go to the Bishop of Mexico to make known to him what I greatly desire. Go and put all your efforts into this.”
When Juan Diego arrived in the presence of the Bishop, Fray Juan de Zumarraga, a Franciscan, the latter did not seem to believe Juan Diego and answered: “Come another time, and I will listen at leisure.”
Juan Diego returned to the hilltop where the Heavenly Lady was waiting, and he said to her: “My Lady, my maiden, I presented your message to the Bishop, but it seemed that he did not think it was the truth. For this reason I beg you to entrust your message to someone more illustrious who might convey it in order that they may believe it, for I am only an insignificant man.”
She answered him: “Humblest of my sons, I ask that tomorrow you again go to see the Bishop and tell him that I, the ever virgin holy Mary, Mother of God, am the one who personally sent you.”
But on the following day, Sunday, the Bishop again did not believe Juan Diego and told him that some sign was necessary so that he could believe that it was the Heavenly Lady herself who sent him. And then he dismissed Juan Diego.
On Monday Juan Diego did not return. His uncle, Juan Bernardino, became very ill, and at night asked Juan to go to Tlatelolco at daybreak to call a priest to hear his confession.
Juan Diego set out on Tuesday, but he went around the hill and passed on the other side, toward the east, so as to arrive quickly in Mexico City and to avoid being detained by the Heavenly Lady. But she came out to meet him on that side of the hill and said to him: “Listen and understand, my humblest son. There is nothing to frighten and distress you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and let nothing upset you. Is it not I, your Mother, who is here? Are you not under my protection? Are you not, fortunately, in my care? Do not let your uncle’s illness distress you. It is certain that he has already been cured. Go up to the hilltop, my son, where you will find flowers of various kinds. Cut them, and bring them into my presence.”
When Juan Diego reached the peak, he was astonished that so many Castilian roses had burst forth at a time when the frost was severe. He carried the roses in the folds of his tilma (mantle) to the Heavenly Lady. She said to him: “My son, this is the proof and the sign which you will bring to the Bishop so that he will see my will in it. You are my ambassador, very worthy of trust.”
Juan Diego set out on his way, now content and sure of succeeding. On arriving in the Bishop’s presence, he told him: “My lord, I did what you asked. The Heavenly Lady complied with your request and fulfilled it. She sent me to the hilltop to cut some Castilian roses and told me to bring them to you in person. And this I am doing, so that you can see in them the sign you seek in order to carry out her will. Here they are; receive them.”
He immediately opened up his white mantle, and as all the different Castilian roses scattered to the ground, there was drawn on the cloak and suddenly appeared the precious image of the ever virgin Mary, Mother of God, in the same manner as it is today and is kept in her shrine of Tepeyac.
The whole city was stirred and came to see and admire her venerable image and to offer prayers to her; and following the command which the same Heavenly Lady gave to Juan Bernardino when she restored him to health, they called her by the name that she herself had used: “the ever virgin holy Mary of Guadalupe.”
The Eucharistic Heart of Tolkien – A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor look into the profound connection between J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary masterpiece, “The Lord of the Rings,” and his deep Catholic faith. Fr. Gallagher’s insightful exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien’s faith and its reflection in “The Lord of the Rings” unveils the depth and richness of this literary masterpiece.
At the turn of the century, “The Lord of the Rings” emerged as the people’s choice for the book of the century in multiple polls. Tolkien’s primary motivation, as expressed in the book’s forward, was to craft a tale that would captivate, amuse, delight, and deeply move its readers. Father Gallagher emphasizes that, first and foremost, the allure of the book lies in its literary excellence.
What sets “The Lord of the Rings” apart is Tolkien’s deep Catholic faith, rooted in the courageous conversion of his mother, Mabel. A convert who faced rejection and poverty, Mabel’s steadfast commitment to Catholicism profoundly influenced his worldview. Fr. Gallagher also highlights the sacrificial nature of Mabel’s faith, a theme that echoes in the trials of characters within the epic. Tolkien sees his mother’s sufferings as a testament to her martyrdom for the faith.
Fr. Gallagher also shares Tolkien’s acknowledgment of the silent appeal of the tabernacle, a call that continually drew him back to the Blessed Sacrament throughout his life. Tolkien’s daily communion and his reflection on Christ’s words to Peter, “Feed My Sheep,” further emphasize the Eucharistic center of his faith.
“I think I know exactly what you mean by the order of Grace; and of course by your references to Our Lady, upon which all my own small perception of beauty both in majesty and simplicity is founded. The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision. That is why I have not put in, or have cut out, practically all references to anything like ‘religion’, to cults or practices, in the imaginary world. For the religious element is absorbed into the story and the symbolism.”
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
00:00 – 02:12: Introduction and Greeting
Father Gallagher and Chris exchange greetings and introduce the topic of discussing J.R.R. Tolkien’s work.
02:12 – 06:12: Importance of “The Lord of the Rings”
Father Gallagher discusses the popularity of “The Lord of the Rings” and its recognition as a book of the century in various polls. Tolkien’s primary motive for writing the book is explored.
06:12 – 09:55: Tolkien’s Catholic Faith
The discussion focuses on Tolkien’s profound Catholic faith, influenced by his mother’s conversion and the sacrifices she made for her faith.
09:55 – 18:22: Letters Revealing Tolkien’s Faith
Father Gallagher shares excerpts from Tolkien’s letters, highlighting the significance of the Blessed Sacrament in his life and the influence of his mother and a priest, Father Francis Morgan.
18:22 – 25:35: The Eucharistic Heart of Tolkien
Tolkien’s commitment to daily communion and reflections on Christ’s words to Peter are discussed. The impact of the Blessed Sacrament and its role in Tolkien’s life are emphasized.
25:35 – 33:48: The Mother, the Priest, and the Blessed Sacrament
The podcast explores Tolkien’s love for his mother and the supportive role of Father Francis Morgan. Tolkien’s personal connection to the Blessed Sacrament is highlighted.
33:48 – 42:20: The Lord of the Rings: A Catholic Work
Father Gallagher discusses how “The Lord of the Rings” is fundamentally religious and Catholic, despite lacking explicit Christian elements. The central conflict in the story related to divine honor is explained.
42:20 – 43:52: Conclusion
The discussion wraps up, emphasizing the richness of Tolkien’s work and inviting listeners to embark on their own exploration of “The Lord of the Rings.”
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in Isaiah, the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way.
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.”
John the Baptist appeared in the desert
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
People of the whole Judean countryside
and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.
John was clothed in camel’s hair,
with a leather belt around his waist.
He fed on locusts and wild honey.
And this is what he proclaimed:
“One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Msgr. Esseff 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 serves as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders worldwide.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Advent, and Caryll Houselander – a reflection by Deacon Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Deacon Omar F.A. Gutierrez, M.A.
Join Omar Gutierrez as he explores the profound themes of Advent in Caryll Houselander’s “The Reed of God.” Focusing on the anticipation and spiritual preparation that characterize this liturgical season, Gutierrez brings to life Houselander’s unique insights into the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role during Advent. Through his thoughtful presentation, listeners are invited to deepen their understanding of Mary’s journey, mirroring the waiting and hopeful expectation central to Advent. This episode is a journey through the themes of waiting, contemplation, and spiritual awakening, as presented in Houselander’s visionary work. It offers an enriching perspective for anyone seeking a deeper spiritual experience during Advent and a renewed appreciation for Mary’s role in the mystery of the Incarnation.
First published in 1944 and now a spiritual classic for Catholics across the globe, The Reed of God contains meditations on the humanity of Mary, Mother of God. British Catholic writer and artist Caryll Houselander lovingly explores Mary’s intimately human side, depicting Our Lady as a musical instrument who makes divine love known to the world.
While the Second Vatican Council led to a renewed interest in the theology and person of Mary, Caryll Houselander offered a simple yet profound reflection on the Mother of God almost fifteen years before the council began
00:00 – 05:00: Introduction to the podcast and the significance of Advent in Catholic tradition.
05:01 – 15:00: Omar Gutierrez’s insights on Advent themes in “Reed of God” and their connection to Mary.
15:01 – 25:00: Exploring the concept of waiting and spiritual preparation as portrayed by Houselander.
25:01 – 35:00: Reflections on Mary’s journey and its parallels to the Advent season.
35:01 – 45:00: Discussion on the relevance of “Reed of God” for contemporary Advent practices and spiritual growth.
45:01 – End: Concluding thoughts on integrating Houselander’s insights into personal Advent devotion.
The Evangelism Institute seeks to bring a deeper understanding of the faith to Catholic school teachers, teens, college students, and other interested adults. For more information visit eicatholic.org
Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and 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.
Episode 4 –Palliative Care, Hospice, and Pain Control– The Final Journey with Dr. Stephen Doran, M.D.
In this thoughtful episode of the Discerning Hearts Podcast, Dr. Stephen Doran joins Kris McGregor to discuss the complex and often emotional journey of end-of-life care. Covering topics from palliative care to the difficult decisions surrounding hospice and pain control, Dr. Doran brings a compassionate perspective to these challenging situations.
The conversation delves into the importance of preparing for end-of-life scenarios, emphasizing the need for thoughtful discussion and decision-making well in advance. They discuss the principle of double effect in medical ethics, which allows for actions that have both good and bad effects, as long as the intention is to bring about the good effect.
Dr. Doran shares personal anecdotes and professional insights, highlighting the unique nature of each individual’s end-of-life journey and the role of hope and faith in these moments. This episode offers a blend of medical ethics, personal reflection, and spiritual guidance, aimed at helping listeners navigate the intricacies of end-of-life care with grace and understanding.
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:
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.
Advent #3 – Unveiling the Light of St. Nicholas – Advent Reflections w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts
In this third Advent reflection episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles offers a captivating exploration of St. Nicholas, known to many as Santa Claus. Dr. Lilles delves into the historical and spiritual significance of this beloved figure, highlighting his role in the Council of Nicaea and his embodiment of Christ’s divine love and humanity.
This episode contrasts the commercialized image of Santa Claus with the traditional Christian understanding of St. Nicholas. Dr. Lilles encourages listeners to rediscover the saint as a symbol of hope, kindness, and generosity, particularly relevant during the Advent season.
Dr. Lilles emphasizes the importance of St. Nicholas in our modern celebration of Advent, inviting us to see him as a beacon of Christ’s light, inspiring love and selflessness. This reflection is a call to embrace the true values of the Advent season, guided by the spirit of a saint who exemplified the essence of Christian faith.
Tune in to this insightful episode for a deeper and more meaningful Advent experience, illuminated by the legacy of St. Nicholas.
In this episode, host Kris McGregor engages in a profound dialogue with Father Timothy Gallagher about the Christian underpinnings in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” Father Gallagher delves into the non-allegorical but deeply Christian and Catholic elements of Tolkien’s masterpiece. He clarifies that while “The Lord of the Rings” is set in a pre-Christian era and does not explicitly reference Christianity, its truth and values are significantly shaped by Tolkien’s Christian worldview.
