“Charity, above all things, must guide our actions.”
St. Dominic, known for his compassionate approach, founded the Dominican Order with a focus on preaching and charitable works. This highlights charity as the highest guiding principle, aligning with the Catholic call to love and compassion in our actions. This reflection encourages us to prioritize the well-being of others in a world often driven by competition and self-interest.
“Charity, above all things, must guide our actions.”
How can you prioritize charity and kindness in your daily interactions?
You can prioritize charity by engaging in acts of kindness, offering help to those in need, participating in charitable works, and fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion in all your interactions.
“Charity, above all things, must guide our actions.”
The Dominican Blessing, from an anonymous 13th-century English Dominican, captures St. Dominic’s timeless call for blessings, healing, and divine guidance.
May God the Father, who made us, bless us.
May God the Son, who redeemed us, send healing into our midst.
May God the Holy Spirit, who gives us life, move within us.
May God give us eyes to see to God, ears to hear God, and hands to bring God’s work into the world.
May we walk with God and preach the word of God to all.
May the angel of peace watch over us and lead us at last by God’s grace to the eternal Kingdom.
Amen
Lord God,
you gave Saint Dominic to the Church of his day
as a great preacher of your truth.
We pray that he will help us in our time
by his merits, his teaching, and his unfailing prayer.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
St. Dominic Quotation take from: Raymond of Capua, “Life of St. Dominic.”
For the complete 9-Day Novena to St. Dominic visit here
A St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Novena for the Discerning Heart
Day 3 – Vocation and Purpose
From the writings of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Each woman who lives in the light of eternity can fulfill her vocation, no matter if it is in marriage, in a religious order, or in a worldly profession.*
Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross speaks to the broad and inclusive nature of vocation. She acknowledges that every woman, regardless of her life path, has a valuable role in the divine plan. This idea invites women to see their everyday lives as filled with purpose and potential for spiritual growth. Edith Stein’s life, transitioning from a secular academic to a Carmelite nun, exemplifies how one’s vocation can evolve and deepen over time in response to God’s call.
Each woman who lives in the light of eternity can fulfill her vocation, no matter if it is in marriage, in a religious order, or in a worldly profession.*
How can you live your daily life with an awareness of your eternal vocation and purpose, regardless of your specific role or profession?”
Live each day with the intention of serving God and others, recognizing that all roles, whether in family, church, or society, contribute to your spiritual journey. Reflect on how your daily actions align with your faith and the call to holiness.
A Prayer of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage and strength to serve You. Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of road before me. I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the horizon now closes down, a new prospect will open before me and I shall meet with peace
All-powerful, ever-living God,
you gave Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
the courage to witness to the gospel of Christ
even to the point of giving her life for it.
By her prayers, help us to endure all suffering for love of you
and to seek you with all our hearts,
for you alone are the source of life.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
*Citation: Edith Stein, Essays on Woman. Translated by Freda Mary Oben, The Collected Works of Edith Stein, Volume 2 (ICS Publications, 1996), p. 63.
For the complete 9-Day St. Teresa of Benedicta Novena for the Discerning Hearts visit here
Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.
Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”
Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…
From the Holy Gospel According to Matthew 14:1-12
Herod the tetrarch heard about the reputation of Jesus, and said to his court, ‘This is John the Baptist himself; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’
Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’ The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.
What word made this passage come alive for you?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:
Herod the tetrarch heard about the reputation of Jesus, and said to his court, ‘This is John the Baptist himself; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’
Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’ The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.
What did your heart feel as you listened?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:
Herod the tetrarch heard about the reputation of Jesus, and said to his court, ‘This is John the Baptist himself; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’
Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’ The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.
What touched your heart in this time of prayer?
What did your heart feel as you prayed?
What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.
A Novena in honor of Ven. Bruno Lanteri, founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary
Day 6 – Protecting against Sin and Vice
“Through joyfulness one avoids sins and easily triumphs over temptation. It is proper to temptations to begin to instill despondency and sadness. And in these troubled waters the devil begins to fish. The joyful man has great regard for and always enjoys the spiritual goods he hopes for and possesses. When these are compared to the apparent goods temptations offer, he quickly decides the question with the exclamation of St. Philip, “Paradise, Paradise.” Therefore, he sins less and gains much more merit… With joyfulness, one drives out the sloth which impedes the practice of virtue.
With joyfulness one easily acquires holiness and perfects oneself through virtuous actions. “God loves a joyful giver” (2 Corinthians 9: 7). Joyful giving is done not as a burden, but by good grace, with love. If one thinks too much about a good action that is to be performed [and thus hesitates], the merit of that action will be diminished… So act promptly… The one who gives promptly, gives double.
Compare a sad person with a joyful one in their daily activities. The despondent one behaves like an old lazy man, who is sleepy, cold, frozen…. The joyful one behaves like a young man who carries himself well, is graceful, robust, and energetic. In fact, if one prays, if one meditates with joy, if one approaches the sacraments joyfully, if one converses with his neighbor with joy, how many sins against God and neighbor will be avoided!
With joyfulness one’s perseverance in good is more easily assured, because doing things with sadness and against one’s will constitutes a violent state that cannot last. In such a case, if great difficulties are encountered, how much more easily is everything abandoned. The joyful man, on the other hand, is resolute, generous, energetic, and so he easily overcomes the difficulty of perseverance.”
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you created me in your plan of love. You created all the things on the face of the earth to help me find true happiness. Fully aware of my weakness, I resolve this day to think often of heaven, and to be generous in love.
Daily Novena Prayer
Venerable Bruno Lanteri, I come to you confident in the words of Jesus: Ask and you shall receive (Matthew 7:7). You said, “It is impossible to hope too much; the one who hopes for everything attains everything.” You taught that the greatest miracles are those that change the heart. Through your intercession, may the good God, whose infinite mercy surpasses all the malice of the world, console my heart and grant my request.
By your prayers keep my poor heart in peace, protect me from discouragement, and help me to serve God with a holy joy. Amen.
O Father, fountain of all life and holiness you gave Father Bruno Lanteri great faith in Christ, your Son, a lively hope, and an active love for the salvation of his brethren. You made him a prophet of your Word and a witness to your Mercy. He had a tender love for Mary and by his very life he taught fidelity to the Church. Father, hear the prayer of your family and, through the intercession of Fr. Lanteri, grant us the grace for which we now ask…. May he be glorified on earth that we may give you greater praise.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
A St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Novena for the Discerning Heart
Day 2 – Truth and Love
From the writings of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Do not accept anything as the truth if it lacks love. And do not accept anything as love which lacks truth!*
In these words, Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross underscores the inseparability of truth and love. She suggests that genuine truth must be compassionate, and real love must be grounded in truth. This perspective encourages a balanced approach to understanding and relationships, where both heart and mind play crucial roles. Edith Stein, known for her deep philosophical inquiry and eventual conversion to Catholicism, exemplified the pursuit of truth as a journey towards God’s love.
Do not accept anything as the truth if it lacks love. And do not accept anything as love which lacks truth!*
How can you ensure that your pursuit of truth is always guided by love, and that your expressions of love are grounded in truth? Seek to speak and act with compassion and integrity, ensuring that your actions are rooted in the teachings of Christ. Let love and truth guide your interactions, reflecting the harmony between them as taught in Catholic doctrine. This alignment not only fosters authentic relationships but also strengthens your witness as a follower of Christ.
A Prayer of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage and strength to serve You. Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of road before me. I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the horizon now closes down, a new prospect will open before me and I shall meet with peace
All-powerful, ever-living God,
you gave Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
the courage to witness to the gospel of Christ
even to the point of giving her life for it.
By her prayers, help us to endure all suffering for love of you
and to seek you with all our hearts,
for you alone are the source of life.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
*Citation: Edith Stein, The Collected Works of Edith Stein, Volume 4: The Hidden Life. Translated by Waltraut Stein (ICS Publications, 1992), p. 92.
For the complete 9-Day St. Teresa of Benedicta Novena for the Discerning Hearts visit here
St. Dominic was known for his dedication to a life of prayer and vigilance, often spending nights in prayer and seeking God’s guidance. This calls us to be vigilant in our spiritual lives, recognizing that complacency can lead to vulnerability. It emphasizes the importance of staying alert and proactive in nurturing our spiritual and ethical values.
“The enemy never sleeps, yet you seem to sleep.”
What areas of your spiritual or personal life need more vigilance and attention?
Areas such as maintaining regular spiritual practices (like prayer or reading scripture), being mindful of negative habits or thoughts, and staying committed to ethical and moral principles might need more vigilance.
“The enemy never sleeps, yet you seem to sleep.”
The Dominican Blessing, from an anonymous 13th-century English Dominican, captures St. Dominic’s timeless call for blessings, healing, and divine guidance.
May God the Father, who made us, bless us.
May God the Son, who redeemed us, send healing into our midst.
May God the Holy Spirit, who gives us life, move within us.
May God give us eyes to see to God, ears to hear God, and hands to bring God’s work into the world.
May we walk with God and preach the word of God to all.
May the angel of peace watch over us and lead us at last by God’s grace to the eternal Kingdom.
Amen
Lord God,
you gave Saint Dominic to the Church of his day
as a great preacher of your truth.
We pray that he will help us in our time
by his merits, his teaching, and his unfailing prayer.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
St. Dominic Quotation take from: Blessed Jordan of Saxony’s “Life of St. Dominic.”
For the complete 9-Day Novena to St. Dominic visit here
Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.
Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”
Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…
From the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew 13:54-58
Coming to his home town, Jesus taught the people in their synagogue in such a way that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did the man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? This is the carpenter’s son, surely? Is not his mother the woman called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Jude? His sisters, too, are they not all here with us? So where did the man get it all?’ And they would not accept him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is only despised in his own country and in his own house’, and he did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
What word made this passage come alive for you?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:
Coming to his home town, Jesus taught the people in their synagogue in such a way that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did the man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? This is the carpenter’s son, surely? Is not his mother the woman called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Jude? His sisters, too, are they not all here with us? So where did the man get it all?’ And they would not accept him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is only despised in his own country and in his own house’, and he did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
What did your heart feel as you listened?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:
Coming to his home town, Jesus taught the people in their synagogue in such a way that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did the man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? This is the carpenter’s son, surely? Is not his mother the woman called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Jude? His sisters, too, are they not all here with us? So where did the man get it all?’ And they would not accept him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is only despised in his own country and in his own house’, and he did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
What touched your heart in this time of prayer?
What did your heart feel as you prayed?
What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.
A St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Novena for the Discerning Heart
Day 1 -Intrinsic Value of Women
From the writings of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Woman naturally seeks to embrace that which is living, personal, and whole. To cherish, guard, protect, nourish, and advance growth is her natural maternal yearning.*
Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) emphasizes the nurturing and protective instincts inherent in women. These qualities are essential not only in family life but also in broader societal contexts. They highlight the unique contributions women make, focusing on their capacity to support and foster growth in others. Edith Stein, a philosopher and convert to Catholicism, explored the role of women deeply in her writings, seeing it as a vital part of her faith journey. How can you embrace and value your unique qualities, beyond what you do or achieve?
Woman naturally seeks to embrace that which is living, personal, and whole. To cherish, guard, protect, nourish, and advance growth is her natural maternal yearning.*
Embrace your God-given gifts, such as compassion and empathy. Recognize these traits as strengths that reflect the nurturing aspect of God’s love, contributing positively to your relationships and community. Consider how you can use these gifts in service to others, following the example of the Virgin Mary, who is a model of maternal care and devotion.
A Prayer of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage and strength to serve You. Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of road before me. I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the horizon now closes down, a new prospect will open before me and I shall meet with peace
All-powerful, ever-living God,
you gave Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
the courage to witness to the gospel of Christ
even to the point of giving her life for it.
By her prayers, help us to endure all suffering for love of you
and to seek you with all our hearts,
for you alone are the source of life.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
*Citation: Edith Stein, Essays on Woman, p. 8, ICS Publications.
For the complete 9-Day St. Teresa of Benedicta Novena for the Discerning Hearts visit here
“I would be of more use to you if I prayed for you than if I preached to you.”
St. Dominic was renowned for his deep devotion to prayer, often spending entire nights in prayerful contemplation. His commitment to intercessory prayer was a key aspect of his spiritual life, believing that praying for others was a powerful way to bring God’s grace and support into their lives. This practice was not just a personal devotion but a communal act, as Dominic prayed for the conversion of souls and the success of his missionary work. This reflects the Catholic tradition of intercessory prayer, where praying for others is considered an act of love and charity, deeply connecting the faithful with God’s grace.
“I would be of more use to you if I prayed for you than if I preached to you.”
How can you incorporate intercessory prayer into your routine to support others?
Incorporating intercessory prayer into your routine can include praying the Rosary with specific intentions in mind, attending Eucharistic Adoration and praying for others, offering daily prayers of intercession, and keeping a prayer list or journal to remember the needs of those around you. These practices not only support others but also deepen your own spiritual life.
“I would be of more use to you if I prayed for you than if I preached to you.”
The Dominican Blessing, from an anonymous 13th-century English Dominican, captures St. Dominic’s timeless call for blessings, healing, and divine guidance.
May God the Father, who made us, bless us.
May God the Son, who redeemed us, send healing into our midst.
May God the Holy Spirit, who gives us life, move within us.
May God give us eyes to see to God, ears to hear God, and hands to bring God’s work into the world.
May we walk with God and preach the word of God to all.
May the angel of peace watch over us and lead us at last by God’s grace to the eternal Kingdom.
Amen
Lord God,
you gave Saint Dominic to the Church of his day
as a great preacher of your truth.
We pray that he will help us in our time
by his merits, his teaching, and his unfailing prayer.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
St. Dominic Quotation take from: Blessed Jordan of Saxony’s “Life of St. Dominic.”
For the complete 9-Day Novena to St. Dominic visit here
Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.
Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”
Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…
From the Holy Gospel According to Matthew 13:47-53
Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’
What word made this passage come alive for you?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:
Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’
What did your heart feel as you listened?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:
Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’
What touched your heart in this time of prayer?
What did your heart feel as you prayed?
What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.
A St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Novena for the Discerning Heart
Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast