“I understood that every flower created by him is beautiful, that the brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all the lowly flowers wished to be roses, nature would no longer be enamelled with lovely hues. And so it is in the world of souls, our Lord’s living garden.”
Saint Thérèse, flower of Carmel,
you said you would spend your heaven
doing good upon the earth.
Your trust in God was complete.
Listen to my prayer;
bring before God my special intention…
Pray for me that I may have something of your confidence
in the loving promises of our God.
Pray that I may live my life in union with God’s plan for me,
and one day see the Face of God who you so ardently loved.
Saint Therese,
you kept your word to love God
and to trust the world to that loving providence.
Pray for us that we may be faithful to our commitment to love.
May our lives, like yours,
be able to touch the world and bring it to peace.
Sunday of the Twenty-Fifth 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. Mark 9:30-37
Jesus and his disciples made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, ‘The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.
They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ They said nothing because they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.’ He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms round him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
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 and his disciples made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, ‘The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.
They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ They said nothing because they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.’ He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms round him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
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 and his disciples made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, ‘The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.
They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ They said nothing because they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.’ He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms round him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
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.
Day 2 – The Celestial Choir of Cherubim – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena
V/. O God, + come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory Be
Day 2 – The Celestial Choir of Cherubim
The CHERUBIM are some of the most powerful and awe-inspiring of all angels, standing below only the seraphim in direct closeness to God; they thus are second only to their seraphic brethren in the degree to which they emanate the love of God and possess knowledge and wisdom. Their illuminative knowledge and wisdom are thus so great as to be utterly incomprehensible to the mortal mind, blinding the blessed human who has the honor of actually beholding them in this world.
Bunson, Matthew. Angels A to Z (Kindle Locations 1012-1018). Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale. Kindle Edition.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim, may the Lord vouchsafe to grant us grace to leave the ways of wickedness to run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.
Our Father …Hail Mary
O GLORIOUS Prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King, and our admirable conductor, thou who dost shine with excellence and superhuman virtue, vouchsafe to deliver us from all evil, who turn to thee with confidence, and enable us by thy gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.
V/. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ.
R/. That we may be made worthy of His promises.
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, hast appointed the most glorious Archangel, St. Michael, Prince of Thy Church, make us worthy, we beseech Thee, to be delivered from all our enemies that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into the august presence of Thy Divine Majesty. This we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle – 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 9:9-13
As Jesus was walking on, he saw a man named Matthew sitting by the customs house, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.
While he was at dinner in the house it happened that a number of tax collectors and sinners came to sit at the table with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your master eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ When he heard this he replied, ‘It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick. Go and learn the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice. And indeed I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.’
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:
As Jesus was walking on, he saw a man named Matthew sitting by the customs house, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.
While he was at dinner in the house it happened that a number of tax collectors and sinners came to sit at the table with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your master eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ When he heard this he replied, ‘It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick. Go and learn the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice. And indeed I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.’
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:
As Jesus was walking on, he saw a man named Matthew sitting by the customs house, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.
While he was at dinner in the house it happened that a number of tax collectors and sinners came to sit at the table with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your master eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ When he heard this he replied, ‘It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick. Go and learn the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice. And indeed I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.’
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.
Episode 2 – An Audience with the Pope – St. Thérèse and Marie: A Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor continue their look at the childhood and family life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her cousin Marie. Exploring the close relationship between Thérèse and Marie through their letters, including key moments in their early years and the significant influence they had on each other’s lives.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Starting with the young teenage years of Thérèse and Marie, Fr. Gallagher describes their shared experiences and the strong bond they developed while growing up. With Thérèse’s fervent desire to join the Carmelite convent at the age of 15, despite her young age, and the obstacles she faced in achieving this goal, Fr. Gallagher details her efforts to gain permission from her father, her uncle, and ultimately, Pope Leo XIII.
Marie plays a supportive role during this challenging time, expressing her love and concern for Thérèse in her letters. With Marie’s vibrant personality, her deep devotion to the Eucharist, and her own spiritual journey, they also touch on the family’s involvement in the Church and the importance of their faith in guiding their decisions and actions.
Using the pilgrimage to Rome, where Thérèse intended to ask the Pope for special permission to enter Carmel early, Fr. Gallagher recounts the exchanges between Thérèse and Marie during this journey. Despite being cousins, their letters reflect a sister-like relationship, filled with affection and shared aspirations, as well as the spiritual ties between Thérèse and Marie, the support and love they provided each other, and the pivotal events leading up to Thérèse’s entrance into the Carmelite convent.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Reflecting on the Support of Family in Vocational Discernment: How do the actions and encouragement of our family members influence our discernment and pursuit of God’s call in our lives?
Trusting God’s Timing and Providence: In what ways can we trust God’s timing and providence, especially when facing obstacles to following our vocation or spiritual goals?
Courage in the Face of Challenges: How can Thérèse’s determination to enter Carmel despite her young age inspire us to pursue our spiritual aspirations with courage and persistence?
Role of Spiritual Companionship: What impact do close relationships, like that of Thérèse and Marie, have on our spiritual growth and how can we foster these connections in our own lives?
Embracing Joy and Humor in Faith: How can we integrate joy and a sense of humor into our faith life, as seen in the playful and affectionate exchanges between Thérèse and Marie?
Isidore Guérin and Céline Guérin
Marie Guérin
About this Series
Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects upon the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, exploring how her life and spirituality, deeply influenced by her family and how it offers profound insights into everyday holiness. He examines the role of family and spiritual friendships in nurturing faith, the importance of compassionate care for others, and how Thérèse’s example can inspire listeners to seek sanctity in their daily lives. He also brings forth more details of the spiritual bond between the Martin and Guérin families, offering a model for fostering deeper connections within one’s own family and community.
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
Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!
Day 1 – The Celestial Choir of Seraphim – St. Michael and the Holy Angels Novena
V/. O God, + come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory Be
Day 1 – The Celestial Choir of Seraphim
The Seraphim are the highest and most splendid of the nine accepted angelic orders. Without question they are the closest in all of heaven to the very throne of God, and their primary function is to circle the incomprehensibly beautiful throne in perpetual adoration of the Lord, chanting: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts, the entire earth is full of His Glory”); this is a task that is not nearly as monotonous as it might seem to mortals, given the nature of angels (who have perfect powers of concentration) and the delight that such an honor actually brings to the spirits. The seraphim are most often identified with fire—not the burning, painful heat of hell, but the redemptive, healing flame of love, for they literally are living flames. The intensity of their adoration and pure love of God pour out of them as a flawless reflection of the divine love that emanates from the Lord.
Bunson, Matthew. Angels A to Z (Kindle Locations 4620-4633). Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale. Kindle Edition.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.
Our Father …Hail Mary
O GLORIOUS Prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King, and our admirable conductor, thou who dost shine with excellence and superhuman virtue, vouchsafe to deliver us from all evil, who turn to thee with confidence, and enable us by thy gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.
V/. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ.
R/. That we may be made worthy of His promises.
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, hast appointed the most glorious Archangel, St. Michael, Prince of Thy Church, make us worthy, we beseech Thee, to be delivered from all our enemies that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into the august presence of Thy Divine Majesty. This we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Christopher Collins S.J. – Habits of Freedom on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Fr. Christopher Collins discusses his book “Habits of Freedom” with Kris McGregor, focusing on how Ignatian spirituality can be applied to daily life. Fr. Collins outlines five key practices from St. Ignatius’ teachings that help individuals clear their minds and find rest in the Lord. He highlights the importance of recognizing and responding to the movements of both the Holy Spirit and the evil spirit in daily life.
Fr. Collins explains that the Ignatian rules for discernment are not just for retreats but are meant for everyday living, guiding people to discern the subtle movements within their hearts. The discernment of spirits involves understanding whether our thoughts and feelings are from God, from our own psychology, or from the evil spirit. This understanding helps us live more freely and with authentic love.
He also addresses the significance of the examen prayer, a daily practice that involves reflecting on one’s day to recognize moments of grace and areas needing growth. This practice encourages remembering one’s true identity as a beloved child of God, fostering a deep sense of freedom and peace.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Daily Discernment Practice: How can I incorporate the Ignatian practice of daily discernment into my routine to better recognize the movements of the Holy Spirit and the evil spirit in my life?
Identity in Christ: In what ways do I struggle to remember and accept my identity as a beloved child of God?
Responding to Disruptions: How do I typically respond to disruptions in my life, and how can I be more open to seeing these as opportunities for spiritual growth?
Dialogue Over Monologue: Are there areas in my life where I am stuck in negative self-talk, and how can I bring these thoughts into the light through dialogue with God or others?
Examen Prayer Integration: Can I set aside a specific time each day to practice the examen prayer, reflecting on the day’s events and my responses to them?
Rejecting Lies: What are some of the lies I tend to believe about myself, and how can I replace them with the truth of God’s love and purpose for me?
Spiritual Companionship: Who in my life can I trust to share my spiritual journey with, helping me to see God’s work more clearly and avoid isolation?
Living Out Freedom: How can I actively practice authentic freedom in my daily interactions, choosing love and generosity over self-centeredness?
Balancing Action and Contemplation: How can I find a balance between active engagement in the world and taking time for quiet reflection and prayer?
Revisiting Baptismal Promises: How often do I reflect on my baptismal identity and the unconditional love of God proclaimed over me in that sacrament?
“Popular retreat leader and spiritual director Fr. Christopher Collins, SJ, says that if you turn your heart to God you will find clarity and spiritual peace. In Habits of Freedom, Collins offers you five practical tools to help you develop a habit of daily discernment that will lead to inner calm.
Drawing on the wisdom of St. Ignatius Loyola and his renowned Spiritual Exercises, Collins offers practical spiritual exercises for incorporating five tools into your daily life to help you de-stress, organize your thoughts, and experience the calming presence of Jesus. These are:
allowing God to show you the signs of oncoming anxiety and mental breakdown;
developing the ancient practice of spiritual discernment to help analyze your moods and perceptions;
interpreting life events with an eye toward personal growth and resiliency;
practicing detachment from negative influences; and
engaging in interior sensitivity to how God works to bring you peace.
Habits of Freedom is an excellent resource for spiritual directors and individuals, as well as for use in prayer and parish groups seeking practical material that can speak broadly to members from a variety of backgrounds and seasons of life. The book can be easily adapted for small groups and retreat use.”
Episode 3 – How the Enemy Affects Us – St. Teresa, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul with Dan Burke
In this episode, Dan Burke and Kris McGregor talk about how St. Teresa addresses the devil’s influence at different stages of spiritual growth, a topic often overlooked in discussions of her work. St. Teresa’s guidance on combating the enemy offers crucial tools for understanding spiritual struggles and moving toward union with God.
The idea that the “interior castle,” Teresa’s metaphor for the soul, exists within each person. Dan shares how this inward journey toward God is both challenging and transformative, drawing comparisons with other mystics like St. John of the Cross and Ignatius of Loyola. The need for mental prayer, discernment, and spiritual companions in this process, and discuss the dangers of passivity, encouraging listeners to engage in active dialogue with God to avoid being controlled by external circumstances.
They also address common misunderstandings about religious life, particularly the difference between attending church and living a deep, spiritual life. Listeners are called to move beyond intellectual knowledge and enter a lived experience of faith, using St. Teresa’s writings as a guide for personal transformation and healing from wounds.
Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions
Understanding Spiritual Warfare
How does St. Teresa of Ávila’s teaching on spiritual warfare in the Interior Castle help you recognize and combat the enemy in your own spiritual journey?
The Inward Journey to God
What does it mean for you personally to recognize that the “interior castle” is within you, and how can this awareness deepen your relationship with God?
Role of Mental Prayer
In what ways can you incorporate mental prayer into your daily routine to grow closer to God, as St. Teresa suggests?
Discernment in Everyday Life
How can you apply discernment to better understand spiritual movements in your life and distinguish between God’s guidance and distractions from the enemy?
The Importance of Spiritual Companions
Who are the spiritual companions or mentors in your life, and how can their guidance help you navigate your spiritual journey more effectively?
Authentic Discipleship
How does your relationship with God influence those around you, and what steps can you take to deepen your witness as an authentic disciple?
Living Your Faith Beyond Sunday Mass
In what ways can you move beyond attending Mass as a ritual to living a more deeply integrated spiritual life, as discussed in the episode?
“Have you ever considered that the devil is active in your prayer life? In the parish church where you attend Mass? In the lives and actions of people of goodwill all around you? The saints remind us of a key aspect of living the spiritual life that we are wont to forget simply because we can’t see it and because we have been conditioned by the media and popular culture to think the devil works visibly only in “bad” people or in extraordinary ways, as in the movies. And although demons are certainly capable of extravagant or extraordinary manifestations, their ordinary work flies under our radar because it just isn’t that spectacular, though it is deadly.
In fact, subtlety, illusion, and deceit are their preferred methods of attack. An invisible battle for souls is being waged in and around us without reprieve, and we remain ignorant of it to our peril. St. Teresa of Avila, great mystic and Doctor of the Church, is best known for her writings on the way God leads souls along the path to union with Him through prayer. What many do not know about St. Teresa is that she also observed the actions of demons working with militant force to lead even good souls astray in ways that might surprise you. She shares these experiences freely in her autobiography, which she was commanded to write under obedience to her spiritual director.“
Burke, Dan; Burke, Dan. The Devil in the Castle: St. Teresa of Avila, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul (p. 12). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition.
Dan Burke is the founder and President of the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation, which offers graduate and personal enrichment studies in spiritual theology to priests, deacons, religious, and laity in 72 countries and prepares men for seminary in 14 dioceses.
Dan is the author and editor of more than 15 books on authentic Catholic spirituality and hosts the Divine Intimacy Radio show with his wife, Stephanie, which is broadcast weekly on EWTN Radio. Past episodes can be found, along with thousands of articles on the interior life, at SpiritualDirection.com.
In his deep commitment to the advancement of faithful Catholic spirituality, he is also the founder of Apostoli Viae, a world-wide, private association of the faithful dedicated to living and advancing the authentic spiritual patrimony of the Church.
Most importantly, Dan is a blessed husband, father of four, grandfather of one—and grateful to be Catholic.
I’ve Lost My Peace – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor continue their discussion on struggles in the spiritual life by revisiting the story of Paul, a character who experiences both spiritual and non-spiritual desolation. Initially, Paul’s situation improves after he slows down his studies, rediscovers his love for teaching, and begins to engage more in prayer and confession. However, as time passes, he begins to feel unrest, struggles with prayer, and becomes discouraged.
Fr. Gallagher explains that Paul is experiencing spiritual desolation, which is a disturbance of soul brought on by the enemy. The enemy tries to unsettle Paul, not through obvious temptation but by diminishing his peace and creating confusion. This tactic aims to pull Paul away from his spiritual growth. This reminds us of the importance of recognizing spiritual desolation, naming it, and using Ignatian tools to resist it, such as prayer, meditation, and suitable acts of penance.
During desolation, it is crucial not to make significant changes but to remain steadfast in prayer and seek God’s grace. Small acts of resistance, even simple gestures, can help counter spiritual desolation and break its hold. The theme of beginning again after every fall, a concept from Venerable Bruno Lanteri, is a key message of hope in the spiritual life.
Recognizing Spiritual Desolation Have you ever experienced moments of restlessness or discouragement in your spiritual life, and how did you identify them as spiritual desolation?
Responding with Prayer When you feel troubled in your heart, do you turn to God in simple prayer, asking for help and guidance?
Maintaining Faithfulness in Desolation How do you maintain your commitment to prayer and spiritual practices during times of spiritual desolation without making significant changes?
Using Scripture for Strength What scripture passages or spiritual readings bring you comfort and strength during times of spiritual struggle?
Practicing Small Acts of Resistance How can you incorporate small acts of resistance, like engaging in service or community, to counter feelings of isolation and discouragement in your spiritual journey?
Beginning Again with Hope When you fall or struggle, how do you embrace the practice of beginning again without shame, trusting in God’s mercy and grace?
An excerpt from the book:
“When people love the Lord, Ignatius says, and rejoice in the peace this brings, the enemy may attempt to undermine that peace by troubling them. Elsewhere, Ignatius describes this spiritual disturbance as the enemy’s “war against the peace” these people experience. Note that the enemy does not, at this point, tempt Paul to anything sinful. He seeks rather to diminish and even eliminate Paul’s peace, replacing it with trouble of heart. Again, there is no shame in experiencing this or similar tactics of the enemy. It is simply what happens when we live the spiritual life in a fallen but redeemed and loved world. As with Julie, Paul will not be harmed if he is aware of, identifies, and rejects the enemy’s spiritual desolation.
Obviously, if Paul — or any one of us — does not identify and reject this tactic of the enemy, it will cause harm. What, then, of Paul’s questions? Is his disturbance a sign that he is doing something wrong? That he is trying too hard? Trying too little? That he is regressing? The answer to all these questions appears to be no. In Paul’s journal, we see no sign of regression — quite the contrary. Most probably, precisely because Paul is progressing so well, the enemy induces this “disturbance of soul” and “war against peace” in an attempt to hinder his progress. How does Paul and how do we reject such disturbance from the enemy? As already said, the first need is to make no changes, to relinquish nothing of the spiritual program we have in place.”
Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (p. 36). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition.
“Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It’s a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth.
All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness.
With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You’ll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you’ll be given the remedy for the struggle. You’ll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them.
In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You’ll gain confidence as you journey through desolation, and you’ll learn to reject the enemy’s ploys to infect you with a sense of hopelessness.“
Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!
Monday of the Twenty-Fourth 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. Luke 7:1-10
When Jesus had come to the end of all he wanted the people to hear, he went into Capernaum. A centurion there had a servant, a favourite of his, who was sick and near death. Having heard about Jesus he sent some Jewish elders to him to ask him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus they pleaded earnestly with him. ‘He deserves this of you’ they said ‘because he is friendly towards our people; in fact, he is the one who built the synagogue.’ So Jesus went with them, and was not very far from the house when the centurion sent word to him by some friends: ‘Sir,’ he said ‘do not put yourself to trouble; because I am not worthy to have you under my roof; and for this same reason I did not presume to come to you myself; but give the word and let my servant be cured. For I am under authority myself, and have soldiers under me; and I say to one man: Go, and he goes; to another: Come here, and he comes; to my servant: Do this, and he does it.’ When Jesus heard these words he was astonished at him and, turning round, said to the crowd following him, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found faith like this.’ And when the messengers got back to the house they found the servant in perfect health.
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:
When Jesus had come to the end of all he wanted the people to hear, he went into Capernaum. A centurion there had a servant, a favourite of his, who was sick and near death. Having heard about Jesus he sent some Jewish elders to him to ask him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus they pleaded earnestly with him. ‘He deserves this of you’ they said ‘because he is friendly towards our people; in fact, he is the one who built the synagogue.’ So Jesus went with them, and was not very far from the house when the centurion sent word to him by some friends: ‘Sir,’ he said ‘do not put yourself to trouble; because I am not worthy to have you under my roof; and for this same reason I did not presume to come to you myself; but give the word and let my servant be cured. For I am under authority myself, and have soldiers under me; and I say to one man: Go, and he goes; to another: Come here, and he comes; to my servant: Do this, and he does it.’ When Jesus heard these words he was astonished at him and, turning round, said to the crowd following him, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found faith like this.’ And when the messengers got back to the house they found the servant in perfect health.
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:
When Jesus had come to the end of all he wanted the people to hear, he went into Capernaum. A centurion there had a servant, a favourite of his, who was sick and near death. Having heard about Jesus he sent some Jewish elders to him to ask him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus they pleaded earnestly with him. ‘He deserves this of you’ they said ‘because he is friendly towards our people; in fact, he is the one who built the synagogue.’ So Jesus went with them, and was not very far from the house when the centurion sent word to him by some friends: ‘Sir,’ he said ‘do not put yourself to trouble; because I am not worthy to have you under my roof; and for this same reason I did not presume to come to you myself; but give the word and let my servant be cured. For I am under authority myself, and have soldiers under me; and I say to one man: Go, and he goes; to another: Come here, and he comes; to my servant: Do this, and he does it.’ When Jesus heard these words he was astonished at him and, turning round, said to the crowd following him, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found faith like this.’ And when the messengers got back to the house they found the servant in perfect health.
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.
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