Page 136 – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

BTP22 – St. Catherine of Siena: Passion for Truth – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Catherine of Siena: Passion for Truth – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss St. Catherine of Siena’s life and teachings. Born in 14th-century Italy during the Black Death, she dedicated herself to helping the sick and bringing peace. St. Catherine’s mystical experiences led to profound writings, emphasizing love, humility, discernment, and reliance on God’s mercy; and aligning actions with God’s will and cautioned against seeking spiritual consolations for personal gratification. St. Catherine’s insights into the spiritual life earned her recognition as a doctor of the Church.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

St. Catherine’s Life and Context: How does St. Catherine’s life during the Black Death era reflect her commitment to serving others amid adversity?
Mystical Experiences and Writings: What insights can we gain from St. Catherine’s mystical encounters with God and her profound writings, such as “The Dialogue”?
Virtue of Charity and Discretion: How does St. Catherine’s emphasis on charity and discretion challenge us to prioritize love in our actions and discern God’s will in our daily lives?
Humility and Self-Knowledge: In what ways can we emulate St. Catherine’s humility and self-knowledge, acknowledging our sins and their impact on others?
Surrendering to God’s Will: How can we apply St. Catherine’s teachings on surrendering to God’s will and resisting the temptation to seek spiritual consolations for personal gratification?
The Father’s Love and Mercy: Reflecting on St. Catherine’s understanding of God’s love and mercy, how can we deepen our trust in God’s forgiveness and embrace His will with humility and love?

From Dr. Lilles’ “Beginning to Pray” blog site:

Catherine of Siena: Passion for Truth

“She is an important figure for those who see a rediscovery of prayer as the force of renewal in the Church. Because she put her devotion to Christ first, she found herself with a spiritual mission to help restore the life and unity of Christ’s body. Some of her efforts met with a little success. But as she approached her death at the age of 33, her lifetime of effort in building up the Church seemed to be in vain. Corruption, scandal, cowardice – and most of all indifference – seemed to infect the Church even more. (For more on her life, go tohttp://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03447a.htm.) Yet she never lost hope and she persevered in prayer. This is because she understood the love and mercy of God.

She was uneducated, but in 1377, by a miracle, she learned to write. Even so she retained secretaries to whom she dictated most of her thoughts. Her master work on the spiritual life is known as the Dialogues. These are conversations between her soul and God the Father. God the Father reveals his deep love for his Son and his plan to build up the Church. One of the beautiful aspects of this conversation is the Father’s explanation for how each soul can come to know Jesus.
Christ is the bridge to the Father and we cross this bridge by allowing our hearts to be pierced by what the Lord has done for us. The passion of Christ reveals at once the truth about who God is and who we are in his sight. For her, among the greatest blocks to the spiritual life is ignorance. Knowledge of God and knowledge of self go hand in hand in progressing toward spiritual maturity. But the knowing is not simply an intellectual trip. It as the kind of knowing informed by the loving affection of a real friendship. The friendship she describes in tender terms evokes the deepest joys and sorrows all at once.

The gift of tears, so central to early Dominican spirituality, is a beautiful part of this description. She presents those holy affections as the only proper response to the great love revealed in Christ crucified. These tears move us away from sin and into the very heart of God. She describes this as a journey that begins with kissing the feet of Jesus and entering into his wounded side. For her, intimacy with the Lord is always through the Cross and informed by a profound gratitude and humility.

One other beautiful feature of her spirituality is her understanding of virtue. This understanding is not quite classical in that she goes beyond the generic definition of a virtue as a good habit. Instead, she addresses a problem that is related to life in the Church. She notices that different Christians excel at different virtues. One might have a special aptitude for the art of getting on with others and is a special source of justice in the community. Another may be especially able to enter into the heart of someone enduring great difficulty and brings to the Church a particular awareness of mercy. Still another might have a profound gift of prayer. The question she takes up is why has the Father given different gifts to different members of the Body of Christ.

In the Dialogues, the Father explains to her that He has distributed his bountiful gifts in this way so that each member of the Body of Christ must rely on all the other members and at the same time each member bears a particular responsibility to support the Body of Christ commensurate to the gifts he has been given. In other words, his has distributed his gifts in a manner that disposes us to love one another. And the Father is counting on this mutual love, this genuine fellowship. It is part of His plan that as we cross Christ the Bridge we enter into communion with Him not merely individually, but together as a family.

The family of God requires a new kind of love, a love which only God can give us. A beautiful foundation is laid for what will later be understood as a “call within a call,” that particular mission each one is entrusted with in the eternal loving plan of God. On one hand, answering this call involves some suffering – just as Mother Theresa in our own time discovered. But those who endure this would not have it any other way. There is a certain joy and fullness of life that one discovers when one generously embraces the loving plan of the Father. The possibility of this joyful fulness makes Catherine’s message to the Church dynamically attractive.

For those beginning to pray, Catherine sheds light on the importance of truth, devotion to Christ and the life of the Church. These things organically hang together in her vision of the spiritual life so that growing in prayer goes beyond the merely therapeutic: it opens up the possibility of fully thriving, of living life to the full.

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.

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

SCS7 – “Stages” in the Spiritual Life – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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“Stages” in the Spiritual Life – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor explore the stages of spiritual development as an upward spiral rather than linear progression. Fr. McDermott tells us of St. Catherine’s focus on love for God and neighbor, cautioning against becoming attached to spiritual consolations.

Perseverance through dark nights of the soul highlights the importance of pure love for God. The significance of tears in spiritual experience and the imagery of the heart of Christ are described as as a window to divine love. St. Catherine sees friendship as essential for spiritual growth, emphasizing the interconnectedness of believers.

Fr. McDermott explains St. Catherine’s interpretation of the open side of Christ’s heart as a symbol of divine love and the importance of participation in that love. He encourages listeners not to feel discouraged if they don’t fully understand St. Catherine’s teachings, but to seek spiritual guidance and persevere in their journey. They also warn against spiritual gluttony and pride, advocating for humility and seeking spiritual direction within the Church.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Understanding Spiritual Development: How does Fr. McDermott describe the stages of spiritual development as an upward spiral rather than a linear progression?
Love for God and Neighbor: What caution does Fr. McDermott give regarding becoming attached to spiritual consolations, and what does he emphasize as the true focus of spiritual growth?
Perseverance through Dark Nights: What is the significance of persevering through dark nights of the soul in Catherine’s teaching, and what does it reveal about the nature of love for God?
Importance of Tears: How does Catherine’s teaching on tears reflect different stages of spiritual experience, and what is their significance in spiritual growth?
Imagery of the Heart of Christ: What does the imagery of the heart of Christ represent, and how does it serve as a window to divine love according to Fr. McDermott?
Emphasis on Friendship: Why does Catherine emphasize the importance of friendship in spiritual growth, and how does it relate to our relationship with God?
Participation in Divine Love: How does Catherine’s teaching emphasize the concept of participation in divine love, and what significance does this hold for believers?
Seeking Spiritual Guidance: What advice does Fr. McDermott give to listeners who may feel discouraged or confused by Catherine’s teachings, and what is the importance of spiritual direction within the Church?

St.-Catherine-of-Siena-book-200x300 — This series is based on ‘Catherine of Siena’ by Fr. Thomas McDermott

For the entire Discerning Hearts series “The Life and Teachings of St. Catherine of Siena” visit here

Fr. Thomas McDermott, OP is Regent of Studies for the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great and is the author of “Catherine of Siena: Spiritual Development in Her Life and Teaching” (Paulist, 2008) and “Filled with all the Fullness of God: An Introduction to Catholic Spirituality”. He obtained a doctorate in spiritual theology from the Angelicum and taught for several years at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. He crrently serves as pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer, in Chicago, IL.

Sunday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Sunday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide – 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. John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:
‘I am the true vine,
and my Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in me that bears no fruit
he cuts away,
and every branch that does bear fruit
he prunes to make it bear even more.
You are pruned already,
by means of the word that I have spoken to you.
Make your home in me, as I make mine in you.
As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself,
but must remain part of the vine,
neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine,
you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me, with me in him,
bears fruit in plenty;
for cut off from me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
is like a branch that has been thrown away – he withers;
these branches are collected and thrown on the fire,
and they are burnt.
If you remain in me
and my words remain in you,
you may ask what you will
and you shall get it.
It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit,
and then you will be my disciples.’

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 his disciples:
‘I am the true vine,
and my Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in me that bears no fruit
he cuts away,
and every branch that does bear fruit
he prunes to make it bear even more.
You are pruned already,
by means of the word that I have spoken to you.
Make your home in me, as I make mine in you.
As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself,
but must remain part of the vine,
neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine,
you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me, with me in him,
bears fruit in plenty;
for cut off from me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
is like a branch that has been thrown away – he withers;
these branches are collected and thrown on the fire,
and they are burnt.
If you remain in me
and my words remain in you,
you may ask what you will
and you shall get it.
It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit,
and then you will be my disciples.’

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 his disciples:
‘I am the true vine,
and my Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in me that bears no fruit
he cuts away,
and every branch that does bear fruit
he prunes to make it bear even more.
You are pruned already,
by means of the word that I have spoken to you.
Make your home in me, as I make mine in you.
As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself,
but must remain part of the vine,
neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine,
you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me, with me in him,
bears fruit in plenty;
for cut off from me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
is like a branch that has been thrown away – he withers;
these branches are collected and thrown on the fire,
and they are burnt.
If you remain in me
and my words remain in you,
you may ask what you will
and you shall get it.
It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit,
and then you will be my disciples.’

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.

IJCY2 – Trusting in God’s Goodness – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul Hoesing – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Trusting in God’s Goodness – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul Hoesing

Fr. Paul Hoesing and Kris McGregor discuss the importance of prayer, sacraments, and living a virtuous life in discerning one’s vocation; going into the idea of desiring what God desires for us, highlighting the need to overcome fear and trust in God’s goodness.

Drawing from biblical examples like Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, they underscore the importance of openness to God’s will and the journey of faith. They also discuss the role of family dynamics in shaping one’s openness to God’s plan, cautioning against isolation and the value of healthy relationships. The episode concludes with reflections on trusting in God’s guidance and seeking His will with a sincere heart.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Trusting in God’s Goodness: Do you trust that God always wants what is best for you?
Overcoming Fear: Where do you begin to become afraid of giving God permission to lead you?
Surrendering to God’s Will: When do you begin to try to manipulate God or want what you think will make you happy?
Affirming God’s Leadership: How can you cultivate a mindset of continually saying to yourself, “Father, I give you permission to lead me”?
Developing Trust: How can you deepen your trust in God’s goodness and His plans for your life?
Family Influence: Reflect on the impact of your family dynamics on your openness to God’s will.
Building Healthy Relationships: In what ways can you nurture spiritually healthy relationships and discern which relationships lead you closer to God?
Seeking God’s Will: How can you actively seek God’s will with a sincere heart, ready to receive His guidance?

Based on “Is Jesus Calling You To Be A Catholic Priest: A helpful guide”, published by National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Director.

Fr. Paul Hoesing serves at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as President Rector

Ep. 8 – A Sister of St. Thérèse: Servant of God, Léonie Martin – Bearer of Hope with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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A Sister of St. Thérèse: Servant of God, Léonie Martin – Bearer of Hope with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Episode 8

In this episode, Fr. Gallagher begins to share more fully the letters exchanged between Léonie and her sister, Thérèse.

Léonie has returned home after a failed attempt of joining the Poor Clare’s and she eventually hopes to join the Order of the Visitation, founded by Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane Frances de Chantal.

Thérèse, 10 years younger than Léonie, proves to be a strong spiritual friend and companion for her sister. Through this episode, we begin to get a glimpse of their tender, encouraging relationship. But as she has experienced in the past, this attempt to enter the Visitation Monastery in Caen will have its challenges and sufferings.

Fr. Gallagher says, “Léonie’s life holds a very important story because she was the forgotten one; she was the one who was in the last place; she was the one who was less gifted than the others. Today we would call her a ‘problem child,’ and we’ll see that she certainly was the source of great anxiety to her parents, especially to her mother, Zélie, who loved her dearly.”

As a child, Léonie suffered from severe illnesses and physical maladies that would plague her entire life. She also struggled with understanding social clues and interactions and with behaving appropriately. Conventional educational models of the day failed to meet her particular needs, and she was labeled “developmentally delayed.” Yet those who knew her well described her as having a “heart of gold”.

Who was Léonie and what were her struggles? Why has her cause of canonization begun? Father Gallagher, along with Kris McGregor, answers these questions and explains why Léonie is “a bearer of hope” in this landmark series.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Discernment of Vocation: How does Léonie’s journey towards religious life encourage us to reflect on our own discernment process and the challenges we may face in finding our vocation?
Flexibility and Gentleness: In what ways does Léonie’s experience highlight the importance of flexibility and gentleness in spiritual formation, both within religious communities and in our personal relationships?
Resilience in Adversity: Reflecting on Léonie’s resilience amidst family turmoil and personal struggles, how can we cultivate resilience in our own lives when faced with challenges on our spiritual journey?
Embracing Individual Differences: How does Léonie’s story inspire us to embrace the uniqueness of each person’s journey and the importance of understanding and accommodating individual differences in our communities and relationships?
Trusting God’s Plan: Despite setbacks and disappointments, Léonie remained faithful to her desire for holiness. How does her journey encourage us to trust in God’s plan for our lives, even in moments of uncertainty and difficulty?

Marie

Pauline

Céline

St. Thérèse

St. Louis Martin

A resource used for this series

Images in this post of the Martin/Guerin family are used with permission from the Archives of the Carmel of Lisieux website for strictly non-commercial use. We encourage you to visit the website for more information on this remarkable family.

For more series Fr. Timothy Gallagher podcasts visit here

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

SCS6 – “The Precious Blood”, “The Christ Bridge” and Other Topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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“The Precious Blood”, “The Christ Bridge” and Other Topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor discuss St. Catherine of Siena’s teachings on the significance of the blood of Christ in her spiritual development. St. Catherine’s fixation on the blood of Christ stems from her belief that it reveals the depth of God’s love for humanity. She sees the blood not only as grace but also as a symbol of a new energy field that believers are invited to immerse themselves in, allowing it to transform them.

They discuss St. Catherine’s central metaphor of the “Christ Bridge,” which represents the journey of spiritual growth. The bridge spans from heaven to earth, with various stages symbolizing different levels of spiritual advancement. She emphasizes the importance of virtues as stepping stones on this bridge and highlights the necessity of human relationships in spiritual development.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Reflection on the Blood of Christ: How does St. Catherine of Siena’s focus on Christ’s blood deepen your understanding of God’s love and its transformative power in your life?
The Christ Bridge Metaphor: Reflect on your spiritual journey in light of Catherine’s metaphor of the “Christ Bridge.” How do you perceive your progress on this bridge, and what virtues do you see as stepping stones for further growth?
Virtues and Human Relationships: Consider the role of virtues and human relationships in your spiritual development. How can you cultivate virtues and foster meaningful connections with others to deepen your relationship with God?
Exploring Saints’ Lives: How might delving into the lives of saints, particularly St. Catherine of Siena, enrich your spiritual journey and provide guidance for navigating challenges and seeking deeper prayer life?
Relevance of Catherine’s Teachings: In what ways do you find St. Catherine’s teachings relevant for your life as a modern believer? How can you apply her insights to cultivate a more vibrant and transformative spiritual life?

For the entire Discerning Hearts series “The Life and Teachings of St. Catherine of Siena” visit here

Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist – 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 16:15-20

Jesus showed himself to the Eleven and said to them:
‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’
And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.

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 showed himself to the Eleven and said to them:
‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’
And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.

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 showed himself to the Eleven and said to them:
‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’
And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.

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.

BTP-LOT17 – Extraordinary Mystical Phenomenon – The Life of St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Extraordinary Mystical Phenomenon – The Life of St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss locutions and the experiences of St. Teresa of Avila. They explain that locutions, or extraordinary mystical phenomena, are more common than people realize but are unnecessary for salvation. Dr. Lilles points out that these experiences don’t necessarily reflect a person’s spiritual maturity and can be both helpful and potentially misleading. He provides examples of individuals who misinterpreted their experiences and warns against seeking such phenomena for the sake of bypassing the obedience of faith. They go into different types of locutions, emphasizing the importance of discernment and testing these experiences.

Highlighting the transformative power of genuine locutions, which bring clarity, freedom, and strength, helps us live a more aligned life with God’s will.

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

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

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

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Understanding Locutions: How would you explain the concept of locutions and their significance in Catholic spirituality?
Discernment and Spiritual Maturity: What insights does Dr. Anthony Lilles offer regarding the relationship between locutions and spiritual maturity? How does this challenge common misconceptions?
Distinguishing Genuine Experiences: Based on the discussion, how can one discern between authentic locutions and misleading experiences? What criteria or signs did the speakers mention?
Responsiveness to Divine Guidance: Reflect on the importance of being receptive to divine guidance in one’s spiritual journey. How can individuals cultivate openness to hearing God’s voice?
Role of Spiritual Direction: How does this episode highlight the significance of spiritual direction in navigating mystical experiences? What role does accountability and guidance play in discernment?
Integration with Scripture: Discuss the relationship between locutions and scriptural grounding. How can individuals align their experiences with biblical principles and teachings?
Personal Reflections on Prayer: Consider your own prayer life. Have you ever experienced moments of perceived divine inspiration? How do these experiences shape your faith and actions?

An excerpt from Chapter 25, discussed in this episode:

“It will be as well, I think, to explain these locutions of God, and to describe what the soul feels when it receives them, in order that you, my father, may understand the matter; for ever since that time of which I am speaking, when our Lord granted me that grace, it has been an ordinary occurrence until now, as will appear by what I have yet to say.

The words are very distinctly formed; but by the bodily ear they are not heard. They are, however, much more clearly understood than they would be if they were heard by the ear. It is impossible not to understand them, whatever resistance we may offer. When we wish not to hear anything in this world, we can stop our ears, or give attention to something else: so that, even if we do hear, at least we can refuse to understand. In this locution of God addressed to the soul there is no escape, for in spite of ourselves we must listen; and the understanding must apply itself so thoroughly to the comprehension of that which God wills we should hear, that it is nothing to the purpose whether we will it or not; for it is His will, Who can do all things. We should understand that His will must be done; and He reveals Himself as our true Lord, having dominion over us. I know this by much experience; for my resistance lasted nearly two years, because of the great fear I was in: and even now I resist occasionally; but it is of no use.

I should like to explain the delusions which may happen here, though he who has had much experience will run little or no risk, I think; but the experience must be great. I should like to explain also how those locutions which come from the Good Spirit differ from those which come from an evil spirit; and, further, how they may be but an apprehension of the understanding,—for that is possible,—or even words which the mind addressed to itself. I do not know if it be so but even this very day I thought it possible. I know by experience in many ways, when these locutions come from God. I have been told things two or three years beforehand, which have all come to pass; and in none of them have I been hitherto deceived. There are also other things in which the Spirit of God may be clearly traced, as I shall relate by and by.

It seems to me that a person commending a matter to God with great love and earnestness may think that he hears in some way or other whether his prayer will be granted or not, and this is quite possible; but he who has heard the divine locution will see clearly enough what this is, because there is a great difference between the two. If it be anything which the understanding has fashioned, however cunningly it may have done so, he sees that it is the understanding which has arranged that locution, and that it is speaking of itself. This is nothing else but a word uttered by one, and listened to by another: in that case, the understanding will see that it has not been listening only, but also forming the words; and the words it forms are something indistinct, fantastic, and not clear like the divine locutions. It is in our power to turn away our attention from these locutions of our own, just as we can be silent when we are speaking; but, with respect to the former, that cannot be done.”

SCS5 – The Supreme Truth and other topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Supreme Truth and other topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

In this enlightening episode, Father Thomas McDermott O.P. delves into St. Catherine of Siena’s spiritual legacy, exploring her status as a Doctor of the Church and the profound depth of her teachings as presented in her principal work, The Dialogue, and her extensive letters. Father McDermott elucidates St. Catherine’s mystical experiences, particularly during her communion, where she received divine locutions that formed the basis of her writings.

The episode highlights the core themes of St. Catherine’s teachings, including the importance of truth and self-knowledge, the practical application of theology in everyday Christian life, and virtues like humility, obedience, and patience. A significant focus is also placed on the concept of divinization, a key aspect of her theology, which illustrates how humans are invited to share in God’s divinity through grace. This discussion sheds light on St. Catherine’s theological contributions. It underscores her timeless impact on Christian spirituality and ecclesiastical teachings, offering valuable insights into living a virtuous Christian life rooted in contemplative practice and practical action.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Self-Knowledge and Truth: St. Catherine emphasized the importance of self-knowledge and understanding the truth about God and ourselves. Reflect on your own journey of self-knowledge. How has your understanding of yourself influenced your relationship with God?
Divine Communication: Father McDermott describes St. Catherine’s mystical experiences and her communion with God. How do you perceive divine communication in your own life? In what ways do you feel God communicates with you, and how do you respond?
Practical Virtues: St. Catherine’s teachings highlight virtues like humility, obedience, and patience. Choose one of these virtues and reflect on its role in your life. Can you identify a recent situation where you successfully or unsuccessfully embodied this virtue?
Role of Mystical Experiences: According to St. Catherine, mystical experiences should lead to an increase in virtuous living. Reflect on any personal experiences that you consider mystical or profoundly spiritual. How have these experiences impacted your daily actions and spiritual growth?
Concept of Divinization: The idea of sharing in God’s divinity is a profound aspect of St. Catherine’s theology. Reflect on what divinization means to you. How does the concept that we are made to share in the divine life influence your understanding of your purpose and actions?
The Impact of Sin and Grace: Discuss how St. Catherine views the effects of original sin and grace on human nature. How does recognizing your own sinfulness and God’s grace change the way you approach life and relationships?
Teachings Applied to Contemporary Issues: St. Catherine was practical and addressed the needs of her time. How can her teachings be applied to contemporary issues in the Church or society today? Are there specific teachings that resonate with you in addressing current challenges?
Contemplative Prayer: St. Catherine strongly advocated contemplative prayer as a means to truth and a deeper relationship with God. How does contemplative prayer fit into your spiritual practice? What steps can you take to deepen or incorporate contemplative prayer into your routine?

For the entire Discerning Hearts series “The Life and Teachings of St. Catherine of Siena” visit here

DWG6 – Understanding Marriage and Priesthood – The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Understanding Marriage and Priesthood – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the discernment of vocations, focusing primarily on marriage and priesthood/religious life. Marriage is a natural vocation inherent in human nature, while priesthood and religious life are supernatural callings. Fr. Gallagher notes that both vocations entail a spousal gift of self and fruitfulness, whether through physical or spiritual means.

Using various stories, Fr. Gallagher showcases how some individuals inherently know their vocation to marriage without doubt, while others discern it through experiences and a deepening understanding of Christian marriage, advising those discerning marriage to deepen their Christian formation and human maturity.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Reflecting on the Nature of Vocations: How does Fr. Gallagher describe the distinction between natural vocations, such as marriage, and supernatural callings, like priesthood or religious life? How does he emphasize the importance of understanding these distinctions in discernment?
Understanding the Sacrament of Marriage: What insights does Fr. Gallagher offer regarding the sacramentality of marriage? How does he explain the significance of marriage as a symbol of Christ’s love for the Church?
Discerning the Call to Marriage: Based on the examples provided by Fr. Gallagher, what are some indicators that suggest an individual may be called to the vocation of marriage? How does he suggest deepening one’s understanding of marriage as a vocation?
Deepening Christian Consciousness of Marriage: Fr. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of transitioning from a secular understanding of marriage to a Christian consciousness. How can individuals cultivate this deeper understanding, and why is it crucial in the discernment process?
Growing in Human Formation: In what ways does Fr. Gallagher suggest individuals can grow in their emotional and human maturity? How might this growth contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling marriage?
Gratitude for Vocations: Reflecting on Fr. Gallagher’s closing remarks, how can we express gratitude for the vocation of marriage and the gift of life provided by our parents? How does this gratitude inform our understanding of marriage as a call to holiness within the Church?

From The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions:

“Three Times in which a Sound and Good Choice May Be Made

The first time is when God Our Lord so moves and attracts the will that, without doubting or being able to doubt, the devout soul follows what is shown to it, as St. Paul and St. Matthew did in following Christ our Lord.

The second time is when sufficient clarity and understanding is received through experience of consolations and desolations, and through experience of discernment of different spirits.

The third time is one of tranquility, when one considers first for what purpose man is born, that is, to praise God our Lord and save his soul, and, desiring this, chooses as a means to this end some life or state within the bounds of the Church, so that he may be helped in the service of his Lord and the salvation of his soul. I said a tranquil time, that is, when the soul is not agitated by different spirits, and uses its natural powers freely and tranquilly.

If the choice is not made in the first or second time, two ways of making it in this third time are given below.”