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St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 6 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 6

Do not pay any attention to the kind of work you do, but rather to the honor that it brings to God, even though it may seem quite trivial. Desire only to do the Divine Will, following Divine Providence, which is the disposition of Divine Wisdom. In a word, if your works are pleasing to God and recognized as such, that is all that matters. Work hard every day at increasing your purity of heart, which consists in appraising things and weighing them in the balance of God’s will. (Letters 280; O. XIII, p. 53)

O blessed Francis de Sales, who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbor,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people,
especially (names of those whom you wish to include) may experience
the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ
and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern
that I now lift up in prayer. (mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all,
you desired that St. Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many long the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit
may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here

Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Saturday of the Second 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 of St. Mark 3:20-21

Jesus went home, and once more such a crowd collected that they could not even have a meal. When his relatives heard of this, they set out to take charge of him, convinced he was out of his mind.

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 went home, and once more such a crowd collected that they could not even have a meal. When his relatives heard of this, they set out to take charge of him, convinced he was out of his mind.

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 went home, and once more such a crowd collected that they could not even have a meal. When his relatives heard of this, they set out to take charge of him, convinced he was out of his mind.

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.

May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

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 20 – The Drama of Atheist Humanism – Fr. Joseph Fessio S.J., Vivian Dudro, and Joseph Pearce – FBC Podcast

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Science is a gift from God, so why does it often seem to turn AGAINST God? Fr. Fessio, Joseph Pearce, and Vivian Dudro continue to read Henri de Lubac’s “The Drama of Atheist Humanism.”

You can find the book here

De Lubac traces the origin of 19th century attempts to construct a humanism apart from God, the sources of contemporary atheism which purports to have “moved beyond God.” The three persons he focuses on are Feuerbach, who greatly influenced Marx; Nietzsche, who represents nihilism; and Comte, who is the father of all forms of positivism.

He then shows that the only one who really responded to this ideology was Dostoevsky, a kind of prophet who criticizes in his novels this attempt to have a society without God. Despite their historical and scholarly appearance, de Lubac’s work clearly refers to the present.

As he investigates the sources of modern atheism, particularly in its claim to have definitely moved beyond the idea of God, he is thinking of an ideology prevalent today in East and West which regards the Christian faith as a completely outdated.

St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 5 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 5

This poor life is only a journey to the happy life to come. We must not be angry with one another on the way, but rather we must march on as a band of brothers and sisters united in meekness, peace and love. I state absolutely and make no exception: do not be angry at all if that is possible. Do no accept any pretext whatever for opening your heart’s door to anger. Saint James tells us positively and without reservation,” … a man’s anger does not fulfill God’s justice.” [Jas 1:20] (INT. Part III, Ch. 8; O. III, p. 162)

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 1 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena Day 1

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Day 1

St. Thomas you have taught that:

“God Himself is the rule and mode of virtue. Our faith is measured by divine truth, our hope by the greatness of His power and faithful affection, our charity by His goodness. His truth, power and goodness outreach any measure of reason. We can certainly never believe, trust or love God more than, or even as much as, we should. Extravagance is impossible. Here is no virtuous moderation, no measurable mean; the more extreme our activity, the better we are.”
― Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, 5 Vols

Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

Grant me grace, O merciful God,
to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee,
to examine it prudently,
to acknowledge it truthfully,
and to accomplish it perfectly,
for the praise and glory of Thy name.

In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.
[Make your request here…]

Grant me, O Lord my God,
a mind to know you,
a heart to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
conduct pleasing to you,
faithful perseverance in waiting for you,
and a hope of finally embracing you.

Amen.

Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia” performed by “Capella Musica Seoul”

For the complete 9-day Novena with St. Thomas Aquinas

LSB2 – The Grace of Detachment – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Life of St. Benedict pt 2 – The Grace of Detachment

In this podcast episode, Father Mauritius and the host, Kris McGregor, explore the life of St. Benedict and specifically delve into the role of his mother in his spiritual journey. St. Benedict’s decision to abandon his studies in Rome and pursue a life of solitude is discussed, along with the symbolic incident of a broken tray miraculously restored. The broken tray represents the detachment from his motherly figure, and the podcast delves into the psychological aspects of this detachment.

Father Mauritius emphasizes that while Benedict’s departure from his father was relatively easier, separating from the motherly influence was more challenging. The discussion touches on the archetypal roles of fathers and mothers, highlighting the natural difficulty mothers face in letting their children go.

The concept of detachment is explored in the context of societal expectations and familial bonds. Father Mauritius emphasizes the importance of inner maturity and responding to a deeper call rather than adhering to external age-based expectations. The podcast draws parallels with other saints, such as St. Monica and Edith Stein, who faced challenges in detachment from their mothers.

The conversation also touches on the need for mothers to trust their children’s spiritual journey and the significance of finding a balance between detachment and attachment. Father Mauritius suggests a test for determining the level of detachment by assessing one’s feelings when returning home or interacting with parents.

The podcast concludes with reflections on the enduring influence of parents, even after their passing, and the necessity of finding peace in relationships with parents through prayer and understanding.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts:

Detachment and Spiritual Journey: Reflect on your own spiritual journey. In what ways have you experienced detachment from societal expectations or familial bonds in response to a deeper call?
Symbolism of the Broken Tray: Consider the symbolism of the broken tray in St. Benedict’s story. Are there aspects of your life where you have experienced brokenness, and how might this relate to detachment and spiritual growth?
Challenges of Detachment: Father Mauritius discusses the challenges of detachment, especially from maternal figures. How do you perceive the challenges of detachment in your own life? Are there areas where detachment is difficult for you?
Inner Process of Detachment: Father Mauritius emphasizes that detachment is an inner process. Reflect on your own journey of inner maturity. How have you grown in detachment, and in what areas do you still find it challenging?
Trusting in the Spiritual Journey: Consider the importance of trust in the spiritual journey. How can parents trust in the spiritual paths of their children? Reflect on the balance between guidance and allowing space for their spiritual growth.
Test for Detachment: Father Mauritius suggests a test for detachment based on feelings when returning home. How do you feel when revisiting your family or interacting with your parents? What might your feelings reveal about your level of detachment?
Peace in Relationships: Reflect on the idea of finding peace in relationships with parents. How can prayer and understanding contribute to a peaceful relationship with your parents, whether they are alive or have passed away?
Role Models in Detachment: Explore the lives of saints like St. Benedict, St. Monica, and Edith Stein, who faced challenges in detachment. How can their experiences serve as role models for navigating detachment in your own spiritual journey?

From the Life of Our Most Holy Father St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great:

INTRODUCTION.
THERE was a man of venerable life, Benedict by name and grace, who from the time of his very childhood carried the heart of an old man. His demeanour indeed surpassing his age, he gave himself no disport or pleasure, but living here upon earth he despised the world with all the glory thereof, at such time as he might have most freely enjoyed it. He was born in the province of Nursia of honourable parentage and sent to Rome to study the liberal sciences. But when he saw there many through the uneven paths of vice run headlong to their own ruin, he drew back his foot, but new-set in the world, lest, in the search of human knowledge, he might also fall into the same dangerous precipice. Contemning therefore learning and studies and abandoning his father’s house and goods, he desired only to please God in a virtuous life. Therefore he departed skilfully ignorant and wisely unlearned.

Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Ne

St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 4 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Day 4

Self-love dies only when our body dies, so we must, while we live in this land of exile, continue to counterattack its assaults on our senses and its underhanded tactics. It is enough if we firmly withstand, giving no willful or deliberate consent … When we feel within ourselves the first movements of self-love or of other passions, let us prostrate ourselves immediately before the heart of God and tell Him, in a spirit of confidence and humility, “Lord, have mercy on me because I am a very weak creature.” Then let us tranquilly rest in peace and put ourselves at God’s disposal. (Letters 1675; O. XIX, pp. 272-273)

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here

St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 3 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 3

Day 3

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I desire very little, and what I do desire I desire very little; I have hardly any desires, but if I were to begin my life all over again I would want to have none at all … Ask for nothing, refuse nothing; we must simply abandon ourselves into the hands of Providence, without nourishing any other desire but to do whatever God wills. St. Paul practiced this act of absolute abandonment at the very moment of his conversion. When he was deprived of his sight, he immediately said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” [cf. Act 22:10] From that moment on he put himself completely at God’s disposal. All our perfection consists precisely in the practical application of this principle. (Spiritual Treatises XXI, O. VI, pp. 383-384)

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here

BTP-LOT12 – Saints Inspiring Saints – The Life of St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Saints Inspiring Saints – The Life of St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore Chapter 9 of St. Teresa of Avila’s autobiography in part two of a two-part episode, going into further detail about a profound moment in the life of St. Teresa of Avila, where she reflects on her own spiritual journey and draws parallels with St. Augustine’s conversion.

From that, Dr. Lilles talks about the interconnectedness of saints, and how they highlight the importance of witnessing, continuous conversion, and not seeking consolations in prayer. He also discusses the importance of seeking God with a pure heart, renouncing sin, and being actively receptive to God’s gifts in and during contemplative prayer.

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:

Reflecting on Transformative Moments: How do transformative moments in the lives of saints, such as St. Teresa’s encounter with a statue of Jesus, inspire and guide our own spiritual journey?
Influence of Saints on Spiritual Lineage: Consider the idea of saints influencing one another, forming a spiritual lineage. How does this interconnectedness impact the broader Christian community and individual believers?
The Role of Witnessing in Faith: Explore the significance of witnessing in the faith journey. How can sharing personal experiences of conversion and grace inspire and support others in their spiritual growth?
Conversion as a Continuous Journey: Reflect on the concept of continuous conversion presented in the episode. How does this perspective challenge or complement the understanding of spiritual growth in your own life?
Balancing Emotions and Grace in Prayer: How can one strike a balance between seeking emotional consolations in prayer and actively focusing on maintaining a clear conscience, turning away from sin, and being receptive to God’s grace?
Contemplative Graces in Prayer: Consider the beauty of contemplative graces and the notion of being actively receptive to God’s gifts in prayer. How can fostering an actively receptive disposition enhance your prayer life?
Seeking God with a Pure Heart: Reflect on the importance of seeking God with a pure heart, as discussed in the episode. How might this focus influence your approach to prayer, relationship with God, and the journey of faith?

An excerpt from Chapter 9, discussed in this episode:

“At this time, the Confessions of St. Augustine were given me. Our Lord seems to have so ordained it, for I did not seek them myself, neither had I ever seen them before. I had a very great devotion to St. Augustine, because the monastery in which I lived when I was yet in the world was of his Order; and also because he had been a sinner—for I used to find great comfort in those Saints whom, after they had sinned, our Lord converted to Himself. I thought they would help me, and that, as our Lord had forgiven them, so also He would forgive me. One thing, however, there was that troubled me—I have spoken of it before—our Lord had called them but once, and they never relapsed; while my relapses were now so many. This it was that vexed me. But calling to mind the love that He bore me, I took courage again. Of His mercy I never doubted once, but I did very often of myself.

O my God, I amazed at the hardness of my heart amidst so many succours from Thee. I am filled with dread when I see how little I could do with myself, and how I was clogged, so that I could not resolve to give myself entirely to God. When I began to read the Confessions, I thought I saw myself there described, and began to recommend myself greatly to this glorious Saint. When I came to his conversion, and read how he heard that voice in the garden, it seemed to me nothing less than that our Lord had uttered it for me: I felt so in my heart. I remained for some time lost in tears, in great inward affliction and distress. O my God, what a soul has to suffer because it has lost the liberty it had of being mistress over itself! and what torments it has to endure! I wonder now how I could live in torments so great: God be praised Who gave me life, so that I might escape from so fatal a death! I believe that my soul obtained great strength from His Divine Majesty, and that He must have heard my cry, and had compassion upon so many tears.”

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.

St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 2 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 2

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Day 2

State openly that you desire to be devout. I do not say that you should assert that you are devout but that you desire to be devout. Do not be ashamed to practice the ordinary, necessary actions that bring us to the love of God. Acknowledge frankly that you are trying to meditate, that you would rather die than commit a mortal sin, that you are resolved to frequent the sacraments and to follow your director’s advice. This candid confession of our desire to serve God and to consecrate ourselves entirely to His love is most acceptable to His Divine Majesty. (INT. V, Ch. 18; O. III, p. 365)

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here