Page 160 – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Thursday of the Third 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 16:15-18

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.’

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.’

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.’

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.

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 7 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Day 7

St. Thomas you have taught

“Fear is such a powerful emotion for humans that when we allow it to take us over, it drives compassion right out of our hearts.”

“We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject, for both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in finding it.”

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

FJ8 – Euthanasia Unveiled – The Final Journey with Dr. Stephen Doran M.D. – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Episode 8 – Euthanasia Unveiled – The Final Journey with Dr. Stephen Doran, M.D.

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Doran and Kris McGregor discuss euthanasia, exploring its origins, societal perspectives, and the impact on individuals. They emphasize the importance of understanding suffering in a redemptive context, challenging the prevailing idea of a “good death” as solely painless. They explore the roots of euthanasia in eugenics, highlighting its dark history.

Dr. Doran addresses the cultural shift toward valuing autonomy over the sanctity of life, cautioning against the slippery slope of expanding eligibility criteria. The need for building supportive communities to counteract the appeal of euthanasia is emphasized, stressing the importance of recognizing the integrated nature of body and soul.

For more episodes in the series, visit The Final Journey: Insights from a Catholic Doctor and Neurosurgeon w/ Dr. Stephen Doran M.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts.

Stephen Doran, M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon with over twenty-five years of experience, is an ordained permanent deacon and serves as the bioethicist for the Archdiocese of Omaha. His writings in bioethics, neurosurgery, and gene therapy for brain disorders have been widely published in national media outlets, academic journals, and neurosurgery textbooks. He is married with five sons. He co-founded Seeking Truth Catholic Bible Study with his wife, Sharon.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Origins of Euthanasia: Reflect on the historical roots of euthanasia discussed in the podcast. How does understanding its origins shape your perspective on contemporary debates?
Redemptive Context of Suffering: Consider the idea of viewing suffering in a redemptive context. How might this perspective challenge prevalent notions of a “good death” focused on painlessness?
Euthanasia and Eugenics: Explore the connection between euthanasia and eugenics highlighted in the conversation. How does recognizing this dark history impact your understanding of the current discourse?
Autonomy vs. Sanctity of Life: Reflect on the cultural shift towards prioritizing autonomy over the sanctity of life. In what ways does this shift pose challenges, and how might it affect ethical considerations surrounding euthanasia?
Expanding Eligibility Criteria: Dr. Doran warns against the slippery slope of expanding eligibility criteria for euthanasia. What are your thoughts on this caution, and how might it influence policy decisions?
Building Supportive Communities: Consider the importance of building supportive communities to counteract the appeal of euthanasia. How can communities contribute to a culture that values life and offers alternatives to assisted dying?
Integrated Nature of Body and Soul: Dr. Doran emphasizes the integrated nature of body and soul. Reflect on the implications of this perspective for discussions on euthanasia and the human experience.
Impact on Individuals: Explore the podcast’s discussion on the impact of euthanasia on individuals. How does this consideration shape your views on the broader societal implications of assisted dying?

You can find the book here

From the book description:

Dr. Stephen Doran draws from his vast experience as a neurosurgeon, a bioethicist, and a permanent deacon to present the Catholic perspective on the art of dying well. The spiritual and moral issues related to death and the process of dying can be challenging and complicated. To Die Well provides a detailed yet readily understandable guide to these topics.

Each chapter begins with a story from Dr. Doran’s personal or professional life that not only provides context for the topic at hand but also gently draws the reader toward the personal realities of dying. The first part focuses on the moral issues that surround death and dying, including end-of-life medical decisions. The second part is devoted to the Catholic spiritual understanding of dying and the rites that accompany the death of a Catholic.

To Die Well will help readers contemplate, pray about, and prepare for the end of their earthly lives.

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 6 – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 6

St. Thomas you have taught us to pray…

Virgin full of goodness,
Mother of mercy,
I entrust to you my body and my soul,
my thoughts and my actions,
my life and my death.

My Queen,
come to my aid
and deliver me from the snares of the devil.

Obtain for me the grace of loving
my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
with a true and perfect love,
and after him,
Mary,
of loving you with all my heart
and above all things.

Amen.

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

DOS5- La Tercera Regla – Consolación espiritual – Discernimiento de Espíritus con el Padre Timothy Gallagher – Podcasts de Corazones Discernientes

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Episodio 5 – La Tercera Regla – Consolación espiritual

La Tercera Regla:

La tercera es de consolación espiritual. Llamo consolación cuando se causa algún movimiento interior en el alma, por el cual el alma llega a inflamarse de amor a su Creador y Señor; y cuando en consecuencia no puede amar ninguna cosa creada sobre la faz de la tierra en sí misma, sino en el Creador de todas ellas.

Asimismo, cuando derrama lágrimas que mueven al amor de su Señor, ya sea por el dolor de los propios pecados, ya por la Pasión de Cristo nuestro Señor, ya por otras cosas directamente relacionadas con su servicio y alabanza.

Finalmente, llamo consolación a todo aumento de esperanza, fe y caridad, y a toda alegría interior que llama y atrae a las cosas celestiales y a la salvación del alma, sosegándola y dándole paz en su Creador y Señor.

En este episodio, el Padre Timothy Gallagher, en conversación con Kris McGregor, explora la Tercera Regla de Consolación Espiritual de Ignacio. La consolación espiritual, como la define Ignacio, implica un movimiento interior en el alma que enciende el amor por el Creador.

La regla abarca varias experiencias, como derramar lágrimas por los pecados o la pasión de Cristo, un aumento de la esperanza, la fe y la caridad, y una alegría interior que atrae a las cosas celestiales.

El P. Gallagher subraya la importancia de discernir la consolación espiritual, distinguirla de la no espiritual y reconocerla como un don de Dios. Se comparten ejemplos de personas que experimentan la consolación espiritual, destacando la intensidad y la conexión entre las consolaciones no espirituales y las espirituales.

El objetivo es ayudar a los oyentes a comprender y nombrar estas experiencias cuando las encuentren en su vida espiritual.

Preguntas de reflexión de Discerning Hearts para este episodio:

1. Definir la consolación espiritual: ¿Cómo definirías la consolación espiritual basándote en la Tercera Regla de Ignacio, explicada por el P. Timothy Gallagher?
2. Experiencia personal: ¿Puedes recordar una experiencia personal de consolación espiritual en tu vida? ¿Cómo se manifestó y qué impacto tuvo en tu relación con Dios?
3. Conexión entre Consolaciones: El P. Gallagher menciona la conexión entre consolaciones no espirituales y espirituales. ¿Puedes identificar casos en tu vida en los que una consolación no espiritual sirvió de espacio para que la gracia de Dios provocara una consolación espiritual?
4. Grados de intensidad: El episodio destaca los diversos grados de intensidad de las consolaciones espirituales. Reflexiona sobre alguna ocasión en la que hayas experimentado una suave elevación del corazón frente a una elevación más intensa. ¿En qué se diferencian estas experiencias?
5. Respuesta a las consolaciones: ¿Cómo respondes normalmente a los momentos de consolación espiritual? ¿Eres consciente de estos momentos y aceptas conscientemente la luz que aportan?
6. Discernir las consolaciones: El P. Gallagher subraya la importancia de discernir entre consolaciones espirituales y no espirituales. Cómo puede este discernimiento profundizar tu vida espiritual y tu relación con Dios?
7. El papel de las lágrimas: Considera los ejemplos de lágrimas de gratitud comentados en el episodio. ¿Puedes identificarte con estas experiencias y qué papel han desempeñado las lágrimas en tu camino espiritual?
8. Virtudes de la esperanza, la fe y la caridad: Reflexiona sobre el papel de la esperanza, la fe y la caridad en tu vida espiritual. ¿Hay momentos concretos en los que hayas sentido un notable aumento de estas virtudes como resultado del consuelo espiritual?
9. Incorporar las enseñanzas: ¿Cómo puedes incorporar las enseñanzas de este episodio a tus prácticas espirituales diarias y profundizar tu comprensión de la consolación espiritual?
10. Reconocer y nombrar las consolaciones: ¿De qué manera reconocer y nombrar los consuelos espirituales contribuye a tu conciencia general y a tu compromiso en tu camino de fe?

Para ver más episodios de la serie, visite: El Discernimiento de los Espíritus: Liberar a los cautivos con el Padre Timothy Gallagher; Podcast de Discernimiento de Corazones

El Padre Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., fue ordenado en 1979 como miembro de los Oblatos de la Virgen María, una comunidad religiosa dedicada a los retiros y a la formación espiritual según los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio. El P. Gallagher aparece en la serie de EWTN “Living the Discerning Life: Las enseñanzas espirituales de San Ignacio de Loyola”.

Para más información sobre cómo obtener copias de los diversos libros y audios del P. Gallaghers que están disponibles para su compra, por favor visite su website: www.frtimothygallagher.org

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 5 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 5

St. Thomas you have taught that:

“The world tempts us either by attaching us to it in prosperity, or by filling us with fear of adversity. But faith overcomes this in that we believe in a life to come better than this one, and hence we despise the riches of this world and we are not terrified in the face of adversity.”

― Thomas Aquinas, The Catechetical Instructions

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

St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 9 – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 9

Think for a moment of the piety of the Madonna when the angel told her that the Spirit would overshadow her. What sentiments of humility, confidence and courage! At the very moment when she understood that God had given her His heart, that is, His Son, she gave herself to God. Her soul was flooded with charity, so she could say with the sacred spouse, “…My heart trembled within me, and I grew faint when he spoke.” [Sg:5:4] As far as we are concerned, we receive a similar grace in Communion, because not an angel but Jesus Christ Himself assures us that in it the Holy Spirit descends on us. Heavenly power covers us with its shadow and the Son of God really comes to us. He can say that He is conceived and born in us. Truly then, the soul can respond with the Madonna, “I am the servant of the Lord; let is be done to me as you say.” [Lk 1:38] (Spiritual Directory, Art. 12)

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.

<a href=”https://www.discerninghearts.com/catholic-podcasts/prayersdevotionals/st-francis-de-sales-novena-mp3-audio-download-and-text/”>For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here</a>

SD3 – Insights into Rules 10 through 14 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Insights into Rules 10 through 14 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, along with Kris McGregor, delves further into St. Ignatius’ spiritual rules, specifically rules 10 to 14, which focus on handling spiritual desolation and temptation.

Rule 10 advocates preparing for future desolation during times of spiritual consolation. Rule 11 underscores maintaining humility in consolation and trust in desolation. Rule 12 emphasizes resisting temptation from the outset, while Rule 13 recommends confiding spiritual struggles to a wise guide. Lastly, Rule 14 highlights the importance of self-knowledge and recognizing spiritual vulnerabilities.

Throughout these particular rules, Fr. Gallagher stresses the importance of companionship in the spiritual journey, whether through formal guidance, confession, retreats, or sharing experiences with others.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Anticipating Desolation: How does Rule 10 advise individuals experiencing spiritual consolation to prepare for future desolation?
Attitude in Consolation and Desolation: According to Rule 11, what is the recommended attitude for individuals in times of consolation and desolation?
Early Resistance to Temptation: In Rule 12, what does Ignatius counsel regarding the onset of temptation, and why is it significant in spiritual discernment?
Revealing Spiritual Struggles: According to Rule 13, why does Ignatius suggest sharing one’s spiritual struggles with a wise and competent spiritual guide?
Understanding and Acknowledging Vulnerabilities: What is the essence of Rule 14, and how does it encourage self-knowledge and recognition of spiritual vulnerabilities?
Importance of Spiritual Companionship: How does Fr. Timothy Gallagher emphasize the role of companionship in the spiritual journey, and what forms can this companionship take?

From Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits

“Tenth Rule. The tenth: Let the one who is in consolation think how he will conduct himself in the desolation which will come after, taking new strength for that time.

Eleventh Rule. The eleventh: Let one who is consoled seek to humble himself and lower himself as much as he can, think- ing of how little he is capable in the time of desolation with- out such grace or consolation. On the contrary, let one who is in desolation think that he can do much with God’s sufficient grace to resist all his enemies, taking strength in his Creator and Lord.

Twelfth Rule. The twelfth: The enemy acts like a woman in being weak when faced with strength and strong when faced with weakness. For, as it is proper to a woman, when she is fighting with some man, to lose heart and to flee when the man confronts her firmly, and, on the contrary, if the man begins to flee, losing heart, the anger, vengeance and ferocity of the woman grow greatly and know no bounds, in the same way, it is proper to the enemy to weaken and lose heart, flee- ing and ceasing his temptations when the person who is exer- cising himself in spiritual things confronts the temptations of the enemy firmly, doing what is diametrically opposed to them; and, on the contrary, if the person who is exercising himself begins to be afraid and lose heart in suffering the temptations, there is no beast so fierce on the face of the earth as the enemy of human nature in following out his damnable intention with such growing malice.

Thirteenth Rule. The thirteenth: Likewise he conducts him- self as a false lover in wishing to remain secret and not berevealed. For a dissolute man who, speaking with evil inten- tion, makes dishonorable advances to a daughter of a good father or a wife of a good husband, wishes his words and persuasions to be secret, and the contrary displeases him very much, when the daughter reveals to her father or the wife to her husband his false words and depraved intention, because he easily perceives that he will not be able to succeed with the undertaking begun. In the same way, when the enemy of human nature brings his wiles and persuasions to the just soul, he wishes and desires that they be received and kept in secret; but when one reveals them to one’s good confessor or to another spiritual person, who knows his deceits and malicious designs, it weighs on him very much, because he perceives that he will not be able to succeed with the mali- cious undertaking he has begun, since his manifest deceits have been revealed.

Fourteenth Rule. The fourteenth: Likewise he conducts him- self as a leader, intent upon conquering and robbing what he desires. For, just as a captain and leader of an army in the field, pitching his camp and exploring the fortifications and defenses of a stronghold, attacks it at the weakest point, in the same way the enemy of human nature, roving about, looks in turn at all our theological, cardinal and moral vir- tues; and where he finds us weakest and most in need for our eternal salvation, there he attacks us and attempts to take us.”

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

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 4 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 4

St. Thomas you have taught that:

“Many cry to the Lord that they may win riches, that they may avoid losses; they cry that their family may be established, they ask for temporal happiness, for worldly dignities; and, lastly, they cry for bodily health, which is the patrimony of the poor. For these and such like things many cry to the Lord; hardly one cries for the Lord Himself! How easy it is for a man to desire all manner of things from the Lord and yet not desire the Lord Himself! As though the gift could be sweeter than the Giver!”

― Thomas Aquinas, On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

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

St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 8 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 8

One of the greatest proofs of love that Jesus displayed on the cross was putting up with the imperfections of His neighbor. There He showed us that He has a heart that loves us tenderly and watches over us kindly. He even showed His love for those who put Him to death. In those dire moments the Savior expressed thoughts of love even for his executioners, pardoning them in the very act of sinning! How petty-minded we are when we cannot bring ourselves to forget some injury received, even after a long time! Whoever sincerely pardons another calls down abundant blessings and perfectly imitates Christ. (Spiritual Treatises IV; O. VI, pp. 65-66)

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