Page 371 – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

BK3 Chap 13 – 15 – The Ascent of Mt. Carmel by St. John of the Cross – Mp3 audio & Text Podcast

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Saintly Masters of Prayer - writings, teachings, biographies 3

BK3 Chap 13 – 15 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

For the complete pdf text of the “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

For other audio chapters of “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” visit here

Book 3

Which treats of the purgation of the active night of the memory and will. Gives instruction how the soul is to behave with respect to the apprehensions of these two faculties, that it may come to union with God, according to the two faculties aforementioned, in perfect hope and charity.

Chapter 15

Of the dark night of the will. Proofs from Deuteronomy and the Psalms. Division of the affections of the will.

Chapter 16

Of the first affection of the will. What joy is. Its diverse sources.

Chapter 17

Ofjoy in temporal goods. How it is to be directed.

IP#325 Mike Pacer – Mercy and Hope on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Podcast

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I really enjoyed the conversation with Mike Pacer about his book “Mercy and Hope”. His writing style is enjoyable to read and his love for the subject is the best type of witness. God’s love provides a fire that is so precious to the soul and Mike helps us to realize how his extraordinary mercy and gift of hope feeds that flame in our souls in unseen and incredible ways. This is an important contribution to the universal understanding of God’s great care for his beloved children.

You can find the book here

“Mike’s book is not a theological treatise; his writing, like his personality, is real and down-to-earth. To me, the most wonderful and powerful thing Mike has done in this book is to show us the interconnectedness of mercy and hope.”
–Vinny Flynn, author of 7 Secrets of Divine Mercy

“In this book, Mike Pacer offers a loving, heartfelt account of the hope he’s found in Divine Mercy. Through his personal reflections on Scripture, St. Faustina’s writings, and the theological virtues, he offers fresh insights into the hope-filled mystery of God’s merciful love.”
–Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, author of 33 Days to Morning Glory

BK3 Chap 7 – 12 – The Ascent of Mt. Carmel by St. John of the Cross – Mp3 audio & Text Podcast

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BK3 Chap 7 – 12 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

For the complete pdf text of the “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

For other audio chapters of “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” visit here

Book 3

Chapter 7

The evils inflicted on the soul by the knowledge of supernatural things if reflected upon. Their number

Chapter 8

Of the second evil: the danger of self-conceit and presumption

Chapter 9

Of the third evil: the work of the devil through the imaginary apprehensions of the memory

Chapter 10

Of the fourth evil of the distinct supernatural apprehensions of the memory: the impediment to union

Chapter 11

Of the fifth evil, resulting from the imaginary supernatural apprehensions: low and unseemly views of God

Chapter 12

The benefits of withdrawing the soul from the apprehensions of the imagination. Answer to an objection. The difference between the natural and supernatural imaginary apprehensions.

BK3 Chap 2 – 6 – The Ascent of Mt. Carmel by St. John of the Cross – Mp3 audio & Text Podcast

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BK3 Chap 2 – 6 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

For the complete pdf text of the “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

For other audio chapters of “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” visit here

Book 3

Chapter 2

Three kinds of evils to which the soul is liable when not in darkness; with respect to the knowledge and reflections of the memory. Explanation of the first

Chapter 3

Of the second evil, coming from the evil spirit through the natural apprehensions of the memory

Chapter 4

Of the third evil, proceeding from the distinct natural knowledge of the memory

Chapter 5

The profitableness of forgetfulness and emptiness, with regard to all thoughts and knowledge, which naturally occur to the memory

Chapter 6

Of the second kind of apprehensions: the imaginary and supernatural

WM4 – Infant Baptism: Welcoming our Children – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

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Episode 4 “Infant Baptism: Welcoming our Children” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas

In this episode we continue our conversation on why baptism matters. We will discuss, among other things, the reason for infant baptisms in the life of the Church, the vital role the parents have in nurturing baptismal grace in the hearts of their children and how godparents, grandparents and the entire parish community contribute to the life of faith of the newly baptized child.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Christian Initiation

1229 From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion.

1231 Where infant Baptism has become the form in which this sacrament is usually celebrated, it has become a single act encapsulating the preparatory stages of Christian initiation in a very abridged way. By its very nature infant Baptism requires a post-baptismal catechumenate. Not only is there a need for instruction after Baptism, but also for the necessary flowering of baptismal grace in personal growth.

For more episodes in this series visit the
Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast page

For more teachings and information about Archbishop George J. Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, visit: archomaha.org

CW7 St. Faustina and Divine Mercy – The Great Cloud of Witnesses: Guides for Prayer with Fr. Mark Cyza

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Fr. Mark Cyza discusses the spiritual life of St. Faustina and the devotion to the Divine Mercy. He will help us to not only incorporate the Divine Mercy into our prayer, but also to every other aspect of our lives.

From The Divine Mercy website

The Humble Instrument

Sister Faustina was a young, uneducated nun in a convent of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland during the 1930s. She came from a poor family that struggled during the years of World War I. She had only three years of simple education, so hers were the humblest tasks in the convent, usually in the kitchen or garden. However, she received extraordinary revelations — or messages — from our Lord Jesus. Jesus asked Sr. Faustina to record these experiences, which she compiled into notebooks. These notebooks are known today as the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, and the words contained within are God’s loving message of Divine Mercy.

Though the Divine Mercy message is not new to the teachings of the Church, Sr. Faustina’s Diary sparked a great movement, and a strong and significant focus on the mercy of Christ. Saint John Paul II canonized Sr. Faustina in 2000 making her the “first saint of the new millennium.” Speaking of Sr. Faustina and the importance of the message contained in her Diary, the Pope call her “the great apostle of Divine Mercy in our time.”

Today, we continue to rely of St. Faustina as a constant reminder of the message to trust in Jesus’ endless mercy, and to live life mercifully toward others. We also turn to her in prayer and request her intercession to our merciful Savior on our behalf. At the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, we include the following in our 3 o’clock prayers:

Saint Faustina,
you told us that your mission would continue after your death and that you would not forget us. Our Lord also granted you a great privilege, telling you to “distribute graces as you will, to who you will, and when you will.” Relying on this, we ask your intercession for the graces we need, especially for the intentions just mentioned. Help us, above all, to trust in Jesus as you did and thus to glorify His mercy every moment of our lives. Amen

You can find the Diary of St. Faustina here

I wish solemnly to entrust the world to Divine Mercy. I do so with the burning desire that the message of God’s merciful love, proclaimed here through St. Faustina, may be made known to all the peoples of the earth and fill their hearts with hope.— –Pope John Paul II, Consecration homily at the International Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Laqiewniki, Poland.

LR8 – Joy and the Nature of the Heroic – A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

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In this episode, Fr. Gallagher discusses the virtue of joy and the nature of the “heroic romance.” One of the reasons the “Lord of the Rings” resonates with the Christian is because the ending is something joyful. The Gospel is good news and the LOR, ultimately, is filled with that type of good news.

‘Well, sir,’ said Sam dithering a little. ‘I heard a deal that I didn’t rightly understand, about an enemy, and rings, and Mr. Bilbo, sir, and dragons, and a fiery mountain, and – and Elves, sir. I listened because I couldn’t help myself, if you know what I mean. Lor bless me, sir, but I do love tales of that sort. And I believe them too, whatever Ted may say. Elves, sir! I would dearly love to see them. Couldn’t you take me to see Elves, sir, when you go?’

Suddenly Gandalf laughed. ‘Come inside!’ he shouted, and putting out both his arms he lifted the astonished Sam, shears, grass-clippings and all, right through the window and stood him on the floor. ‘Take you to see Elves, eh?’ he said, eyeing Sam closely, but with a smile flickering on his face. ‘So you heard that Mr. Frodo is going away?’ ‘

I did, sir. And that’s why I choked: which you heard seemingly. I tried not to, sir, but it burst out of me: I was so upset.

’ ‘It can’t be helped, Sam,’ said Frodo sadly. He had suddenly realized that flying from the Shire would mean more painful partings than merely saying farewell to the familiar comforts of Bag End. ‘I shall have to go. But’ – and here he looked hard at Sam – ‘if you really care about me, you will keep that dead secret. See? If you don’t, if you even breathe a word of what you’ve heard here, then I hope Gandalf will turn you into a spotted toad and fill the garden full of grass-snakes.’

Sam fell on his knees, trembling. ‘Get up, Sam!’ said Gandalf. ‘I have thought of something better than that. Something to shut your mouth, and punish you properly for listening. You shall go away with Mr. Frodo!’ ‘

Me, sir!’ cried Sam, springing up like a dog invited for a walk. ‘Me go and see Elves and all! Hooray!’ he shouted, and then burst into tears.

Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings (pp. 63-64). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.

For more episodes in this series: A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

“Te Deum” – Audio Mp3 prayer and text

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TE DEUM

You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.

In the Liturgy of the Hours of Pope Paul VI, the Te Deum is sung at the end of the Office of Readings on all Sundays except those of Lent, on all solemnities, on the octaves of Easter and Christmas, and on all feasts

BTP-WP10 Chap 35 – 38 – Sin, Temptation, Mercy and Humility – The Way of Perfection by St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray w/Dr. Anthony Lilles

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Dr. Lilles discusses sin and temptation, but also the great gift of mercy and a life of true humility.

Chapter 35—Describes the recollection which should be practised after Communion. Concludes this subject with an exclamatory prayer to the Eternal Father

Chapter 36—Treats of these words in the Paternoster: “Dimitte nobis debita nostra.” (Forgive us our debts)

Chapter 37—Describes the excellence of this prayer called the Paternoster, and the many ways in which we shall find consolation in it.

Chapter 38—Treats of the great need which we have to beseech the Eternal Father to grant us what we ask in these words: “Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo.” (And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil) Explains certain temptations. This chapter is noteworthy.

Saint Teresa Painting Convento de Santa Teresa Avila Castile Spain.

For the audio recordings of St. Teresa’s “The Way of Perfection” you can visit the Discerning Hearts Spiritual Classics audio page

For other episodes in the series visit
The Discerning Hearts “The Way of Perfection with Dr. Anthony Lilless

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.

“Through Him, With Him, In Him” – A Good Friday Reflection with Msgr. John Esseff

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Msgr. Esseff reflects on Good Friday. Through Him, With Him, In Him, AMEN!

Reading 2HEB 4:14-16; 5:7-9

Brothers and sisters:
Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God,
let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but one who has similarly been tested in every way,
yet without sin.
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace
to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

In the days when Christ was in the flesh,
he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears
to the one who was able to save him from death,
and he was heard because of his reverence.
Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered;
and when he was made perfect,
he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30, 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical Missions, a Catholic organization established by St. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.

BK3 Chap 13 – 15 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis read by Ed Humpal

BK3 Chap 7 – 12 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis read by Ed Humpal

BK3 Chap 2 – 6 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis read by Ed Humpal

Episode 4 “Infant Baptism: Welcoming our Children” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas

For more episodes in this series visit the Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast page

For more teachings and information about Archbishop George J. Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, visit: archomaha.org

The Humble Instrument

Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings (pp. 63-64). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.

For more episodes in this series: A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

TE DEUM

In the Liturgy of the Hours of Pope Paul VI, the Te Deum is sung at the end of the Office of Readings on all Sundays except those of Lent, on all solemnities, on the octaves of Easter and Christmas, and on all feasts

For the audio recordings of St. Teresa’s “The Way of Perfection” you can visit the Discerning Hearts Spiritual Classics audio page

For other episodes in the series visit The Discerning Hearts “The Way of Perfection with Dr. Anthony Lilless

Reading 2HEB 4:14-16; 5:7-9

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

For more episodes in this series visit the
Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast page

For other episodes in the series visit
The Discerning Hearts “The Way of Perfection with Dr. Anthony Lilless