McDermott Archives

SCS8 – Perfect Love and Perfect Union – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Perfect Love and Perfect Union – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor explore St. Catherine’s view on the stages of spiritual development, which culminate in perfect union with God. They discuss how her teaching departs from traditional paradigms, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and love of God and neighbor; especially St. Catherine’s imagery of the Christ Bridge, where the soul experiences intimacy and peace with God.

Fr. McDermott explains Catherine’s emphasis on suffering and the importance of God’s honor and the salvation of souls. They also discuss the concept of perfect union with God, acknowledging that true union can only be fully realized in heaven.

Throughout the discussion, they tell listeners of St. Catherine’s humility and her warning against intellectual pride, emphasizing the transformative power of love and correct knowledge of God. Fr. McDermott highlights Catherine’s belief in the transformative nature of grace and the importance of virtues in becoming Christ-like. He expresses optimism about a renewed interest in Catherine’s teachings, facilitated by recent translations of her works.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Stages of Spiritual Development: How does St. Catherine’s understanding of the stages of spiritual development differ from traditional paradigms?
The Christ Bridge: What significance does Catherine attribute to the imagery of the Christ Bridge, particularly in terms of spiritual intimacy and peace?
Embracing Suffering: Reflect on the concept of embracing suffering as discussed by Fr. McDermott. How does this align with Catherine’s teachings, and how might it challenge contemporary attitudes towards suffering?
Perfect Union with God: Fr. McDermott explains the idea of perfect union with God as presented by Catherine. How does this understanding relate to our earthly experiences and our ultimate destiny in heaven?
Humility and Intellectual Pursuit: Consider Catherine’s emphasis on humility and her warning against intellectual pride. How can we cultivate humility in our pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth?
Transformative Power of Love: Reflect on the notion that love transforms us into what we love. How does this principle manifest in our relationship with God and others?
Relevance to the Church: Fr. McDermott highlights Catherine’s love for the Church. How can her teachings inspire a deeper appreciation for the Church’s role in our spiritual journey?
Renewed Interest in Catherine’s Teachings: In light of recent translations of Catherine’s works, how might her teachings find new relevance and resonance in contemporary Catholic and Protestant communities?

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.

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?

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

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

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

SCS5 – “The Supreme Truth” and other topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:25 — 21.6MB) | Embed

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

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

SCS6 – “The Precious Blood”, “The Christ Bridge” and other topics – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

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Episode 6 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott

In this episode, Fr. McDermott aids in our understanding of St. Catherine’s teachings on the “Blood of Christ” and its context from Sacred Scripture and Medieval sensibilities. He discusses “The Christ Bridge” as a central image in St. Catherine’s writings and one’s spiritual journey. The flowering of baptismal grace is exemplified in this teaching.

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 currently serves as pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer, in Chicago, IL.

St.-Catherine-of-Siena-book — Our series is based on “Catherine of Siena”
by Fr. McDermott

SCS7 – “Stages” in the Spiritual LIfe – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 7 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:04 — 20.1MB) | Embed

In this episode, Fr. McDermott aids in our understanding of St. Catherine’s teachings on the “stages” of our spiritual life.

What is the proper understanding of grace and sharing in the Divine Life. Good feelings, consolations, joy are experiences during the second step on the “Christ-Bridge”. The concern of “falling in love more with the gifts rather than with the Giver” is discussed. The danger of spiritual gluttony and pride, as well as the need to care for one’s neighbor are essential elements in St. Catherine’s teachings. Fr. McDermott also reflects on her teachings about the Divine Fire and gift of Tears.

SCS8 – Perfect Love and Perfect Union – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 8 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott

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In this final episode, Fr. McDermott discuss the final step of the spiritual life which is actually comprised of two stages: “perfect love” and “perfect union”. On the “Christ-Bridge” we find ourselves with St. Catherine at the “mouth” of Christ which corresponds to the first chapter of the “Song of Songs”. Fr. McDermott expands on St. Catherine’s teachings on the role we have as sons and daughters of the Father.

Fr. McDermott then offers a summation of St. Catherine’s teachings as a conclusion for our discussions.