prayer Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts
Episodio 2 – El Cielo en la Fe Día 1 Oración 2 por Santa Isabel de la Trinidad – Comenzando a orar con el Dr. Anthony Lilles – Podcast Corazones DiscernientesEste episodio con el Dr. Anthony Lillis y Kris McGregor se centra en las reflexiones espirituales de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad, concretamente en su retiro “El Cielo en la Fe” y su aplicación a la vida de oración. El debate se centra en la integración de la vida cotidiana con la oración constante, inspirada en la segunda oración del primer día del retiro. Esta oración, profundamente arraigada en los escritos de Santa Isabel, hace hincapié en la llamada a «permanecer en mí» expresada por Jesús, abogando por una morada perpetua y habitual en la presencia de Dios.
Las reflexiones de Santa Isabel, exploradas por la Dra. Lillis, subrayan la importancia de incorporar temas de meditación a lo largo del día, una práctica que se alinea con los ejercicios espirituales desarrollados por San Ignacio de Loyola. Este método de reflexión, que incluye oraciones matutinas y vespertinas seguidas de meditación, tiene como objetivo fomentar una comunión más profunda con el amor transformador de Cristo. Los escritos de Isabel sirven de guía para que su hermana y otros creyentes interioricen las enseñanzas divinas y las apliquen a sus vidas, cultivando así una conciencia continua de la presencia de Dios.
El Dr. Lillis desarrolla la profunda comprensión de Isabel del “Permanecer” en Dios, que no se limita a momentos fugaces, sino que se extiende a un estado permanente y habitual de estar con Dios en todos los aspectos de la vida. Este enfoque tiene sus raíces en las experiencias personales de Isabel de la presencia divina y su contemplación de las Escrituras, en particular su meditación sobre la simple pero profunda línea de las Escrituras, “permanece en mí”. Las enseñanzas de Elizabeth abogan por una vida en la que cada acción y relación esté impregnada de la conciencia de Dios, animando a los creyentes a mantener la alegría en Su presencia en medio de los desafíos cotidianos.
La conversación también profundiza en los fundamentos teológicos de las ideas de Isabel, destacando la inhabitación de la Trinidad y el viaje transformador que supone reconocer la propia miseria y la nada ante la misericordia de Dios. Los escritos de Isabel revelan un camino hacia la transformación espiritual a través de la aceptación de nuestras debilidades y fracasos, donde los encuentros con la misericordia de Dios conducen a una vida de amor y gracia.
Día 2 – Segunda oración
“Permaneced en Mí». Es la Palabra de Dios quien da esta orden, expresa este deseo. Permaneced en Mí, no unos instantes, unas horas que deben pasar, sino «permaneced…” permanentemente, habitualmente, Permaneced en Mí, orad en Mí, adorad en Mí, amad en Mí, sufrid en Mí, trabajad y actuad en Mí. Permanece en Mí para que puedas encontrarte con cualquiera o con cualquier cosa; penetra aún más en estas profundidades. Esta es verdaderamente la «soledad a la que Dios quiere atraer el alma para hablarle», como cantaba el profeta.
Para comprender este dicho tan misterioso, no debemos, por así decirlo, detenernos en la superficie, sino adentrarnos cada vez más en el Ser divino por medio del recogimiento. “Sigo mi camino”, exclamó San Pablo; así debemos descender cada día por esta senda del Abismo que es Dios; deslicémonos por esta pendiente en confianza totalmente amorosa.”Abismo llama a abismo”.Es allí, en lo más profundo, donde se produce el impacto divino, donde el abismo de nuestra nada se encuentra con el Abismo de la misericordia, con la inmensidad del todo de Dios.Allí encontraremos la fuerza para morir a nosotros mismos y, perdiendo todo vestigio del yo, seremos transformados en amor. . . . “¡Bienaventurados los que mueren en el Señor!
Isabel de la Trinidad. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Obra completa de Isabel de la Trinidad) (pp. 94-95).
ICS Publications. Edición Kindle.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Encuentro personal con la presencia de Dios: Reflexiona sobre tus propias experiencias de la presencia de Dios en tu vida.
¿Recuerdas momentos en los que te hayas sentido particularmente cerca de Dios, semejantes a las experiencias de Santa Isabel? ¿Cómo influyen esos momentos en tu deseo de “permanecer en Él” continuamente?
2. Integración de la oración en la vida cotidiana: Santa Isabel subraya la importancia de permanecer habitualmente en la presencia de Dios, no sólo durante los momentos formales de oración, sino a lo largo de todo el día.
Reflexiona sobre los retos y las oportunidades que se te presentan a la hora de integrar la oración y la conciencia de Dios en tus actividades cotidianas. ¿Cómo puedes hacer que cada acción y relación sea un reflejo de tu comunión orante con Dios?
3. Encontrar a Dios en la debilidad y la miseria: El podcast analiza el concepto de encontrar la misericordia de Dios en medio del reconocimiento de nuestra propia miseria y debilidad.
Reflexiona sobre cómo el reconocimiento de tus debilidades y fracasos puede ser un camino para experimentar más profundamente la misericordia y el amor de Dios. ¿Cómo cambia esta perspectiva tu forma de entender el crecimiento y la transformación espirituales?
4. Práctica del recogimiento: Santa Isabel habla del recogimiento como un volver el corazón y la mente a Dios.
Reflexiona sobre la práctica del recogimiento en tu propia vida espiritual. ¿Qué pasos prácticos puedes dar para cultivar esta disciplina, asegurándote de que tu conciencia de Dios impregna todo lo que haces?
5. Vivir una vida transformada por el amor: El objetivo último de las reflexiones de Santa Isabel es ser transformados en amor por la gracia de Dios.
Reflexiona sobre lo que significa para ti ser “transformado en amor”. ¿Cómo puedes vivir más plenamente esta transformación en tus relaciones, decisiones y acciones?
Nos gustaría dar las gracias a Miriam Gutiérrez por proporcionar “la voz” de Santa Isabel para esta serie.
Para ver otros episodios de la serie, visite la página Corazones Perspicaces del Dr. Anthony Lilles.
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., ha servido a la Iglesia y ayudado en la formación del clero y los seminaristas desde 1994. Antes de llegar a San Patricio, trabajó en seminarios y casas de formación de la archidiócesis de Denver y la archidiócesis de Los Ángeles. Hijo de un granjero californiano, casado y con hijos adultos jóvenes, es licenciado en Teología por la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville y posee tanto la licencia eclesiástica como el doctorado en Teología Espiritual por la Universidad Pontificia Santo Tomás de Aquino de Roma (el Angelicum). Experto en los escritos de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad y de los Doctores Carmelitas de la Iglesia, es cofundador del Instituto de Formación Espiritual de Ávila y del Programa de Alta Vocación para vocaciones sacerdotales. También fundó el Centro Juan Pablo II para la Cultura Contemplativa, que organiza simposios, retiros y conferencias. Además de sus publicaciones, tiene un blog en www.beginningtopray.com .
The post BTP2 – El Cielo en la Fe Día 1 Oración 2 por Santa Isabel de la Trinidad – Comenzando a orar con el Dr. Anthony Lilles – Podcast Corazones Discernientes appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episodio 1 – El Cielo en la Fe Día 1 Oración 1 por Santa Isabel de la Trinidad – Comenzando a orar con el Dr. Anthony Lilles – Podcast Corazones DiscernientesEl primer episodio del podcast, presentado por Kris McGregor con el Dr. Anthony Lilles, profundiza en el retiro El cielo en la fe de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad. El Dr. Lilles, experto en espiritualidad carmelita, destaca la importancia de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad, una mística carmelita de Dijon, que hizo hincapié en la oración profunda y en un encuentro transformador con Cristo accesible a todos los católicos. El retiro de Santa Isabel, destinado a su hermana, es una guía para fomentar una relación profunda y personal con Dios a través de la oración, que consiste en reflexiones diarias para la contemplación.
San Juan Pablo II, notablemente influido por Isabel, ejemplifica su amplio impacto, mostrando su papel en la profundización de la vida espiritual de muchos, incluida la suya propia. A pesar de su limitado acceso a la Biblia completa, las reflexiones de Isabel demuestran un profundo compromiso con las Escrituras, semejante a la Lectio Divina, mostrando su profunda comprensión e integración de las Escrituras en sus reflexiones sobre la oración y la comunión con Dios.
La primera reflexión de Elizabeth se centra en el deseo de Jesús de que estemos en comunión con Él y con el Padre, destacando el aspecto personal y relacional de la oración. Elizabeth explica que experimentar el cielo, o vivir en comunión con Dios, no se limita al más allá, sino que comienza en el presente a través de la fe y la oración. Insiste en la llamada universal a la santidad, afirmando que todos los cristianos, independientemente de las circunstancias de su vida, están invitados a compartir esta comunión con Dios, que se alcanza dando prioridad a la oración en sus vidas.
Este episodio sienta las bases de una serie que promete explorar las profundidades de la espiritualidad carmelita y las profundas ideas de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad sobre la oración, la comunión con Dios y la búsqueda de la santidad en la vida cotidiana.
Día 1 – Primera oración
“Padre, quiero que donde yo estoy estén también conmigo los que Tú me has dado, para que contemplen mi gloria que Tú me has dado, porque Tú me has amado desde antes de la creación del mundo». 1 Tal es el último deseo de Cristo, su oración suprema antes de volver a su Padre. Quiere que donde Él está nosotros estemos también, no sólo por la eternidad, sino ya en el tiempo, que es eternidad comenzada y aún en curso. Es importante, pues, saber dónde debemos vivir con Él para realizar su sueño divino. «El lugar donde está escondido el Hijo de Dios es el seno del Padre, o la Esencia divina, invisible a todo ojo mortal, inalcanzable para todo intelecto humano»,2 como dijo Isaías: «Verdaderamente Tú eres un Dios oculto». 3 Y, sin embargo, su voluntad es que estemos establecidos en Él, que vivamos donde Él vive, en la unidad del amor; que seamos, por así decirlo, su propia sombra. 4
Por el bautismo, dice San Pablo, hemos sido unidos a Jesucristo. 5 Y además: «Dios nos sentó juntos en el cielo en Cristo Jesús, para mostrar en los siglos venideros las riquezas de su gracia». 6 Y más adelante: «Ya no sois huéspedes ni forasteros, sino que pertenecéis a la Ciudad de los santos y a la Casa de Dios». 7 La Trinidad: ésta es nuestra morada, nuestro «hogar», la casa del Padre que nunca debemos abandonar. El Maestro dijo un día: «El esclavo no permanece en la casa para siempre, pero el hijo 8 permanece allí para siempre» (San Juan). 9
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. ¿De qué manera la forma en que Santa Isabel de la Trinidad entiende la oración desafía tu enfoque actual de la oración y de la relación con Dios? 2. Reflexiona sobre la idea de que el cielo no es sólo un estado futuro, sino una experiencia accesible en el presente a través de la fe y la oración. ¿Cómo cambia esta perspectiva tu visión de la vida cotidiana y de la práctica espiritual? 3. Santa Isabel subraya la importancia de las Escrituras para profundizar en nuestra relación con Dios, incluso sin tener pleno acceso a la Biblia. ¿Cómo puedes integrar más plenamente las Escrituras en tu vida de oración para fomentar una comunión más estrecha con Dios? 4. Teniendo en cuenta el deseo de Jesús de estar en comunión con nosotros, tal como lo destaca Santa Isabel, ¿cómo podrías responder más plenamente a este deseo en tu propia vida de fe y oración? 5. Las reflexiones de santa Isabel pretendían guiar a su hermana, una madre ocupada, en la profundización de su vida espiritual. ¿De qué manera habla esto de la posibilidad de una profunda profundidad espiritual en medio del ajetreo de tus responsabilidades diarias?
Nos gustaría dar las gracias a Miriam Gutiérrez por proporcionar “la voz” de Santa Isabel para esta serie.
Para ver otros episodios de la serie, visite la página Corazones Perspicaces del Dr. Anthony Lilles.
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., ha servido a la Iglesia y ayudado en la formación del clero y los seminaristas desde 1994. Antes de llegar a San Patricio, trabajó en seminarios y casas de formación de la archidiócesis de Denver y la archidiócesis de Los Ángeles. Hijo de un granjero californiano, casado y con hijos adultos jóvenes, es licenciado en Teología por la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville y posee tanto la licencia eclesiástica como el doctorado en Teología Espiritual por la Universidad Pontificia Santo Tomás de Aquino de Roma (el Angelicum). Experto en los escritos de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad y de los Doctores Carmelitas de la Iglesia, es cofundador del Instituto de Formación Espiritual de Ávila y del Programa de Alta Vocación para vocaciones sacerdotales. También fundó el Centro Juan Pablo II para la Cultura Contemplativa, que organiza simposios, retiros y conferencias. Además de sus publicaciones, tiene un blog en www.beginningtopray.com .
The post BTP1 El Cielo en la Fe Día 1 Oración 1 por Santa Isabel de la Trinidad – Comenzando a orar con el Dr. Anthony Lilles – Podcast Corazones Discernientes appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Steps to Spiritual Renewal – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy GallagherFr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the ongoing nature and deep spiritual benefits of the Ignatian Examen. Fr. Gallagher explains that the Examen is a lifelong practice as God continually works in our lives. The Examen consists of five steps: gratitude, petition, review, forgiveness, and renewal. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of each step but notes that one should not rush through them. Instead, if a particular step, such as gratitude, resonates deeply on a given day, one should linger there.
He shares a personal story about how incorporating visits to a church during his walks helped alleviate feelings of loneliness during his solitary writing period. This practice of daily spiritual awareness led him to a deeper understanding of God’s guidance.
Gallagher also addresses practical concerns, such as managing time within the Examen and the necessity of transitioning into and out of prayer. He emphasizes the importance of a brief moment of reflection before starting the Examen, suggesting that considering how God lovingly looks upon us can significantly enhance the prayer experience. Gallagher concludes by highlighting that this relational approach makes prayer more fruitful and aligned with our human need for preparation and transition in all significant activities.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Continuous Spiritual Growth How does the idea of the examine being an ongoing process of spiritual progress resonate with your own spiritual journey? 2. Forward-Looking Reflection What insights or patterns have you discovered through looking back on your day that could guide your actions for the next day? 3. Spiritual Consolation Can you recall a moment of spiritual consolation from your day, and how can you incorporate similar moments into your routine? 4. Discouragement and Desolation How do you recognize and respond to feelings of spiritual desolation or discouragement in your daily life? 5. Personalized Examine Practice In what ways might you adapt the steps of the examine to better fit your personal prayer life and spiritual needs? 6. Importance of Transitions in Prayer How can you incorporate transitional moments into your prayer routine to better enter and exit times of deep spiritual reflection? 7. Encountering God’s Gaze How do you perceive God’s gaze upon you when you begin your prayer, and what impact does this have on your spiritual experience? 8. Ignatian Discernment of Spirits How can the practice of being aware, understanding, and taking action in discernment enhance your daily decisions and long-term spiritual growth?
As outlined from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola(translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J. 1909 in the public domain)
METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN
It contains in it five Points.First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received.
Second Point. The second, to ask grace to know our sins and cast them out.
Third Point. The third, to ask account of our soul from the hour that we rose up to the present Examen, hour by hour, or period by period: and first as to thoughts, and then as to words, and then as to acts, in the same order as was mentioned in the Particular Examen.
Fourth Point. The fourth, to ask pardon of God our Lord for the faults.
Fifth Point. The fifth, to purpose amendment with His grace.OUR FATHER.
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” pageThe post DPD7 – Steps to Spiritual Renewal – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 20 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 10 Prayer 2 – “A praise of glory is a soul that lives in God” Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s concept of becoming a “praise of glory” for the Holy Trinity; surrendering completely to God’s will, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform one’s soul into a reflection of God’s love and glory. This transformation involves living in pure love, silence, and faith, gazing upon God and allowing Him to radiate through oneself.
True prayer is not about achieving mental states or experiences but about surrendering to Christ and allowing His life to animate one’s own; asking for intercession to deepen one’s prayer life and encounter with God and cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with Christ, allowing Him to lead one to the depths of prayer and spiritual growth.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 10 Prayer 2”:
“We have been predestined by the decree of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we may be the praise of His glory.”
It is St. Paul who tells us this, St. Paul who was instructed by God Himself. How do we realize this great dream of the Heart of our God, this immutable will for our souls? In a word, how do we correspond to our vocation and become perfect Praises of Glory of the Most Holy Trinity?
“In Heaven” each soul is a praise of glory of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, for each soul is established in pure love and “lives no longer its own life, but the life of God.” Then it knows Him, St. Paul says, as it is known by Him. In other words “its intellect is the intellect of God, its will the will of God, its love the very love of God. In reality it is the Spirit of love and of strength who transforms the soul, for to Him it has been given to supply what is lacking to the soul,” as St. Paul says again. “He works in it this glorious transformation.” St. John of the Cross affirms that “the soul surrendered to love, through the strength of the Holy Spirit, is not far from being raised to the degree of which we have just spoken,”180 even here below! This is what I call a perfect praise of glory!
A praise of glory is a soul that lives in God, that loves Him with a pure and disinterested love, without seeking itself in the sweetness of this love; that loves Him beyond all His gifts and even though it would not have received anything from Him, it desires the good of the Object thus loved. Now how do we effectively desire and will good to God if not in accomplishing His will since this will orders everything for His greater glory? Thus the soul must surrender itself to this will completely, passionately, so as to will nothing else but what God wills.
A praise of glory is a soul of silence that remains like a lyre under the mysterious touch of the Holy Spirit so that He may draw from it divine harmonies; it knows that suffering is a string that produces still more beautiful sounds; so it loves to see this string on its instrument that it may more delightfully move the Heart of its God.
A praise of glory is a soul that gazes on God in faith and simplicity; it is a reflector of all that He is; it is like a bottomless abyss into which He can flow and expand; it is also like a crystal through which He can radiate and contemplate all His perfections and His own splendor. A soul which thus permits the divine Being to satisfy in itself His need to communicate “all that He is and all that He has,” is in reality the praise of glory of all His gifts.
Finally, a praise of glory is one who is always giving thanks. Each of her acts, her movements, her thoughts, her aspirations, at the same time that they are rooting her more deeply in love, are like an echo of the eternal Sanctus.
In the Heaven of glory the blessed have no rest “day or night, saying: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. . . . They fall down and worship Him who lives forever and ever. . . .”
In the heaven of her soul, the praise of glory has already begun her work of eternity. Her song is uninterrupted, for she is under the action of the Holy Spirit who effects everything in her; and although she is not always aware of it, for the weakness of nature does not allow her to be established in God without distractions, she always sings, she always adores, for she has, so to speak, wholly passed into praise and love in her passion for the glory of her God. In the heaven of our soul let us be praises of glory of the Holy Trinity, praises of love of our Immaculate Mother. One day the veil will fall, we will be introduced into the eternal courts, and there we will sing in the bosom of infinite Love. And God will give us “the new name promised to the Victor.” What will it be?
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 165-167). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Embracing the Concept of “Praise of Glory”: How do you understand the concept of being a “praise of glory” for the Holy Trinity, as described by Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity? 2. Surrendering to God’s Will: Reflect on the idea of surrendering completely to God’s will. How does this concept challenge or resonate with your own spiritual journey? 3. Living in Pure Love and Silence: How can we cultivate a life of pure love and silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our souls? What practical steps can we take to foster this transformation in our daily lives? 4. Gazing Upon God in Faith: Elizabeth speaks of gazing upon God in faith and simplicity. How do you currently practice this in your prayer life? What obstacles do you encounter in maintaining this gaze? 5. Relationship with Christ: Reflect on the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ in deepening your prayer life. How can you strengthen this relationship in your daily activities and spiritual practices? 6. Asking for Intercession: Do you believe in the power of asking for intercession from saints like Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity? How might you incorporate asking for her help in deepening your prayer life? 7. True Prayer vs. Mental States: Consider the distinction made between true prayer, focused on surrendering to Christ, and the pursuit of mental states or experiences. How can you ensure that your prayer life remains centered on Christ rather than on personal experiences or achievements? 8. Cultivating Intimacy with Christ: What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ, allowing Him to lead you to the depths of prayer and spiritual growth?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
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Episode 17 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 9 Prayer 1 – “God has predestined us to the adoption of children through Jesus Christ” In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss deepening one’s understanding of Christ’s mystery in prayer, focusing on predestination as experiencing God’s blessings in the present and trusting surrender to Jesus, with practical steps like dedicated prayer time and acts of mercy.
Silence in prayer allows for enjoying God’s presence, fostering intimacy. Prayer is about allowing God to delight in us, leading to a reciprocal experience of His love.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 9 Prayer 1”:
“God has predestined us to the adoption of children through Jesus Christ, in union with Him, according to the decree of His will, to make the glory of His grace blaze forth, by which He has justified us in His beloved Son. In whose blood we have redemption, the remission of our sins, according to the riches of His grace, which has abounded beyond measure in us in all wisdom and prudence. . . .” “The soul now a true daughter of God is, in the words of the Apostle, moved by the Holy Spirit Himself: ‘All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.’” And again: “We have not received a spirit of slavery to be still led by fear, but the spirit of adoption as children in which we cry out: Abba, Father! The Spirit Himself gives witness with our spirit that we are children of God. But if we are children, we are heirs as well; I mean heirs of God and co-heirs with Jesus Christ if only we suffer with Him so as to be glorified with Him.” “It is to bring us to this abyss of glory that God has created us in His image and likeness.”
“See,” says St. John, “what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. . . . Now we are the children of God, and we have not yet seen what we shall be. We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him makes himself holy, just as He Himself is holy.”
This is the measure of the holiness of the children of God: “to be holy as God, to be holy with the holiness of God”; and we do this by living close to Him in the depths of the bottomless abyss “within.” “Then the soul seems in some way to resemble God Who, even though He delights in all things, yet does not delight in them as much as He does in Himself, for He possesses within Himself a supereminent good before which all others disappear. Thus all the joys which the soul receives are so many reminders inviting her to enjoy by preference the good she already possesses and to which nothing else can compare.” “Our “possesses.” Father Who art in Heaven. . . .” It is in “this little heaven” that He has made in the center of our soul that we must seek Him and above all where we must remain.
Christ said one day to the Samaritan woman that “the Father seeks true adorers in spirit and truth.” To give joy to His Heart, let us be these true adorers. Let us adore Him in “spirit,” that is, with our hearts and our thoughts fixed on Him, and our mind filled with His knowledge imparted by the light of faith. Let us adore Him in “truth,” that is, by our works for it is above all by our actions that we show we are true: this is to do always what is pleasing to the Father whose children we are. And finally, let us “adore in spirit and in truth,” that is, through Jesus Christ and with Jesus Christ, for He alone is the true Adorer in spirit and truth.
Then we will be daughters of God; we will “know with an experiential knowledge the truth of these words of Isaiah: ‘You will be carried at the breast and He will caress you on His knees.”’ In fact “God seems to be wholly occupied with overwhelming the soul with caresses and marks of affection like a mother who brings up her child and feeds it with her own milk.” Oh! Let us be attentive to the mysterious voice of our Father! “My daughter,” He says, “give Me your heart.”
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 160-162). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding Predestination: How does the discussion on predestination reshape your understanding of God’s plan for us, particularly in relation to experiencing His blessings in the present? 2. Trusting Surrender: Reflect on your own ability to surrender to Jesus in trust, especially in times of uncertainty or difficulty. How can you deepen your trust in Him? 3. Practical Application: What practical steps can you take to nurture your relationship with God on a daily basis, such as dedicated prayer time or acts of mercy? 4. Embracing Silence: How do you currently approach silence in prayer? Reflect on the role of silence in allowing God to delight in your presence and fostering intimacy with Him. 5. Reciprocal Experience: Consider the concept of prayer as giving God permission to enjoy your presence. How does this idea change your perspective on prayer and your relationship with God?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
The post BTP17 – Heaven In Faith: Day 9 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 15 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 8 Prayer 1 – “Those whom God has foreknown, He has also predestined to become conformed to the image of His divine Son.” In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the theme of predestination and its spiritual significance, particularly through the lens of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s writings. St. Elizabeth’s deep understanding of predestination is rooted in her profound prayer life and contemplation of Christ. Predestination is not merely a theological doctrine but a dynamic invitation to live in Christ and receive the Father’s blessings.
St. Elizabeth’s insights challenge listeners to move beyond intellectual abstraction and encounter Christ personally in prayer. She encourages a continual contemplation of Christ’s image and radiance, which leads to a deeper understanding of God’s plan to restore all things in Christ and the transformative power of encountering Christ’s love in prayer, which enables us to live a life of praise and glory to God despite struggles and weaknesses.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 8 Prayer 1”:
“Those whom God has foreknown, He has also predestined to become conformed to the image of His divine Son. And those whom He has predestined, He has also called; and those whom He has called He has also justified; and those whom He has justified He has also glorified. What then shall we say after that? If God is for us, who can be against us? Who will separate me from the love of Christ?” This is how the mystery of predestination, the mystery of divine election appeared to the enlightened gaze of the Apostle. “Those whom He has foreknown.” Are not we of that number? Cannot God say to our soul what He once said through the voice of His prophet: “I passed by you and saw you. I saw that the time had come for you to be loved. I spread my garment over you. I swore to you to protect you, and I made a covenant with you, and you became mine.”
Yes, we have become His through baptism, that is what Paul means by these words: “He called them”; yes, called to receive the seal of the Holy Trinity; at the same time we have been made, in the words of St. Peter, “sharers in the divine nature,” we have received “a beginning of His existence.” Then, He has justified us by His sacraments, by His direct “touches” in our contemplation “in the depths” of our soul; justified us also by faith and according to the measure of our faith in the redemption that Jesus Christ has acquired for us. And finally, He wants to glorify us, and for that reason, says St. Paul, He “has made us worthy to share in the inheritance of the saints in light,” but we will be glorified in the measure in which we will have been conformed to the image of His divine Son. So let us contemplate this adored Image, let us remain unceasingly under its radiance so that it may imprint itself on us; let us go to everything with the same attitude of soul that our holy Master would have. Then we will realize the great plan by which God has “resolved in Himself to restore all things in Christ.”
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 157-158). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding Predestination: How does St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s understanding of predestination challenge common misconceptions about this theological concept, particularly in relation to judgment and spiritual pride? 2. Encountering Christ in Prayer: Reflect on the significance of Dr. Anthony Lilles’ assertion that prayer without devotion is meaningless. How does this perspective reshape your approach to prayer and spiritual practices? 3. Living in Christ: Consider St. Elizabeth’s view that predestination is not merely a future event but a present reality that transforms our lives. How does this understanding affect your perception of your identity and mission as a Christian? 4. Prayer as Encounter: Dr. Lilles emphasizes the importance of encountering Christ’s love in prayer, stating that seeing how much we are loved makes prayer easier. Reflect on your own experiences of encountering Christ’s love in prayer. How has this impacted your spiritual life? 5. Contemplation of Christ: St. Elizabeth urges continual contemplation of Christ’s image and radiance. How can you cultivate a deeper practice of contemplative prayer in your own spiritual journey to encounter Christ more fully? 6. Living a Life of Praise: Discuss the concept of living a life of praise and glory to God despite struggles and weaknesses. How can you integrate this perspective into your daily life and spiritual practices?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
The post BTP15 – Heaven In Faith: Day 8 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 13 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 7 Prayer 1 – “God chose us in Him before creation, that we should be holy and immaculate in His presence, in love.” In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the rich teachings of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, particularly focusing on the concept of contemplative prayer and its transformative power. They delve into Elizabeth’s writings, highlighting her emphasis on the Holy Trinity and the inner life of God as foundational to understanding prayer and dealing with sin.
Elizabeth’s teachings invite listeners to slow down, make prayer a priority, and enter into the loving gaze of God and the primacy of contemplation in the Christian life, wherein believers are called to behold and participate in the eternal love and harmony of the Trinity. This contemplative approach transcends mere intellectual understanding and involves a deepening relationship with God through faith and love.
The ancient understanding of truth is something to behold rather than solve; the transformative nature of encountering the truth of God’s love. They discuss how contemplative prayer helps individuals confront their brokenness and sinfulness, leading to self-awareness and a deeper reliance on God’s grace for transformation and healing, and the profound gift of contemplative prayer in opening hearts to God’s presence, fostering spiritual growth, and enabling believers to live more fully in accordance with God’s love and truth.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 7 Prayer 1”:
- “God chose us in Him before creation, that we should be holy and immaculate in His presence, in love.”
“The Holy Trinity created us in its image, according to the eternal design that it possessed in its bosom before the world was created,” in this “beginning without beginning” of which Bossuet speaks following St. John: “In principio erat Verbum.” In the beginning was the Word; and we could add: in the beginning was nothing, for God in His eternal solitude already carried us in His thought. “The Father contemplates Himself” “in the abyss of His fecundity, and by the very act of comprehending Himself He engendered another person, the Son, His eternal Word. The archetype of all creatures who had not yet issued out of the void eternally dwelt in Him, and God saw them and contemplated them in their type in Himself. This eternal life which our archetypes possessed without us in God, is the cause of our creation.”
- “Our created essence asks to be rejoined with its principle.” The Word, “the Splendor of the Father, is the eternal archetype after which creatures are designed on the day of their creation.” This is “why God wills that, freed from ourselves, we should stretch out our arms towards our exemplar and possess it,” “rising” above all things “towards our model.” “This contemplation opens” the soul “to unexpected horizons.” “In a certain manner it possesses the crown towards which it aspires.” “The immense riches that God possesses by nature, we may possess by virtue of love, by His dwelling in us and by our dwelling in Him.”“It is by virtue of this immense love” that we are drawn into the depths of the “intimate sanctuary” where God “imprints on us a true image of His majesty.” Thus it is, thanks to love and through love, as the Apostle says, that we can be holy and immaculate in God’s presence, and can sing with David: “I will be unblemished and I will guard myself from the depths of sinfulness within me.”
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 103-104). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Reflecting on Prayer Priority: How does Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity’s emphasis on the richness of prayer challenge your own priorities in daily life? Are there competing demands that hinder your ability to prioritize prayer? 2. Contemplation of the Trinity: Consider the concept of the Trinity as presented in the podcast. How does understanding the inner life of the Trinity deepen your appreciation of God’s love and inform your prayer life? 3. Embracing the Mystery: In what ways can you shift your perspective on the concept of mystery, moving away from a desire to solve or conquer it, towards a posture of beholding and embracing its beauty? How might this shift impact your spiritual journey? 4. Encountering Truth: Reflect on the ancient understanding of truth discussed in the podcast. How does this perspective reshape your approach to seeking truth in your life? In what ways can you allow truth to illuminate and transform your heart? 5. Confronting Brokenness: Consider the idea of confronting brokenness and sinfulness in prayer. How do you currently engage with your own brokenness and weaknesses in prayer? How might you deepen your reliance on God’s grace for transformation and healing? 6. Priority of Contemplation: Reflect on the notion of the primacy of contemplation in the Christian life. How can you cultivate a deeper commitment to contemplative prayer amidst the busyness and distractions of daily life?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
The post BTP13 – Heaven In Faith: Day 7 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 10 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 5 Prayer 2 – “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood, remains in Me and I in him.”In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the profound eucharistic themes in Elizabeth’s reflections, emphasizing the transformative power of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. Elizabeth portrays this communion as an intimate exchange where Christ’s love and generosity invite us to surrender fully, allowing Him to purify and consume our beings with His grace and presence.
Dr. Lilles highlights the significance of preparing oneself for receiving Holy Communion, engaging deeply with the liturgy, and being open to the transformative encounter with Christ’s presence. He also connects this to the broader spiritual life, illustrating how our union with Christ in the Eucharist fuels our capacity to love and give of ourselves in all aspects of life.
The discussion reveals how Elizabeth sees this communion with Christ as a pathway to experiencing the burning desires of His heart, urging us to open ourselves entirely to His love. This experience of divine love in the Eucharist is portrayed as an empowering source that enables us to face life’s challenges and to love others with Christ’s own love. Through this intimate union, we are called to become vibrant witnesses of Christ’s love, transforming our lives and drawing others into this mystery of divine intimacy and grace.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 5 Prayer 2”:
Second prayer. “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood, remains in Me and I in him.” “The first sign of love is this: that Jesus has given us His flesh to eat and His blood to drink.” “The property of love is to be always giving and always receiving. Now the love” of Christ is “generous. All that He has, all that He is, He gives; all that we have, all that we are, He takes away. He asks for more than we of ourselves are capable of giving. He has an immense hunger which wants to devour us absolutely. He enters even into the marrow of our bones, and the more lovingly we allow Him to do so, the more fully we savor Him.” “He knows that we are poor, but He pays no heed to it and does not spare us. He Himself becomes in us His own bread, first burning up, in His love, all our vices, faults, and sins. Then when He sees that we are pure, He comes like a gaping vulture that is going to devour everything. He wants to consume our life in order to change it into His own; ours, full of vices, His, full of grace and glory and all prepared for us, if only we will renounce ourselves. Even if our eyes were good enough to see this avid appetite of Christ who hungers for our salvation, all our efforts would not prevent us from disappearing into His open mouth.” Now “this sounds absurd, but those who love will understand!” When we receive Christ “with interior devotion, His blood, full of warmth and glory, flows into our veins and a fire is enkindled in our depths.” “We receive the likeness of His virtues, and He lives in us and we in Him. He gives us His soul with the fullness of grace, by which the soul perseveres in love and praise of the Father!” “Love draws its object into itself; we draw Jesus into ourselves; Jesus draws us into Himself. Then carried above ourselves into love’s interior,” seeking God, “we go to meet Him, to meet His Spirit, which is His love, and this love burns us, consumes us, and draws us into unity where beatitude awaits us.” “Jesus meant this when He said: ‘With great desire have I desired to eat this pasch with you.’”
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 9100-101). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding Eucharistic Theology: How does Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity describe the relationship between Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and the believer’s transformation? Reflect on the reciprocal nature of this relationship. Discuss the implications of viewing Holy Communion as a transformative encounter with Christ’s love and presence. 2. Personal Reflection on the Eucharist: How does the episode challenge you to prepare for and participate in Holy Communion more fully and consciously? In what ways can you deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Christian life? 3. Connecting Eucharistic Life to Everyday Living: How can the transformative experience of the Eucharist influence your relationships and daily actions? Reflect on the statement that Jesus “yearns for our love” and “aches to be loved by us.” How does this influence your perception of the Eucharist and your relationship with Christ? 4. Mystical and Theological Insights: Discuss the significance of Saint Elizabeth’s emphasis on the Eucharist as an encounter that consumes and purifies the believer, transforming them into an icon of Christ’s love. How does the Eucharistic theology presented by Dr. Lilles and Kris McGregor deepen your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and continual presence in the Church? 5. Practical Application: After listening to the episode, identify one practical step you can take to enhance your preparation for and participation in the Eucharist. Share this with a group member or write it down as a personal commitment. Consider how you might help others in your community to grow in their understanding and reverence for the Eucharist. What actions or discussions could you initiate? 6. Connecting with Scripture: Reflect on the scriptural basis of the Eucharistic themes discussed in the episode. How do the words of Christ at the Last Supper and other relevant scripture passages deepen your understanding of the Eucharist?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
The post BTP10 – Heaven In Faith: Day 5 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 9 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 5 Prayer 1 – “Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock”In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor continue their discussion on the spiritual teachings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, focusing on the concept of being calmly lost in God’s will. Dr. Lilles tells us of the importance of trust in God’s plan, even in times of confusion or darkness.
They explore the idea that prayer is a gift from God, and that experiences in prayer are beyond human comprehension, as well as the need for openness to God’s presence and the transformative power of welcoming Jesus into one’s heart.
Dr. Lilles also touches on the expansion of the heart through prayer, leading to deeper love and devotion to God, and encourages listeners to embrace prayer as a means of drawing closer to God and experiencing His love.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 5 Prayer 1”:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man listens to My voice and opens the door to Me, I will come in to him and sup with him, and he with Me.”66 Blessed the ears of the soul alert enough, recollected enough to hear this voice of the Word of God; blessed also the eyes67 of this soul which in the light of a deep and living faith can witness the “coming” of the Master into His intimate sanctuary. But what then is this coming? “It is an unceasing generation, an enduring hymn of praise.” Christ “comes with His treasures, but such is the mystery of the divine swiftness that He is continually coming, always for the first time as if He had never come; for His coming, independent of time, consists in an eternal “now,”68 and an eternal desire eternally renews the joys of the coming. The delights that He brings are infinite, since they are Himself.” “The capacity of the soul, enlarged by the coming of the Master, seems to go out of itself in order to pass through the walls into the immensity of Him who comes; and a phenomenon occurs: God, who is in our depths, receives God coming to us, and God contemplates God! God in whom beatitude consists.”69
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 99-100). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Trusting God’s Plan: How does the concept of being calmly lost in God’s will challenge our natural inclination towards anxiety and fear when faced with uncertainty? 2. Understanding Prayer as a Gift: Reflect on the idea that prayer is a gift from God. How does this perspective change our approach to prayer and our expectations of what prayer should entail? 3. Welcoming Jesus into the Heart: In what ways can we actively welcome Jesus into our hearts, especially during times of confusion or difficulty? How does this practice align with the teachings of Elizabeth of the Trinity? 4. Experiencing God’s Presence: Consider the various ways in which individuals experience God’s presence in prayer. How can we recognize and appreciate these experiences, even when they may not conform to our preconceived notions? 5. Expanding the Heart through Prayer: Reflect on the idea that prayer can enlarge the capacity of our hearts to love, receive love, and give love. How has prayer transformed your capacity for love and devotion to God? 6. Living Out the Gift of Prayer: Evaluate whether your life reflects the fruits of prayer, such as deeper love for others and increased devotion to God. How can you continue to nurture and cultivate the gift of prayer in your life?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
The post BTP9 Heaven In Faith: Day 5 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 8 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 4 Prayer 2 – “I Have Come to Cast Fire Upon the Earth”In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor focus on prayer and Christian living, particularly the messages from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The core theme revolves around the concept of love as the essence of Christian prayer and life, emphasizing the need for a soul’s complete surrender to God’s will. It highlights how such surrender leads to a genuine conversion, growing deeper into love and allowing God’s love to transform and guide one’s life.
Elizabeth’s teachings encourage contemplation on God’s love, urging individuals, including those engaged in worldly duties like parenting, to align every aspect of their life with love. This alignment, they reason, fulfills God’s desire to elevate the soul, making love the central occupation, regardless of life’s distractions or responsibilities.
Dr. Lilles further delves into the notion of embracing God’s will, especially during trials or confrontations, advocating for a response rooted in love and mercy rather than self-defense or retaliation. Both Dr. Lilles and Kris touch on the lives of saints to exemplify how enduring silence and suffering out of love can manifest grace and spiritual growth, ultimately leading to a profound trust in God.
This episode underscores a life of deep faith characterized by the surrender to and trust in God’s will, living through love and mercy, and maintaining a constant focus on spiritual growth and communion with God.
Day 4: Second Prayer
“I have come to cast fire upon the earth and how I long to see it burn.”58 It is the Master Himself who expresses His desire to see the fire of love enkindled. In fact, “all our works and all our labors are nothing in His sight. We can neither give Him anything nor satisfy His only desire, which is to exalt the dignity of our soul.” Nothing pleases Him so much as to see it “grow.” “Now nothing can exalt it so much as to become in some way the equal of God; that is why He demands from the soul the tribute of its love, as the property of love is to make the lover equal to the beloved as much as possible. The soul in possession of this love” “appears on an equal footing with Christ because their mutual affection renders everything common to both.”59 “I have called you My friends because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”60 16.
But to attain to this love the soul must first be “entirely surrendered,”61 its “will must be calmly lost in God’s will”62 so that its “inclinations,” “its faculties” “move only in this love and for the sake of this love. I do everything with love, I suffer everything with love: this is what David meant when he sang, ‘I will keep all my strength for You.’”63 Then “love fills it so completely, absorbs it and protects it” so well “that everywhere it finds the secret of growing in love,” “even in its relations with the world”;64 “in the midst of life’s cares it can rightly say: ‘My only occupation is loving’! . . .”65
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (p. 99). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding Surrender to God’s Will
How do you interpret the concept of total surrender to God’s will in your daily activities, and what challenges do you face in achieving it?
2. Living by Love in Everyday Life
Reflect on how the idea of making love your central life occupation is present in your interactions, responsibilities, and trials.
3. Responding with Love and Mercy
Evaluate your typical reactions to adversity or offense and consider how you might foster a more loving and merciful approach.
4. Experiencing Transformative Love
Recall instances where you have felt or observed love’s transformative power and its effects on those involved.
5. Valuing God’s Esteem Over Self-Esteem
Contemplate how prioritizing God’s view over self-esteem influences your perception of dignity, worth, and humility.
6. Learning from Saints’ Silence and Suffering
Relate to the spiritual practice of enduring silence and suffering for love, drawing inspiration from saintly examples.
7. Offering Misery to God
Reflect on how you perceive and present your own brokenness to God and the role it plays in your spiritual intimacy.
8. Prayer Aligned with Christian Love
Consider adjustments to align your prayer life more closely with the Christian principle of living through love.
9. Practicing Perpetual Acts of Mercy
Identify ways to integrate continuous acts of mercy into your daily interactions and choices.
10. Deepening Trust in God Amidst Adversity
Reflect on how to cultivate a deeper trust in God to maintain peace and resilience through life’s challenges.
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
The post BTP8 Heaven In Faith: Day 4 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 7 “Heaven in Faith” Day 4 Prayer 1 – “Our God, wrote St. Paul, is a consuming Fire”This episode with Dr. Anthony Lillis and Kris McGregor discusses Elizabeth’s emphasis on the universal call to contemplative prayer and her belief that living in love, as she describes, should be an immediate and constant reality for Christians. Dr. Lillis elaborates on the retreat’s core message: that individuals are called to dwell in the love of the Trinity, experiencing this love in the present moment, and allowing it to inform and transform all aspects of their lives.
St. Elizabeth of the TrinityElizabeth’s reflections suggest that contemplative prayer deepens one’s relationship with God and facilitates a transformation into divine love, influencing not only personal spirituality but also familial and communal relationships. Dr. Lilles connects this transformative process with the broader Christian tradition, including references to other saints and scriptural teachings. He also addresses potential misunderstandings about Christian mysticism, clarifying that becoming like God does not mean losing one’s personhood but fully realizing one’s humanity in the divine image.
Overall, the discussion underscores the profound impact of contemplative prayer on personal growth, familial bonds, and the ability to love authentically and selflessly, reflecting the heart of Christian life and vocation.
Day 4 First Prayer
“Deus ignus consumens.” Our God, wrote St. Paul, is a consuming Fire, that is “a fire of love” which destroys, which “transforms into itself everything that it touches.” “The delights of the divine enkindling51 are renewed in our depths by an unremitting activity: the enkindling of love in a mutual and eternal satisfaction. It is a renewal that takes place at every moment in the bond of love.” Certain souls “have chosen this refuge to rest there eternally, and this is the silence in which, somehow, they have lost themselves.” “Freed from their prison, they sail on the Ocean of Divinity without any creature being an obstacle or hindrance to them.”
For these souls, the mystical death of which St. Paul spoke yesterday becomes so simple and sweet! They think much less of the work of destruction and detachment that remains for them to do than of plunging into the Furnace of love burning within them which is none other than the Holy Spirit, the same Love which in the Trinity is the bond between the Father and His Word. They “enter into Him by living faith, and there, in simplicity and peace” they are “carried away by Him” beyond all things, beyond sensible pleasures, “into the sacred darkness” and are “transformed into the divine image.” They live, in St. John’s expression, in “communion” with the Three adorable Persons, “sharing” their life, and this is “the contemplative life”; this contemplation “leads to possession.” “Now this simple possession is eternal life savored in the unfathomable abode. It is there, beyond reason, that the profound tranquillity of the divine immutability awaits us.”
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 98-99). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Contemplative Prayer and Daily Life: How can I integrate contemplative prayer into my daily routine to remain in constant communion with God? What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more prayerful attitude throughout my day? 2. Dwelling in Love: Saint Elizabeth emphasizes the call to dwell in the love of the Trinity. Reflect on what it means to “dwell in love” in your own life. How can you open your heart more fully to this divine presence? 3. Transformation through Love: Consider how the experience of God’s love has transformed or can transform your life. In what ways do you see yourself being called to change, to die to self, and to live more fully in God’s love? 4. The Role of Suffering: Reflect on how encountering Jesus in the painful parts of your life has or can bring about spiritual growth. How can you invite God into these areas of struggle or suffering? 5. Family and Community: Dr. Lilles connects Elizabeth’s teachings to the concept of the family as a “school of love.” How does your faith influence your relationships with family and community? In what ways can you foster a more loving, Christ-centered environment in your home or community? 6. Christian Joy: Consider the distinction between happiness and joy in the Christian sense. How have you experienced the joy of the Lord even during challenging times? What does it mean to find joy in God’s presence regardless of external circumstances? 7. Spiritual Maturity: Reflect on the process of becoming fully human and fully alive in God’s image, as discussed by Dr. Lilles. What does spiritual maturity look like for you? How can you cooperate more fully with God’s transformative grace in your life? 8. Love in Action: Saint Elizabeth wanted her spirituality to apply to the real world. Reflect on the statement, “my only occupation is loving.” How can you apply this ideal in your interactions, decisions, and service to others?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
The post BTP7 Heaven In Faith Day 4 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 6 “Heaven in Faith” Day 3 Prayer 2 – “You have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God”This episode with Dr. Anthony Lillis and Kris McGregor discusses the concept of spiritual death, where the soul, aspiring to be close to God, must detach and surrender itself entirely to divine will, transcending earthly attachments. This process is likened to St. Paul’s teaching about dying to oneself daily, allowing Christ to increase within. The discussion touches upon the dark night of the soul, as described by St. John of the Cross, emphasizing that such experiences, though challenging, are avenues for profound encounters with God, beyond mere understanding or feeling.
St. Elizabeth of the TrinityThe episode delves into the necessity of trusting God amidst sufferings and renunciations, illustrating this through personal anecdotes and the experiences of saints like Teresa of Avila. It addresses the human struggle with attachments, guilt, and the reality of death, urging listeners to embrace these realities not as ends in themselves but as means to deeper union with God.
In summary, the episode underscores the transformative power of divine love and the call to surrender fully to God, highlighting the paradox that true life in Christ requires a willingness to undergo spiritual death and detachment.
Day 3 Second Prayer
“You have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” St. Paul comes to bring us a light to guide us on the pathway of the abyss. “You have died!” What does that mean but that the soul that aspires to live close to God “in the invincible fortress of holy recollection” must be “set apart, stripped, and withdrawn from all things” (in spirit). This soul “finds within itself a simple ascending movement of love to God, whatever creatures may do; it is invincible to things which” pass away, “for it transcends them, seeking God alone.”
“Quotidie morior.” “I die daily.” I decrease, I renounce self more each day so that Christ may increase in me and be exalted; I “remain” very little “in the depths of my poverty.” I see “my nothingness, my misery, my weakness; I perceive that I am incapable of progress, of perseverance; I see the multitude of my shortcomings, my defects; I appear in my indigence.” “I fall down in my misery, confessing my distress, and I display it before the mercy” of my Master. “Quotidie morior.” I place the joy of my soul (as to the will, not sensible feelings) in everything that can immolate, destroy, or humble me, for I want to make room for my Master. I live no longer I, but He lives in me: I no longer want “to live my own life, but to be transformed in Jesus Christ so that my life may be more divine than human,” so that the Father in bending attentively over me can recognize the image of His beloved Son in whom He has placed all His delight.
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 97-98). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Self-Reflection and Renunciation: How do you understand the concept of “dying daily” in your spiritual life, and are there specific attachments or desires you feel called to renounce to grow closer to God? 2. Trust in God Amidst Suffering: Reflect on a time you experienced suffering or desolation. How did you respond to God during this time, and how can you cultivate a deeper trust in God despite difficulties? 3. Encountering God in Darkness: How do you relate to the idea of the “dark night of the soul” as described by St. John of the Cross? Can you identify any periods in your life that might reflect this experience, and what did they teach you about your relationship with God? 4. Spiritual Growth through Renunciation: Consider the areas in your life where God might be asking you to make space for Him through renunciation. What steps can you take to respond to this call? 5. The Role of Prayer in Surrender: Reflect on your prayer life. How does prayer help you to surrender more fully to God, and how might you deepen your prayer life to facilitate this surrender? 6. Learning from the Saints: How do the experiences and teachings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and St. Teresa of Avila inspire you in your spiritual journey? What specific aspect of their spiritual lives resonates with you the most? 7. Love and Sacrifice: The podcast mentions that to love is to do so at one’s own expense. How do you understand this statement in the context of your faith and daily life? How does it challenge you to live out your Christian vocation?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
The post BTP6 Heaven In Faith Day 3 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 5 “Heaven in Faith” Day 3 Prayer 1 – “We will come to him and make our home in him“This episode with Dr. Anthony Lillis and Kris McGregor unpacks the nuances of Saint Elizabeth’s call to deep, transformative prayer and how it aims to bring individuals closer to God. They explore Elizabeth’s profound connection with scripture, despite her limited access to full texts, showcasing her deep spiritual insight and understanding, particularly of Saint Paul’s writings and the Gospel of John. It highlights her emphasis on mature, sacrificial love as the essence of a deep relationship with God, contrasting this with more superficial, emotional attachments.
Dr. Lilles further illustrates Elizabeth’s theology of love, explaining how true love for God transcends mere feelings, drawing on examples of self-giving and sacrifice that lead to a deeper divine intimacy. The narrative is enriched by the story of Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, whose experience in prison exemplifies how love can transform even the most dire circumstances into profound encounters with God.
Throughout the conversation, the focus remains on the transformative power of love and prayer, urging listeners to deepen their own spiritual lives by embracing these principles. The podcast serves as a guide for those seeking to cultivate a more profound prayer life and relationship with God, inspired by Saint Elizabeth’s enduring spiritual legacy.
Day 3 First Prayer
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home in him.” The Master once more expresses His desire to dwell in us. “If anyone loves Me”! It is love that attracts, that draws God to His creatures: not a sensible love but that love “strong as death that deep waters cannot quench.”
“Because I love My Father, I do always the things that are pleasing to Him.” Thus spoke our holy Master, and every soul who wants to live close to Him must also live this maxim. The divine good pleasure33 must be its food, its daily bread; it must let itself be immolated by all the Father’s wishes in the likeness of His adored Christ. Each incident, each event, each suffering, as well as each joy, is a sacrament which gives God to it; so it no longer makes a distinction between these things; it surmounts them, goes beyond them to rest in its Master, above all things. It “exalts” Him high on the “mountain of its heart,” yes, “higher than His gifts, His consolation, higher than the sweetness that descends from Him.” “The property of love is never to seek self, to keep back nothing, but to give everything to the one it loves.” “Blessed the soul that loves” in truth; “the Lord has become its captive through love”!
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 96-97). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding Sacrificial Love: How do you understand the difference between “sensible love” and “sacrificial love” in your own spiritual journey? Reflect on instances where you may have experienced each type of love. 2. Scriptural Engagement: Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity had a profound connection with Scripture despite limited access. Reflect on your own approach to the Bible. How can you deepen your engagement with God’s word, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process for you? 3. Love Attracting God: The podcast discusses the idea that our love attracts God to dwell within us. Reflect on your personal prayer life. How do you cultivate a love that draws God closer, and how do you perceive His presence in response? 4. Transformative Suffering: Considering the story of Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, reflect on how suffering or hardship has transformed your relationship with God. Can you identify any “sacraments” in your sufferings that have brought you closer to God? 5. Prayer and Relationship with God: Saint Elizabeth emphasizes deep prayer as a means to foster a profound relationship with God. Reflect on your prayer life: Is it more about speaking to God, or do you also cultivate silence to listen to Him? How can you incorporate elements of Saint Elizabeth’s approach to deepen your relationship with God? 6. Love and Truth: The concept of loving in truth is highlighted as crucial for genuine spiritual growth. Reflect on your relationships and your love for God. Are there areas where you need to be more honest or authentic, both with God and with others? 7. Living Love in Daily Life: Reflect on how you can live out the call to love sacrificially in everyday life. Are there specific actions or changes you can make to better embody this kind of love in your family, community, or workplace?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
The post BTP5 Heaven In Faith Day 3 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
By far, this book is the BEST on the subject of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that I have seen in a very long time. So very practical and deep in its spiritual appreciation of this beautifully essential devotion for our lives, Fr. James Kubicki helps all to rediscover the devotion to the Sacred Heart. He presents the history of this timely devotion, with help of the apostles, Church Fathers, the Saints and contemporary Catholics, in an engaging and easily digestible way. And the prayers...the incredibly deep and radiant prayers...Fr. Kubicki breaks them open a new for us all to appreciate, encouraging us not to "say the prayers", but to "pray the prayers". Wonderful, simply wonderful! I can recommended this work more highly. Pick up more than one copy and become a missionary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by passing copies on to others
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Jacob wrestling with Angel. The mystery of the name. We have to let God ask us who we are or will you resist and remain isolated? Our prayer is only going to be fruitful if we surrender ourselves to the question...who are you? Like Jacob, once we give over our name then God can begin to transfigure that name, or in other words, our persons to be more inline with His will, His love, His power. Eventually, in prayer, we have to enter into the struggle...what is really going on in our souls, in our hearts and are our wrestling with God's love. We yield our identity to God's love.
The wounding of Jacob by the Angel. It is the symbol of the wound, the opening of the self, which symbolizes an entryway to vulnerability...God is deeply affecting us. God's love, concern, and fascination with us is how He enters into our being and "wounds" us. If we could "be still" and allow Him to love us, He becomes victorious within us.
The name we yield to God is our heart...the core of our being. At Baptism, we give over our name, so we give the power over to God over us. How the "wrestling occurs" and if we stay in it long enough God "wounds" us, into His hands we commend our "spirits". How does Jesus transform even this event?
The post SOP4 – Who Are We? Wrestling with God – The School of Prayer: Reflections on the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI w/ Deacon James Keating appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
“Life without prayer has no meaning or points of reference". The relationship between the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit is so essential to our understanding of prayer. The meaning of the Church. Suffering the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the face of God. Do not be afraid, He will teach you happiness.
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ORDER OF RECITATION
On the first white bead after the medal say the "Father of Truth" prayer. On each black bead recite an "Our Father".
On the first three red beads say the "Hail Mary" in honor of Saint Charbel's fidelity to the vow of poverty.
On the second set of red beads say the "Hail Mary" in honor of Saint Charbel's fidelity to the vow of chastity.
On the third set of red beads say the "Hail Mary" in honor of Saint Charbel's fidelity to the vow of obedience.
On the three white beads say the "Hail Mary" in honor of Saint Charbel's love for the Eucharist.
On the three blue beads say the "Hail Mary" in honor of Saint Charbel's devotion to Our Blessed Mother. Conclude with the prayer to obtain graces on the medal.
Father of Truth Prayer
Father of Truth, behold Your Son, a sacrifice pleasing to You. Accept this offering of Him who died for me; behold His blood shed on Golgotha for my salvation. It pleads for me. For His sake, accept my offering. Many are my sins, but greater is Your mercy. When placed on a scale, Your mercy prevails over the weight of the mountains known only to You. Consider the sin and consider the atonement; the atonement is greater and exceeds the sin. Your beloved Son sustained the nails and the lance because of my sins so in His sufferings You are satisfied and I live.
Prayer to Obtain Graces
Lord, infinitely holy and glorified in Your saints, You have inspired Charbel, the saint monk, to lead the perfect life of a hermit. We thank You for granting him the blessing and the strength to detach himself from the world so that the heroism of the monastic virtues of poverty, chastity, and obedience might triumph in his hermitage. We beseech You to grant us the grace of loving and serving You, following his example. Almighty God, who have manifested the power of Saint Charbel's intercession through his countless miracles and favors, grant us this grace (here mention your intention) which we request from You through his intercession. Amen.
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According to the traditions of the Carmelite order, on July 16, 1251, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite. During the vision, she revealed to him the Scapularof Our Lady of Mount Carmel, popularly known as the "Brown Scapular." A century and a quarter later, the Carmelite order began to celebrate on this date the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
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The following prayer covers most of the significant areas of forgiveness. Often, such a prayer will bring to mind other areas that need forgiveness. Let the Holy Spirit move freely and guide your mind to persons or groups that you need to forgive. This is especially useful before confession.
Lord Jesus Christ, I ask today to forgive everyone in my life. I know that You will give me the strength to forgive and I thank You that You love me more than I love myself and want my happiness more than I desire it for myself.
The post Prayers for Spiritual Healing with Msgr. Esseff – Mp3 audio prayer and text – Discerning Hearts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
An Excerpt from today's posting and podcast: 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.....
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Episode 1 Beginning to Pray: "Heaven in Faith" Day 1 Prayer 1 - "Remain in Me"
The post BTP#1 Beginning to Pray w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles: Heaven In Faith Day 1 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 2 Beginning to Pray: "Heaven in Faith" Day 1 Prayer 2 - "Abyss calls to Abyss"
From "Beginning to Pray: Your Life Hidden in Christ":
Elisabeth of the Trinity says that the journey to contemplative prayer (which she refers to as the pathway of the abyss), requires that we die to trying to live merely by natural lights. Instead we must seek to live hidden with Christ in God. She taught this because she understood the peace and strength such a life provides - she herself thrived in it. Christ is the supernatural Light, the inexhaustible source of loving knowledge of God in our hearts. If we live by the loving knowledge that Christ alone provides we discover that we are invincible to things which "pass away", for our hearts transcend them, "seeking God alone." (Heaven in Faith, #11).
The post BTP#2 Beginning to Pray w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles: Heaven In Faith Day 1 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 3 Beginning to Pray: "Heaven in Faith" Day 2 Prayer 1 - "The Kingdom of God is Within You"
From "Heaven in Faith: Day 2 Prayer 1" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
- The same saint also says that "God is the center of the soul. So when the soul with all" its "strength will know God perfectly, love and enjoy Him fully, then it will have reached the deepest center that can be attained in Him." Before attaining this, the soul is already "in God who is its center," "but it is not yet in its deepest center, for it can still go further. Since love is what unites us to God, the more intense this love is, the more deeply the soul enters into God and the more it is centered in Him. When it "possess even one degree of love it is already in its center"; but when this love has attained its perfection, the soul will have penetrated into its deepest enter. There it will be transformed to the point of becoming very like God."
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Episode 4 Beginning to Pray: "Heaven in Faith" Day 2 Prayer 2 - "Hurry and Come Down"
- "As long as our will has fancies that are foreign to divine union, whims that are now yes, now no, we are like children: we do not advance with giant steps in love for fire has not yet burnt up all the alloy; the gold is not pure; we are still seeking ourselves; God has not consumed" all our hostility to Him. But when the boiling cauldron has consumed "every imperfect love, every imperfect sorrow, every imperfect fear," "then love is perfect and the golden ring of our alliance is larger than Heaven and earth. The is the secret cellar in which love places his elect," this "love leads us by ways and paths known to him alone and he leads us with no turning back, for we will not retrace our steps."
The post BTP#4 Beginning to Pray w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles: Heaven In Faith Day 2 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 5 Beginning to Pray: "Heaven in Faith" Day 3 Prayer 1 - "We will come to him and make our home in him"
From "Heaven in Faith: Day 3 Prayer 1" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
- ... "Each incident, each event, each suffering, as well as each joy, is a sacrament which gives God to it; so it no longer makes a distinction between these things; it surmounts them, goes beyond them to rest in its Master, above all things. It "exalts" Him high on the "mountain of its heart," yes, "higher than His gifts, His consolation, higher than the sweetness that descends from Him." "The property of love is never to seek self, to keep back nothing, but to give everything to the one it loves." "Blessed the soul that loves" in truth; "the Lord has become its captive through love"!
The post BTP#5 Beginning to Pray w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles: Heaven In Faith Day 3 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
- "You have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God" St. Paul comes to bring us a light to guide us on the pathway of the abyss. "You have died"! What does that mean but that the soul that aspires to live close to God "in the invincible fortress of holy recollection" must be "set apart, stripped, and withdrawn from all things" (in spirit). This soul "finds within itself a simple ascending movement of love to God, whatever creatures may do; it is invincible to things which" pass away, "for it transcends them, seeking God alone."
The post BTP#6 Beginning to Pray w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles: Heaven In Faith Day 3 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.