BtoP Heaven in Faith: Recent Episodes
Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts
Episode 2 “Heaven in Faith” Day 1 Prayer 2 – “Abyss calls to Abyss” Dr. Anthony Lilles explains how St. Elizabeth of the Trinity structured Heaven and Faith as a guided retreat rooted in Carmelite and Ignatian spirituality, with daily themes meant to be prayed over, reflected upon, and lived out through concrete resolutions. Drawing from Christ’s words in John 15:4, “Remain in me,” St. Elizabeth presents prayer not as an isolated activity but as a continual awareness of God’s presence in every part of life. Lilles recounts how Elizabeth’s own experiences—from her First Communion to her years as a gifted pianist and Carmelite novice—formed her conviction that the soul is a dwelling place for God. Her reflections invite Christians to move beyond techniques or methods of prayer and instead enter into a trusting relationship with Christ through faith, recollection, and constant communion with Him in daily life.
Dr. Lilles explores St. Elizabeth’s teaching on the “double abyss,” where human weakness meets the infinite mercy of God. Lilles describes recollection as a disciplined turning of the heart back toward Christ, especially in moments of failure, impatience, and spiritual poverty. By honestly confronting the absence of love within themselves, souls encounter the mercy revealed through Christ’s suffering and death, discovering grace strong enough to transform them. St. Elizabeth’s insight into divine mercy is linked to later spiritual figures such as St. Faustina and St. John Paul II, whose teachings carried this message into the twentieth century. Through this path of continual prayer and trust, the human heart is gradually transformed into love through union with God.
Day 1 Second Prayer
“Remain in Me.”10 It is the Word of God who gives this order, expresses this wish. Remain in Me, not for a few moments, a few hours which must pass away, but “remain . . .” permanently, habitually, Remain in Me, pray in Me, adore in Me, love in Me, suffer in Me, work and act in Me. Remain in Me so that you may be able to encounter anyone or anything; penetrate further still into these depths. This is truly the “solitude into which God wants to allure the soul that He may speak to it,” as the prophet sang.11
In order to understand this very mysterious saying, we must not, so to speak, stop at the surface, but enter ever deeper into the divine Being through recollection. “I pursue my course,”12 exclaimed St. Paul; so must we descend daily this pathway of the Abyss13 which is God; let us slide down this slope14 in wholly loving confidence. “Abyss calls to abyss.”15 It is there in the very depths that the divine impact16 takes place, where the abyss of our nothingness encounters the Abyss of mercy,17 the immensity of the all18 of God. There we will find the strength to die to ourselves and, losing all vestige of self, we will be changed into love. . . . “Blessed are those who die in the Lord”!19
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. 94-95). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. How do I respond to Christ’s invitation to “remain in me” throughout the ordinary moments of my day? 2. In what ways have I treated prayer as a separate activity instead of a continual relationship with God? 3. How can I become more aware of God’s presence in my work, relationships, and daily responsibilities? 4. What distractions or habits keep me from living with recollection and interior attentiveness to Christ? 5. When have I experienced God’s mercy most deeply in the midst of my own weakness or failure? 6. Am I willing to honestly face the areas of my life where love is absent and invite Jesus into them? 7. How does the image of the “double abyss” help me understand the meeting of my poverty and God’s mercy? 8. What practical steps can I take to turn my heart back to God more frequently during the day? 9. How does remembering that I am a temple of the Holy Spirit change the way I view myself and others? 10. In moments of impatience, anger, or discouragement, do I seek Christ’s grace or rely only on my own strength?
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 BTP2 Heaven In Faith Day 1 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles – 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 .
The post BTP20 – Heaven In Faith: Day 10 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 19 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 10 Prayer 1 – “If you knew the gift of God” Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor reflect on the teachings of Elizabeth, emphasizing the importance of not returning to “life as normal” after the retreat but instead allowing it to initiate a new beginning marked by a deeper connection with God by using the example of Mary, highlighting her profound surrender to God’s will and her unwavering trust, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges.
Through St. Elizabeth’s writings, Dr. Lilles explores the idea that true devotion to Christ is not an escape from responsibilities or difficulties but rather an empowerment to face them with grace and love. Mary’s life becomes a model for interior souls who seek to nurture the presence of God within them and radiate His love outwardly, even in the midst of daily tasks and challenges.
With the necessity of humility and trust in the spiritual journey, contrasting it with the tendency to manipulate spirituality for personal gain or control. As well as the importance of embracing God’s presence fully, allowing it to transform one’s life and perspective, leading to a deeper understanding of God’s love and a willingness to surrender completely to His will; embracing a contemplative way of life, rooted in prayer and trust in God, which leads to a profound transformation of the self and enables one to become a beacon of God’s love and compassion for others.
St. Elizabeth of the TrinityFrom “Heaven in Faith: Day 10 Prayer 1”:
“Si scires donum Dei. . . .” “If you knew the gift of God,” Christ said one evening to the Samaritan woman. But what is this gift of God if not Himself? And, the beloved disciple tells us: “He came to His own and His own did not accept Him.” St. John the Baptist could still say to many souls these words of reproach: “There is one in the midst of you, ‘in you,’ whom you do not know.”
“If you knew the gift of God. . . .” There is one who knew this gift of God, one who did not lose one particle of it, one who was so pure, so luminous that she seemed to be the Light itself: “Speculum justitiae.” One whose life was so simple, so lost in God that there is hardly anything we can say about it.
“Virgo fidelis”: that is, Faithful Virgin, “who kept all these things in her heart.” She remained so little, so recollected in God’s presence, in the seclusion of the temple, that she drew down upon herself the delight of the Holy Trinity: “Because He has looked upon the lowliness of His servant, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed!” The Father bending down to this beautiful creature, who was so unaware of her own beauty, willed that she be the Mother in time of Him whose Father He is in eternity. Then the Spirit of love who presides over all of God’s works came upon her; the Virgin said her fiat: “Behold the servant of the Lord, be it done to me according to Your word,” and the greatest of mysteries was accomplished. By the descent of the Word in her, Mary became forever God’s prey.
It seems to me that the attitude of the Virgin during the months that elapsed between the Annunciation and the Nativity is the model for interior souls, those whom God has chosen to live within, in the depths of the bottomless abyss. In what peace, in what recollection Mary lent herself to everything she did! How even the most trivial things were divinized by her! For through it all the Virgin remained the adorer of the gift of God! This did not prevent her from spending herself outwardly when it was a matter of charity; the Gospel tells us that Mary went in haste to the mountains of Judea to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Never did the ineffable vision that she contemplated within herself in any way diminish her outward charity. For, a pious author says, if contemplation “continues towards praise and towards the eternity of its Lord, it possesses unity and will not lose it. If an order from Heaven arrives, contemplation turns towards men, sympathizes with their needs, is inclined towards all their miseries; it must cry and be fruitful. It illuminates like fire, and like it, it burns, absorbs and devours, lifting up to Heaven what it has devoured. And when it has finished its work here below, it rises, burning with its fire, and takes up again the road on high.”
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. 163-165). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Embracing Transformation: How can we ensure that our encounters with God, whether through retreats or personal prayer, lead to genuine transformation rather than simply returning to “life as normal”? 2. Surrendering to God’s Will: Reflecting on Mary’s example, how can we cultivate a deeper trust in God’s plan for our lives, even when faced with uncertainty and challenges? 3. Authentic Devotion: In what ways do we sometimes manipulate spirituality for personal gain or control? How can we ensure that our devotion to Christ remains genuine and rooted in humility? 4. Living Contemplatively: How can we incorporate a contemplative approach to our daily lives, ensuring that prayer and trust in God inform our actions and interactions with others? 5. Becoming Beacons of God’s Love: Reflecting on the priest’s example, how can we surrender ourselves completely to God’s will, allowing His love to transform us into instruments of His compassion and grace for 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 BTP19 – Heaven In Faith: Day 10 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 18 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 9 Prayer 2 – “God who is rich in mercy, impelled by His exceeding love, even when we were dead because of our sins, has brought us back to life in Christ Jesus” Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discussing the significance of sin and divine mercy in the context of prayer, based on the teachings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity of the transformative power of confession, where sins are entrusted to God and forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice. Reminding us of the importance of humility, true conversion, and reliance on God alone; as well as the connection between suffering and humility in the spiritual life and suffering can deepen one’s reliance on God and lead to a restoration of blessings in a more profound way.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 9 Prayer 2”:
“God who is rich in mercy, impelled by His exceeding love, even when we were dead because of our sins, has brought us back to life in Christ Jesus. . . .” “Because all have sinned and have need of the glory of God, they are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption which is in Christ, whom God has set forth as a propitiation for sins, showing both that He is just and that He makes just him who has faith in Him” (St. Paul).
“Sin is such a terrifying evil that in order to seek any good whatsoever, or to avoid any evil whatsoever, no sin should be committed.” “Now we have committed very many.” How can we keep from “fainting in adoration when we plunge into the abyss of mercy and the eyes of our soul are fixed upon this fact: God has taken away our sins.” He said so Himself: “I will blot out all their iniquities and I will no longer remember their sins.”
“The Lord, in His mercy, willed to turn our sins against themselves to our advantage; He found a way to make them useful for us, to convert them in our hands into a means of salvation. But do not let this diminish in any way our horror of sinning, nor our sorrow for having sinned. But our sins” “have become a source of humility for us.”
When the soul “considers deep within itself, its eyes burning with love, the immensity of God, His fidelity, the proofs of His love, His favors which can add nothing to His happiness; then, looking at itself it sees its crimes against this immense Lord, it turns to its own center with such self-contempt that it does not know how it can endure its horror.” “The best thing for it to do is to complain to God, its Friend, of the strength of its self-love which betrays it by not letting it place itself as low as it would wish. It resigns itself to the will of God, and in self-abnegation, finds true, invincible, and perfect peace, which nothing can disturb. For it has plunged into such a deep abyss that no one will seek it there.”
“If anyone should affirm to me that to find the bottom of the abyss is to be immersed in humility, I would not contradict him. However, it seems to me that to be plunged into humility is to be plunged into God, for God is the bottom of the abyss. That is why humility, like charity, is always capable of increasing.” “Since a humble heart is the vessel needed, the vessel capable of containing the grace God wants to pour into it,” let us be “humble.” “The humble can never rank God high enough nor themselves low enough. But here is the wonder: their weakness turns into wisdom, and the imperfection of their acts, always insufficient in their eyes, will be the greatest delight of their life. Whoever possesses humility has no need of many words to be instructed; God tells him more things than he can learn; such was the case with the Lord’s disciples.”
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. 162-163). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Sin and Mercy: How does the discussion about sin and divine mercy deepen your understanding of God’s love and forgiveness? 2. The Role of Confession: Reflect on the transformative power of confession as discussed in the podcast. How does confession enable us to entrust our sins to God and experience His mercy? 3. Humility and Conversion: In what ways does humility play a crucial role in the spiritual life, according to the insights shared in the episode? How does true conversion lead us to rely more deeply on God? 4. Suffering and Grace: Consider the relationship between suffering and humility discussed in the podcast. How does suffering have the potential to deepen our reliance on God and lead to a restoration of blessings in our lives? 5. Personal Examination: After listening to the episode, take time to examine your own heart. Are there sins you need to confess and entrust to God? How can this act of confession lead to a deeper experience of God’s love and mercy 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 BTP18 – Heaven In Faith: Day 9 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 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 16 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 8 Prayer 2 – “For love of Him I have forfeited everything.” In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the theme of identification with Christ. They delve into St. Paul’s words about forfeiting everything for the excelling knowledge of Christ and sharing in his suffering. The retreat’s purpose is to become more like Christ and be so united with him that his life becomes ours, and the importance of studying Jesus and imitating him, not just externally, but by opening our hearts to his presence and listening to his word.
The realism of Christianity in facing life’s challenges but also the courage and strength found in surrendering to God’s will, which enables one to sing praises even in difficult circumstances and letting the life of Christ inform their daily lives, standing firm with courage and bravery in a world that needs strong Christian witness.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 8 Prayer 2”:
“It seems to me that all is loss since I have known the excelling knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. For love of Him I have forfeited everything. I have accounted all else rubbish that I may gain Christ. What I want is to know Him, to share in His sufferings, to become like Him in His death. I pursue my course striving to attain what He has destined me for by taking hold of me. My whole concern is to forget what is behind and to strain forward constantly to what is ahead. I run straight to the goal, to the vocation to which God has called me in Christ Jesus.” That is: I want only to be identified with Him: “Mihi vivere Christus est,” “Christ is my life!”
All the intensity of St. Paul’s soul is poured out in these lines. The object of this retreat is to make us more like our adored Master, and even more, to become so one with Him that we may say: “I live no longer I, but He lives in me. And the life that I now live in this body of death, I live in the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Oh! Let us study this divine Model: His knowledge, the Apostle tells us, is so “excelling.”
And when He first came into the world what did He say? “You no longer delight in holocausts; so I have assumed a body and I come, O God, to do Your will.” During the thirty-three years of His life this will became so completely His daily bread, that at the moment of handing over His soul into His Father’s hands, He could say to Him: “All is accomplished,” yes, all Your desires, all have been realized, that is why “I have glorified You on earth.” When Jesus Christ spoke to His apostles of this food which they did not know, He explained to them “that it was to do the will of Him who sent Me.” Also He could say: “I am never alone. He who sent Me is always with Me because I do always the things that are pleasing to Him.” Let us lovingly eat this bread of the will of God. If sometimes His will is more crucifying, we can doubtless say with our adored Master: “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by,” but we will add immediately: “Yet not as I will, but as You will”; and in strength and serenity, with the divine Crucified, we will also climb our calvary singing in the depths of our hearts and raising a hymn of thanksgiving to the Father. For those who march on this way of sorrows are those “whom He foreknew and predestined to be conformed to the image of His divine Son,” the One crucified by 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. 158-160). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Identification with Christ: How does St. Paul’s fervent desire to know Christ and share in his suffering resonate with your own spiritual journey? 2. Surrendering to the Father’s Will: Reflect on the idea of surrendering to the Father’s will with love and obedience, even in the face of suffering. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God’s plan for your life? 3. Studying Jesus: In what ways can you deepen your study and imitation of Jesus in your daily life? How can you open your heart more fully to his presence and listen attentively to his word? 4. Concrete Application: Consider how you can make the concept of identification with Christ more concrete in your life. How can you embody Christ’s love and courage in your relationships and daily interactions? 5. Standing Firm in Faith: Reflect on the call to stand firm in faith, especially in the midst of challenges and cultural pressures. How can you be a strong witness to Christ’s life in a world that needs it more than ever?
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 BTP16 – Heaven In Faith: Day 8 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 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 14 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 7 Prayer 2 – “Be holy for I am holy” Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the second prayer in the seventh day of Heaven and Faith. The prayer focuses on the purifying and transforming dimensions of contemplation, and how the prayer emphasizes the importance of remaining lovingly turned towards God to reflect His image.
They delve into the concept of inner integrity and the formation of the soul’s likeness to God through contemplation, as well as the significance of prayer in realizing holiness and the universal call to holiness proclaimed by the Church. Reflecting on the teachings of mystics such as Elizabeth of the Trinity and St. John of the Cross, reminding listeners of the deep desires of God’s heart for humanity.
Dr. Lilles shares a personal story about his grandmother’s experience of prayer and hope in the face of physical suffering, illustrating the transformative power of contemplative prayer.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 7 Prayer 2”:
Second prayer: “Be holy for I am holy.” It is the Lord who speaks. “Whatever may be our way of life or the clothing we wear, each of us must be the holy one of God.” Who then is “the most holy”? “The one who is most loving, who gazes longest on God and who most fully satisfies the desires of His gaze.” How do we satisfy the desires of God’s gaze but by remaining “simply and lovingly” turned towards Him so that He may reflect His own image as the sun is reflected through a pure crystal.“Let us make man in our own image and likeness”: such was the great desire in the Heart of our God. “Without the likeness which comes from grace, eternal damnation awaits us. When God sees that we are prepared to receive His grace, His generous goodness is ready to give us the gift that will give us His likeness. Our aptitude for receiving His grace depends on the inner integrity with which we move towards Him.” And then God, “bringing us His gifts,” can “give Himself, imprint on us His likeness, forgive and free us.”
“The highest perfection in this life,” says a pious author, “consists in remaining so closely united to God that the soul with all its faculties and its powers is recollected in God,” “that its affections united in the joy of love find rest only in possession of the Creator. The image of God imprinted in the soul is formed by reason, memory, and will. As long as these faculties do not bear the perfect image of God, they do not resemble Him as on the day of creation. The form of the soul is God who must imprint Himself there like the seal on wax, like the stamp on its object. Now this is not fully realized unless the intellect is completely enlightened by knowledge of God, the will captivated by love of the supreme good, and the memory fully absorbed in contemplation and enjoyment of eternal happiness.” “And as the glory of the blessed is nothing else than the perfect possession of this state, it is obvious that the initial possession of these blessings constitutes perfection in this life.” To “realize this ideal” we must “keep recollected within ourselves,” “remain silently in God’s presence,” “while the soul immerses itself, expands, becomes enkindled and melts in Him, with an unlimited fullness.
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. 104-105). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Purifying and Transforming Dimensions of Contemplation: How does the concept of inner integrity play a role in the formation of the soul’s likeness to God through contemplation? 2. The Universal Call to Holiness: Reflect on the Church’s proclamation of the universal call to holiness. How does this call intersect with the teachings on contemplative prayer discussed in the episode? 3. God’s Deep Desires: Consider the notion of God’s deep desires for humanity as discussed in the episode. How does this understanding influence your perception of prayer and your relationship with God? 4. The Transformative Power of Contemplative Prayer: Reflect on Dr. Lilles’ personal story about his grandmother’s experience of prayer and hope amidst physical suffering. How does this story illustrate the transformative power of contemplative prayer in the midst of adversity? 5. Making Prayer a Priority: Evaluate the importance of making prayer a priority in your daily life. How can you ensure that prayer remains central amidst the distractions and busyness of the world? 6. Hope and Trust in God: Discuss the connection between contemplative prayer and hope in God. How does prayer strengthen your trust in God’s love and providence, especially in challenging circumstances?
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 BTP14 – Heaven In Faith: Day 7 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 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 12 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 6 Prayer 2 – “If your eye is single, your whole body will be full of light”In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore the concept of simplicity in prayer and faith, focusing on the teachings of Elizabeth of the Trinity. They discuss how simplicity in prayer leads to a purifying and illuminating effect on one’s faith, drawing from Jesus’s teachings on blessedness and purity of heart.
The importance of trust in God and the need to prioritize contemplative prayer in one’s life. Take caution against relying on techniques or methods that may detract from the essence of Christian prayer, advocating instead for a simplicity that is rooted in devotion, attention to God, and obedience to His word.
Faith, grounded in simplicity and openness to God’s love, leads to the experience of eternal life both in the present and in the future.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 6, Prayer 2”:
“If your eye is single, your whole body will be full of light.” What is this single eye of which the Master speaks but this “simplicity of intention” which “gathers into unity all the scattered forces of the soul and unites the spirit itself to God. It is simplicity which gives God honor and praise; it is simplicity which presents and offers the virtues to Him. Then, penetrating and permeating itself, permeating and penetrating all creatures, it finds God in its depths. It is the principle and end of virtues, their splendor and their glory. I call simplicity of intention that which seeks only God and refers all things to Him.” “This is what places man in the presence of God; it is simplicity that gives him light and courage; it is simplicity that empties and frees the soul from all fear today and on the day of judgement.” “It is the interior slope” and “the fountain of the whole spiritual life.” “It crushes evil nature under foot, it gives peace, it imposes silence on the useless noises within us.” It is simplicity that “hourly increases our divine likeness. And then, without the aid of intermediaries, it is simplicity again that will transport us into the depths where God dwells and will give us the repose of the abyss. The inheritance which eternity has prepared for us will be given us by simplicity. All the life of the spirits, all their virtue, consists—with the divine likeness—in simplicity, and their final rest is spent on the heights in simplicity also.” “And according to the measure of its love, each spirit possesses a more or less profound search for God in its own depths.” The simple soul, “rising by virtue of its interior gaze, enters into itself and contemplates in its own abyss the sanctuary where it is touched” by the touch of the Holy Trinity. Thus it has penetrated into its depths “to the very foundation which is the gate of life eternal.”
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. 102-103). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding Simplicity in Prayer: How does the discussion on simplicity in prayer deepen your understanding of its significance in the spiritual life? 2. Trusting God in Prayer: Reflect on the notion of trust in God emphasized in the podcast. How can you cultivate greater trust in God in your own prayer life? 3. Prioritizing Contemplative Prayer: Consider the importance of making contemplative prayer a priority in your daily life, as discussed in the episode. How can you adjust your schedule to prioritize silent prayer before God? 4. Discerning Prayer Techniques: Evaluate your approach to prayer techniques or methods. Are there any practices you engage in that may detract from the simplicity and essence of Christian prayer? How can you align your prayer practices more closely with the principles discussed in the podcast? 5. Obedience and Faith: Reflect on the relationship between obedience and faith discussed in the episode. How can you deepen your obedience to God’s word in your daily life, allowing it to transform your existence? 6. Eternal Life in the Present: Consider the concept of eternal life as discussed in the podcast. How does the realization that eternal life begins in the present impact your perspective on your spiritual journey?
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 BTP12 – Heaven In Faith: Day 6 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 11 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 6 Prayer 1 – “To Approach God, We Must Believe”In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the importance of faith in prayer and the true nature of encountering God. They reflect on the writings of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, particularly focusing on the disposition required to receive the Eucharist and the essence of living faith.
Faith is not about achieving a certain psychological state or feeling good, but rather it is about communion with God. Regardless of whether one feels God’s presence or not, faith connects the soul with the substance of God himself. Faith allows access to God, transcending any technique or method. While techniques like the Jesus prayer or the rosary are beneficial, they are secondary to the access to God through faith.
The Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus, highlights that faith is a gift that ignites a deep desire for God in the soul. This desire for God surpasses any human effort or technique. Faith is also seen as a journey guided by love, leading believers into the heart of the Father.
Encountering God in prayer is encountering a person, not just an abstract idea or feeling. This encounter fills every void and stands behind all jubilation. It is described as a dance where believers learn the steps through techniques but ultimately surrender to God’s lead, allowing His presence to pierce their hearts.
We are reminded of the centrality of faith in prayer, emphasizing a trust-filled relationship with Jesus as the key to experiencing God’s exceeding love.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 6 Prayer 1”:
“To approach God we must believe.” Thus speaks St. Paul. He also says, “Faith is the substance of things to be hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” That is “faith makes so present and so certain future goods, that by it, they take on existence in our soul and subsist there before we have fruition of them.” St. John of the Cross says that it serves as “feet” to go “to God,” and that it is “possession in an obscure manner.” “It alone can give us true light” concerning Him whom we love, and our soul must “choose it as the means to reach blessed union.” “It pours out in torrents in the depths of our being all spiritual goods. Christ, speaking to the Samaritan woman, indicated faith when He promised to all those who would believe in Him that He would give them ‘a fountain of water springing up unto life everlasting.’” “Thus even in this life faith gives us God, covered, it is true, with a veil but nonetheless God Himself.” “When that which is perfect comes,” that is, clear vision, then “that which is imperfect,” in other words, knowledge given through faith, “will receive all its perfection.”
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. 101). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding Faith in Prayer: How do the speakers define faith in prayer, according to the teachings of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity? 2. The Gift of Encounter: Reflect on the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus. What does this story teach about the gift of faith and its role in deepening our relationship with God? 3. Faith as a Journey Guided by Love: Discuss the concept of faith as a journey guided by love. How does this perspective reshape our understanding of prayer and our relationship with God? 4. Encountering God as a Person: What does it mean to encounter God as a person in prayer, as opposed to simply seeking a certain psychological state or feeling? How does this perspective transform our approach to prayer? 5. The Dance of Prayer: Explore the metaphor of prayer as a dance, where believers learn steps through techniques but ultimately surrender to God’s lead. How can we apply this metaphor to our own prayer lives? 6. Trusting in God’s Love: Reflect on the importance of trusting in God’s love, even in the midst of challenges or uncertainties. How can we deepen our trust in God’s love through prayer and daily life? 7. Applying the Lessons to Our Prayer Lives: How can we integrate the insights from this episode into our personal prayer lives? What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper, more trusting 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 BTP11 – Heaven In Faith: Day 6 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.
Episode 4 “Heaven in Faith” Day 2 Prayer 2 – “Hurry and Come Down”This episode with Dr. Anthony Lillis and Kris McGregor discussing the second prayer of the second day from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s retreat, “Heaven in Faith.” Dr. Lillis, an expert on Carmelite spirituality, emphasizes the importance of silence and contemplative prayer, drawing insights from St. Elizabeth’s reflections to guide listeners into a deeper spiritual journey.
St. Elizabeth of the TrinityDr. Lillis explains that the retreat encourages participants to find a phrase or sentence in the reflections that resonates with them, suggesting that this is a way God communicates personally. He emphasizes the need for solitude and interior reflection, moving away from external distractions to focus on God’s presence within the soul.
The discussion delves into the concept of humility and self-acceptance in the context of spiritual growth, highlighting the need to confront and surrender one’s inner brokenness and resistance to God. Dr. Lillis underscores the transformative power of God’s love, which purifies and refines the soul, likening this process to fire that burns away all impurities.
Moreover, Dr. Lillis connects this inner transformation with the sacramental life of the Church, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation, which provide grace and strength to overcome spiritual obstacles. He also highlights the importance of encountering Christ in various aspects of life, including the marginalized and the poor, as a means of deepening one’s relationship with God.
Overall, the episode offers a profound exploration of Carmelite spirituality, emphasizing the journey toward deeper union with God through prayer, self-examination, and the embrace of divine love.
Day 2 Second Prayer
“Hurry and come down, for I must stay in your house today.” The Master unceasingly repeats this word to our soul which He once addressed to Zacchaeus. “Hurry and come down.” But what is this descent that He demands of us except an entering more deeply into our interior abyss? This act is not “an external separation from external things,” but a “solitude of spirit,” a detachment from all that is not God.
“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. This 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.”
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). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Personal Encounter with God: In what ways do I consciously make space to encounter God in my daily life? How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence within me? 2. Silence and Solitude: How do I integrate silence and solitude into my spiritual practice? What challenges do I face in doing so, and how can I overcome them? 3. Contemplative Prayer: Reflect on your experience with contemplative prayer. How does it differ from your other prayer experiences? What fruits have you noticed from engaging in contemplative prayer? 4. Self-acceptance and Humility: How do I deal with my own brokenness and limitations in my spiritual journey? In what ways can I practice true humility, acknowledging my dependence on God’s grace? 5. Divine Love: Reflect on the concept of God’s purifying love as fire. How have you experienced this transformative love in your life? Are there areas in your life that you are hesitant to surrender to this purifying love? 6. Sacramental Life: How do the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, influence my spiritual life? What graces have I received from regular participation in these sacraments? 7. Scriptural Engagement: How does Scripture inform and nourish my spiritual life? Can I identify a passage or story that has particularly moved me or challenged me recently? 8. Love in Action: How am I called to see Christ in others, especially the marginalized or those in need? What concrete actions can I take to respond to this call? 9. Interior Examination: In the context of an ‘examine’ of consciousness, what interior movements or inclinations have I noticed in myself? How do they align or conflict with my desire to grow closer to God? 10. Spiritual Companionship: Who are my spiritual companions on this journey, and how do they support my growth? How can I be a better companion to others in their spiritual journey?
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 BTP4 Heaven In Faith: Day 2 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 3 “Heaven in Faith” Day 2 Prayer 1 – “The Kingdom of God is Within You”This episode with Dr. Anthony Lillis and Kris McGregor delves into the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, focusing on Retreat 2, Prayer 1 of her “Heaven in Faith” retreat. Dr. Lillis, an expert in Carmelite spirituality and theological contemplation, emphasizes the central theme that our hearts are meant to be a heaven where God resides, a reality made possible by grace and baptism. This retreat, initially penned for St. Elizabeth’s sister, invites believers to recognize and nurture God’s dwelling presence within, transforming it into the guiding force of their lives through faith renewal and the sacraments.
St. Elizabeth’s writings illuminate the concept that the Kingdom of God is internal, a profound insight shared with St. John of the Cross, who believed that in the soul’s substance, where worldly and evil influences cannot reach, God imparts Himself, making every movement divine. This inner sanctuary, untouched by external forces, becomes the focal point for spiritual growth and intimacy with God, achievable through love, which binds the soul to its Creator. The more intense this love, the deeper the soul’s entry into God, culminating in a unity that transforms the individual into a reflection of the divine.
Dr. Lillis further explores the barriers modern individuals face in accessing this inner realm, notably the distractions and superficialities fueled by technology and material pursuits. He argues that neglecting the soul’s deeper needs can lead to spiritual emptiness or the pursuit of harmful or superficial remedies. Drawing parallels with the experiences of Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, he stresses the primacy of grace and the transformative power of prayer in attaining spiritual fulfillment. Christian contemplation, unlike other forms of mysticism, is characterized by its interpersonal nature, focusing on a relationship with Jesus Christ rather than seeking emotional or intellectual experiences.
This episode not only revisits the timeless wisdom of Carmelite saints but also addresses contemporary spiritual challenges, advocating for a deeper, love-filled pursuit of God within the soul’s sanctuary.
Day 3 First Prayer
“The kingdom of God is within you.” Awhile ago God invited us to “remain in Him,” to live spiritually in His glorious heritage, and now He reveals to us that we do not have to go out of ourselves to find Him: “The kingdom of God is within”! . . . St. John of the Cross says that “it is in the substance of the soul where neither the devil nor the world can reach” that God gives Himself to it; then “all its movements are divine, and although they are from God they also belong to the soul, because God works them in it and with it.”
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 “possesses 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 center. There it will be transformed to the point of becoming very like God.” To this soul living within can be addressed the words of Père Lacordaire to St. Mary Magdalene: “No longer ask for the Master among those on earth or in Heaven, for He is your soul and your soul is He.”
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. 95-96). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding the Presence of God Within: How do you perceive the idea that our hearts are meant to be a heaven where God dwells? Reflect on your personal experiences of recognizing God’s presence within you. 2. The Role of Grace in Spiritual Growth: Dr. Lillis emphasizes the primacy of grace over personal effort in growing closer to God. How have you experienced the role of grace in your spiritual journey? Can you identify moments when grace, rather than your own efforts, led to spiritual growth or transformation? 3. Barriers to Interiority: The modern world presents numerous distractions that can lead us away from exploring our interior life. What are some barriers you face in seeking interiority and a deeper relationship with God? How can you address these barriers in your daily life? 4. The Impact of Love on Spiritual Depth: St. Elizabeth and St. John of the Cross highlight love as the force that unites us with God, deepening our entry into Him. Reflect on how love has been a pathway to encountering God more deeply within your soul. What practices help you to grow in love for God and others? 5. Contemplative Prayer vs. New Age Mysticism: The episode makes a distinction between Christian contemplation, which is interpersonal and focused on Jesus, and other forms of mysticism that seek emotional or intellectual experiences. How does this distinction influence your understanding of prayer and spiritual life? 6. The Call to Interior Prayer: Reflect on the statement that the kingdom of God is within you. How does this truth affect your approach to prayer and daily living? Do you find it challenging to turn inward to meet Jesus in prayer? Why or why not? 7. Overcoming Spiritual Distractions: In an age of technology and constant activity, how can you cultivate silence and stillness to listen to God’s voice within? What practical steps can you take to minimize distractions in your prayer life? 8. Encountering Jesus in the Depths of the Soul: Dr. Lillis discusses encountering Jesus even in the absence of emotional or intellectual consolations. Have you ever experienced a sense of God’s presence that transcended feelings or thoughts? How does this experience influence your faith and prayer life? 9. The Journey to the Deepest Center: St. Elizabeth speaks of penetrating into the deepest center of the soul through perfect love. What do you think this journey entails for you personally? How can you more fully open your heart to God’s love? 10. Faith and the Interior Life: Finally, consider the role of faith in accessing the realities of God’s love and presence within us, as mentioned by Dr. Lillis. How does faith guide you to seek and find Jesus in the depths of your soul, beyond what is felt or seen?
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 1 Beginning to Pray: "Heaven in Faith" Day 1 Prayer 1 - "Remain in Me"
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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).
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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."
The post BTP#3 Beginning to Pray w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles: Heaven In Faith Day 2 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
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"!
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- "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."
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Episode 7 Beginning to Pray: "Heaven in Faith" Day 4 Prayer 1 - "Our God, wrote St. Paul, is a consuming Fire"
From "Heaven in Faith: Day 4 Prayer 1" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
- "Dues ignis consumens," Our God, wrote St. Paul, is a consuming Fire, that is a "a fire of love" which destroys, which "transforms into itself everything that it touches." "The delights of the divine enkindling 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 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."
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- But to attain to this love the soul must first be "entirely surrendered, its "will must be calmly lost in God's will; so that its "inclinations," "its faculties" "move only in this love and for the sake of this love. I do every with love, I suffer everything with love: this is what David meant when he sang, 'I will keep all my strength for You.'"
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From "Heaven in Faith: Day 5 Prayer 1" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
- Behold, I stand at the door and knock, If any man listens to My voice and opens the door to Me, I ell come in to him and sup with him, and he with Me." Blessed the ears of the soul alert enough, recollected enough to hear the voice of the Word of God; blessed also the eyes of this soul which in the light of a deep and living faith can witness the "coming of the Master into His intimate sanctuary.'"
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"Heaven in Faith" Day 5 Prayer 2 - "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 this 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 our ourselves are capable of giving."
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Episode 11 Beginning to Pray: "Heaven in Faith" Day 6 Prayer 1 - "To approach God we must believe"
- "We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us." That is our great act of faith, the way to repay our God love for love; it is "the mystery hidden" in the Father's heart, of which St. Paul speaks, which, at last, we penetrate and our whole soul thrills!"
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From "Heaven in Faith: Day 6 Prayer 2" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
- ...What is this single eye of which the Master speaks but this "simplicity of intention" which "gathers into unity all the scattered forces of the soul and unites the spirit itself to God. It is simplicity which gives God honor and praise; it is simplicity which presents and offers the virtues to Him. Then, penetrating and permeating itself, permeating and penetrating all creatures, it finds God in its depths.
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Episode 13 Beginning to Pray: "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.
- "Our created essence asks to be rejoined with its principle", The Word, "the Splendor of the Father, is the eternal archtype 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."
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From "Heaven in Faith: Day 7 Prayer 2" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
24..."When God sees that we are prepared to receive His grace, His generous goodness is ready to give us the gift that will give us His likeness. Our aptitude for receiving His grace depends on the inner integrity with which we move towards Him." And then God, "bringing us His gifts," can "give Himself, imprint on us His likeness, forgive, and free us."
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From "Heaven in Faith: Day 8 Prayer 1" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
- 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."
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Episode 16 Beginning to Pray: "Heaven in Faith" Day 8 Prayer 2- "It seems to me that all is loss since I have known the excelling knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ..."
From "Heaven in Faith: Day 8 Prayer 2" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
- Let us lovingly eat this bread of the will of God. If sometimes His will is more crucifying, we can doubtless say with our adored Master: "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by," but we will add immediately: "Yet not as I will, but as You will"; and in strength and serenity, with the divine Crucified, we will also climb our calvary singing in the depths of our hearts and raising a hymn of thanksgiving to the Father.
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From "Heaven in Faith: Day 8 Prayer 2" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
- "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."
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From "Heaven in Faith: Day 9 Prayer 2" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
- "If anyone should affirm to me that to find the bottom of the abyss is to be immersed in humility, I would not contradict him. However, it seems to me that to be plunged into humility is to be plunged into God, for God is the bottom of the abyss. This is why humility, like charity, is always capable of increasing."
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From "Heaven in Faith: Day 10 Prayer 1" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
- "It seems to me that the attitude of the Virgin during the months that elapsed between the Annunciation and the Nativity is the model for interior souls, those whom God has chosen to live within, in the depths of the bottomless abyss. In what peace, in what recollection Mary lent herself to everything she did! How even the most trivial things were divinized by her! For through it all the Virgin remained the adorer of the gift of God! This did not prevent her from spending herself outwardly when it was a matter of charity"
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From "Heaven in Faith: Day 10 Prayer 2" found in The Complete Works vol 1:
- ...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 will 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? LAUDEM GLORIAE"
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