Podbean Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts
St. Ephrem of Syria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson Born: 306 AD, Nisibis, Turkey * Died*: June 9, 373 AD, Edessa, Turkey
Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss the life and contributions of St. Ephraim, who was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. This recognition was part of an effort to appreciate the Eastern churches and celebrate their spiritual and ecclesiastical heritage. St. Ephraim, known as the “Harp of the Holy Spirit,” is notable for his hymns and poetry, which served both as theological teaching tools and defenses against heresies such as Arianism.
St. Ephraim was born around 306 in what is now modern Turkey and died in 373. He was a prolific writer, composing up to 3 million lines of poetry and 400 hymns. His hymns focused on themes like creation, the Eucharist, and Mary, and were used to counter heretical teachings through memorable and orthodox lyrics. His work established a tradition of integrating hymns and poetry into Christian liturgy, deeply influencing subsequent church practices.
Despite not being ordained a priest, Ephraim had a significant impact as a deacon, poet, and teacher. His practical life included serving his community during famines and plagues, and his hymns and writings provided deep theological insights. Pope Benedict XVI highlighted Ephraim’s ability to combine poetry and theology, making his teachings a part of the Christian prayer life.
The importance of liturgical music that is both beautiful and theologically rich, following Ephraim’s model. It suggests that modern hymn composers should strive to create music that is not only pleasant but also profound in its theological content. St. Ephraim’s life and work serve as a powerful example for today’s Christians to use their gifts in service to God and the church.
For more on St. Ephrem and his teachings* St. Ephraim the Syrian (306-373) * Nisibene Hymns – Miscellaneous Hymns * On the Nativity of Christ in the Flesh * For the Feast of the Epiphany * On the Faith (“The Pearl”) * On Our Lord, On Admonition and Repentance * On the Sinful Woman
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. St. Ephraim’s Influence: How does St. Ephraim’s integration of poetry and theology inspire you to use your unique talents in service to God and the Church? 2. Liturgical Importance: Why is it essential for hymns and liturgical music to be both beautiful and theologically rich? 3. Serving with Humility: In what ways can you follow St. Ephraim’s example of humility and service in your own community? 4. Facing Heresies: How can we use creative arts today to defend and teach the faith, as St. Ephraim did against Arianism? 5. Legacy of Faith: What can we learn from St. Ephraim’s dedication to catechizing and deepening the faith of his community, and how can we apply this in contemporary settings? 6. Multifaceted Contributions: Reflect on the significance of St. Ephraim’s contributions as a poet, teacher, and deacon. How can you utilize all your gifts to serve God? 7. The Role of Hymns: Consider the role of hymns in your personal spiritual life. How do they help you deepen your faith and understanding of God? 8. Evangelization through Music: How can we better integrate the theological depth of hymns in our efforts towards the new evangelization? 9. Historical Context: Reflect on the historical context of St. Ephraim’s life. How did the challenges he faced shape his ministry, and what lessons can we draw from this for our own times? 10. Living the Faith: How does St. Ephraim’s commitment to living out his faith through service and hymnody challenge you to embody your beliefs in everyday actions?
From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2007:
“The figure of Ephrem is still absolutely timely for the life of the various Christian Churches. We discover him in the first place as a theologian who reflects poetically, on the basis of Holy Scripture, on the mystery of man’s redemption brought about by Christ, the Word of God incarnate. His is a theological reflection expressed in images and symbols taken from nature, daily life and the Bible. Ephrem gives his poetry and liturgical hymns a didactic and catechetical character: they are theological hymns yet at the same time suitable for recitation or liturgical song. On the occasion of liturgical feasts, Ephrem made use of these hymns to spread Church doctrine. Time has proven them to be an extremely effective catechetical instrument for the Christian community.
Ephrem’s reflection on the theme of God the Creator is important: nothing in creation is isolated and the world, next to Sacred Scripture, is a Bible of God. By using his freedom wrongly, man upsets the cosmic order. The role of women was important to Ephrem. The way he spoke of them was always inspired with sensitivity and respect: the dwelling place of Jesus in Mary’s womb greatly increased women’s dignity. Ephrem held that just as there is no Redemption without Jesus, there is no Incarnation without Mary. The divine and human dimensions of the mystery of our redemption can already be found in Ephrem’s texts; poetically and with fundamentally scriptural images, he anticipated the theological background and in some way the very language of the great Christological definitions of the fifth-century Councils.
Ephrem, honoured by Christian tradition with the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit”, remained a deacon of the Church throughout his life. It was a crucial and emblematic decision: he was a deacon, a servant, in his liturgical ministry, and more radically, in his love for Christ, whose praises he sang in an unparalleled way, and also in his love for his brethren, whom he introduced with rare skill to the knowledge of divine Revelation.”
For more visit Vatican.va
For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and a senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints, and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books, including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia, and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
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A Brief Reflection on Prudence – St. Joseph and His World with Mike AquilinaMike Aquilina and Kris McGregor reflect on St. Joseph as a model of prudence, describing him as a man whose prayerful reflection naturally led to decisive action. Prudence is often misunderstood as hesitation or fearfulness, when in fact it involves seeing reality clearly, seeking God’s perspective, and responding faithfully to circumstances. Through examples such as Joseph’s response to Mary’s pregnancy and the flight into Egypt, it presents Joseph as someone deeply rooted in faith, capable of making difficult decisions with humility, courage, and trust in God.
They also exploresthe enduring devotion to St. Joseph throughout Christian history and in Aquilina’s own life. Aquilina recounts personal experiences of his family’s devotion to Joseph and discusses how reverence for him flourished particularly in Latin America and French Canada. Drawing connections between the Old Testament Joseph and St. Joseph of Nazareth, it shows Joseph’s role as protector, father, and faithful servant within salvation history.
You can find the book on which this series is based here.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. How does St. Joseph’s example challenge the way I make important decisions in my daily life? 2. In what ways can prayer and silence help me recognize God’s guidance more clearly? 3. How can I practice prudence by acting faithfully instead of remaining stuck in fear or hesitation? 4. What role does examination of conscience play in helping me see myself and others truthfully? 5. How do I respond when unexpected circumstances disrupt my plans or sense of security? 6. What can I learn from St. Joseph’s quiet faithfulness in ordinary work and family life? 7. How does devotion to St. Joseph deepen my trust in God’s providence and protection? 8. In what ways can the Holy Family serve as a model for peace and unity within my own relationships? 9. How can I become more attentive to God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life? 10. What areas of my life require greater trust, obedience, and courage before God?
About the Book
He is a man of many titles. Head of the Holy Family. Spouse of the Blessed Virgin. Guardian of Our Lord. Terror of Demons.
Though he is only briefly mentioned in the Bible, and never once has a quote attributed to him. St. Joseph is likely the best-known “silent” character in all of history, but theologians have spent centuries contemplating him.
In St. Joseph and His World, author Mike Aquilina skillfully paints a portrait of St. Joseph by contrasting him with someone who affected his life in many ways—King Herod the Great.
Aquilina invites readers into the life of St. Joseph—an heir of David with quiet beginnings, anticipating the promised Messiah. Conversely, he reveals Herod for who he was–a sociopathic warlord, prone to wicked jealousy and paranoia.
Drawing on modern and archaeological texts, Aquilina sheds light on a remarkable number of mysteries in the life of this revered saint. Was Joseph the decrepit old man he is often depicted as in art? Did the residents of Nazareth expect the Messiah to be one of their own? What did Joseph’s education and job training entail? Why would he contemplate divorcing Mary after the angel Gabriel’s visit? Was the flight to Egypt meticulously executed, or hastily carried out? What did the Holy Family do during the memorable trip to Jerusalem when Jesus was found in the Temple?
Josephologists across the centuries have contemplated the life and character of the Angelic Man. In this definitive work, Mike Aquilina takes the brilliantly uncomplicated approach that, by familiarizing ourselves with St. Joseph’s world: his hometown, his trade, and his faith, we can draw closer to him and ultimately, draw closer to Christ.
About the AuthorMike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the Eternal Word Television Network and is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio.
For more episodes in this series visit – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina page.
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Fr. John Burns – Lift Up Your Heart on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregorFr. John Burns discusses his book, Lift Up Your Heart: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Francis de Sales. The book brings St. Francis de Sales’ practical and profound wisdom to modern readers, guiding them through a structured retreat based on the saint’s classic Introduction to the Devout Life. Fr. Burns explains how the meditations are designed to help busy laypeople integrate faith into their daily lives using St. Francis’ method of creating a “spiritual bouquet” by carrying small graces from prayer into everyday tasks, making holiness accessible and actionable.
There’s relevance in St. Francis’ guidance for today’s world, where distractions and busyness often overshadow spiritual growth. Fr. Burns shares his hope that the book will inspire readers to embrace meditative prayer and daily choices for holiness. He suggests it as a tool for individual reflection or group study, particularly in programs like RCIA. By following this approach, readers can move closer to a vibrant, prayerful relationship with God and prepare their hearts for eternal life.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. How can you incorporate St. Francis de Sales’ teachings into your busy daily life to grow in holiness? 2. What intentional steps can you take each day to prioritize your relationship with God and move toward heaven? 3. How can you carry the fruits of your prayer throughout your day to maintain a connection with God amid distractions? 4. How does reflecting on the ultimate goal of heaven shape your daily decisions and priorities? 5. In what ways can you ensure your prayer life influences your actions, making your entire day a hymn of praise to God? 6. What areas of your life need transformation, and how can you invite God to guide that conversion? 7. How can St. Francis’ practical advice about distractions help you persist in prayer despite challenges? 8. How can viewing St. Francis de Sales as a spiritual director enhance your spiritual journey? 9. How can you create space for deeper reflection and meditation amidst the busyness of life? 10. What choices can you make today to live more intentionally for God and embrace His love?
You can find the book hereFrom the book description
This practical book goes right to the heart of helping you kick the habit of floating along on your spiritual journey to start actively pursuing holiness and devotion to God. During the course of the retreat, you ll learn the basics of forming a daily prayer routine, including how to offer yourself to God, meditate on his love, and maintain peace in the face of suffering and clarity in the midst of temptation.
The meditations will help you:
- Adopt gratitude as a daily prayer practice.
- Examine and reorder your priorities and relationships to better reflect your love for God.
- Discern between good and evil in your life.
- Desire to love and serve as Jesus did.
In a very real sense, Burns helps you take St. Francis de Sales as your spiritual director for ten days. As you do so, you’ll feel God’s fatherly love and restart your faith life, equipped with the tools to connect with God and live for heaven now.
About the AuthorFr. John Burns is a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He is the author of the bestselling books Adore: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation, Return: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation, and Lift Up Your Heart: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Francis de Sales. Ordained in 2010, Burns has served as an associate pastor and pastor in Milwaukee in addition to being an adjunct professor of moral theology at the Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology. He completed a doctorate in moral theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome in 2019. His doctoral research focused on the theology of healing through forgiveness.
Burns speaks at conferences, preaches for missions, and directs retreats throughout the country. He works extensively with the Sisters of Life and St. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, and has given retreats, conferences, and spiritual direction for the sisters in Africa, Europe, and the United States.
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St. Anthony of the Desert Novena – Day 3Day 3
From the Sayings of St. Anthony of the Desert:
“When the demons see Christians, specially the monks, working joyfully and growing in the spirit, first they fight them with temptation, and by placing obstacles to hinder their growth, trying to inject evil thoughts in their minds; but there is no reason for fear from their temptations because their offenses fail instantly by prayer and fasting, especially if you have had armed yourself with faith and the sign of the cross.”
Dear God,
St Anthony of the Desert accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things.
He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works.
In the Sign of the Cross, he triumphed over the devil.
Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
St Anthony, great and powerful saint, intercede for us also for this special request (mention your request).
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen
St. Anthony of the Desert, pray for us.
The sayings of St. Anthony us, as translated by the late Sr Benedicta Ward SLG , are taken from her The Sayings of the Desert Fathers:The post St. Anthony of the Desert Novena – Day 3 – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
St. Anthony of the Desert Novena – Day 2
Day 2
From the Sayings of St. Anthony of the Desert:
Someone asked Abba Anthony, “What must one do in order to please God?” The old man replied, “Pay attention to what I tell you: whoever you may be, always have God before your eyes, whatever you do, do it according to the testimony of the holy Scriptures; in whatever place you live, do not easily leave it. Keep these three precepts and you will be saved.”
Dear God,
St Anthony of the Desert accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things.
He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works.
In the Sign of the Cross, he triumphed over the devil.
Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
St Anthony, great and powerful saint, intercede for us also for this special request (mention your request).
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen
St. Anthony of the Desert, pray for us.
The sayings of St. Anthony us, as translated by the late Sr Benedicta Ward SLG , are taken from her The Sayings of the Desert FathersThe post St. Anthony of the Desert Novena – Day 2 – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
St. Anthony of the Desert Novena – Day 1Day 1
From the Sayings of St. Anthony of the Desert:
When the holy Abba Anthony lived in the desert he was beset by acedia (lack of care, sloth), and attacked by many sinful thoughts. He said to God, “Lord, I want to be saved but these thoughts do not leave me alone; what shall I do in my affliction? How can I be saved?” A short while afterward, when he got up to go out, Anthony saw a man like himself sitting at his work, getting up from his work to pray, then sitting down again and plaiting a rope, then getting up again to pray. It was an angel of the Lord sent to correct and reassure him. He heard the angel saying to him, “Do this and you will be saved.” At these words, Anthony was filled with joy and courage. He did this, and he was saved.
Dear God,
St Anthony of the Desert accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things.
He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works.
In the Sign of the Cross, he triumphed over the devil.
Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
St Anthony, great and powerful saint, intercede for us also for this special request (mention your request).
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen
St. Anthony of the Desert, pray for us.
The sayings of St. Anthony us, as translated by the late Sr Benedicta Ward SLG , are taken from her The Sayings of the Desert FathersThe post St. Anthony of the Desert Novena – Day 1 – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
How Can You Be the Light of Christ? -The Epiphany – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John EsseffMsgr. John Esseff reflects on the significance of the Epiphany, a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. He begins by reflecting on the beauty of the stars and their symbolism as a guide. The Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, represented by the three kings who followed a star to find Jesus and offer gifts, fulfilling ancient prophecies.
Jesus’ birth was not only for the Jews but for all nations. This universal aspect of Jesus’ mission is highlighted by the fact that the Magi were from different nations. Msgr. Esseff relates this story to the present, asking listeners to consider how Jesus is manifested in today’s world. He suggests that each individual has the potential to reveal Christ to others through their actions and words.
Msgr. Esseff includes personal anecdotes and reflections on how various individuals, including saints and ordinary people, have radiated the light of Christ in their lives. He encourages us to be a “star” in our communities, radiating the light and love of Jesus through their actions and interactions. It’s a call for all of us to manifest Christ in their daily lives, shining as lights to the nations and continuing the work of the Epiphany in the modern world.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. How can you actively demonstrate Christ’s teachings and love through your actions and interactions with others? 2. How does the story of the Epiphany, with the three kings and the star, deepen your understanding of God’s universal love and plan for salvation? 3. Who in your life has been a “radiant star,” guiding you closer to Jesus? Reflect on how their example has influenced your faith journey. 4. What specific actions can you take in your community or circle of influence to be a source of Christ’s light and love to others? 5. Have you experienced any moments of epiphany in your own spiritual journey where Christ was particularly revealed to you?
Reading 1 IS 60:1-6
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.
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Holy Family Sunday – Honoring Mother and FatherMsgr. John Esseff reflects on the need for healing mother and father wounds, a topic that resonates with many. With his deep spiritual insight and experience, he reflects on the complex dynamics of family life and the crucial roles of understanding and forgiveness.
Through intricacies of parental relationships and the profound impact of fatherhood, Msgr. Esseff shares personal narratives that illustrate the journey of reconciling with parental figures and the transformative power of forgiveness, and how these familial relationships significantly influence our spiritual and emotional growth.
Central to the reflection is the healing from mother and father wounds, the emotional scars left by strained or absent parental relationships and how the path to healing these deep-seated wounds. We are encouraged to explore forgiveness, not just as a religious act, but as a vital step towards inner peace and spiritual maturity.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. 1. Understanding Parental Influence: Reflect on how your relationship with your parents has shaped your faith and personal beliefs. What positive lessons have you learned, and what challenges have you faced? 2. Healing and Forgiveness: Consider any wounds or unresolved issues you may have with your parents. How can you approach these with a spirit of forgiveness and understanding, as guided by Catholic teachings? 3. Role of Fathers in Faith: How has the role of your father or father figures impacted your spiritual life? Reflect on the importance of fatherhood in the Catholic faith. 4. Caring for Aging Parents: Reflect on the commandment to honor your father and mother. How does this apply to caring for aging parents in today’s world, and how can you balance this responsibility with other duties? 5. Embracing Love and Understanding: How can you better incorporate the virtues of love, patience, and understanding in your family relationships, as modeled by the Holy Family? 6. Personal Transformation through Forgiveness: Share a personal experience where forgiveness led to healing and transformation in your family or community. 7. Spiritual Growth through Family Dynamics: In what ways have your family experiences contributed to your spiritual growth? How can you use these experiences to deepen your faith? 8. Impact of Absent Parents: If applicable, reflect on the impact of an absent parent in your life. How has this shaped your understanding of God as a Father? 9. Prayer and Family Life: How can prayer strengthen your family relationships? Consider developing a prayer routine that includes praying for and with family members. 10. Role Modeling and Legacy: What legacy do you wish to leave for your children or future generations in terms of faith and family values?
Reading 1 SIR 3:2-6, 12-14
God sets a father in honor over his children;
a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.
Whoever honors his father atones for sins,
and preserves himself from them.
When he prays, he is heard;
he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,
and, when he prays, is heard.
Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;
he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.My son, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not all the days of his life;
kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
firmly planted against the debt of your sins
—a house raised in justice to you.
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta and encountered St. Padre Pio, who became a spiritual father to him. Msgr. Esseff has lived in various parts of the world, working in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to spread the Good News, especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff continues his service as a retreat leader and director for bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders worldwide.
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Fr. John Horgan – His Angels At Our Side on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregorIn this special episode of Inside the Pages, Kris McGregor interviews the late Fr. John Horgan about his book His Angels at Our Side: Understanding Their Power in Our Souls and in the World. Focusing on the role of angels in the spiritual life, Fr. Horgan explains how they guide, protect, and inspire us.
It’s important for us to understand angels as spiritual beings who reflect the majesty of God rather than projecting our human traits onto them. Fr. Horgan discusses the relationship between humans and their guardian angels, noting that these angels are given by God to guide and protect every soul, not just the baptized. He advises against naming angels, as their names and missions come directly from God.
Angels are models of prayer and adoration, constantly gazing upon God. They can teach us how to deepen our relationship with God, especially through prayer, obedience, and silence. While angels don’t usually communicate with us through mystical experiences, they offer daily guidance and inspiration; encouraging a spirit of openness to the guardian angel’s influence through prayer and attentiveness to their subtle promptings.
They also cover the role of angels in the Mass, where they worship alongside us, and how we can invite them into our prayer life, especially during the Eucharistic Prayer. Fr. Horgan explains that angels help us align our wills with God’s and overcome temptations, and reflects on the angels’ relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary and their role in leading us closer to her and her perfect acceptance of God’s will.
You can find the book here.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding the Nature of Angels
How does reflecting on the nature of angels as reflections of God’s majesty help you deepen your understanding of their role in your life?
2. Adoration and Prayer
In what ways can the angels’ perfect adoration of God inspire you to include more acts of adoration in your own prayer life?
3. Relationship with Guardian Angels
How can you cultivate a more conscious relationship with your guardian angel to better respond to their guidance and protection?
4. Obedience and God’s Will
What can the obedience of angels teach you about accepting God’s will in your daily life, even when it challenges your own desires?
5. Role of Angels in the Mass
How does considering the presence of angels during Mass change your approach to the liturgy and deepen your reverence for the Eucharistic celebration?
6. Silence and Spiritual Growth
How can the silence that angels lead you into help you create more space for God in your heart amid the noise of the world?
7. The Battle Against Evil
What steps can you take to better recognize the influence of evil in your life and rely more on the guidance of the angels in resisting temptation?
8. Angels and the Blessed Virgin Mary
How does reflecting on the angels’ relationship with Mary inspire you to model her obedience and openness to God’s plan?
9. Angelic Assistance in Daily Life
What are some practical ways you can invite your guardian angel to assist you in your interactions with others and in your daily tasks?
10. Angels in the Spiritual Journey
How can a deeper understanding of the angels’ mission enhance your spiritual growth and help you in your journey toward heaven?
From the book description
Meet the mighty spirits sent by God to enlighten and guide us, defend us from harm, and lead us on the path to eternal life. Learn how angels are invisibly present at every moment of your life, and how they can pray with you and for you, amplifying your praise by reflecting it directly to God face-to-face.
Angels do not form a separate universe they are an integral part of our own world sent forth for the sake of our salvation. They are pure spirits who communicate to us God’s grace, His goodness, and His truth.
In these pages, Fr. Horgan unveils the surprising role of the angels in our lives and what you must do to gain their help. You’ll learn how to imitate the angels in prayer and how they offer you the enlightenment and the encouragement God so desperately wants to give you. By praying with the angels, you will be strengthened for what lies ahead, better able to discern and do the Lord’s will in all your actions. You ll also learn:
- Why the Church teaches that the angels were created at the time of creation
- The responsibilities of the angels at every Mass
- The key difference between spirits and angels
- Seven habits you must develop to grow closer to God through His angels
- The difference between Archangel Gabriel’s apparitions to Mary and Zechariah
- How St. Joseph can expose you to the inspirations of the angels
- The difference in the way humans and angels think
- How you can imitate the warrior nature of the angels
- The three ways you must respond to your angel’s guardianship
- The five roles that every angel takes in their service for the Lord
- The surprising ways in which angelic warfare is carried out
About the AuthorFather John G. Horgan was a priest of the Archdiocese of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, and the pastor of St Pius X Parish. A native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, he graduated from Harvard, as well as the Angelicum in Rome, before being ordained by St. John Paul II in 1986. He lectured and consulted on questions of moral theology and healthcare ethics in Canada and the United States. Fr. Horgan had a life-long interest in the Angels and Saints and was credentialed through the Vatican’s special training course for those involved in the process of “saint-making” in 1997. He served as a vice-postulator for the cause of Blessed Marie of Jesus Deluil-Martiny and has advised on several other causes. Fr. Horgan was involved with EWTN, the Eternal Word Global Television Network, since the early 1990s; he made several appearances with Mother Angelica, and has filmed two television series. He entered into eternal rest in October of 2022.
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St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John EsseffMsgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the spirituality and life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower.” Msgr. Esseff reflects on the humble, childlike simplicity and profound love that characterized St. Thérèse’s life. Although she lived a hidden existence in a Carmelite convent and died at the age of 24, she transformed everyday moments into acts of sacrificial love for God, even embracing small annoyances and difficult people as opportunities for spiritual growth.
Her life challenges modern notions of success, showing that prayer, humility, and love for others can lead to spiritual greatness. St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” of love and trust in God has inspired countless people, and she is recognized as a patroness of missions, despite never leaving her convent. Msgr. Esseff shares personal stories of her intercession and the miraculous signs people receive, such as roses, when invoking her in prayer.
Childlike innocence, humility, and prayer are important in the Christian life. St. Thérèse’s example is presented as a model for living with love, simplicity, and faith in God’s hidden work, encouraging us to embrace prayer and spiritual intercession in our lives.
Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions1. The Value of Hiddenness in Spiritual Life
How can I embrace the hidden and ordinary moments of my life as opportunities to grow in love and holiness, following St. Thérèse’s example?
2. Transforming Annoyances into Love
Am I willing to see everyday frustrations and difficult relationships as occasions for offering sacrificial love to God?
3. Childlike Simplicity and Trust
Do I approach God with the trust, humility, and simplicity of a child, as Jesus teaches in the Gospel?
4. Prayer and Intercession in My Life
How can I deepen my reliance on prayer and the intercession of the saints and angels in my daily challenges and decisions?
5. Defining True Success and Attractiveness
Do I seek recognition and approval from the world, or do I strive to cultivate inner beauty and virtue through humility and love for others?
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.
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Letter 335 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony LillesDr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss one of St. Elizabeth’s final letters, written to Sister Marie-Odile on October 28th, 1906. This letter, known as Letter 335, holds a deep spiritual significance as it was penned just days before Elizabeth’s death.
Centering on the themes of spiritual communion, the transformative power of God’s love, and the mystical relationship between heaven and earth; Elizabeth, aware of her approaching death, speaks with profound love and joy, expressing her commitment to continue praying for and guiding Sister Marie-Odile, even after her passing. Describing her mission in heaven as helping souls detach from themselves and cling to God through simple, loving movements, she reminds us of the importance of entering into the silence where God can transform the soul.
Reflecting on Elizabeth’s message of embracing God’s love even in the face of death, drawing parallels to Pope Francis’ exhortation on holiness, and the eucharistic nature of spiritual transformation, they discuss the fear of death that many experience, contrasting it with the audacity of grace that allows believers to face death with courage. Elizabeth’s letters are seen as a testament to her deepening union with God, especially as she approached her final moments, turning her death into a powerful act of love and glorification of God.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding Spiritual Friendship: How does the deep spiritual friendship between Elizabeth of the Trinity and Sister Marie O’Dell challenge our own approach to nurturing relationships rooted in faith? 2. Embracing the Mystery of Death: How can Elizabeth’s peaceful acceptance of her impending death inspire us to confront our own fears about mortality with faith and trust in God? 3. The Power of Prayer: In what ways can we deepen our prayer life to experience the same transformative union with God that Elizabeth describes in her letters? 4. The Role of Silence in Spiritual Growth: How can we cultivate a fruitful silence in our lives that allows God to speak to and transform our hearts? 5. Living a Eucharistic Life: How does Elizabeth’s understanding of transformation through the Eucharist challenge us to offer ourselves more fully to God in our daily lives? 6. Holiness in Everyday Life: How can we apply Elizabeth’s example of living by love and embracing the cross to our own daily struggles and responsibilities? 7. Intercession and Communion of Saints: How can we grow in our understanding of the communion of saints and the power of intercession in our spiritual journey?
Letter 335
To Sister Marie-Odile
[October 28, 1906]
Our God is a consuming FireBefore flying away to Heaven, dear little Sister Marie-Odile, I want to send you a little note from my soul, for I am anxious for you to know that in the Father’s House I will pray especially for you. I am keeping a rendez-vous with you in the Furnace of love; my eternity will be spent there, and you can begin it already here on earth. Dear Sister, I will be jealous for the beauty of your soul, for, as you know, my little heart loves you very much, and when one loves, one desires the best for the beloved. I think that in Heaven my mission will be to draw souls by helping them go out of themselves to cling to God by a wholly simple and loving movement, and to keep them in this great silence within that will allow God to communicate Himself to them and transform them into Himself. Dear little sister of my soul, it seems to me I now see everything in God’s light, and if I started my life over again, oh, I would wish not to waste one instant! He does not allow us, His brides in Carmel, to devote ourselves to anything but love, but the divine, and if by chance, in the radiance of His Light, I see you leave that sole occupation, I will come very quickly to call you to order; you would want that, wouldn’t you?
Pray for me, help me prepare for the wedding feast of the Lamb. Death entails a great deal of suffering, and I am counting on you to help me. In return, I will come to help you at your death. My Master urges me on, He speaks to me of nothing but the eternity of love. It is so grave, so serious; I wish to live each moment fully. A Dieu, I don’t have the strength or the permission to write at length, but you know Saint Paul’s words: “Our conversation is in Heaven.” Beloved little sister, let us live by love so we may die of love and glorify the God Who is all Love.
“Laudem gloriae,”
October 28, 1906.
Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 360-361). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
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 BTP-L14 – Letter 335 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Letter 269 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony LillesDr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss a poignant letter written by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity to her sister, during a period when Elizabeth knew her death was near. Elizabeth, suffering from Addison’s disease, had hoped to die on Good Friday in imitation of Christ, but instead experienced a temporary healing that allowed her to continue her spiritual work. This period saw the creation of her most significant writings.
Elizabeth’s letter reflects deep spiritual insights and her acceptance of God’s will. She shares a profound vision of the Holy Trinity, describing how each Person of the Trinity interacts with and transforms the soul. The Father protects and empowers, the Son imprints divine beauty, and the Holy Spirit creates a musical harmony within the soul. She speaks of a unity of love that transcends earthly life, expressing a desire to be her sister’s angel after death and to continue their spiritual bond. This reflects the Catholic doctrine of the communion of saints, where those who have passed continue to intercede and care for the living.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding the Trinity’s Role in Our Lives: How does Elizabeth of the Trinity’s description of each Person of the Holy Trinity deepen your understanding of their role in your spiritual life? 2. Surrender and Trust: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper surrender to God’s will, as Elizabeth did, especially in times of suffering and uncertainty? 3. Communion of Saints: How does Elizabeth’s view of the communion of saints inspire you to think differently about your connection with loved ones who have passed away? 4. Power of Silence and Prayer: What steps can you take to incorporate more silence and prayer into your daily routine to better experience God’s presence? 5. Experiencing God’s Love: Reflect on a time when you felt the overshadowing protection or empowering love of God, as described by Elizabeth, and how did it transform your perspective? 6. Unity and Love: How can you foster a greater sense of unity and love within your family or community, inspired by Elizabeth’s devotion to her sister and her vision of love within the Trinity? 7. Devotion to the Holy Trinity: What practical ways can you adopt Elizabeth’s devotion to the Holy Trinity in your personal spiritual practices? 8. Impact of Suffering: How can Elizabeth’s acceptance and understanding of her suffering help you reframe your own experiences of pain and hardship in light of God’s plan?
L 269To her sister[a toward the end of April 1906]“Having loved those who were His own in the world,
He loved them to the end.”Darling little sister,
I don’t know if the hour has come to pass from this world to my Father, for I am much better and the little saint of Beaune seems to want to cure me. But, you see, at times it seems to me that the Divine Eagle wants to swoop down on His little prey and carry her off to where He is: into dazzling light! You have always put your Sabeth’s happiness before your own, and I am sure that if I fly away, you will rejoice over my first meeting with Divine Beauty. When the veil is lifted, how happy I will be to disappear into the secret of His Face, and that is where I will spend my eternity, in the bosom of the Trinity that was already my dwelling place here below. Just think, my Guite! to contemplate in His light the splendors of the Divine Being, to search into all the depths of His mystery, to become one with Him whom we love, to sing unceasingly of His glory and His love, to be like Him because we see Him as He is! . . .
Little sister, I would be happy to go up above to be your Angel. How jealous I would be for the beauty of your soul that I have loved so much already here on earth! I leave you my devotion for the Three, to “Love.” Live within with Them in the heaven of your soul; the Father will overshadow you, placing something like a cloud between you and the things of this earth to keep you all His, He will communicate His power to you so you can love Him with a love as strong as death; the Word will imprint in your soul, as in a crystal, the image of His own beauty, so you may be pure with His purity, luminous with His light; the Holy Spirit will transform you into a mysterious lyre, which, in silence, beneath His divine touch, will produce a magnificent canticle to Love; then you will be “the praise of His glory” I dreamed of being on earth. You will take my place; I will be “Laudem Gloriae” before the throne of the Lamb, and you, “Laudem Gloriae” in the center of your soul; we will always be united, little sister. Always believe in Love. If you have to suffer, think that you are even more loved, and always sing in thanksgiving. He is so jealous for the beauty of your soul. . . . That is all He has in view. Teach the little ones to live in the sight of the Master. I would love for Sabeth to have my devotion to the Three. I will be at their first Communions, I will help you prepare them. Pray for me; I have offended my Master more than you think; but above all thank Him; say a Gloria every day. Forgive me for having often given you a bad example.
A Dieu, little sister, how I love you. . . . Perhaps I will go soon to be lost in the Furnace of love; whether in Heaven or on earth, we must live in Love to glorify Love!
Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 264-265). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
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 BTP-L13 – Letter 269 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Letter 224 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony LillesDr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss a letter from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity on the challenging subject of death and how true spirituality must address it. Elizabeth’s reflections offer comfort and guidance to Madame Angels, who is facing an operation and fears death.
Elizabeth encourages her friend to trust in God and abandon her fears. She reassures her that death is merely a transition to eternal life and emphasizes God’s mercy and love. Elizabeth’s profound insights show us that fear does not come from God, who is the Prince of Peace, and she advises turning to God in times of fear and anxiety. She advises in making room for God in our lives through small acts of renunciation and focusing on love. By increasing God’s presence in our soul every day, we gain confidence to face His infinite holiness.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding Death in Spirituality: How does St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s view of death challenge or deepen your understanding of spirituality? 2. Embracing Suffering and Fear: How can you apply Elizabeth’s counsel on fear and suffering to your own life’s challenges? 3. Confidence in God’s Mercy: What practical steps can you take to increase your confidence in God’s immense love and mercy? 4. Renunciation and Space for God: In what ways can you practice renunciation to create more space for God in your daily life? 5. Living by Love: How does Elizabeth’s teaching on living by love despite failures influence your approach to personal holiness? 6. Union with God’s Will: What actions can you take to align your will more closely with God’s will, as described by Elizabeth? 7. Role of Peace in Spiritual Growth: How does Elizabeth’s emphasis on peace as a pathway to God impact your spiritual practices and mindset? 8. Impact of External Influences: How do external influences distract you from focusing on Jesus, and how can you counteract them? 9. Facing Life’s Final Journey: Reflect on Elizabeth’s serene depiction of death; how does this perspective shape your view of the end of life? 10. Role of Spiritual Exercises: What spiritual exercises can you adopt to help increase God’s presence in your soul every day?
L 224
To Madame Angels
[a little before March 8, 1905]J. M. + J. T.
“Abandonment is the delicious fruit of love”
Very dear Madame,
Before entering the great silence of Lent, our Reverend Mother is allowing me to tell you how much my dear community and I are praying for you. I can understand what apprehensions you must feel in facing an operation; I am asking God to ease them, to calm them Himself. The holy Apostle Paul says that “He works all things according to the counsel of His will,” thus we must receive everything as coming directly from that divine hand of our Father who loves us and who, through all trials, pursues His goal, “to unite us more closely to Himself.” Dear Madame, launch your soul on the waves of confidence and abandonment, and remember that anything that troubles it or throws it into fear does not come from God, for He is the Prince of Peace and He promises that peace “to those of good will.” When you are afraid you have abused His graces, as you say, that is the time to redouble your confidence, for, as the Apostle says, “where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more,” and farther on, “I boast of my weaknesses, for then the power of Jesus Christ dwells in me.” “Our God is rich in mercy because of His immense love.” So do not fear the hour we must all pass through. Death, dear Madame, is the sleep of the child resting on the heart of its mother. At last the night of exile will have fled forever, and we will enter into possession of the inheritance of the saints in light. Saint John of the Cross says we will be judged in love. That corresponds well with the thinking of Our Lord, who said to Mary Magdalene: “Many sins have been forgiven her because she has loved much.” I often think I will have a very long purgatory, for much will be asked of the one who has received much and He has been so overwhelmingly generous to His little bride, but she abandons herself to His love and sings the hymn of His mercies while still on earth! Dear Madame, if we made God increase in our soul every day, think what confidence that would give us to appear one day before His infinite holiness! I think you have found the secret and that it is indeed that we arrive at this divine goal through renunciation: by that means we die to self in order to leave all the room to God. Do you remember that beautiful passage from the Gospel according to Saint John where Our Lord says to Nicodemus: “Truly I say to you, if one is not born anew, one cannot see the kingdom of God”? Let us therefore renew ourselves in the interior of our soul, “let us strip off the old and clothe ourselves anew, in the image of Him who created him” (Saint Paul). That is done gently and simply, by separating ourselves from all that is not God. Then the soul no longer has any fears or desires, its will is entirely lost in the will of God, and since this is what creates union, it can cry out: “I live no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” Let us pray much for each other during this holy time of Lent; let us retire to the desert with our Master and ask Him to teach us to live by His life.
I saw Mama, Marguerite, and her dear little Sabeth; it was the last parlor visit until Easter, they find that very long. I know Marie-Louise is also expecting a little angel and I recommend her particularly to God. Remember me to your dear ones. I am writing a little note in reply to Monsieur le Chanoine2 and, as a poor Carmelite, I am being so bold as to entrust it to you to deliver to him whenever you have a chance; I hope that is not being indiscreet. A Dieu, dear Madame, courage and confidence, I kiss you as I love you.
Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 192-194). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
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 BTP-L12 – Letter 224 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Letter 214, Pt. 2 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony LillesDr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore the misconception that spiritual experiences must always feel comforting or consoling and address the deeper, often challenging experiences of divine encounters, emphasizing that God’s presence can be felt even in suffering and discomfort, using Letter 214 from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. In this letter, St. Elizabeth encourages her seminarian friend to embrace humility and the spirit of sacrifice, associating these virtues with the passion of Christ.
Dr. Lilles explains that while God does console, He also uses different forms of comfort to draw believers into a deeper relationship with Him, sometimes through suffering. This idea is crucial for understanding St. Elizabeth’s writings, where she speaks about a love for suffering not for its own sake but as a means of union with Christ’s salvific work.
This path requires trust in God’s plan and a willingness to be vulnerable. True spiritual humility and suffering are not about self-aggrandizement or seeking pain but about offering oneself out of love for God and others. This approach leads to a deeper communion with Christ, transforming personal suffering into a source of grace and solidarity with the suffering of others.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. The Nature of Consolation in Prayer: How do we discern authentic consolations from God in our prayer life, especially when they do not come in expected forms? 2. Embracing Suffering with Christ: What does it mean to love suffering in union with Christ, and how can we offer our own suffering for the salvation of others? 3. The Role of Humility and Sacrifice: How do humility and the spirit of sacrifice enhance our spiritual journey and deepen our relationship with God? 4. The Precious Blood of Christ: Why is the devotion to the Precious Blood of Christ significant, and how does it transform our understanding of redemption and suffering? 5. Holy Communion and Solidarity: How does receiving Holy Communion draw us into deeper solidarity with the suffering and marginalized? 6. Trusting in God’s Love: How can we deepen our trust in God’s love and providence, especially during times of suffering and trial? 7. Responding to God’s Gift of Self: In what practical ways can we respond to God’s gift of Himself by living a life of self-giving love?
Letter 214
To Abbé Chevignard
[November 29, 1904]J. M. + J. T.
“Providebam Dominum in conspectu meo semper; quoniam a dextris est mihi, ne commovear.”
Monsieur l’Abbé,
I am very grateful to you for your feastday wishes, and I am very happy the Church has placed our saints so close to each other, because that gives me the chance to offer you my best wishes today. Saint Augustine says that “love, forgetful of its own dignity, is eager to raise and magnify the beloved: it has only one measure, which is to be without measure.” I am asking God to fill you with that measure without measure, which is to say, according to the “riches of His glory,” that the weight of His love may draw you to the point of happy loss the Apostle spoke of when he wrote “Vivo enim jam non ego, vivit vero in me Christus.” That is the dream of my Carmelite soul and, I believe, also the dream of your priestly soul. Above all it is the dream of Christ, and I ask Him to accomplish it fully in our souls. Let us be for Him, in a way, another humanity in which He may renew His whole Mystery. I have asked Him to make His home in me as Adorer, as Healer, and as Savior, and I cannot tell you what peace it gives my soul to think that He makes up for my weaknesses and, if I fall at every passing moment, He is there to help me up again and carry me farther into Himself, into the depths of that divine essence where we already live by grace and where I would like to bury myself so deeply that nothing could make me leave. My soul meets yours there and, in unison with yours, I keep silent to adore Him who has loved us so divinely.
I unite myself to you in the emotions and profound joys of your soul as you await ordination and beg you to let me share in this grace with you: each morning I am reciting the Hour of Terce for you so the Spirit of love and light may “come upon” you to bring about all His creative work in you. If you would like, when you recite the Divine Office we could unite in the same prayer during this Hour that I have a particular devotion to. We will breathe in love11a and draw it down on our souls and on the whole Church.
You tell me to pray that you may be granted humility and the spirit of sacrifice. In the evening, while making the Way of the Cross before Matins, at every outpouring of the Precious Blood I used to ask for this grace for my own soul; from now on it will also be for yours. Don’t you believe that, to achieve the annihilation, contempt of self, and love of suffering that were deep in the souls of the saints, we must gaze for a very long time at the God crucified by love, to receive an outflowing of His power through continual contact with Him? Père Vallée once said to us that “martyrdom was the response of any lofty soul to the Crucified.” It seems to me that this could also be said for immolation. So let us be sacrificial souls, which is to say, true in our love: “He loved me, He gave Himself up for me!” A Dieu, Monsieur l’Abbé. Let us live by love, by adoration, by self-forgetfulness, in wholly joyful and confident peace, for “we are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s”! . . .
Sister M. Elizabeth of the Trinity r.c.i.
On the 8th, we are going to give our Immaculate Mother and Queen a beautiful feast day in our souls; I will meet you under her virginal mantle.”
Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 179-180). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
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 BTP-L11 – Letter 214 pt. 2 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Letter 214, Pt. 1 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony LillesDr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, specifically focusing on a letter she wrote on November 29, 1904, to Father Chaveyard, who was preparing for his ordination. They reflect on Elizabeth’s deep contemplative prayer life and her message of entering into a profound intimacy with God. Elizabeth encourages Father Chaveyard to embrace humility and sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of love without measure. She views prayer as a means of deeper solidarity with loved ones and the broader church community.
Dr. Lilles explains that Elizabeth’s spirituality involves being completely surrendered to God’s will, which enables Christ’s mystery to be renewed in us. This renewal is characterized by adoration, healing, and salvation. The conversation highlights Elizabeth’s emphasis on living a life of love that mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love, and how this love leads to a transformative experience of God’s presence.
They also touch on the idea that Christian life involves a continuous process of dying to oneself to live in Christ. Despite human weaknesses and failures, Elizabeth’s writings convey a sense of peace and confidence in God’s power to work through these shortcomings.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. The Gift of Contemplative Prayer: How can we integrate the contemplative prayer practiced by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity into our daily lives to deepen our intimacy with God? 2. Encouragement in Vocational Challenges: In what ways can we support and encourage those in our community who are preparing for or are currently in ministry, especially during times of turmoil? 3. Solidarity Through Prayer: How does St. Elizabeth’s understanding of prayer as a means of deeper solidarity with loved ones inspire us to pray more earnestly for our families and friends? 4. Love Without Measure: Reflect on how we can love others without measure, as Christ loved us, and identify any areas in our lives where we might be placing limits on our love. 5. Transformation Through Baptism: How does recognizing that “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” influence our daily actions and decisions? 6. Christ’s Healing Work in Us: In what ways can we become more open and vulnerable to Christ’s healing work in our lives, especially in moments of weakness and failure? 7. Surrender to Divine Mystery: How can we grow in our ability to surrender to God’s will and trust in His plan for us, even when it involves suffering or sacrifice? 8. Role of Prayer in Overcoming Weakness: What steps can we take to maintain peace and confidence in God’s work within us, particularly when faced with our own shortcomings and failures? 9. Support in Spiritual Formation: How can we help others in their spiritual formation and journey towards deeper intimacy with Christ, drawing from St. Elizabeth’s teachings and example? 10. The Mystery of Christ in Us: Reflect on the significance of being called to participate in Christ’s saving mystery and how this calling can transform our understanding of our own life’s purpose and mission.
Letter 214[November 29, 1904]
J. M. + J. T.
“Providebam Dominum in conspectu meo semper; quoniam a dextris est mihi, ne commovear.”
Monsieur l’Abbé,
I am very grateful to you for your feastday wishes, and I am very happy the Church has placed our saints so close to each other, because that gives me the chance to offer you my best wishes today. Saint Augustine says that “love, forgetful of its own dignity, is eager to raise and magnify the beloved: it has only one measure, which is to be without measure.” I am asking God to fill you with that measure without measure, which is to say, according to the “riches of His glory,” that the weight of His love may draw you to the point of happy loss the Apostle spoke of when he wrote “Vivo enim jam non ego, vivit vero in me Christus.” That is the dream of my Carmelite soul and, I believe, also the dream of your priestly soul. Above all it is the dream of Christ, and I ask Him to accomplish it fully in our souls. Let us be for Him, in a way, another humanity in which He may renew His whole Mystery. I have asked Him to make His home in me as Adorer, as Healer, and as Savior, and I cannot tell you what peace it gives my soul to think that He makes up for my weaknesses and, if I fall at every passing moment, He is there to help me up again and carry me farther into Himself, into the depths of that divine essence where we already live by grace and where I would like to bury myself so deeply that nothing could make me leave. My soul meets yours there and, in unison with yours, I keep silent to adore Him who has loved us so divinely.
I unite myself to you in the emotions and profound joys of your soul as you await ordination and beg you to let me share in this grace with you: each morning I am reciting the Hour of Terce for you so the Spirit of love and light may “come upon” you to bring about all His creative work in you. If you would like, when you recite the Divine Office we could unite in the same prayer during this Hour that I have a particular devotion to. We will breathe in love11a and draw it down on our souls and on the whole Church.
You tell me to pray that you may be granted humility and the spirit of sacrifice. In the evening, while making the Way of the Cross before Matins, at every outpouring of the Precious Blood I used to ask for this grace for my own soul; from now on it will also be for yours. Don’t you believe that, to achieve the annihilation, contempt of self, and love of suffering that were deep in the souls of the saints, we must gaze for a very long time at the God crucified by love, to receive an outflowing of His power through continual contact with Him? Père Vallée once said to us that “martyrdom was the response of any lofty soul to the Crucified.” It seems to me that this could also be said for immolation. So let us be sacrificial souls, which is to say, true in our love: “He loved me, He gave Himself up for me!” A Dieu, Monsieur l’Abbé. Let us live by love, by adoration, by self-forgetfulness, in wholly joyful and confident peace, for “we are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s”! . . .
Sister M. Elizabeth of the Trinity r.c.i.
On the 8th, we are going to give our Immaculate Mother and Queen a beautiful feast day in our souls; I will meet you under her virginal mantle.”
Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 179-180). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
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 BTP-L10 – Letter 214 pt. 1 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Letter 185 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony LillesDr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss a significant letter from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, written on November 28, 1903, to her brother-in-law. At this point, St. Elizabeth has been in the Carmelite order for about two years, emerging from a difficult postulancy and undergoing intense spiritual trials.
The discussion highlights how St. Elizabeth is influenced by the writings of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. John of the Cross, which profoundly shape her spiritual journey. St. Thérèse’s “Story of a Soul” deeply impacts Elizabeth, offering guidance and support during her dark night of the soul. Elizabeth integrates Thérèse’s teachings, particularly the “little way” of spiritual childhood, into her own spiritual practice, finding solace and strength in these principles.
St. John of the Cross also significantly influences Elizabeth, especially his doctrines on the dark night and the indwelling of the Trinity. Elizabeth quotes his teachings, emphasizing the transformative power of the Trinity’s presence within the soul. She views her spiritual trials as a path to deeper mystical union with God, embracing the vulnerability and surrender required to navigate this dark night.
The letter reflects Elizabeth’s profound contemplative insights as she describes her mystical experiences and aspirations. She expresses a desire to respond to God’s love by living in profound unity with the Trinity, akin to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s example of pondering divine mysteries in her heart. Elizabeth’s reflections underscore the importance of spiritual reading, prayer, and the guidance of saints in her spiritual formation.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Elizabeth’s Spiritual Growth and Suffering: Reflect on how Elizabeth’s trials during her postulancy deepened her faith and led to a greater spiritual maturity. 2. Influence of St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Consider how reading “The Story of a Soul” influenced Elizabeth’s spirituality and helped her navigate her own dark night. 3. Role of Spiritual Reading: How can spiritual reading, like Elizabeth’s engagement with St. Thérèse and St. John of the Cross, aid in our own spiritual formation and growth? 4. Dark Night of the Spirit: What lessons can we learn from Elizabeth’s perseverance and faith during her dark night, and how can we apply these lessons to our own spiritual trials? 5. Mystery of the Trinity: Reflect on Elizabeth’s profound understanding of the indwelling of the Trinity and how this mystery can become a source of strength and transformation in our own lives. 6. Mary as a Model: How can we, like Elizabeth, look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model for pondering and accepting the mysteries of God in our hearts? 7. Vocation and the Trinity: In what ways does Elizabeth’s vocation as a Carmelite nun illustrate the universal call to live within the love of the Holy Trinity? 8. Living Out Our Faith: How does Elizabeth’s determination to live out her faith in every circumstance challenge and inspire us to do the same in our own lives? 9. Communion with the Trinity: How can we foster a deeper communion with the Trinity in our daily lives, following Elizabeth’s example of contemplation and prayer? 10. Spiritual Solidarity: Reflect on Elizabeth’s prayers and intentions for her correspondents, and how we too can support and uplift others through our own spiritual practices.
Letter 185
[November 28, 1903]
Dijon Carmel,
November 28J. M. + J. T.
“Ipsi sum desponsata cui Angeli serviunt.” Monsieur l’Abbé, Thank you for your good prayers, thank you for your letter. What you tell me about my name does me much good; I love it so much, it expresses my entire vocation; when I think of it my soul is carried away in the great vision of the Mystery of mysteries, in the Trinity that even here below is our cloister, our dwelling, the Infinite within which we can pass through everything. At the moment I am reading some very beautiful pages in our blessed Father Saint John of the Cross on the transformation of the soul in the three Divine Persons. Monsieur l’Abbé, to what an abyss of glory we are called! Oh! I understand the silence, the recollection of the saints who could no longer leave their contemplation; thus God could lead them to the divine summits where union is made perfect between Him and the soul who has become His bride, in the mystical sense of the word. Our blessed Father says that then the Holy Spirit raises it to so wonderful a height that He makes it capable of producing in God the same spiration of love that the Father produces in the Son and the Son in the Father, the spiration that is the Holy Spirit Himself ! To think that God calls us by our vocation to live in this holy light! What an adorable mystery of charity! I would like to respond to it by living on earth as the Blessed Virgin did, “keeping all these things in my heart,”6 burying myself, so to speak, in the depths of my soul to lose myself in the Trinity who dwells in it in order to transform me into itself. Then my motto, “my luminous ideal,” as you said, will be accomplished: it will really be Elizabeth of the Trinity! . . .
I am very grateful to you for having sent me your instruction; it can apply to a Carmelite as well as to a priest, and I loved reading it on the 21st, the day we had the beautiful ceremony of the renewal of our holy vows. You see how perfectly it suited the occasion!
Monday I will say the Office of Saint Andrew for you, and I will offer Holy Communion for that same intention. May you be submerged, invaded by the great river of Life, may you feel the springs of living water well up from the deepest part of your soul, so that God may be your All. I have entrusted this desire you formed in my soul into the hands of her who was so completely God’s “thing,” and she will speak to you in the silence of your soul. With you, I remain wholly adoring the Mystery.
Sr. M. Eliz. of the Trinity r.c.i.
The death of Monsieur Chapuis grieved me deeply: to think God has loved so much and that some souls close themselves off to the action of this love. . . .
Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 135-137). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
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 BTP-L9 – Letter 185 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
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Letter 184 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony LillesDr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor delve into the letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, during a fruitful and transformative period of her life. This period, from 1903 until her death in 1906, marks her religious profession and an intense intimacy with Christ, during which she composed her major works and many significant letters.
The profound personal and spiritual insights found in Elizabeth’s letters, particularly her reflections on heaven, the Eucharist, and divine intimacy reveal her deep spiritual experiences and thoughts, especially when writing to priests, close friends, and spiritual companions.
One highlighted letter, written on November 24, 1903, to Madame S., illustrates Elizabeth’s vision of heaven as a place where we are completely loved by God. She describes heaven as our true homeland where infinite love awaits us. This intimate union with God, Elizabeth argues, can be experienced even now through faith, prayer, and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
Touching on the value of letter writing in spiritual life, contrasting it with today’s brief, text-oriented communication, letters, like those of Elizabeth, serve both to communicate personal experiences and to deepen one’s own spiritual understanding.
Elizabeth’s selective sharing of her inner life, her devotion to mental prayer, and her trust in Jesus’ continual presence and transformative power are key themes. Dr. Lilles and McGregor explore how her faith in God’s love, even amid suffering, offers a model for finding purpose and healing in modern, often broken, human relationships.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Personal Spiritual Growth: How can I incorporate more reflective and meaningful letter writing into my spiritual practice, following the example of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity? 2. Intimacy with Christ: In what ways can I deepen my personal relationship with Christ to experience a greater intimacy and love similar to St. Elizabeth’s? 3. Value of Solitude: How can I create more moments of silence and solitude in my life to foster a deeper union with God? 4. Faith in Difficult Times: How can I maintain and strengthen my faith in God’s presence during times when I feel spiritually dry or distant from Him? 5. Witness of the Saints: How can the lives and writings of the saints, particularly St. Elizabeth, inspire and guide me in my own spiritual journey? 6. Healing through Prayer: How can I use mental prayer as a means to heal from past hurts and alienation, and grow closer to God? 7. Living Heaven on Earth: How can I strive to live out the heavenly love and union with God in my everyday life, as St. Elizabeth describes? 8. Embracing Sacrifices: What beautiful but lesser goods might I need to renounce to fully embrace the love and grace of God in my life? 9. Understanding Divine Love: How can I better understand and accept that my true fulfillment comes from being loved by God and loving Him in return? 10. Prayer Discipline: What specific practices can I adopt to persevere in prayer and deepen my faith, especially when I feel nothing is happening?
Letter 184
[November 24, 1903]
Dijon Carmel,
November 24J. M. +J. T.
“My Beloved is all mine and I am all His!”2 Madame and dear sister, I was very touched by your good wishes. I, for my part, celebrated your feast day, too, since Saint Elizabeth is your patron,3 for it does us much good to look into the soul of saints and then to follow them through faith right up to Heaven; there, they are all luminous with the light of God, whom they contemplate face to face for all eternity! . . . This Heaven of the saints is our homeland, the “Father’s House”4 where we are awaited, where we are loved, where one day we too will be able to fly and rest in the bosom of Infinite Love!
When we consider the divine world that envelops us already here in our exile and in which we can move, oh, then things here below disappear: all of that doesn’t exist, it is less than nothing. The saints, for their part, understood true knowledge so well, the knowledge that makes us leave everything, and especially ourselves, so we can fly to God and live solely with Him! Dear Madame, He is within us to sanctify us, so let us ask Him to be Himself our sanctity.5 When Our Lord was on earth, the Gospel says “a secret power went out from Him,”6 at His touch the sick recovered their health, the dead were restored to life. Well, He is still living! living in the tabernacle in His adorable Sacrament, living in our souls. He Himself said: “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,”7 so since He is there, let us keep Him company as a friend does with the One he loves! The essence of our life in Carmel is this divine, wholly intimate union; it is what makes our solitude so precious, for, as our holy father John of the Cross, whose feast we are celebrating today, said, “Two hearts who love each other prefer solitude to anything else.”8 On Saturday,9 the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, we had the beautiful ceremony of the renewal of our vows. Oh! dear Madame, what a beautiful day, what joy to be bound to the service of so good a Master, to tell Him that one is His until death, “sponsa Christi.” I am so happy to feel that you too are given to Him, and it seems to me that, from up in Heaven, our great Saint Elizabeth must bless and seal the union of our souls. Please tell your little Sister Imelda of Jesus10 that I very happily grant her wish by remembering her each day before God; I ask her to pray for me too, especially to say “thank you” to Him who has chosen the better part for me! I was very happy to have news of you through Mama, who was so well received, so spoiled when she was with you,11 I don’t know how to express my gratitude to all of you for that. As for me, I will never go to your beautiful mountains again, but I will follow you there in soul and heart, asking Him who is our “rendez-vous” to draw us to those other mountains, those divine summits that are so far from earth they nearly touch Heaven; I remain wholly united with you there beneath the rays of the Sun of Love! . . . 12 Sister M. Eliz. of the Trinity r.c.i.”
Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 134-135). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
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 BTP-L8 – Letter 184 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Letter 169, Part Two – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony LillesDr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor continue the discussion on a letter by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity dated July 15, 1903. The letter reflects Elizabeth’s deep spiritual joy and sense of fulfillment in her vocation as a Carmelite nun. She expresses her profound connection with God, the joy of living by the Carmelite rule, and the intimacy of her prayer life. Elizabeth writes about her desire to love God intensely and her understanding that her heaven has begun on earth through her faith and suffering for Christ. She conveys how prayer and a heart-to-heart relationship with God bring her immense happiness and fulfillment.
Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor highlight key themes from Elizabeth’s letter,: the importance of trusting God’s plan for one’s vocation, whether it be religious life, marriage, or another path. Elizabeth’s life and writings can inspire individuals to embrace their own vocations with faith and love, trusting that God has a purpose for every experience and hardship; and the universal call to holiness and the joy that comes from a deep, prayerful relationship with God, which Elizabeth exemplifies.
The true fulfillment of one’s vocation involves a continuous act of trust and self-gift to God. No matter the state of life, each person can become a “prey of love” and find deep satisfaction in living out their unique call from God. Elizabeth’s joy, born out of her contemplative prayer and love for God, serves as a powerful witness to the transformative power of a life devoted to God.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Trusting in God’s Plan for Your Vocation How can you deepen your trust in God’s plan for your vocation, especially during times of doubt or difficulty? 2. Embracing Your Unique Call In what ways can you fully embrace and live out your unique call from God, whether it be in religious life, marriage, or another vocation? 3. Finding Joy in Prayer How can you cultivate a heart-to-heart prayer life with God that brings you deep joy and fulfillment? 4. Surrendering to God’s Will What steps can you take to surrender more fully to God’s will in your daily life, following the example of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity? 5. Supporting Others in Their Vocations How can you support and encourage others in discerning and living out their vocations? 6. Overcoming Spiritual Dryness What practices can help you persevere in prayer during times of spiritual dryness and aridity? 7. Recognizing the Presence of God How can you become more aware of God’s loving presence in your daily life and let this awareness guide your actions and decisions? 8. Joyful Witness to Christ In what ways can you share the joy of your relationship with Christ with others, becoming a source of living water for those around you? 9. Understanding the Church’s Heart How can you better appreciate and contribute to the Church as a mystery of love, beyond its organizational aspects? 10. Developing a Simple Relationship with God What can you do to simplify your relationship with God and approach Him with the trust and simplicity of a child?
Letter 169
To Canon Angles
[ July 15, 1903]
Dijon Carmel,J. M. + J. T.
“Monsieur le Chanoine,
My dear Mama, whom I saw last week, brought me your good letter, and I assure you that I can indeed sympathize with the suffering your eyes are causing you, and I am praying fervently for you. I was wondering a little what had become of you, but you find your little Carmelite close to God, don’t you? And that is where she finds you too; then no more distance, no more separation, but already, as in Heaven, the fusion of hearts and souls! . . . How many things have happened since my last letter! I heard the Church say “Veni sponsa Christi” [Come, bride of Christ]; she consecrated me, and now all is “consummated.” Rather, everything is beginning, for profession is only a dawn; and each day my “life as a bride”3 seems to me more beautiful, more luminous, more enveloped in peace and love. During the night that preceded the great day, while I was in choir awaiting the Bridegroom, I understood that my Heaven was beginning on earth; Heaven in faith, with suffering and immolation for Him whom I love! . . . I so wish to love Him, to love Him as my seraphic Mother did, even to dying of it. We sing “O charitatis Victima” on her feast day, and that is my whole ambition: to be the prey of love! I think that in Carmel it is so simple to live by love; from morning to evening the Rule is there to express the will of God, moment by moment. If you knew how I love this Rule, which is the way He wants me to become holy. I do not know if I will have the happiness of giving my Bridegroom the witness of my blood [by martyrdom], but at least, if I fully live my Carmelite life, I have the consolation of wearing myself out for Him, for Him alone. Then what difference does the work He wills for me make? Since He is always with me, prayer, the heart-to-heart, must never end! I feel Him so alive in my soul. I have only to recollect myself to find Him within me, and that is my whole happiness. He has placed in my heart a thirst for the infinite and such a great need for love that He alone can satisfy it. I go to Him like a little child to its mother so He may fill, invade, everything, and then take me and carry me away in His arms. I think we must be so simple with God!
I am longing to send you my good Mama; you will see how God is working in this beloved soul. Sometimes I cry for happiness and gratitude; it is so good to be devoted to your mother, to feel that she, too, is completely His, to be able to tell her about your soul and to be completely understood! . . . You really are the great attraction of the trip, I assure you; I love to remember those vacations at Saint-Hilaire, then at Carcassonne and Labastide, they were the best ones I had. With what fatherly goodness you received the confidences I so loved to make to you; I would be happy if one day they could be made once again through my dear grilles. Won’t you come to bless your little Carmelite and, quite close to her, thank Him who “has loved her exceedingly,” for, you see, my happiness can no longer be expressed. Listen to what is being sung in my soul and all that is rising from the heart of the bride to the Heart of the Bridegroom for you whose little child she will always be. Send her your best blessing; at Holy Mass, bathe her in the Blood of the Bridegroom; it is the purity of the bride, and she is so thirsting for it! A Dieu, monsieur le Chanoine, affectionately and respectfully yours,
Sr. Elizabeth of the Trinity r.c.i.”
Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 110-111). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
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 BTP-L7 – Letter 169 pt. 2 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Letter 165 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony LillesDr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor look into a letter from Elizabeth of the Trinity that reflects her profound reflections on the Eucharist and its spiritual significance. Elizabeth sees the Eucharist as the ultimate expression of God’s love, a foretaste of the beatific vision, and a source of heavenly communion on earth: The union with God through the Eucharist, where believers experience a deep, personal love and presence of God, which transforms them.
They also touch on the historical context of Elizabeth’s time, particularly the closing of the Carmel chapel due to anti-church sentiments in France. Despite external turmoil, Elizabeth focuses on the internal, spiritual reality, urging believers to find solace and transformation in the Eucharist.
Elizabeth’s insights are relevant today, especially for those struggling with self-worth and life’s hardships. She encourages turning inward to God’s immense love in the Eucharist, withdrawing from external distractions, and embracing the presence of Christ in faith, even amidst darkness and trials; as well as renunciation, humility, and accepting God’s trials to make space for His presence in our hearts. The role of Mary, the Mother of God, in guiding believers towards a simple, fruitful surrender to God’s will.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. Understanding Elizabeth’s View of the Eucharist How does Elizabeth of the Trinity describe the Eucharist as a consummation of God’s love and a foretaste of the beatific vision? 2. Historical Context and Spiritual Focus What does Elizabeth’s focus on spiritual realities instead of external turmoil teach us about handling modern-day challenges? 3. Dealing with Self-Loathing and Hardships How can Elizabeth’s perspective on God’s immense love help individuals struggling with self-loathing and feelings of failure? 4. Renunciation and Creating Space for God What are practical ways we can practice renunciation in our daily lives to make space for God’s peace and presence? 5. Embracing Trials for Spiritual Growth How can accepting and surrendering to God during times of trial open our hearts to a deeper relationship with Him? 6. Role of Mary in Spiritual Life How can we look to Mary, the Mother of God, for guidance and support in our spiritual journey towards a simple, fruitful surrender? 7. Eucharist as Bread for the Journey In what ways can receiving the Eucharist strengthen and heal us, especially in times of spiritual sickness or challenge? 8. Silence and Peace in a Noisy World How can we cultivate a soul that is wholly at peace amid the noise and distractions of modern life? 9. Faith in Darkness What does it mean to have “faith in darkness,” and how can this deepen our bond with Jesus? 10. Support of the Saints and Angels How can the knowledge that we are supported by the saints, angels, and the Blessed Mother give us courage and strength in our faith journey?
St. Elizabeth of the TrinityLetter 165[ June 14, 1903]
Dijon Carmel, June 14
J. M. + J. T.“Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.”2
Monsieur l’Abbé, It seems to me that nothing better expresses the love in God’s Heart than the Eucharist: it is union, consummation, He in us, we in Him, and isn’t that Heaven on earth? Heaven in faith while awaiting the face-to-face vision we so desire. Then “we will be satisfied when His glory appears,”3 when we see Him in His light. Don’t you find that the thought of this meeting refreshes the soul, this talk with Him whom it loves solely? Then everything disappears and it seems that one is already entering into the mystery of God! . . .
This whole mystery is so much “ours,” as you said to me in your letter. Oh! pray, won’t you, that I may live fully my bridal dowry. That I may be wholly available, wholly vigilant in faith, so the Master can bear me wherever He wishes. I wish to stay always close to Him who knows the whole mystery, to hear everything from Him. “The language of the Word is the infusion of the gift,”4 oh yes, it is really so, isn’t it, that He speaks to our soul in silence. I find this dear silence a blessing. From Ascension to Pentecost, we were in retreat in the Cenacle, waiting for the Holy Spirit, and it was so good.5 During that whole Octave6 we have the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the oratory; those are divine hours spent in this little corner of Heaven where we possess the vision in substance under the humble Host. Yes, He whom the blessed contemplate in light and we adore in faith is really the same One. The other day someone wrote me such a beautiful thought, I send it on to you: “Faith is the face-to-face in darkness.”7 Why wouldn’t it be so for us, since God is in us and since He asks only to take possession of us as He took possession of the saints? Only, they were always attentive, as Père Vallée says: “They are silent, recollected, and their only activity is to be the being who receives.”8 Let us unite ourselves, therefore, Father, in making happy Him who “has loved us exceedingly,”9 as Saint Paul says. Let us make a dwelling for Him in our soul that is wholly at peace,10 in which the canticle of love, of thanksgiving, is always being sung; and then that great silence, the echo of the silence that is in God! . . . Then, as you said, let us approach the all-pure, all-luminous Virgin, that she may present us to Him whom she has penetrated so profoundly, and may our life be a continual communion, a wholly simple movement toward God. Pray to the Queen of Carmel for me; I, for my part, pray fervently for you, I assure you, and I remain with you in adoration and love! . . .
Sister Marie Elizabeth of the Trinity, r.c.i.
Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 105-106). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
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 BTP-L5 – Letter 165 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
St. Ephrem of Syria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson Born: 306 AD, Nisibis, Turkey * Died*: June 9, 373 AD, Edessa, Turkey
Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss the life and contributions of St. Ephraim, who was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. This recognition was part of an effort to appreciate the Eastern churches and celebrate their spiritual and ecclesiastical heritage. St. Ephraim, known as the “Harp of the Holy Spirit,” is notable for his hymns and poetry, which served both as theological teaching tools and defenses against heresies such as Arianism.
St. Ephraim was born around 306 in what is now modern Turkey and died in 373. He was a prolific writer, composing up to 3 million lines of poetry and 400 hymns. His hymns focused on themes like creation, the Eucharist, and Mary, and were used to counter heretical teachings through memorable and orthodox lyrics. His work established a tradition of integrating hymns and poetry into Christian liturgy, deeply influencing subsequent church practices.
Despite not being ordained a priest, Ephraim had a significant impact as a deacon, poet, and teacher. His practical life included serving his community during famines and plagues, and his hymns and writings provided deep theological insights. Pope Benedict XVI highlighted Ephraim’s ability to combine poetry and theology, making his teachings a part of the Christian prayer life.
The importance of liturgical music that is both beautiful and theologically rich, following Ephraim’s model. It suggests that modern hymn composers should strive to create music that is not only pleasant but also profound in its theological content. St. Ephraim’s life and work serve as a powerful example for today’s Christians to use their gifts in service to God and the church.
For more on St. Ephrem and his teachings* St. Ephraim the Syrian (306-373) * Nisibene Hymns – Miscellaneous Hymns * On the Nativity of Christ in the Flesh * For the Feast of the Epiphany * On the Faith (“The Pearl”) * On Our Lord, On Admonition and Repentance * On the Sinful Woman
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. St. Ephraim’s Influence: How does St. Ephraim’s integration of poetry and theology inspire you to use your unique talents in service to God and the Church? 2. Liturgical Importance: Why is it essential for hymns and liturgical music to be both beautiful and theologically rich? 3. Serving with Humility: In what ways can you follow St. Ephraim’s example of humility and service in your own community? 4. Facing Heresies: How can we use creative arts today to defend and teach the faith, as St. Ephraim did against Arianism? 5. Legacy of Faith: What can we learn from St. Ephraim’s dedication to catechizing and deepening the faith of his community, and how can we apply this in contemporary settings? 6. Multifaceted Contributions: Reflect on the significance of St. Ephraim’s contributions as a poet, teacher, and deacon. How can you utilize all your gifts to serve God? 7. The Role of Hymns: Consider the role of hymns in your personal spiritual life. How do they help you deepen your faith and understanding of God? 8. Evangelization through Music: How can we better integrate the theological depth of hymns in our efforts towards the new evangelization? 9. Historical Context: Reflect on the historical context of St. Ephraim’s life. How did the challenges he faced shape his ministry, and what lessons can we draw from this for our own times? 10. Living the Faith: How does St. Ephraim’s commitment to living out his faith through service and hymnody challenge you to embody your beliefs in everyday actions?
From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2007:
“The figure of Ephrem is still absolutely timely for the life of the various Christian Churches. We discover him in the first place as a theologian who reflects poetically, on the basis of Holy Scripture, on the mystery of man’s redemption brought about by Christ, the Word of God incarnate. His is a theological reflection expressed in images and symbols taken from nature, daily life and the Bible. Ephrem gives his poetry and liturgical hymns a didactic and catechetical character: they are theological hymns yet at the same time suitable for recitation or liturgical song. On the occasion of liturgical feasts, Ephrem made use of these hymns to spread Church doctrine. Time has proven them to be an extremely effective catechetical instrument for the Christian community.
Ephrem’s reflection on the theme of God the Creator is important: nothing in creation is isolated and the world, next to Sacred Scripture, is a Bible of God. By using his freedom wrongly, man upsets the cosmic order. The role of women was important to Ephrem. The way he spoke of them was always inspired with sensitivity and respect: the dwelling place of Jesus in Mary’s womb greatly increased women’s dignity. Ephrem held that just as there is no Redemption without Jesus, there is no Incarnation without Mary. The divine and human dimensions of the mystery of our redemption can already be found in Ephrem’s texts; poetically and with fundamentally scriptural images, he anticipated the theological background and in some way the very language of the great Christological definitions of the fifth-century Councils.
Ephrem, honoured by Christian tradition with the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit”, remained a deacon of the Church throughout his life. It was a crucial and emblematic decision: he was a deacon, a servant, in his liturgical ministry, and more radically, in his love for Christ, whose praises he sang in an unparalleled way, and also in his love for his brethren, whom he introduced with rare skill to the knowledge of divine Revelation.”
For more visit Vatican.va
For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and a senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
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Letter 162 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony LillesDr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss a letter from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity to a seminarian, Monsieur l’Abbé. Elizabeth, a Carmelite nun, corresponds with him to support his journey through the seminary. This particular letter, written on February 24, 1903, before Lent, reflects Elizabeth’s deep spirituality and her contemplative life dedicated to prayer for seminarians and priests.
Elizabeth speaks about being in communion with God and the importance of contemplative prayer. She draws on the imagery of being caught, carried away, and invaded by God’s love. This mystical prayer, according to Lilles, is characterized by God’s divine action in the soul rather than the individual’s efforts. She also discusses the balance between contemplation and action, using the biblical figures of Mary Magdalene and Martha to illustrate her point. Elizabeth believes that even in active roles, one can maintain a contemplative, prayerful state.
The conversation then touches on the significance of the face of Christ in contemplative prayer and how it reveals the love of the Father and the truth about humanity. Lilles explains that contemplative prayer involves seeing with the heart and perceiving divine truths through faith.
Her letter also addresses the challenges faced by the Church and individuals during times of political and social turmoil. She encourages focusing on the eternal mystery of the Trinity rather than being consumed by external events. By living in the will of the Father and remaining in His love, Elizabeth believes one can find peace and purpose regardless of external circumstances.
Letter 162[April 28–30, 1903]
Dijon Carmel, April
J. M. + J. T.
“My good little Aunts,
It seems to me that Carlipa and Dijon are very close, for my heart has quickly jumped the distance to go find yours! And my Divine Bridegroom gives me wings like this so I can fly off to you: these wings are prayer, and then this unity in faith and love creates the communion of saints! . . . I have many things to tell you, my little Aunts, but where to begin? Oh! if you knew how beautiful Holy Week is in Carmel! I wish you could have attended our beautiful Offices, and especially on our beautiful feast of Easter. On that day, we chant Matins at 3 o’clock in the morning, we enter the choir in procession, wearing our white mantles, each holding a candle and singing the Regina Coeli. At 5 o’clock, we have the Mass of the Resurrection, followed by a magnificent procession in our beautiful garden. Everything was so still, so mysterious, that it seemed our Master was going to appear to us along the solitary paths as He once did to Mary Magdalene, and if our eyes did not see Him, at least our souls met Him in faith. Faith is so good; it is Heaven in darkness, but one day the veil will be lifted and we will contemplate in His light Him whom we love; while awaiting the Bridegroom’s “Veni” we must spend ourselves, suffer for Him, and, above all, love Him greatly. Thank Him for having called your little Elizabeth to Carmel for the persecution;2 I do not know what awaits us, and this perspective of having to suffer because I am His delights my soul. I love my dear cloister so much, and sometimes I have wondered if I don’t love this dear little cell too much,3 where it is so good to be “alone with the Alone.”4 Perhaps one day He will ask me to sacrifice it. I am ready to follow Him everywhere, and my soul will say with Saint Paul: “Who will separate me from the love of Christ?”5 I have within me a solitude where He dwells, and nothing can take that away from me! . . .
Guite had the good idea of passing your dear photographs on to me. I introduced you to our Reverend Mother, since she has heard her little lamb,6 who loves you so much, speak about you for so long. I was also delighted to show her your dear house; what sweet memories it brings back to me. I spent so many wonderful vacations, certainly the best, there among you. And the Serre, is it still so beautiful? What fine prayers must be offered there! Would you tell Monsieur le Curé that I send him my soul to say the Office with him in that dear little valley, pay him my respects and ask him to pray much for me. He is so good, I am sure he would really want to remember me at his Mass. My little Aunts, if you knew how I love your beautiful breviaries! I can’t say it enough, and each time I use them, I take your souls with mine to enter into communion with all Heaven. I assure you that you have made me very happy; they follow me everywhere, and day and night my prayer for you is my “thank you”!
I am leaving you to go to Matins “with you.” I still have many things to tell you, but there’s the bell, so I only have time to kiss you, as well as my good Aunt, from the best of my heart.
Your little Elizabeth of the Trinity r.c.i.
Pray for my dear Mama. Events have really saddened her, but her courage edifies me and I thank Him who has given me such a good one. Hello to Anna.”
Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 101-102). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions1. The Role of Silence in Prayer: How can you incorporate silence into your daily prayer life to foster deeper communion with God? 2. Balancing Action and Contemplation: How can you maintain a spirit of contemplation and attentiveness to God’s presence while engaged in everyday activities? 3. Embracing Mystical Prayer: In what ways can you open yourself to the divine action of the Holy Spirit in your soul during prayer? 4. The Importance of Humility: How can you cultivate humility and reliance on God’s grace in your spiritual journey? 5. Living in the Father’s Will: How can you remain faithful and trusting in God’s will amidst the challenges and uncertainties of life? 6. The Contemplative Gaze: How can you develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the humanity and divinity of Jesus through contemplative prayer? 7. The Grace of Baptism: How does the grace received in baptism influence your prayer life and relationship with God? 8. Responding to God’s Call: How can you discern and respond to God’s call in your life, whether in contemplative prayer or active ministry? 9. The Impact of Scripture: How can you incorporate the reading and meditation of Scripture into your prayer routine to enhance your spiritual growth? 10. The Example of Saints: How can the lives and teachings of saints like Elizabeth of the Trinity inspire and guide your own 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 BTP-L3 – Letter 162 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Be Not Afraid – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul HoesingFr. Paul Hoesing and Kris McGregor discuss the process of vocational discernment as a step-by-step journey, guided by spiritual directors, focusing on encountering Jesus and finding peace in His will.
They cover the eighth lesson: that fear is not from God and discernment involves distinguishing thoughts and feelings that bring peace from those that bring fear; using examples to illustrate how fear can mislead and how trust in Jesus and guidance from spiritual advisors can help overcome it.
The ninth lesson focuses on standing firm in faith, resisting lies and fears, and continually trusting in God’s will. The importance of persistent prayer, clarity, and patience in the discernment process, with practical examples shows how young men can navigate their fears and find clarity in their vocation journey.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. Transformation through God’s Grace: How does Léonie Martin’s transformation illustrate the power of God’s grace in a believer’s life? 2. Importance of Spiritual Relationships: How have your spiritual relationships helped you grow in your faith? 3. Embracing Littleness and Humility: How can you incorporate the virtues of humility and gentleness into your daily life? 4. Facing Spiritual and Physical Struggles: Reflect on a time when you experienced spiritual or physical struggles and found strength in your faith. 5. Impact of Family and Upbringing on Faith: How has your family and upbringing influenced your faith, and how can you strengthen this foundation?
Based on “Is Jesus Calling You To Be A Catholic Priest: A helpful guide”, published by National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Director.Fr. Paul Hoesing serves at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as President Rector
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Journeying with Jesus – Is Jesus Calling You with Fr. Paul HoesingFr. Paul Hoesing and Kris McGregor discuss the guide for discernment, which is not just for those considering priesthood but for all seeking to discern God’s will in their lives. They explore lessons based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, emphasizing the importance of encountering Jesus, desiring what he desires, and trusting him. The process involves becoming aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and desires, understanding them in God’s presence, and taking action. Discernment takes time, akin to the gradual conversion experienced by the apostles.
Fr. Hoesing delves into the incremental nature of discernment, where individuals progress step by step, rather than seeking immediate answers to complex questions. The importance of seminary formation is to provide young men with the necessary human and spiritual development; addressing societal pressures on career decisions and the need for proper human formation, especially in the seminary environment.
The role of spiritual direction is important, guiding individuals through discernment and helping them articulate their prayers and petitions. Fr. Hoesing concludes with reflections on finding peace in Jesus, recognizing his presence, and anchoring oneself in Christ for fruitful discernment.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. Encountering Jesus and Trusting Him: How does the encounter with Jesus impact one’s discernment process? 2. Understanding Thoughts, Feelings, and Desires in God’s Presence: Reflect on the importance of becoming aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and desires in the discernment journey. 3. Patience in Discernment: How can we cultivate patience in our discernment process, understanding that it takes time? 4. Incremental Nature of Discernment: Consider the idea of discernment as an incremental journey rather than seeking immediate answers. How does this perspective shift our approach to discernment? 5. Role of Seminary Formation: Reflect on the significance of seminary formation in providing the necessary human and spiritual development for those discerning priesthood. 6. Navigating Societal Pressures: How can we navigate societal pressures on career decisions, especially regarding vocations, and prioritize discernment of God’s will? 7. Importance of Spiritual Direction: Reflect on the role of spiritual direction in guiding individuals through discernment and helping them articulate their prayers and petitions. 8. Finding Peace in Jesus: How do we recognize and anchor ourselves in the peace that comes from encountering Jesus in our discernment journey? 9. Closing Reflections: Consider St. Teresa of Jesus’ prayer: “Let nothing trouble you. Let nothing frighten you. Everything passes. God never changes. Patience obtains all.” How does this prayer resonate with your discernment journey? 10. Prayer for Guidance: Pray for God’s blessing and guidance in your discernment, seeking to live fully and radically in Christ.
Based on “Is Jesus Calling You To Be A Catholic Priest: A helpful guide”, published by National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Director.Fr. Paul Hoesing serves at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as President Rector
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Overcoming Pre-Event Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy GallagherFr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss “pre-event desolation,” a form of spiritual discouragement before significant spiritual activities. They highlight its tactics by the enemy to deter individuals from growth opportunities. Drawing from C.S. Lewis’s “Perelandra,” he tells us of the importance of recognizing and countering this desolation with prayer and trust.
Fr. Gallagher reminds us to have compassion and understanding in supporting those experiencing such struggles, affirming that perseverance leads to spiritual growth.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. Recognizing Pre-Event Desolation: How can we identify and acknowledge pre-event desolation in our spiritual journey, especially before significant events like retreats or ministry activities? 2. Responding with Awareness: What are healthy ways to respond to pre-event desolation, and how can we cultivate spiritual awareness to distinguish it from genuine concerns or discernment? 3. Trusting God’s Guidance: In times of pre-event desolation, how can we deepen our trust in God’s guidance and discern His will amidst feelings of discouragement or disinterest? 4. Supporting Others: How can we compassionately support others experiencing pre-event desolation, particularly in familial or pastoral contexts, without judgment or resentment? 5. Perseverance and Growth: Reflecting on our experiences of overcoming pre-event desolation, how can we encourage one another to persevere and trust in God’s plan for spiritual growth and blessings?
You can find this book hereFrom Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits:
“It is liberating to know that spiritual desolation is an ordinary experience in the spiritual life, that every disciple of the Lord for two thousand years—including the canonized saints—has undergone this experience, that there is no shame in experiencing spiritual desolation, that times of spiritual desolation are normal in a well-lived spiritual life (SpirEx 6), and that, therefore, we are not the only ones. Experiencing spiritual desolation is simply part of what it means to live the spiritual life in a fallen, redeemed, and loved world. What does matter is to live the discerning life: to be aware of spiritual desolation when it is present, to name it for the lie of the enemy that it is, and to reject it. The principle focus of these fourteen rules is to help us do precisely that.”
Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org
For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” pageThe post SD9 – Overcoming Pre-Event Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Confronting Desolation with Faith – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy GallagherFr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor delve into the topic of spiritual desolation. They begin by discussing the distinction between spiritual desolation and the Cross, using examples of Martha and Jessica to illustrate how individuals experience these spiritual states differently. Fr. Gallagher tells us that while the cross is something to be embraced and endured with faith, spiritual desolation is to be resisted and rejected actively.
Desolation may masquerade as one’s spiritual identity, inducing shame and isolation. It falsely interprets the past and predicts a bleak future. Combating it involves awareness, understanding, and action. Recognizing non-spiritual vulnerabilities aids in discernment. Ultimately, spiritual growth impacts all dimensions of life, akin to Saint Ignatius’ resilience despite physical pain.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. Reflecting on Desolation: How do you define spiritual desolation, and have you experienced it in your life? 2. Turning to God: When faced with desolation, do you find yourself drawing closer to or distancing yourself from God? 3. Seeking Spiritual Guidance: Have you sought guidance from spiritual directors or mentors during times of desolation? 4. Embracing Hope: Share an experience where you found hope amidst spiritual desolation. 5. Prayer and Resilience: How does prayer contribute to your resilience in navigating spiritual challenges? 6. Trusting God’s Plan: Reflect on a time when you surrendered to God’s plan during a period of desolation. 7. Community Support: How can your faith community support you during times of spiritual desolation?
You can find this book hereFrom Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits:
“Through the years, as I have studied and taught these rules, received the sharing of many, and experienced the rules personally,
I have noted various qualities of spiritual desolation. I will share and discuss them here:A Sense of Irreparable Disaster
If it is strong enough, spiritual desolation may bring a sense of irreparable disaster. Its message is this: “Things are going badly for you. You are in a bad way spiritually, and things will continue to go badly. It’s all over. The harm can’t be undone. Even if it could, you won’t take the necessary steps. You won’t change. Don’t think it’s ever going to be different.”This is simply one more lie of the enemy.
Spiritual Desolation Presents Itself as Our Spiritual Identity
This quality of spiritual desolation touches the heart of its burden. If we believe the lie that equates our experience of spiritual desolation with our spiritual identity, the desolation will grow very heavy.
There Is No Shame in Experiencing Spiritual Desolation
This point—that there is no shame in experiencing spiritual desolation—cannot be repeated too often. When I present the rules, I repeat it many times. No one has yet told me that I say it too often!”
Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org
For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” pageThe post SD8 – Confronting Desolation with Faith – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Dryness in Prayer: Is it Spiritual Desolation? – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy GallagherIn part two of this conversation, Fr. Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss prayer dryness causes: a lack of formation in prayer, changes in prayer practices, unshared burdens with God, and physical or emotional exhaustion. Fr. Gallagher makes of note the importance of discerning the specific cause of dryness and responding accordingly.
Kris raises questions about tears in spiritual experiences, to which Fr. Gallagher explains that tears can be a sign of spiritual consolation but are not necessary for experiencing God’s presence. He offers examples of how spiritual consolation can manifest and highlights the importance of being open and receptive to God’s gifts.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. Identifying Dryness: How can you discern the cause of dryness in your prayer life, whether it be lack of formation, changing practices, unshared burdens, or exhaustion? 2. Embracing Changes in Prayer: Are you open to allowing your prayer practices to evolve and simplify, recognizing that different forms of prayer may nourish you at different times? 3. Sharing with God: Do you feel comfortable sharing your deepest burdens and emotions with God in prayer, knowing that He eagerly awaits your openness and offers understanding and mercy? 4. Understanding Spiritual Consolation: Are you aware that tears can be a sign of spiritual consolation, reflecting joy, warmth, and closeness with God, and are you open to receiving this gift when it comes? 5. Addressing Vulnerability to Desolation: How do you actively address dryness in your prayer life to avoid vulnerability to spiritual desolation, recognizing the importance of discerning and responding appropriately to your spiritual experiences?
You can find this book hereFrom Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits:
“Dryness may again result when persons need to share with God a burden, fear, shame, or anxiety that fills their hearts— and have as yet been unable to do so. They experience dry- ness: nothing seems to help in prayer, the time passes slowly and with distractions, and the prayer they attempt appears to lack life.
A husband and wife sit across the table from each other at dinner. He knows that she holds a burden in her heart that she has not been able to express and share with him. Until the burden is expressed and shared, they will struggle to speak together with their habitual ease and communion. Their conversation will remain on a superficial level—it will feel dry—while both know that something deeper needs to be communicated. A man once told me that for eleven years his prayer had been dry. A few questions revealed that his young son had died eleven years earlier. When, after some hesitancy and with some courage, he shared with the Lord the stored- up pain and anger in his heart, the dryness ceased, and prayer flowed again.
Other Forms of DrynessOther forms of dryness may result from nonspiritual factors. When persons are physically exhausted, they may find their prayer dry: they simply do not have the physical energy to pray in their usual way. Adequate rest will resolve this “dryness.” Something similar may result from depletion of emotional energy. Persons who have expended great emotional energy in difficult situations and who try to pray may also find that their prayer is dry: they are affectively spent and struggle to be emotionally present to their prayer. Healthy ways of replenishing emotional energy will resolve this “dry- ness” as well.
None of these forms of dryness are experiences of spiritual desolation.23 Each has its individual cause and so its indi- vidual remedy. Good spiritual direction will be sensitive to the cause of such persons’ individual experiences of dryness and so assist them to respond appropriately, helping them to eliminate its cause or—should such “dryness” indicate growth toward simplified prayer—assisting them to negotiate it well.
If, however, the dryness bears the mark of spiritual des- olation—affective aridity coupled with discouragement, a sense of distance from God, a weakening of hope, various temptations, and the like—then such persons will recognize the enemy at work and hear the call to active and energetic resistance.”
Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org
For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” pageThe post SD7 – Dryness in Prayer: Is it Spiritual Desolation? – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Dealing with Dryness in Prayer – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy GallagherIn part one of this conversation, Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor engage in a profound discussion on the nature of prayer, particularly in the context of suffering and spiritual desolation. They both point out the importance of prayer as more than just verbal communication with God, making note of its holistic nature, which involves the entire being united in love and longing for God.
Fr. Gallagher also shares examples of finding communion with God through suffering, citing St. Therese. He offers guidance from St. Ignatius to navigate spiritual desolation, encouraging listeners to embrace prayer and suffering for spiritual growth.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. Engagement in Prayer: How do you respond when faced with obstacles in your prayer life, such as illness or physical limitations? 2. Unifying Suffering with Prayer: In what ways can you unite your daily suffering with prayer, following the examples of St. Therese and others? 3. Value of Small Acts of Love: Reflect on how you can incorporate small acts of pure love into your daily life, as emphasized by St. John of the Cross and St. Therese. 4. Facing Spiritual Desolation: Have you experienced periods of spiritual desolation? How can the teachings of St. Ignatius help you navigate such times? 5. Growth Through Challenges: Consider how both spiritual consolation and desolation contribute to your spiritual growth. How can you embrace challenges as opportunities for deeper connection with God?
You can find this book hereFrom Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits:
“A first form of dryness may result simply from lack of formation in prayer. Persons of good will desire to pray and make sincere attempts to do so. Because these persons, how- ever, have never received formation in prayer, they flounder, unsure of how to proceed: their prayer is dry. The need here is exposure to classic and effective forms of prayer: lectio div- ina, Ignatian meditation or imaginative contemplation, the Liturgy of the Hours, and so forth. Once these persons learn how to pray, the floundering will cease, and this form of dry- ness will be overcome.21
Dryness may also arise from negligence in the life of prayer or from an inconsistency between a person’s prayer and life. If such persons weaken in fidelity to prayer, no longer dedi- cate consistent time to it, or no longer prepare in the way they find helpful, dryness may result. Likewise, behavior contrary to the Gospel may also cause prayer to feel dry: the dishar- mony between prayer and life will render prayer more dif- ficult—more dry.22
Yet another experience of “dryness” may result from solid growth in prayer. A point may arrive when God now calls such persons to a more simplified form of prayer. The ear- lier, more active and discursive methods no longer assist as before, while the new and simpler way of praying is not yet firmly established. This is a healthy “dryness” and a sign of growth. Competent spiritual direction will greatly assist such persons to negotiate this blessed passage in prayer.”
Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org
For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” pageThe post SD6 – Dealing with Dryness in Prayer – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Journey Through the Dark Night – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy GallagherFr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor continue their discussion on spiritual desolation and introduce the concept of the “dark night”. They distinguish between the two, with desolation being a common experience and the dark night a specific phase in the spiritual journey.
Fr. Gallagher also addresses the role of doubt in the spiritual journey, pointing out that doubts can have various meanings and should be discerned individually. He stresses the need for fidelity to prayer and trust in God’s guidance.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. Distinguishing Spiritual Desolation and the Dark Night: How does Father Gallagher differentiate between spiritual desolation and the dark night, emphasizing their distinct characteristics? 2. Ignatius and the Initial Spiritual Journey: How does Ignatius’ early experiences reflect an initial step in the spiritual journey, moving beyond external heroism to a deeper understanding of spiritual life? 3. Navigating Confusion and Doubt in the Spiritual Journey: How do confusion and doubt affect individuals on their spiritual journey, and what practical advice does Father Gallagher offer to navigate through these challenges? 4. The Role of Doubt in Spiritual Experience: Father Gallagher discusses various forms of doubt and their implications, distinguishing between doubt in the existence of God and doubt within the context of one’s prayer life. How does he characterize these distinctions? 5. Practical Wisdom for Discernment: What practical insights does Father Gallagher provide for navigating spiritual desolation and the dark night in the context of Ignatian spirituality? How does he emphasize the importance of discernment and spiritual direction? 6. Timing and Generosity in the Dark Night: Father Gallagher shares insights on when a person might experience the dark night and suggests a general profile of individuals called to this phase. What role does generosity and dedication play in this process? 7. Understanding Prayer as a Gift and Grace: How does Father Gallagher use Ignatius’ vocabulary to convey the idea that prayer is a gift and grace from God? What role does the human person play in this divine-human cooperation? 8. St. Therese’s Analogy of Different Saints: How does St. Therese’s analogy of different flowers illustrate the diversity of saints and their unique journeys? What message does this convey about God’s work in individual souls? 9. Trust in God’s Guidance in the Spiritual Journey: Summarize the key message regarding one’s role in the spiritual journey: fidelity to prayer, trust in God’s guidance, and acceptance of individual differences in the spiritual life.
You can find this book hereFrom Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits:
“The dark night, therefore, is an experience of infused contemplative prayer felt as painful because it is purifying; it prepares the person for greater union with God through higher states of infused contemplation. The difference between this purifying experience of prayer and the discouraging lies of spiritual desolation is evident. The first is a gift of God; the second is a trap of the enemy. By accepting the first, we grow; by rejecting the second, we grow.”
Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org
For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” pageThe post SD5 – The Journey Through the Dark Night – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Embracing Consolation, Understanding Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy GallagherFr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor continue the discussion on spiritual desolation within the context of Rule 4. In this episode, they explore the varying intensities of desolation, emphasizing awareness and counteraction. In particular, Fr. Gallagher highlights the potential to halt the desolation snowball at its inception, preventing further negative impact.
Fr. Gallagher highlights the pull towards low things during desolation and advocates for rejecting discouraging lies that may come up during a period of desolation, and makes a point that experiencing spiritual desolation is normal, emphasizing that there is no shame in it. He contrasts experiences of consolation and desolation using various examples, providing practical Ignatian insights for navigating the hidden aspects of the spiritual journey.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. Understanding Desolation: How does Fr. Timothy Gallagher describe the varying intensity and duration of spiritual desolation, and what impact can it have on an individual’s spiritual life? 2. Preventing the Snowball Effect: What strategies does Fr. Gallagher suggest to stop the snowball effect of spiritual desolation, and why is awareness, understanding, and prompt action essential in this process? 3. Desolation and Temptation Link: Explore the connection between spiritual desolation and temptation as discussed by Fr. Gallagher, and how can suitable gestures of penance and courageous responses help combat these challenges? 4. Normalizing Desolation: Why does Fr. Gallagher emphasize that experiencing spiritual desolation is a normal part of the spiritual life, and how does being aware, understanding, and taking action play a crucial role in handling it without shame? 5. Contrasting Thoughts in Consolation and Desolation: How does Fr. Gallagher illustrate the contrary nature of thoughts arising from consolation and desolation, and why is awareness crucial in rejecting discouraging lies during times of desolation? 6. Responding to Lack of Confidence: In what ways does spiritual desolation lead to a lack of confidence, and how can individuals counteract this lack of confidence in their spiritual journey? 7. The Role of Consolation: How does spiritual consolation, characterized by uplifting and joy-filled stirrings, influence one’s thoughts and actions, and what role can it play in sustaining and deepening one’s spiritual life?
You can find this book hereFrom Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits:
“Rule 4 is the companion to rule 3 and describes its exact opposite: spiritual desolation. As in rule 3, Ignatius does not give a definition but rather a list of experiences of spiritual desolation. I have italicized each:
Fourth Rule. The fourth is of spiritual desolation. I call desolation all the contrary of the third rule, such asdarkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to low and earthly things, disquiet from various agitations and temptations, moving to lack of confidence, without hope,without love, finding oneself totally slothful, tepid, sad and, as if separated from one’s Creator and Lord. For just as consolation is contrary to desolation, in the same way the thoughts that come from consolation are contrary to the thoughts that come from desolation.”
Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”.
For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org
For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” pageThe post SD4 – Embracing Consolation, Understanding Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Insights into Rules 10 through 14 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy GallagherFr. Timothy Gallagher, along with Kris McGregor, delves further into St. Ignatius’ spiritual rules, specifically rules 10 to 14, which focus on handling spiritual desolation and temptation.
Rule 10 advocates preparing for future desolation during times of spiritual consolation. Rule 11 underscores maintaining humility in consolation and trust in desolation. Rule 12 emphasizes resisting temptation from the outset, while Rule 13 recommends confiding spiritual struggles to a wise guide. Lastly, Rule 14 highlights the importance of self-knowledge and recognizing spiritual vulnerabilities.
Throughout these particular rules, Fr. Gallagher stresses the importance of companionship in the spiritual journey, whether through formal guidance, confession, retreats, or sharing experiences with others.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. Anticipating Desolation: How does Rule 10 advise individuals experiencing spiritual consolation to prepare for future desolation? 2. Attitude in Consolation and Desolation: According to Rule 11, what is the recommended attitude for individuals in times of consolation and desolation? 3. Early Resistance to Temptation: In Rule 12, what does Ignatius counsel regarding the onset of temptation, and why is it significant in spiritual discernment? 4. Revealing Spiritual Struggles: According to Rule 13, why does Ignatius suggest sharing one’s spiritual struggles with a wise and competent spiritual guide? 5. Understanding and Acknowledging Vulnerabilities: What is the essence of Rule 14, and how does it encourage self-knowledge and recognition of spiritual vulnerabilities? 6. Importance of Spiritual Companionship: How does Fr. Timothy Gallagher emphasize the role of companionship in the spiritual journey, and what forms can this companionship take?
You can find this book hereFrom Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits
“Tenth Rule. The tenth: Let the one who is in consolation think how he will conduct himself in the desolation which will come after, taking new strength for that time.
Eleventh Rule. The eleventh: Let one who is consoled seek to humble himself and lower himself as much as he can, think- ing of how little he is capable in the time of desolation with- out such grace or consolation. On the contrary, let one who is in desolation think that he can do much with God’s sufficient grace to resist all his enemies, taking strength in his Creator and Lord.
Twelfth Rule. The twelfth: The enemy acts like a woman in being weak when faced with strength and strong when faced with weakness. For, as it is proper to a woman, when she is fighting with some man, to lose heart and to flee when the man confronts her firmly, and, on the contrary, if the man begins to flee, losing heart, the anger, vengeance and ferocity of the woman grow greatly and know no bounds, in the same way, it is proper to the enemy to weaken and lose heart, flee- ing and ceasing his temptations when the person who is exer- cising himself in spiritual things confronts the temptations of the enemy firmly, doing what is diametrically opposed to them; and, on the contrary, if the person who is exercising himself begins to be afraid and lose heart in suffering the temptations, there is no beast so fierce on the face of the earth as the enemy of human nature in following out his damnable intention with such growing malice.
Thirteenth Rule. The thirteenth: Likewise he conducts him- self as a false lover in wishing to remain secret and not berevealed. For a dissolute man who, speaking with evil inten- tion, makes dishonorable advances to a daughter of a good father or a wife of a good husband, wishes his words and persuasions to be secret, and the contrary displeases him very much, when the daughter reveals to her father or the wife to her husband his false words and depraved intention, because he easily perceives that he will not be able to succeed with the undertaking begun. In the same way, when the enemy of human nature brings his wiles and persuasions to the just soul, he wishes and desires that they be received and kept in secret; but when one reveals them to one’s good confessor or to another spiritual person, who knows his deceits and malicious designs, it weighs on him very much, because he perceives that he will not be able to succeed with the mali- cious undertaking he has begun, since his manifest deceits have been revealed.
Fourteenth Rule. The fourteenth: Likewise he conducts him- self as a leader, intent upon conquering and robbing what he desires. For, just as a captain and leader of an army in the field, pitching his camp and exploring the fortifications and defenses of a stronghold, attacks it at the weakest point, in the same way the enemy of human nature, roving about, looks in turn at all our theological, cardinal and moral vir- tues; and where he finds us weakest and most in need for our eternal salvation, there he attacks us and attempts to take us.”
Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org
For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” pageThe post SD3 – Insights into Rules 10 through 14 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Practical Guidance of Rules 5-9 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy GallagherFr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss St. Ignatius’ rules on spiritual desolation and distinguishing between the actions of the good spirit and the enemy during the discernment process.
In particular, Rules 5 through 9 provide practical guidance, advising against changes during desolation, promoting active spiritual tools, and addressing the causes and purposes of desolation. Fr. Gallagher makes note of the trial aspect, encouraging patience, and stresses the humility of recognizing spiritual consolation as a gift from God.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. Understanding Discernment: How does Ignatius define discernment of spirits, and what is its purpose in our spiritual lives? 2. Two Fundamental Spiritual Situations: Explore the actions of the good spirit and the enemy in different spiritual situations, such as moving away from God or striving to grow closer to Him. 3. Biting of the Good Spirit: How does the good spirit’s biting and stinging impact a person going away from God, and what role does discomfort play in leading them back to God? 4. Biting of the Enemy: In contrast, how does the enemy attempt to hinder a person growing toward God, and what tactics does Ignatius describe in this scenario? 5. Rules 5-9 Overview: Summarize the key points from Rules 5 to 9, focusing on the importance of not making changes during desolation, active use of spiritual tools, and understanding the causes and purposes of desolation. 6. Rule 7 – Trial and Growth: How does Ignatius present desolation as a trial, and what opportunities for growth does it offer to individuals experiencing it? 7. Rule 8 – Patience in Desolation: Explore the significance of working to be patient during spiritual desolation and the encouragement to stay the course. 8. Rule 9 – Causes of Desolation: What are the three principal causes Ignatius highlights for spiritual desolation, and how does understanding these causes contribute to spiritual growth? 9. Recognizing God’s Grace: Reflect on the concept that all spiritual consolation is a gift from God, and how recognizing this truth fosters humility and spiritual maturity.
You can find this book hereFrom Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits:
“First Rule. The first rule: In persons who are going from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is ordinarily accustomed to propose apparent pleasures to them, leading them to imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses a contrary method, stinging and biting their consciences through their rational power of moral judgment.
Second Rule. The second: In persons who are going on intensely purifying their sins and rising from good to better in the service of God our Lord, the method is contrary to that in the first rule. For then it is proper to the evil spirit to bite, sadden, and place obstacles, disquieting with false reasons, so
that the person may not go forward. And it is proper to the good spirit to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and quiet, easing and taking away all obstacles, so that the person may go forward in doing good.Third Rule. The third is of spiritual consolation. I call it consolation when some interior movement is caused in the soul, through which the soul comes to be inflamed with love of its Creator and Lord, and, consequently when it can love no created thing on the face of the earth in itself, but only in the Creator of them all. Likewise when it sheds tears that move to love of its Lord, whether out of sorrow for one’s sins, or for the passion of Christ our Lord, or because of other things directly ordered to his service and praise. Finally, I call consolation every increase of hope, faith and charity, and all interior
joy that calls and attracts to heavenly things and to the salvation of one’s soul, quieting it and giving it peace in its Creator and Lord.Fourth Rule. The fourth is of spiritual desolation. I call desolation all the contrary of the third rule, such as darkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to low and earthly things, disquiet from various agitations and temptations, moving to lack of confidence, without hope, without love, finding oneself totally slothful, tepid, sad and, as if separated from one’s Creator and Lord. For just as consolation is contrary to desolation, in the same way the thoughts that come from consolation are contrary to the thoughts that come from desolation.
Fifth Rule. The fifth: In time of desolation never make a change, but be firm and constant in the proposals and determination in which one was the day preceding such desolation, or in the determination in which one was in the preceding consolation. Because, as in consolation the good spirit guides and counsels us more, so in desolation the bad spirit, with whose counsels we cannot find the way to a right decision.
Sixth Rule. The sixth: Although in desolation we should not change our first proposals, it is very advantageous to change ourselves intensely against the desolation itself, as by insisting more upon prayer, meditation, upon much examination, and upon extending ourselves in some suitable way of doing penance.
Seventh Rule. The seventh: Let one who is in desolation consider how the Lord has left him in trial in his natural powers, so that he may resist the various agitations and temptations of the enemy; since he can resist with the divine help, which always remains with him, though he does not clearly feel it; for the Lord has taken away from him his great fervor, abundant love and intense grace, leaving him, however, sufficient grace for eternal salvation.
Eighth Rule. The eighth: Let one who is in desolation work to be in patience, which is contrary to the vexations which come to him, and let him think that he will soon be consoled, diligently using the means against such desolation, as is said in the sixth rule.
Ninth Rule. The ninth: There are three principal causes for which we find ourselves desolate. The first is because we are tepid, slothful or negligent in our spiritual exercises, and so through our faults spiritual consolation withdraws from us. The second, to try us and see how much we are and how
much we extend ourselves in his service and praise without so much payment of consolations and increased graces. The third, to give us true recognition and understanding so that we may interiorly feel that it is not ours to attain or maintain increased devotion, intense love, tears or any other spiritual
consolation, but that all is the gift and grace of God our Lord, and so that we may not build a nest in something belonging to another, raising our mind in some pride or vainglory attributing to ourselves the devotion or the other parts of the spiritual consolation.”
Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org
For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” pageThe post SD2 – The Practical Guidance of Rules 5-9 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
St. Hilary of Poitiers – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson* Born: 310 AD, * Died: May 2, 367 AD Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss St. Hillary of Poitier’s life, conversion, and role in combating Arianism. Despite being the “Hammer of the Aryans,” his gentleness and charity emphasized Christ-like love in defending the faith.
From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2007:
“To sum up the essentials of his doctrine, I would like to say that Hilary found the starting point for his theological reflection in baptismal faith. In De Trinitate, Hilary writes: Jesus “has commanded us to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (cf. Mt 28: 19), that is, in the confession of the Author, of the Only-Begotten One and of the Gift. The Author of all things is one alone, for one alone is God the Father, from whom all things proceed. And one alone is Our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things exist (cf. I Cor 8: 6), and one alone is the Spirit (cf. Eph 4: 4), a gift in all…. In nothing can be found to be lacking so great a fullness, in which the immensity in the Eternal One, the revelation in the Image, joy in the Gift, converge in the Father, in the Son and in the Holy Spirit” (De Trinitate 2, 1). God the Father, being wholly love, is able to communicate his divinity to his Son in its fullness. I find particularly beautiful the following formula of St Hilary: “God knows not how to be anything other than love, he knows not how to be anyone other than the Father. Those who love are not envious and the one who is the Father is so in his totality. This name admits no compromise, as if God were father in some aspects and not in others” (ibid., 9, 61).
For this reason the Son is fully God without any gaps or diminishment. “The One who comes from the perfect is perfect because he has all, he has given all” (ibid., 2, 8). Humanity finds salvation in Christ alone, Son of God and Son of man. In assuming our human nature, he has united himself with every man, “he has become the flesh of us all” (Tractatus super Psalmos 54, 9); “he took on himself the nature of all flesh and through it became true life, he has in himself the root of every vine shoot” (ibid., 51, 16). For this very reason the way to Christ is open to all – because he has drawn all into his being as a man -, even if personal conversion is always required: “Through the relationship with his flesh, access to Christ is open to all, on condition that they divest themselves of their former self (cf. Eph 4: 22), nailing it to the Cross (cf. Col 2: 14); provided we give up our former way of life and convert in order to be buried with him in his baptism, in view of life (cf. Col1: 12; Rom 6: 4)” (ibid., 91, 9).
Fidelity to God is a gift of his grace. Therefore, St Hilary asks, at the end of his Treatise on the Trinity, to be able to remain ever faithful to the baptismal faith. It is a feature of this book: reflection is transformed into prayer and prayer returns to reflection. The whole book is a dialogue with God.
I would like to end today’s Catechesis with one of these prayers, which thus becomes our prayer:
“Obtain, O Lord”, St Hilary recites with inspiration, “that I may keep ever faithful to what I have professed in the symbol of my regeneration, when I was baptized in the Father, in the Son and in the Holy Spirit. That I may worship you, our Father, and with you, your Son; that I may deserve your Holy Spirit, who proceeds from you through your Only Begotten Son… Amen” (De Trinitate 12, 57).”For more visit Vatican.va
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:1. How can I deepen my personal relationship with God through prayer and scripture study? 2. In what ways do I demonstrate charity and Christ-like love in my interactions with others? 3. Reflect on a challenging situation and consider how St. Hillary’s approach of gentleness and diplomacy could be applied. 4. How can I contribute to promoting unity within the Church and combatting contemporary heresies or misconceptions? 5. In my faith journey, am I open to the transformative power of scripture, as St. Hillary was in his commentary on the Gospel of Matthew? 6. How can I balance being a fierce defender of the faith with embodying the virtues of gentleness and charity, following St. Hillary’s example?
For more on St. Hilary of Poitiers and his teachings:Hilary of Poitiers
– On the Councils, or the Faith of the Easterns
– On the Trinity
– Homilies on the Psalms
For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson check out his Discerning Hearts page
Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints, and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
The post St. Hilary of Poitiers – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
These are indeed good days for book lovers because we are so blessed to have yet another Christian spiritual classic broken open for us Dr. Peter Kreeft! In "I Burned for Your Peace: Augustine's Confessions Unpacked", Dr. Kreeft gives us a guided tour through one of the finest works in all Western literature. In our conversation we discuss how St. Augustine, in many ways, is the everyman and why is life is so important for us today. Written in a personal dialogue with God, the saint's "Confessions" is more than an autobiography or a book of theology, it is, in the end, a living prayer. It is one man's compelling witness that is, as Dr. Kreeft will say, astonishingly contemporary. St. Augustine looks at himself so honestly, we can't help but see ourselves in the reflection. "I Burned for Your Peace" is the must have book to accompany you on this spiritual journey, especially if your heart is a restless one. So plan your pilgrimage now! Get the Frank Sheed translation of the "Confessions" as mentioned by Dr. Kreeft in our conversation and grab this book today
The post IP#305 Dr. Peter Kreeft – I Burned for Your Peace on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Queenship of Mary, Queen of Heaven. He talks about the joys and peace of the heavenly encounter with our Blessed Mother and with the Holy Trinity. It is a very special reflection...not to be missed
The post The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 42 – Experiencing the Joy of Divine Mercy – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George LucasArchbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss Easter as a season for joy within our lives and within the church, focusing on the joy found in the devotion to the Divine Mercy.
For more episodes in this series, visit the
Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast pageFor more teachings and information about Archbishop George J. Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, visit: archomaha.orgThe post WM42 – Experiencing the Joy of Divine Mercy – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 41 – Easter: A Season for Joy – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George LucasArchbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss Easter as a season for joy within our lives and within the church, drawing back upon the Kerygma as shown in the Gospel readings throughout the Easter Season following Jesus’ resurrection.
For more episodes in this series, visit the
Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast pageFor more teachings and information about Archbishop George J. Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, visit: archomaha.orgThe post WM41 – Easter: A Season for Joy – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 40 – Journey of Faith – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George LucasArchbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss the “Journey of Faith”, a new way to bring together parishes within the Archdiocese, helping to meet the challenges and new reality facing parish life. While the conversation primarily addresses what is happening within the Archdiocese of Omaha, Archbishop Lucas’ words can be of great benefit to other Dioceses across the country facing similar challenges as well.
From the Archdiocese of Omaha’s Website:
Current Realities, priesthood“The challenge is to see this as an opportunity, to have a deeper experience in the activity of the Holy Spirit, and to respond really in faith, and to trust God.” – Archbishop George Lucas
Families of Parishes: A Modern-Day Answer in Our Journey of FaithWhy does this Journey of Faith matter so much right now? Think about how you have experienced or struggled in your own journey of faith. As one church, we must respond to changes in our Catholic community and the world around us.
A Vision for Active Parish CommunitiesOur shared vision for the archdiocese guides our Journey of Faith over the next three years. It comes directly from the hopes and spiritual desires of Catholics shared in listening sessions across the archdiocese.
Where We’ve BeenWhat we’ve learned over the last few years, will help us understand how to embark on a new journey to live our Catholic faith in new, more outgoing ways.
Journey of Faith PrayerLord and Giver of Life,
we ask for your guidance
as we journey to discover your plan
for our parishes and schools.
Change can bring about great excitement;
it can also be the source of anxiety and fear.
Help us to move forward with faith, courage and confidence.
Give us open minds and clarity
as we discern your will for a promising future.
May Jesus, the constant companion of the Church since Pentecost,
help us to accept the challenges of loving service
in new and invigorating ways.
May Mary, Mother of the Church,
encourage our efforts to listen and learn.
In the beginning, you hovered over the waters,
giving birth to your plan for creation.
You were present to the People of Israel,
speaking to them, teaching them,
and guiding them. Be present with us now,
and give us your light to see the way.
Amen.
For more episodes in this series, visit the
Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast pageFor more teachings and information about Archbishop George J. Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, visit: archomaha.orgThe post WM40 – Journey of Faith – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
“Lift Up Your Heart: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Francis de Sales” is outstanding. A wonderful “introduction to the devout life”… literally! Fr. John Burns breaks open up the teachings of the great spiritual director and Doctor of the Church St. Francis de Sales in a wonderfully fresh new way. Very practical and perfect for meditation during prayer times during the day, this is a mini-retreat we can all benefit from.
You can find the book here
From the book description:
This practical book goes right to the heart of helping you kick the habit of floating along on your spiritual journey to start actively pursuing holiness and devotion to God. During the course of the retreat, you ll learn the basics of forming a daily prayer routine, including how to offer yourself to God, meditate on his love, and maintain peace in the face of suffering and clarity in the midst of temptation.
The meditations will help you:
- Adopt gratitude as a daily prayer practice.
- Examine and reorder your priorities and relationships to better reflect your love for God.
- Discern between good and evil in your life.
- Desire to love and serve as Jesus did.
In a very real sense, Burns helps you take St. Francis de Sales as your spiritual director for ten days. As you do so, you’ll feel God’s fatherly love and restart your faith life, equipped with the tools to connect with God and live for heaven now.
The post IP#318 Fr. John Burns – Lift Up Your Heart on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
St. Anthony of the Desert Novena Day 3Day 3
From the Sayings of St. Anthony of the Desert:
“When the demons see Christians, specially the monks, working joyfully and growing in the spirit, first they fight them with temptation, and by placing obstacles to hinder their growth, trying to inject evil thoughts in their minds; but there is no reason for fear from their temptations because their offenses fail instantly by prayer and fasting, especially if you have had armed yourself with faith and the sign of the cross.”
Dear God,
St Anthony of the Desert accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things.
He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works.
In the Sign of the Cross, he triumphed over the devil.
Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
St Anthony, great and powerful saint, intercede for us also for this special request (mention your request).
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen
St. Anthony of the Desert, pray for us.
The sayings of St. Anthony us, as translated by the late Sr Benedicta Ward SLG , are taken from her The Sayings of the Desert Fathers:The post Day 3 St. Anthony of the Desert Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
St. Anthony of the Desert Novena Day 2
Day 2
From the Sayings of St. Anthony of the Desert:
Someone asked Abba Anthony, “What must one do in order to please God?” The old man replied, “Pay attention to what I tell you: whoever you may be, always have God before your eyes, whatever you do, do it according to the testimony of the holy Scriptures; in whatever place you live, do not easily leave it. Keep these three precepts and you will be saved.”
Dear God,
St Anthony of the Desert accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things.
He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works.
In the Sign of the Cross, he triumphed over the devil.
Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
St Anthony, great and powerful saint, intercede for us also for this special request (mention your request).
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen
St. Anthony of the Desert, pray for us.
The sayings of St. Anthony us, as translated by the late Sr Benedicta Ward SLG , are taken from her The Sayings of the Desert FathersThe post Day 2 St. Anthony of the Desert Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor begin the discussion of the first announcement, more formally known as KERYGMA and the First Week of Advent
The post WM35 – The First Sunday of Advent and the Kerygma – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
O LORD God Almighty, I beseech Thee,
by the precious body and blood
of Thy Divine Son Jesus,
which He himself
on the night before His passion
gave as meat and drink to His beloved apostles,
and He bequeathed His Holy Church
be a perpetual sacrifice and life-giving nourishment
of His faithful people,
deliver the souls in purgatory,
and but most of all that soul
which was most devoted to this mystery of infinite love;
in order that it may praise thee, therefore
together with Thy Divine Son,
and The Holy Spirit,
in Thy glory forever.
Amen.
The post Thursday – Praying daily for the Poor Souls – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Wednesday
Lord God Almighty, I beseech Thee,
by the precious blood
which Thy Divine Son Jesus shed
through the streets of Jerusalem
when He carried on His sacred shoulders,
deliver the souls in purgatory,
and especially that soul which is richest in merits before Thee;
that so, on that throne of glory which awaits it,
it may magnify Thee and bless Thee forever.
Amen.
The post Wednesday – Praying daily for the Poor Souls – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
O Lord God almighty, I beseech Thee,
by the precious blood
which Thy Divine Son Jesus
that was shed in His bitter crowning with thorns,
deliver the souls in purgatory,
and among them all,
particularly that soul which is in the greatest need of our prayers
in order that it may not long be delayed
in praising Thee in Thy glory,
and blessing Thee forever
Amen.
The post Tuesday – Praying daily for the Poor Souls – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 34 – What is the Kerygma Part 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Luca Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor begin the discussion of the first announcement, more formally known as KERYGMA From the APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION EVANGELII GAUDIUM OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS 164. In catechesis too, we have rediscovered the fundamental role ... Read more
The post WM34 – What is the Kerygma Part 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 33 – What is the Kerygma – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Luca Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor begin the discussion of the first announcement, more formally known as KERYGMA From the APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION EVANGELII GAUDIUM OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS 164. In catechesis too, we have rediscovered the fundamental role of the ... Read more
The post WM33 – What is the Kerygma – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 32 Called to Mission – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas discusses with Kris McGregor what it is to be outward-looking disciples of Jesus. People we know are starving for God’s love and impoverished by loneliness, addiction, anxiety, and broken relationships. What are ... Read more
The post WM32 – Called to Mission – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Day 4: THE SOUL
St. Teresa you have said
“It is that we consider our soul to be like a castle made entirely out of a diamond or of very clear crystal, in which there are many rooms, just as in heaven there are many dwelling places. For in reflecting upon it carefully, Sisters, we realize that the soul of the just person is nothing else but a paradise where the Lord says He finds His delight...I don’t find anything comparable to the magnificent beauty of a soul and its marvelous capacity. Indeed, our intellects, however keen, can hardly comprehend it, just as they cannot comprehend God’ but He Himself says that He created us in His own image and likeness.”
—Interior Castle I:1.1
The post A Novena to St. Teresa of Avila Day 4 – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
"His Angels at Our Side: Understanding Their Power in Our Souls and the World" by Fr. John Horgan is a very special work which gives us all a beautiful glimpse of the invisible messengers of God. My conversation about the Holy Angels with Fr. Horgan was a pure joy! This is a phenomenal work and one that will be sure to become a classic on the subject! Don't miss.
The post IP#331 Fr. John Horgan – His Angels At Our Side on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the life and prayer of St. Therese, the Little Flower. He speaks of her simplicity of heart and great humility in her “little way”. He shares his experience of his own mother’s prayer and that of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who both loved and prayed with the “Little Flower”. ... Read more
The post BKL227 – St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. in this Discerning Hearts Podcast
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Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. in this Discerning Hearts Podcast
The post WM30 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 7 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Queenship of Mary, Queen of Heaven. He talks about the joys and peace of the heavenly encounter with our Blessed Mother and with the Holy Trinity. It is a very special reflection...not to be missed
The post The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. Discerning Hearts Podcast
The post WM29 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 6 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Please enter into the life's story 0f St. Clare's life by listening to one of the best storytellers we know...Sr. Joan Mueller. She is enthralling!!!
St. Clare of Assisi was co-foundress of the Order of Poor Ladies or Clares and the first Abbess of San Damiano; born at Assisi, 16 July 1194; died there 11 August 1253. I can't even begin to describe the effect St. Clare has had on my life. My relationship with her goes so deep that any words I could come up with would not honor her as I wish I could.
I should share this little story of my own. In 2007, I had a chance to visit Assisi...I just wanted to be near St. Clare. I didn't plan it, but my hotel ended up being right across the street from St. Clare's Basilica (it seems wrong to call it a street, its width is so small). Really early one morning, I couldn't sleep, so I got up and began walking around outside of the Basilica. No one was out; all the shops closed, the sun was coming up. On a whim, I thought I would see if the church's doors were open (thinking to myself, of course, they wouldn't be), but to my surprise, they opened. So I entered. No one was around. I saw steps leading down to a lower level. I stepped over the rope blocking the entrance (boorish American that I am) and walked down. The path led down to an area with a display of relics, like clothing and other items (I assumed they were Clare's), and then I turned around and saw something incredible...the crypt of St. Clare. It stopped me in my tracks, so much so that I had to remind myself to breathe again. I quietly walked over to the enclosure grates that blocked off getting any closer. I knelt, and I just started to weep...I couldn't help it. It was so quiet; it was such a gift. I began to pray. I brought to St. Clare all the petitions I held so deeply in my heart. And when that was done, silence filled the space. After about 10 minutes, out of nowhere, I could hear the sound of the Poor Clare Sisters in the distance chanting their morning prayers. I knelt at that spot, for a good 30 minutes or so, all alone with St. Clare. I then got up, praised God for this special moment, and left the basilica. She's been with me, especially, ever since. St. Clare, pray for us.
The post St. Clare, pray for us – a model for the discerning heart…In Conversation with Sr. Joan Mueller appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Surrender Prayer Novena Day 2
Why do you confuse yourselves by worrying? Leave the care of your affairs to me and everything will be peaceful. I say to you in truth that every act of true, blind, complete surrender to me produces the effect that you desire and resolves all difficult situations.
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)
Mother, I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you I always want to belong completely to Jesus.
Amen
For the entire audio 9-day version visit of Surrender to the Will of God Novena
To download a PDF version of this novena click HERE
(Thanks to www.Surrenderprayer.com)
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Surrender Prayer Novena Day 1
Why do you confuse yourselves by worrying? Leave the care of your affairs to me and everything will be peaceful. I say to you in truth that every act of true, blind, complete surrender to me produces the effect that you desire and resolves all difficult situations.
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)
Mother, I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you I always want to belong completely to Jesus.
Amen
The post Day 1 Surrender Prayer Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Instead of leaning on others, standing on one’s own feet From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict: CHAPTER LXIX That in the Monastery No One Presume to Defend Another Care must be taken that on no occasion one monk try to defend another in the monastery, or to take his part, even though they be ... Read more
The post HR10 Instead of leaning on others, standing on one’s own feet – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
HR#6 "In place of provincialism, respect and tolerance" - The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB
CHAPTER II
What Kind of Man the Abbot Ought to Be
".....Let him make no distinction of persons in the monastery. Let him not love one more than another, unless it be one whom he findeth more exemplary in good works and obedience. Let not a free-born be preferred to a freedman, unless there be some other reasonable cause. But if from a just reason the Abbot deemeth it proper to make such a distinction, he may do so in regard to the rank of anyone whomsoever; otherwise let everyone keep his own place; for whether bond or free, we are all one in Christ (cf Gal 3:28; Eph 6:8), and we all bear an equal burden of servitude under one Lord, "for there is no respect of persons with God" (Rom 2:11). We are distinguished with Him in this respect alone, if we are found to excel others in good works and in humility. Therefore, let him have equal charity for all, and impose a uniform discipline for all according to merit."
The post HR6 In place of provincialism, respect and tolerance – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor in this special episode as they discuss the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade on the Why it Matters Discerning Hearts Podcast.
The post Special – A New Chapter for the Pro-life Movement in the United States – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. Discerning Hearts Podcast
The post WM28 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 5 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict:
CHAPTER LXVI
Of the Porter of the Monastery
...If it can be done, the monastery should be so situated that all the necessaries, such as water, the mill, the garden, are enclosed, and the various arts may be plied inside of the monastery, so that there may be no need for the monks to go about outside, because it is not good for their souls. But we desire that this Rule be read quite often in the community, that none of the brethren may excuse himself of ignorance
The post HR5 In place of spiritual homelessness, stability – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In place of confusing life patterns, the security of a healthy balance
From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict:
CHAPTER XLI
From holy Easter till Pentecost let the brethren dine at the sixth hour and take supper in the evening. From Pentecost on, however, during the whole summer, if the monks have no work in the fields and the excess of the heat doth not interfere, let them fast on Wednesday and Friday until the ninth hour; but on the other days let them dine at the sixth hour. This sixth hour for dinner is to be continued, if they have work in the fields or the heat of the summer is great. Let the Abbot provide for this; and so let him manage and adapt everything that souls may be saved, and that what the brethren do, they may do without having a reasonable cause to murmur. From the ides of September until the beginning of Lent let them always dine at the ninth hour. During Lent, however, until Easter, let them dine in the evening. But let this evening hour be so arranged that they will not need lamp-light during their meal; but let everything be finished whilst it is still day. But at all times let the hour of meals, whether for dinner or for supper, be so arranged that everything is done by daylight.
The post HR4- In place of confusing life patterns, the security of a healthy balance – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In place of the disability to express ourselves, to sing From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict: CHAPTER XIX We believe that God is present everywhere and that the eyes of the Lord behold the good and the bad in every place (cf Prov 15:3). Let us firmly believe this, especially when we take part ... Read more
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"The Abolition of Woman: How Radical Feminism is Betraying Women" is a powerful book and so needed today. Author and international pro-life advocate Fiorella Nash is an incredible advocate for authentic feminism. With this work, she shines a bright penetrating light on the destructive twistings and distortions projected onto women throughout the world by extraordinarily dark forces that many cannot or do not want to see.
The post Fiorella Nash – The Abolition of Woman on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Born: 306 AD, Nisibis, Turkey
Died: June 9, 373 AD, Edessa, Turkey
Full name: Ephrem of Nisibis
From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2007:
The figure of Ephrem is still absolutely timely for the life of the various Christian Churches. We discover him in the first place as a theologian who reflects poetically, on the basis of Holy Scripture, on the mystery of man's redemption brought about by Christ, the Word of God incarnate. His is a theological reflection expressed in images and symbols taken from nature, daily life and the Bible. Ephrem gives his poetry and liturgical hymns a didactic and catechetical character: they are theological hymns yet at the same time suitable for recitation or liturgical song. On the occasion of liturgical feasts, Ephrem made use of these hymns to spread Church doctrine. Time has proven them to be an extremely effective catechetical instrument for the Christian community.
Ephrem's reflection on the theme of God the Creator is important: nothing in creation is isolated and the world, next to Sacred Scripture, is a Bible of God. By using his freedom wrongly, man upsets the cosmic order. The role of women was important to Ephrem. The way he spoke of them was always inspired with sensitivity and respect: the dwelling place of Jesus in Mary's womb greatly increased women's dignity. Ephrem held that just as there is no Redemption without Jesus, there is no Incarnation without Mary. The divine and human dimensions of the mystery of our redemption can already be found in Ephrem's texts; poetically and with fundamentally scriptural images, he anticipated the theological background and in some way the very language of the great Christological definitions of the fifth-century Councils.
Ephrem, honoured by Christian tradition with the title "Harp of the Holy Spirit", remained a deacon of the Church throughout his life. It was a crucial and emblematic decision: he was a deacon, a servant, in his liturgical ministry, and more radically, in his love for Christ, whose praises he sang in an unparalleled way, and also in his love for his brethren, whom he introduced with rare skill to the knowledge of divine Revelation.
For more visit Vatican.va
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Dr. Matthew Bunson discusses the life, times and work of St. Athansius of Alexandria
From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2007:
Athanasius was undoubtedly one of the most important and revered early Church Fathers. But this great Saint was above all the impassioned theologian of the Incarnation of the Logos, the Word of God who - as the Prologue of the fourth Gospel says - "became flesh and dwelt among us" (Jn 1: 14).
For this very reason Athanasius was also the most important and tenacious adversary of the Arian heresy, which at that time threatened faith in Christ, reduced to a creature "halfway" between God and man, according to a recurring tendency in history which we also see manifested today in various forms.
The post St. Athanasius of Alexandria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom w/ Dr. Matthew Bunson Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Simply one of the finest works ever compiled on the mystery of suffering. Fr. Robert Spitzer’s “The Light Shines On In The Darkness: Transforming Suffering through Faith (Happiness, Suffering, and Transcendence)” could be considered a “catechism of suffering,” but not one rooted in misery, but rather anchored in the experience of God’s great mercy and redemptive ... Read more
The post IP#315 Fr. Robert Spitzer – The Light Shines On In The Darkness on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. Discerning Hearts Podcast
The post WM26 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 3 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. Discerning Hearts Podcast
The post WM25 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on Gaudium et Spes. Discerning Hearts Podcast
The post WM24 – Vatican II – Gaudium et Spes part 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the vow we give when we respond to our particular "calling" placed in our hearts by God.
The post The Vow – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue a conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. Discerning Hearts Podcast
The post WM23 – Vatican II – Lumen Gentium part 2 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Msgr. Esseff reflects what it means to truly encounter Jesus. Do we recognize Him in the poor, the prisoner, the disabled, the stranger? Or do we pass Him by because we truly do not know Him? He offers insight primarily from the teachings found in the letter from St. James Chap 2:
My brothers and sisters, show no partiality
as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.
For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes
comes into your assembly,
and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in,
and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes
and say, "Sit here, please, "
while you say to the poor one, "Stand there, " or "Sit at my feet, "
have you not made distinctions among yourselves
and become judges with evil designs?
Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.
Did not God choose those who are poor in the world
to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom
that he promised to those who love him?. - NAB
The post How do we truly encounter Jesus everyday? – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Angelic Realm, the celebration of the Eucharist, and the magnificence of the Throne of God Isaiah Chap 6:1-4 1 In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne,a with the train of his garment filling the temple. 2 Seraphim were stationed above; each ... Read more
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Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they begin a conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. Discerning Hearts Podcast
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Join Msgr. John Esseff as he encourages us to daily discernment of spirits - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts
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Dr. Matthew Bunson discusses the life, times and work of St. Hilary of Poitiers
Born: 310 AD,
Died: May 2, 367 AD,
The post DC2 St. Hilary of Poitiers – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the meaning of the "Baptism" and how it transforms us all.
Gospel LK 3:15-16, 21-22
The people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
After all the people had been baptized
and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased.”
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Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue their conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. Discerning Hearts Podcast
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Msgr. Esseff reflects on the meaning of the "Epiphany" and how we can manifest the light of Christ to the world. He shares how the saints are the stars that show us the way.
From the USCCB readings fo the day:
Reading 1 Is 60:1-6
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
The post How Can You Be the Light of Christ? -The Epiphany – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they begin their conversation on the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. Discerning Hearts Podcast
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The Feast of the Holy Family - Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Msgr. Esseff discusses honoring our parents - The reality of our society and the challenge - The wounds and the need for healing
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Day 9 – Life Eternal
O Lord, infant Jesus, bring us to live eternal with You! Jesus, your nativity was not without purpose. Your purpose was to bring us to You. We pray that you will bring us to Life Eternal with you this Christmas.
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Day 8 – Holiness O Lord, infant Jesus, inspire us to be repulsed by sin! You, Lord, are holy but we are not. We pray that you will make us holy and keep us from temptation this Christmas. Divine Infant, after the wonders of Your birth in Bethlehem, You wished to extend Your infinite mercy ... Read more
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Day 7 – Forgiveness
O Lord, infant Jesus, move us to forgive others as you forgive us! Your Divine Mercy is unending! We pray for Your Divine Mercy on us and that we may participate in Your mercy by forgiving others this Christmas.
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Day 6 – Peace
O Lord, infant Jesus, give us Your peace! You are the Prince of Peace and the ultimate fulfillment of your incarnation brings us to you in heaven where peace will come to perfection. We pray for peace this Christmas.
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Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue their conversation on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Discerning Hearts Podcast
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Day 5 – Love
O Lord, infant Jesus, inspire in us Your selfless love! You humbled yourself to become like us in all things but sin, and even humbled yourself to die on a cross. We pray that you will help us to love as You love this Christmas
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Fourth Sunday of Advent 2021 – Love and Humility Gospel LK 1:39-45 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy ... Read more
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Day 4 – Hope
O Lord, infant Jesus, bring us the Hope that saves! Your birth to the Virgin Mary brought a Hope to the world that continues to sustain us. We pray for a saving Hope this Christmas.
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This reflection was given during a special advent evening of prayer and meditation service at St. Margaret Mary’s Church, in Omaha, NE
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Day 3 – Faith
O Lord, infant Jesus, give us the gift of Faith! You, Lord, deserve our complete faith. We pray for deeper and more perfect faith in you this Christmas.
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Day 2 – Humility
O Lord, infant Jesus, grant us great humility! You gave us the model of perfect humility in your incarnation, life, and death. We pray for a greater Humility this Christmas.
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Day 1 – Joy
O Lord, infant Jesus, fill us with Joy! The birth of any child is a cause for joy and so much more is the birth of You our Savior. We pray in union with Mary, Your mother, for a greater joy this Christmas.
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In this conversation, we discuss the significance of St. John of the Cross and his relationship with St. Teresa of Avila. Dr. Lilles will also shed some light on the relationship between the Carmelites and the Jesuits, as well as St. John of Avila.
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....For this reason the apostle Paul said of Christ: In him are hidden all the treasures of the wisdom and knowledge of God. The soul cannot enter into these treasures, nor attain them, unless it first crosses into and enters the thicket of suffering, enduring interior and exterior labours, and unless it first receives from God very many blessings in the intellect and in the senses, and has undergone long spiritual training.
All these are lesser things, disposing the soul for the lofty sanctuary of the knowledge of the mysteries of Christ: this is the highest wisdom attainable in this life.
Would that men might come at last to see that it is quite impossible to reach the thicket of the riches and wisdom of God except by first entering the thicket of much suffering, in such a way that the soul finds there its consolation and desire. The soul that longs for divine wisdom chooses first, and in truth, to enter the thicket of the cross....
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Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they begin a conversation on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Discerning Hearts Podcast
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Third Sunday of Advent 2021 – REPENT AND REJOICE Gospel LK 3:10-18 The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they ... Read more
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From the Office of Readings: From a report by Don Antonio Valeriano, a Native American author of the sixteenth century (Nicon Mopohua, 12th ed., 3-9, 21) The Voice of the Turtledove has been heard in our land At daybreak one Saturday morning in 1531, on the very first days of the month of December, an ... Read more
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Dr. Lilles continues the spiritual explorations of the Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. In this episode, we discuss letter 165, with a special focus on the power of the Eucharist and meets us in our suffering:
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To Mary God gave his only-begotten Son, whom he loved as himself. Through Mary God made himself a Son, not different but the same, by nature Son of God and Son of Mary. The whole universe was created by God, and God was born of Mary. God created all things, and Mary gave birth to God. The God who made all things gave himself form through Mary, and thus he made his own creation. He who could create all things from nothing would not remake his ruined creation without Mary.
God, then, is the Father of the created world and Mary the mother of the re-created world. God is the Father by whom all things were given life, and Mary the mother through whom all things were given new life. For God begot the Son, through whom all things were made, and Mary gave birth to him as the Saviour of the world. Without God’s Son, nothing could exist; without Mary’s Son, nothing could be redeemed.
Truly the Lord is with you, to whom the Lord granted that all nature should owe as much to you as to himself.
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Join Archbishop George Lucas and Kris McGregor as they continue their discussion on the Second Vatican Council - Discerning Hearts Podcast
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Join Msgr. John Esseff as he reflects on the readings from the Second Sunday of Advent in this Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast
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Letter 162 - The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity - Beginning to Pray w/Dr. Anthony Lilles
Dr. Lilles continues the spiritual explorations of the Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. In this episode, we discuss letter 162, with a special focus on the power of the liturgy and the grace that comes by living by faith as described below:
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Episode 16 Vatican II – Introduction pt. 1 – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas In this episode with Archbishop Lucas, we begin with an introduction to Vatican II. The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, commonly known as the Second Vatican Council, or Vatican II, was the 21st ecumenical ... Read more
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First Sunday of Advent 2021 Reading 1 JER 33:14-16 The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah. In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot ; he shall do what is right and just ... Read more
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Dr. Lilles begins the spiritual explorations of the Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. In this episode we discuss letter 111 as described below: [April 7, 1902]1 Dijon Carmel, April 7 J. M. + J. T. Dear Monsieur le Chanoine, If you only knew how good it is to spend Lent, Holy Week, and ... Read more
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Msgr. Esseff reflects on the teaching of the Sacred Scriptures and on how we pray for the Poor Souls in Purgatory:
Reading 1 Wis 3:1-9
The souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace.
For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them,
and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
they shall judge nations and rule over peoples,
and the LORD shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
and his care is with his elect.
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Day Nine: For the grace to become the praise of the glory of the Holy Trinity
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Day Eight: For the grace of possessing heaven already in this life by faith.
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Day Seven For the grace to become, like Mary, the “prey” of the Trinity – a soul consumed by love.
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Day Six For the grace of living in the shadow of the Father
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Day Five - For the Grace of being overcome by the Fire of God’s Love
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Day Four – For the grace to be captivated by Christ In her prayer to the Trinity, Saint Elizabeth asks particular graces of each of the Divine Persons. From Christ, she asks to be captivated by Him. She refers to Him as the Radiant Star and asks for the grace to fixate on Him and ... Read more
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Day Two – For the grace to give our hearts to Jesus Saint Elizabeth wants us to give our heart to Jesus, to enter into a prayer so deep and beautiful, that we hear Him ask for it. She invites us to hear the Word of the Father speak to our souls the way the ... Read more
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Day Nine
Reflection by Saint John Paul II:
“The pilgrim Church on earth lifts its gaze to Heaven and exultantly joins the choir of those with whom God shares his glory. It is the communion of saints!”
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Day Eight
Reflection by Saint John Paul II:
“Thus the great gift of redemption – our being ‘brought forth’ to divine life – is a mighty work of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It must be received by us in faith. It must be lived. It must be proclaimed.”
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Day Seven
Reflection by Saint John Paul II:
“Certainly the whole mystery of Christ is a mystery of light. He is the ‘light of the world.’”
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Day Six
Reflection by Saint John Paul II:
“The Good News which she received from her divine Founder obliges the Church to proclaim the message of salvation and human dignity and to condemn injustices and attacks on human dignity.”
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Day Five
Reflection by Saint John Paul II:
“As we ask for forgiveness, let us also forgive. This is what we say every day when we recite the prayer Jesus taught us: ‘Our Father . . . forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’”
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Day 4 Reflection by Saint John Paul II: “Faith is strengthened when it is given to others! It is in commitment to the Church’s universal mission that the new evangelization of Christian peoples will find inspiration and support.” Prayer for the Intercession of St. John Paul II O Blessed Trinity, we thank you for having ... Read more
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Day Three
Reflection by Saint John Paul II:
“Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power open the boundaries of States, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization and development. Do not be afraid.”
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Day Two
Reflection by Saint John Paul II:
“It is Jesus in fact that you seek when you dream if happiness; he is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; he is the beauty to which you are so attracted . . .”
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Day 9: CHARITY St. Teresa you have said The blessings gained through true poverty I think are many, and I wouldn’t want to lose them. I am often aware of a faith within me so great that I think God cannot fail anyone who serves Him. I know that there never is or will be ... Read more
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Day 1 Reflection by Saint John Paul II: “It is Jesus in fact that you seek when you dream of happiness; he is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; he is the beauty to which you are so attracted . . .” Prayer for the Intercession of St. John Paul II ... Read more
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Day 8: VIRTUES St. Teresa you have said “I repeat, it is necessary that your foundation consist of more than prayer and contemplation. If you do not strive for the virtues and practice them, you will always be dwarfs. And, please God, it will be only a matter of not growing, for you already know that ... Read more
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Day 7: SURRENDER
St. Teresa you have said
Myself surrendered and given,
The exchange is this:
My Beloved is for me,
And I am for my Beloved.
When the gentle Hunter
Wounded and subdued me,
In love’s arms,
My soul fallen;
New life receiving,
Thus did I exchange
My Beloved is for me,
And I am for my Beloved.
The arrow he drew
Full of love,
My soul was made one
With her Creator.
Other love I want not,
Surrendered now to my God,
That my Beloved is for me,
And I am for my Beloved.
—On Those Words “Dilectus Meus Mihi”
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St. Teresa you have said
“A long time after the Lord had already granted me many of the favors I’ve mentioned and other very lofty ones, while I was in prayer one day, I suddenly found that, without knowing how, I had seemingly been put in hell...The fact is that I don’t know how to give a sufficiently powerful description of that interior fire and that despair, coming in addition to such extreme torments and pains. I didn’t see who inflicted them on me, but, as it seemed to me, I felt myself burning and crumbling; and I repeat the worst was that interior fire and despair.”
—Autobiography XXXII.1,2
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Day 5: HUMILITY
St. Teresa you have said
“O Eternal Father! How much this humility deserves. What treasure do we have that could buy Your Son? The sale of Him, we already know, was for thirty pieces of silver. But to buy Him, no price is sufficient. Since by sharing in our nature He has become one with us here below—and as Lord of His own will—He reminds the Father that because He belongs to Him the Father in turn can give Him to us. And so He says, “our bread.” He doesn’t make any difference between Himself and us, but we make one by not giving ourselves up each day for His Majesty.”
—Way of Perfection XXXIII.5
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Day 4: THE SOUL
St. Teresa you have said
“It is that we consider our soul to be like a castle made entirely out of a diamond or of very clear crystal, in which there are many rooms, just as in heaven there are many dwelling places. For in reflecting upon it carefully, Sisters, we realize that the soul of the just person is nothing else but a paradise where the Lord says He finds His delight...I don’t find anything comparable to the magnificent beauty of a soul and its marvelous capacity. Indeed, our intellects, however keen, can hardly comprehend it, just as they cannot comprehend God’ but He Himself says that He created us in His own image and likeness.”
—Interior Castle I:1.1
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Day 3: THE CENTRALITY OF THE HUMANITY OF CHRIST
St. Teresa you have said
“The thought comes to me now that our good Jesus showed us the weakness of His humanity previous to the trials, and when He was in the abyss of His sufferings showed such great fortitude that He not only did not complain but did nothing that would make it appear He was suffering with weakness. When He went to the garden, He said: My soul is sorrowful even to death. Yet, while on the cross, for He was already suffering death, He did not complain.”
—Meditations on the Song of Songs III.11.
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Day 2 INTIMATE AND TRANSFORMATIVE PRAYER St. Teresa you have said “Whoever has not begun the practice of prayer, I beg for the love of the Lord not to go without so great a good. There is nothing here to fear but only something to desire…And if one perseveres, I trust then in the ... Read more
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DAY 1: QUALITY SPIRITUAL READING
St. Teresa you have said:
“The prioress should see to it that good books are available, especially The Life of Christ by the Carthusian, the Flos Sanctorum, The Imitation of Christ, The Oratory of Religious, and those books written by Fray Luis de Granada and by Father Fray Pedro de Alcantara. This sustenance for the soul is in some way as necessary as is food for the body.”
—Constitutions 8
In chapter 4 of her autobiography, Teresa recounts the story of a particular visit to her uncle, Pedro Sánchez de Cepeda, wherein he gave her a copy of Francisco de Osuna’s book, the Third Spiritual Alphabet. It provided the foundations for her spiritual life and remained an important reference for many years. In time, Teresa added other works to her list of spiritual influences, including those listed in her Constitutions. It was essential to her spiritual growth and to that of her sisters to be educated by knowledgeable people in the realm of the interior life.
Through her example and counsel, we are also invited to enrich our faith and our interior lives by reading and studying the writings of the many holy authors whom the Church recommends to us. Of course, among these, Teresa is one who is especially recommended. Perhaps one way of preparing for the feast during these nine days of novena would be to prayerful read and reflect on one of her writings.
May she and all of the saintly authors continue to inspire us through their teachings and experience.
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Episode 9 – A Brief Reflection on Prudence In this final episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss St. Joseph and the virtue of prudence An excerpt from St. Joseph and His World: The prudent way—the way of St. Joseph—begins with self-knowledge. People cannot see reality clearly as long as they have those planks in ... Read more
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Episode 1 – Serves as an introduction to this series on the subject of “Spiritual Desolation.” From the Prologue of Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits Five hundred years ago, Ignatius entered the realm of the heart and crafted a set of guidelines for responding to interior experience, both joyful ... Read more
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Episode 2 – Fr. Gallagher offers a brief overview of the Rules for Discernment 1 – 9 in relation to spiritual desolation. From Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits First Rule. The first rule: In persons who are going from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is ordinarily accustomed ... Read more
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Episode 3 – Fr. Gallagher offers a brief overview of the Rules for Discernment 10 – 14 in relation to spiritual desolation. From Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits Tenth Rule. The tenth: Let the one who is in consolation think how he will conduct himself in the desolation which ... Read more
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Episode 4 - Fr. Gallagher offers an in-depth overall review of Rule 4 on Spiritual Desolation.
From Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits
Rule 4 is the companion to rule 3 and describes its exact opposite: spiritual desolation. As in rule 3, Ignatius does not give a definition but rather a list of experiences of spiritual desolation. I have italicized each:
Fourth Rule. The fourth is of spiritual desolation. I call desolation all the contrary of the third rule, such as darkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to low and earthly things, disquiet from various agitations and temptations, moving to lack of confidence, without hope,without love, finding oneself totally slothful, tepid, sad, and as if separated from one’s Creator and Lord. For just as consolation is contrary to desolation, in the same way, the thoughts that come from consolation are contrary to the thoughts that come from desolation.
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Episode 5 - Fr. Gallagher helps us to understand the Dark Night as described by St. John of the Cross and how it differs from the experience of Spiritual Desolation. He also addresses the Dark Night metaphor and how it is used to describe some spiritual experiences that are not necessarily the same in meaning as that set forth by St. John of the Cross and how that can be confusing for some.
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Episode 6 - Fr. Gallagher helps us to understand the different aspects of dryness in prayer. Is it a sign of Spiritual Desolation? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and sometimes maybe. We begin part 1 of this discussion in this episode.
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Episode 7 - Fr. Gallagher helps us to understand the different aspects of dryness in prayer. Is it a sign of Spiritual Desolation? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and sometimes maybe. We continue with part 2 of this discussion in this episode.
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Episode 8 - Fr. Gallagher answers other questions that come up about Spiritual Desolation. He then addresses the various qualities of Spiritual Desolation.
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Episode 9 – Fr. Gallagher offers insights on a form of Spiritual Desolation he terms as “Pre-Event” Desolation. He uses this description to define a type of desolation that can affect someone who, for example, is about to enter into a retreat or pilgrimage, or some type of spiritual or ministry based undertaking. From Setting ... Read more
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The very Son of God, older than the ages, the invisible, the incomprehensible, the incorporeal, the beginning of beginning, the light of light, the fountain of life and immortality, the image of the archetype, the immovable seal, the perfect likeness, the definition and word of the Father: he it is who comes to his own image and takes our nature for the good of our nature, and unites himself to an intelligent soul for the good of my soul, to purify like by like. He takes to himself all that is human, except for sin. He was conceived by the Virgin Mary, who had been first prepared in soul and body by the Spirit; his coming to birth had to be treated with honour, virginity had to receive new honour. He comes forth as God, in the human nature he has taken, one being, made of two contrary elements, flesh and spirit. Spirit gave divinity, flesh received it.
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Day Three – For the Grace that makes our sins into a source of humility Today we ask Saint Elizabeth to intercede for us against the temptation to be discouraged by our sins. It is possible to take sin too lightly, to not realize the great price that was paid so that we might live ... Read more
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Msgr. Esseff reflects on the life and teachings of St. Padre Pio. He shares personal stories from his relationship with St. Pio.
Gospel LK 8:16-18
Jesus said to the crowd:
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel
or sets it under a bed;
rather, he places it on a lampstand
so that those who enter may see the light.
For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible,
and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.
Take care, then, how you hear.
To anyone who has, more will be given,
and from the one who has not,
even what he seems to have will be taken away.”
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A leader who is not sober can do a great deal of damage to those for whom he is responsible and, of course, harm the cause he is meant to serve. If you allow yourself to be seized with emotions, such as anger, vindictiveness, sadness, pride or envy - whatever "demons" you want to call them here - then you are not in contact with yourself and not in contact with your people. One is identified with the feeling and has no clear view of the truths. The task of the manager is to decide. However, to make the right decision requires a sober consideration of the alternatives that are given. The leader may need a break to make the right choice. The "discernment of spirits", like those taught by St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) is only possible if we can be completely free and open inside, sober and not driven by emotions. One might follow this rule: When I am very upset, frustrated, angry, fearful, sad, whatever mood you might feel, make no decisions and do not respond immediately to those you lead. Give yourself one night to think about it and pray. It often happens that after this break, which does not have to be long, you will find a completely different perspective and have time to assess alternatives. If you do not spontaneously act out of feeling, step back until you are sober and compassionate enough to respond appropriately.
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