Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts Discerning Hearts

Introduction – Encountering Foreign Worlds with The Little Prince with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor discuss “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Fr. Mauritius shares his personal connection with the novella, which he discovered while reading bedtime stories to children. He reflects on the Catholic influence in the story and its universal appeal, attributing its resonance to its beauty and wisdom, akin to God’s nature.

They delve into the significance of seeing each human as a whole world, illustrated through the little prince’s encounters with characters on different planets. Fr. Mauritius highlights how individuals inhabit unique worlds with varying perceptions of time, language, and meaning. He talks about the importance of understanding others’ perspectives to bridge communication gaps and avoid misunderstandings, drawing examples from the novella’s portrayal of stars and the differing interpretations among characters.

Fr. Mauritius reminds us of the value of taking time to engage with literature like “The Little Prince” as a means of deepening empathy and connection in an ever-changing cultural landscape.



Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:



* Exploring Catholic Themes: How does Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Catholic background influence the themes and messages found within “The Little Prince”?

* Universality of Beauty and Wisdom: In what ways do the beauty and wisdom portrayed in “The Little Prince” resonate with Catholic teachings and reflect aspects of God’s nature?

* Seeing Others as Unique Worlds: How does the concept of each person being their own world, as depicted in the novella, relate to Catholic understanding of human dignity and individuality?

* Understanding and Empathy: How can the lessons from “The Little Prince” about understanding others’ perspectives and languages be applied to fostering empathy and unity within Catholic communities and beyond?

* Bridging Communication Gaps: Reflecting on the examples of misunderstanding in the novella, how can Catholics work towards better communication and dialogue, particularly across generational and cultural divides?







One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes. 

The story of a stranded pilot, an extraordinary little boy, and their remarkable friendship, The Little Prince has become a cherished fable for generations of readers. As enchanting as it is wise, this beloved classic captures the mysteries of the heart and opens us to the meaning of life and the magic of love.

taken from the back an edition of the book no longer in print

 



Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, NE

Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day Five

Begin be reciting the following prayer…

O Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler!

I adore you as my True God.

I offer You my whole heart,

and I render You heartfelt thanks for all the benefits You have bestowed upon the world.

You are the author of all supernatural gifts

and enriched the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God,

with all favors,

I ask you to visit me by Your grace and Your love,

and grant me the favor

I so earnestly seek…

State your request here…

O Holy Spirit,

spirit of truth, come into our hearts:

DAY FIVE

Come, O Spirit of sanctity,

from the glory of heaven

and send forth the radiance of Your light.

Father of all the poor,

light and peace of all hearts,

come with Your countless gifts.

Consoler in desolation;

refreshment full of loveliness,

come dear friend of my soul.

In weariness send repose;

breath gently cool refreshing breeze;

console the desolate who weep alone.

Light of Beatitude,

make our hearts ready;

come enter our souls.

Without Your grace,

man stands alone;

he cannot be good or sure.

Cleanse what is soiled;

heal what is wounded;

moisten what is arid.

Bend the stubborn will;

warm the cold heart;

guide the wandering footstep.

O Holy Spirit,

we beg You to give us grace through Your sevenfold power

and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena…

State your request here…

Give us merit for the present,

and one day beatitude when we have finished our earthly journey.

Come, O Holy Spirit,

fill the hearts of Your faithful,

and kindle in them the fire of Your love.

Amen.

Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘As the Father has loved me,

so I have loved you.

Remain in my love.

If you keep my commandments

you will remain in my love,

just as I have kept my Father’s commandments

and remain in his love.

I have told you this

so that my own joy may be in you

and your joy be complete.

This is my commandment:

love one another, as I have loved you.

A man can have no greater love

than to lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends,

if you do what I command you.

I shall not call you servants any more,

because a servant does not know

his master’s business;

I call you friends,

because I have made known to you

everything I have learnt from my Father.

You did not choose me:

no, I chose you;

and I commissioned you

to go out and to bear fruit,

fruit that will last;

and then the Father will give you

anything you ask him in my name.

What I command you

is to love one another.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?



What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘As the Father has loved me,

so I have loved you.

Remain in my love.

If you keep my commandments

you will remain in my love,

just as I have kept my Father’s commandments

and remain in his love.

I have told you this

so that my own joy may be in you

and your joy be complete.

This is my commandment:

love one another, as I have loved you.

A man can have no greater love

than to lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends,

if you do what I command you.

I shall not call you servants any more,

because a servant does not know

his master’s business;

I call you friends,

because I have made known to you

everything I have learnt from my Father.

You did not choose me:

no, I chose you;

and I commissioned you

to go out and to bear fruit,

fruit that will last;

and then the Father will give you

anything you ask him in my name.

What I command you

is to love one another.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘As the Father has loved me,

so I have loved you.

Remain in my love.

If you keep my commandments

you will remain in my love,

just as I have kept my Father’s commandments

and remain in his love.

I have told you this

so that my own joy may be in you

and your joy be complete.

This is my commandment:

love one another, as I have loved you.

A man can have no greater love

than to lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends,

if you do what I command you.

I shall not call you servants any more,

because a servant does not know

his master’s business;

I call you friends,

because I have made known to you

everything I have learnt from my Father.

You did not choose me:

no, I chose you;

and I commissioned you

to go out and to bear fruit,

Our Lady of Fatima and the Power of the Holy Rosary – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the importance of prayer, particularly through the rosary, in bringing about peace in the world; including the significance of Our Lady of Fatima’s messages and the power of praying the rosary daily.

Msgr. Esseff shares stories of miraculous protection during times of war, emphasizing the rosary as a powerful weapon for peace and conversion. He urges listeners to pray fervently, believing that through Mary’s intercession, God can bring about peace in even the most troubled regions.





Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:



* The Power of Prayer: How does the podcast highlight the significance of prayer, particularly through the rosary, in fostering peace in the world?

* Our Lady of Fatima’s Message: What are the key elements of Our Lady of Fatima’s message regarding prayer and peace, as discussed in the podcast?

* The Efficacy of the Rosary: How does Monsignor Esseff illustrate the efficacy of the rosary through personal anecdotes and stories of miraculous protection?

* Mary’s Intercession for Peace: In what ways does Monsignor Esseff emphasize the role of Mary’s intercession in bringing about peace, especially in troubled regions?

* The Call to Action: What call to action does the podcast present to listeners regarding praying the rosary and seeking Mary’s intercession for peace?





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

Second Mode of Discernment – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the second mode of discernment according to St. Ignatius of Loyola. This mode involves a consistent attraction of the heart toward one option over a period of time, particularly during spiritual consolation.

They examine an experience from St. Ignatius’s life where he discerned whether the Jesuits should continue living in radical poverty. Ignatius sought God’s guidance through Mass for 40 consecutive days, experiencing spiritual consolation and a consistent inclination toward radical poverty until the 40th day, when he faced spiritual desolation and doubts.

Fr. Gallagher reminds us of the importance of spiritual guidance in discernment, noting that it’s a process over time rather than a single moment of clarity. He illustrates this mode with the stories of Richard, who discerned a call to Jesuit life, and Jessica, who felt drawn to religious life over time.



Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:



* Understanding Second Mode Discernment: How does St. Ignatius describe the second mode of discernment, and what are its key components?

* Ignatius’s Experience and its Significance: Reflect on Ignatius of Loyola’s discernment regarding the vow of poverty. What significance does his experience hold for understanding second mode discernment?

* Spiritual Consolation and Desolation: How does Fr. Gallagher differentiate between spiritual consolation and desolation in the context of discernment?

* The Role of Spiritual Guidance: What is the importance of seeking spiritual guidance in the discernment process, according to Fr. Gallagher?

* Pattern of Consistent Attraction: Discuss the significance of experiencing a consistent attraction toward one option over time in discernment according to the second mode.

* Richard’s Discernment Journey: Analyze Richard’s discernment process. How did his experience exemplify second mode discernment?

* Jessica’s Experience: Reflect on Jessica’s discernment journey. How did her story illustrate the consistent attraction of the heart over time?

* Comparison with First Mode Discernment: Compare and contrast first mode discernment with second mode discernment, considering aspects like clarity and doubt.

* Challenges and Resolving Conflicts: Explore the challenges individuals might face when their desires conflict with the attractions of the heart in discernment. How can these conflicts be resolved?

* The Importance of Time in Discernment: Fr. Gallagher emphasizes the significance of giving discernment the time it needs. Reflect on the importance of patience and perseverance in the discernment process.







From The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions:

“Three Times in which a Sound and Good Choice May Be Made

The first time is when God Our Lord so moves and attracts the will that, without doubting or being able to doubt, the devout soul follows what is shown to it, as St. Paul and St. Matthew did in following Christ our Lord.

The second time is when sufficient clarity and understanding is received through experience of consolations and desolations, and through experience of discernment of different spirits.

The third time is one of tranquility, when one considers first for what purpose man is born, that is, to praise God our Lord and save his soul, and, desiring this, chooses as a means to this end some life or state within the bounds of the Church, so that he may be helped in the service of his Lord and the salvation of his soul. I said a tranquil time, that is, when the soul is not agitated by different spirits,

Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day Four

Begin be reciting the following prayer…

O Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler!

I adore you as my True God.

I offer You my whole heart,

and I render You heartfelt thanks for all the benefits

You have bestowed upon the world.

You are the author of all supernatural gifts and enriched the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, with all favors,

I ask you to visit me by Your grace and Your love,

and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek…

State your request here…

O Holy Spirit,

spirit of truth, come into our hearts:

DAY FOUR

O God,

Who today by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful,

give us, by the light of the same Holy Spirit,

a love for what is right and just and a constant enjoyment of His comforts.

Pray Holy Spirit, that I may strive to learn more of my faith;

that I may ever be conscious that reason in all its human magnificence is capable of grasping but a glimpse of the reality that is God.

Pray that I may accept as the motto of my life:

“All for the greater glory of God”

and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena…

State your request here…

Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful,

and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Amen.