Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

Discerning Hearts
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Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, Dr. Anthony Lilles, Deacon James Keating, Archbishop George Lucas, Msgr. John Esseeff and so many other Catholic Spiritual leaders and teachers/catechists offer the best teachings in the rich Catholic Spiritual/Discernment tradition. From the lives of the saints to the basics of Catholic Social teaching, from the Sacred Liturgy to prayer in everyday moments of our lives, we walk together as we fulfill our call to be saints in the making. By the renewal of our minds, we form ourselves so that may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. (Rom 12:2)

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    Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

    Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – 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 of Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ Then he put his arms round them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing. 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: People were bringing little children to Jesus, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ Then he put his arms round them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing. 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: People were bringing little children to Jesus, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ Then he put his arms round them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing. What touched your heart in this time of prayer? What did your heart feel as you prayed? What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord? Our Father, who art in heaven,   hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread,  and forgive us our trespasses,  as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from evil. Amen Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

    9 min

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    IP#507 Sr. Josephine Garrett – Wilderness Within on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Sister Josephine Garrett and Kris McGregor discuss Wilderness Within, a Lenten journal designed to guide individuals in deepening their spiritual journey. Sister Josephine explains that the book is not for the faint of heart but for those willing to reflect on their implicit beliefs about God, faith, and themselves. The book explores the theme of the “wilderness within,” likening it to the Desert Fathers’ realization that the greatest spiritual battle is fought in the human heart and the importance of rendering one’s heart open to Christ, engaging in interior reflection, and embracing the challenges of Lent not as failures but as necessary struggles on the path to spiritual growth. The need for authentic hope amid personal and societal struggles is important during the Jubilee of Hope. Fasting, penance, and detachment each share a role in gaining clarity and deepening union with God rather than simply self-denial. She encourages listeners to avoid rushing through Lent, instead embracing the rhythm of the liturgical season as a model for ongoing spiritual discipline. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions: How does the concept of the “wilderness within” resonate with your own spiritual struggles and growth? In what ways do you see God’s love sustaining you, even in times of doubt or hardship? What are the “stories” you tell yourself about your relationship with God, and how do they shape your faith? How can you practice rendering your heart more fully open to God during Lent? What attachments or distractions in your life may be keeping you from fully trusting in God’s plan? How do you respond to suffering and the cross in your own life—do you resist it or see it as a path to deeper union with Christ? How can fasting, prayer, and almsgiving help you detach from worldly concerns and focus more on God? In what ways does the Jubilee of Hope challenge you to rediscover hope in your personal faith journey? How does reflecting on Christ’s suffering during Holy Week draw you closer to His heart? What steps can you take after Lent to ensure that your spiritual growth continues beyond the season? From the book’s description: This Lent, allow Sr. Josephine Garrett to be your guide as you explore the interior wilderness of your heart and invite Jesus in to heal you with his love. Have you ever wondered why Jesus went into the wilderness? Some believe it was to reveal his divinity or to restore humanity’s relationship with God. In Wilderness Within, Sr. Josephine Garrett, a mental health counselor and popular speaker, reflects on the belief that Jesus went into the wilderness to rescue us—to rescue us! The Lord does not want us to view the wilderness as something that causes worry, anxiety, or fear. “What if, instead,” Sr. Josephine writes, “we looked at how God has been a faithful provider in the wilderness and trusted that He will do the same for us in the wilderness journey ahead? What if we joyfully take His hand and journey into the wilderness, because when Christ enters there, ‘this opposite place of the garden becomes the place of reconciliation and healing’” (Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth)? In Wilderness Within, Sr. Josephine will guide you through the forty days of Lent to attend to the wilderness of your heart as a place to be explored, restored, and sent on mission by Jesus’s tender love. * Week of Ash Wednesday: Enter Lent by recognizing your ability to always begin anew in Christ. * Week One: Open your heart to God’s love, allowing yourself to reverence your heart as a gift from your Creator. * Week Two: Reflect on the truth that we are created for relationships, and examine the relationships in your life.

    36 min

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    Day 4 – Readiness for Sacrifice – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

    A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection) Heavenly Father, as I prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, I open my heart to You. Let this be a time of renewal, where I grow in love, sacrifice, and prayer. Help me remove distractions and embrace this season with purpose. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may my soul be ready to walk with Christ. Amen. Day 4 – Readiness for Sacrifice Scripture: “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25) Reflection: Fasting is not just about deprivation; it is a way of making space for God. It reminds us that He alone can satisfy our deepest hunger. Practical Steps: Take a moment today to plan your Lenten fasting. * Will you fast from certain foods? * Will you step away from distractions like social media or unnecessary spending? * What small but meaningful sacrifices can you make to strengthen your dependence on God? As we enter this season, let’s also remember the Church’s call to fasting and abstinence. * Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting. At a bare minimum, this means no more than one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal, with no snacking in between. These are also days of abstinence from meat. * Take a moment to ask yourself: Given my health and circumstances, what can I truly offer as a fasting prayer this Lent? Plan accordingly, making your sacrifice one that draws you closer to God. * All Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence from meat, uniting us with Christ’s sacrifice in a simple but meaningful way. Lent isn’t just about what we give up—it’s about how we love. Consider adding a spiritual work of mercy to your Lenten journey: * Is there an opportunity in your parish or a local ministry that serves the poor, the suffering, or those in need? Could you take part in it? * Can you reach out to someone in need with a kind act or a word of encouragement? A simple gesture could mean more than you realize. * Is there a relationship that needs healing? Consider taking the first step—perhaps by writing a letter, making a call, or offering a quiet prayer for reconciliation. * Offer a daily prayer for others, especially for those who are suffering, lonely, or in need of hope. Fasting isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making space for God. As you begin this Lenten practice, ask yourself: Lord, how are You inviting me to rely on You more deeply? Closing Prayer: Jesus, help me to fast with love, to sacrifice with joy, and to embrace this Lent as a time to grow closer to You. Amen. Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart. When Lent begins this Ash Wednesday, we’ll invite you to continue your journey with our series A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory, exclusively on Discerning Hearts. May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.

    5 min

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    Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

    Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – 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 of Mark 10:1-12 Jesus came to the district of Judaea and the far side of the Jordan. And again crowds gathered round him, and again he taught them, as his custom was. Some Pharisees approached him and asked, ‘Is it against the law for a man to divorce his wife?’ They were testing him. He answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’ ‘Moses allowed us’ they said ‘to draw up a writ of dismissal and so to divorce.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘It was because you were so unteachable that he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. This is why a man must leave father and mother, and the two become one body. They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.’ Back in the house the disciples questioned him again about this, and he said to them, ‘The man who divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another she is guilty of adultery too.’ 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 came to the district of Judaea and the far side of the Jordan. And again crowds gathered round him, and again he taught them, as his custom was. Some Pharisees approached him and asked, ‘Is it against the law for a man to divorce his wife?’ They were testing him. He answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’ ‘Moses allowed us’ they said ‘to draw up a writ of dismissal and so to divorce.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘It was because you were so unteachable that he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. This is why a man must leave father and mother, and the two become one body. They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.’ Back in the house the disciples questioned him again about this, and he said to them, ‘The man who divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another she is guilty of adultery too.’ 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 came to the district of Judaea and the far side of the Jordan. And again crowds gathered round him, and again he taught them, as his custom was. Some Pharisees approached him and asked, ‘Is it against the law for a man to divorce his wife?’ They were testing him. He answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’ ‘Moses allowed us’ they said ‘to draw up a writ of dismissal and so to divorce.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘It was because you were so unteachable that he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. This is why a man must leave father and mother, and the two become one body. They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.’ Back in the house the disciples questioned him again about this, and he said to them, ‘The man who divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another she is guilty of adultery too.’ What touched your heart in this time of prayer? What did your heart feel as you prayed?

    11 min

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    Day 3 – Removing Obstacles – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

    A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection) Heavenly Father, as I prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, I open my heart to You. Let this be a time of renewal, where I grow in love, sacrifice, and prayer. Help me remove distractions and embrace this season with purpose. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may my soul be ready to walk with Christ. Amen. Day 3 – Removing Obstacles Scripture: “Make straight the way of the Lord.” (John 1:23) Reflection: Before we move forward in Lent, it would be good to remove what is holding us back. What distractions, sins, or habits keep you from drawing closer to Christ? Practical Step: * Take time today to identify what needs to go. Reflect on habits, distractions, or attachments that keep you from deeper prayer. Write them down in your journal, and ask for the grace to surrender them. * If possible, simplify your environment. Clear clutter from your prayer space, put away distractions, and create an atmosphere that helps you focus on God. Closing Prayer: Jesus, help me remove what keeps me from You. Give me the strength to let go and walk freely in Your grace. Amen. Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart. When Lent begins this Ash Wednesday, we’ll invite you to continue your journey with our series A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory, exclusively on Discerning Hearts. May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.

    3 min

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    St. Gregory of Narek – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    St. Gregory of Narek – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson * Born: 951 Rshtunik, Vaspurakan, Bagratid Armenia * Died: 1003 Narekavank, Vaspurakan, Armenia * Feast Day: 13 October (Holy Translators day); 27 February (Roman Catholic Church) Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss the significance of St. Gregory of Narek being declared the 36th Doctor of the Church by Pope Francis in 2015. St. Gregory’s profound contributions to Christian spirituality, particularly his “Book of Lamentations,” is a collection of 95 poetic prayers that deeply resonate with themes of humility, suffering, and the longing for union with God. A mystic, theologian, and poet of the Armenian Church, is recognized for his ability to express the depths of human brokenness and the hope found in divine mercy. His writings are compared to those of St. Augustine and St. John of the Cross, emphasizing their ability to guide the faithful toward a personal encounter with God through lament and prayer. St. Gregory’s life, shaped by early suffering and monastic formation, deeply influenced his spiritual insight. His work remains central to Armenian Christianity, with prayers from the “Book of Lamentations” integrated into the Armenian liturgy. The podcast considers how Gregory’s appointment as a Doctor of the Church invites the broader Catholic Church to engage more deeply with Eastern Christian traditions and spirituality. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions How does the Church’s recognition of St. Gregory of Narek as a Doctor deepen our understanding of the spiritual treasures within Eastern Christianity? In what ways can Gregory’s “Book of Lamentations” teach us to transform our suffering into a path toward deeper union with God? How does Gregory’s emphasis on humility challenge our approach to prayer and our relationship with God? What does Gregory’s mystical theology reveal about the call to holiness and the pursuit of intimate communion with God for all believers? How can the integration of Gregory’s prayers into the Armenian liturgy inspire a deeper appreciation for the role of sacred tradition in personal prayer? How does Gregory’s work invite Latin Rite Catholics to explore the richness of Eastern Christian theology and worship? What can the faithfulness of the Armenian Church, especially through suffering, teach us about perseverance in our own spiritual journey? How can engaging with the writings of lesser-known Doctors, like Gregory, expand our understanding of Catholic spirituality and deepen our faith? From the Vatican Insider: Pope Francis has approved the decision of the Congregation for Saints. The Armenian saint was born in 950 AD in present-day Turkey ANDREA TORNIELLI: VATICAN CITY ”An Armenian saint has been declared a Doctor of the Church. In last Saturday’s audience with the cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis approved the proposal put forward by the Plenary Session of the Congregation, agreeing for the title of Doctor of the Universal Church to be conferred upon Gregory of Narek. St. Gregory, a priest and monk, was born circa 950 AD in Andzevatsik (formerly Armenia, present-day Turkey) to a family of writers. He died circa 1005 in Narek (formerly Armenia, present-day Turkey). His father, Khosrov, was an archbishop. Having lost his mother at a young age, Gregory was brought up by his cousin, Anania of Narek, founder of the local school and village. The saint lived most of his life in the monast...

    31 min

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    Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

    Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – 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 of Mark 9:41-50 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward. ‘But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. And if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out. And if your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is a good thing, but if salt has become insipid, how can you season it again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with 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: ‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward. ‘But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. And if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out. And if your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is a good thing, but if salt has become insipid, how can you season it again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with 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: ‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward. ‘But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. And if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out. And if your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is a good thing,

    11 min

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    Day 2 – Expectant Waiting – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

    A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection) Heavenly Father, as I prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, I open my heart to You. Let this be a time of renewal, where I grow in love, sacrifice, and prayer. Help me remove distractions and embrace this season with purpose. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may my soul be ready to walk with Christ. Amen. Day 2 – Expectant Waiting Scripture: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” (Matthew 5:6) Reflection: Lent is not just about what we give up; it is about what we take on for love of God. True transformation begins with expectation—a heart that longs to be filled by Him. Today, take a moment to reflect: How do I want to grow this Lent? Where do I thirst for God’s grace in my life? Practical Step: Start your first Lenten journal entry. Write down what you hope for this season—how you want to grow spiritually, where you need God’s grace, and the prayers you want to bring before Him. Think of this as a gentle warm-up, allowing journaling to become second nature by the time Lent begins. Ponder a simple daily prayer commitment. It could be reading a short passage of Scripture, praying the Rosary daily—alone or with family—or sitting in quiet with the Lord for five minutes each day. You don’t have to decide today, but begin discerning what might be best for you as Lent approaches. Closing Prayer: Lord, deepen my hunger for You. Awaken in me a longing that only You can satisfy. Amen. Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart. When Lent begins this Ash Wednesday, we’ll invite you to continue your journey with our series A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory, exclusively on Discerning Hearts. May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ.

    3 min
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Fr. Timothy Gallagher, Dr. Anthony Lilles, Deacon James Keating, Archbishop George Lucas, Msgr. John Esseeff and so many other Catholic Spiritual leaders and teachers/catechists offer the best teachings in the rich Catholic Spiritual/Discernment tradition. From the lives of the saints to the basics of Catholic Social teaching, from the Sacred Liturgy to prayer in everyday moments of our lives, we walk together as we fulfill our call to be saints in the making. By the renewal of our minds, we form ourselves so that may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. (Rom 12:2)

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