When tragedy, loss or failed expectations strike, how can we cope with our circumstances in a healthy, faithful way? Today, Dan and Melissa speak with author, Jeannie Ewing about her book, From Grief to Grace: The Journey from Tragedy to Triumph to better understand God's Will in difficult situations.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

• What was the inspiration behind this book?
• How would you define grief from a Catholic perspective as opposed to how the world views grief?
• What is the difference between depression and grief?
• How can one embrace the spiritual reality of grief and suffering?
• How do we find the path to life in the midst of suffering?
• How can we most effectively help our loved ones when they are suffering?
• How can this book help someone experiencing grief in the beginning stages of his or her spiritual journey find deeper meaning through the hardship?

Resources:

• Spiritualdirection.com - website
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• Sophia Institute Press
• From Grief to Grace by Jeannie Ewing
• fromgrief2grace.com - website for Jeannie Ewing
• lovealonecreates.com - website for Jeannie Ewing
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729. Please leave your name, location and question.

Today, Dan Burke and Melissa Elson answer your questions about how to handle the news when it disturbs your peace.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

• How can we listen to the news when it affects our peace of mind?
• Why does the news incite so much anxiety?
• Can we trust the media?
• What is the best news source?
• What is our role in counteracting the chaos and turmoil going in our world?
• Does the overconsumption of news correspond with the message of the Gospel?

 Resources:

• Spiritualdirection.com - website
• EWTN Global Catholic Radio
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• EWTN Religious Catalogue - online
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729. Please leave your name, location and question.

How can we properly discern God's will in our lives? To find the answer, Dan and Melissa search heaven and earth with author, Julie Onderko about her book, Discover Your Next Mission from God: Saints who found God's will - and how you can too. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

• How can I know God's will in my life?
• God uses ordinary means to speak to us in our lives.
• Will the absence of the sacraments and an established prayer life obscure one's vision to finding God's will in his or her life?
• How does a spiritual director help discern God's will?
• What happens if you feel like you missed your calling in life?
• Who is Blessed Bartolo Longo and why is his story important?
• What role does humility play in discerning God's will?
• Can our past hinder our response to God's call?
• How important are the roles of Mary and St. Joseph in discerning God's will for us?

 Resources:

• Spiritualdirection.com - website
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• Sophia Institute Press
• Discover Your Next Mission from God by Julie Onderko
• www.catholicfinishstrong.org - website for Julie Onderko
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729. — please leave your name, location and question

Today, Dan Burke and Melissa Elson answer your questions about melancholic temperaments, desires verses temptations, and discerning God's will.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

• How can someone keep a melancholic, emotional temperament under control?
• What is wrong with the Buddhist practice of "mindfulness" popularized by Jon Kabat-Zinn?
• What is the examen prayer?
• What is the difference between desires and temptations?
• When do our desires come from God?
• How can I know that my will is aligned with God's will?

 Resources:

• Spiritualdirection.com - website
• EWTN Global Catholic Radio
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• EWTN Religious Catalogue - online
• The Discernment of Spirits by Fr. Timothy Gallagher
• The Examen Prayer by Fr. Timothy Gallagher
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729. Please leave your name, location and question.

100 years ago, our Blessed Mother entrusted three shepherd children with an important message of penance, sacrifice and prayer for the conversion of sinners and of the world. Dan and Melissa speak with author, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle to unveil how this message is still relevant today.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

• Is this book intended for children only?
• What is the significance of the message of Fatima?
• Why did our Blessed Mother entrust this important message to young children?
• Why did the Blessed Mother show the children a glimpse of hell? 
• Should we talk to our children about hell?
• If we are entrusted by God to pray for sinners and we fail to do so, are we responsible for the consequences of that failure?
• How can our daily duties be a sacrifice to God for love of Him and for the conversion of sinners?
• What does the Blessed Mother require of us?

  Resources:

• Spiritualdirection.com - website
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• Sophia Institute Press
• Our Lady's Message to the Three Shepherd Children and the World by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
• www.donnacooperoboyle.com - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle's website
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729. — please leave your name, location and question

How can we find encouragement here on earth? Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles discuss the brevity of life, the glory of heaven and the beauty of suffering through the perspective of St. Therese of Lisieux. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

• St. Therese responds to her sister, Leonie, about the emotional difficulties accompanying the death of their father, Louis Martin.
• This letter seems take on a reversal of roles as St. Therese is being comforted by her sister instead of being the one to provide comfort to another.
• Therese reflects on heaven and the brevity of life.  
• Therese chooses to see her life from the perspective of the Scriptures and from heaven. 
• Heaven is the greatest consolation.
• Why does Therese thank God that He has found Leonie worthy to suffer for His love?
• How does suffering make us like Jesus?

Resources:

• Spiritualdirection.com - website
• EWTN Global Catholic Radio
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• EWTN Religious Catalogue - online
• Living the Mystery of Merciful Love: 30 Days with Therese of Lisieux by Dr. Anthony Lilles and Dan Burke
• Luke 12:32 -Jesus promises the kingdom to His flock - USCCB Bible Link
• John 14:3 - Jesus prepares a place in heaven for the faithful - USCCB Bible Link
• John 17:2 - Jesus prays for His disciples - USCCB Bible Link
• 2 Corinthians 4:17 - Affliction on earth produces glory in heaven - USCCB Bible Link
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729. Please leave your name, location and question.

Today, Dan and Melissa speak with Dr. Anthony Lilles about the benefits of spiritual formation from the Avila Institute on the soul.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

• What is the Avila Institute?
• What courses are coming up this Fall?
• What is spiritual theology?
• What impact does the Avila Institute have on the prayer lives of the students?
• How does the international reach of the Avila Institute affect the students?
• How can holy conversations enhance one's prayer life?
• Should Catholics try to develop a personal relationship with Jesus?

Resources:

• Spiritualdirection.com - website
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• Sophia Institute Press
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729. Please leave your name, location and question.

What exactly is "the prayer of quiet" and why does God call us to this type of prayer? Today, Dan and Melissa answer this question and dive deeper into the realm of contemplative prayer. 

Topics/Questions covered during the show:

• How does "the prayer of quiet" or silence differ from "the prayer of simplicity"?
• What are the affects of "the prayer of quiet"? 
• What is it like to experience "the prayer of quiet"?
• What does it mean to enter into a more passive type of prayer?
• What are some problematic teachings about passivity in prayer?
• Should we try to suppress our thoughts during prayer?
• Is it selfish to spend your prayer time contemplating God instead of using that time for praying for others?
• Should we rest or relax during "the prayer of quiet"?

Resources:

• Spiritualdirection.com - website
• EWTN Global Catholic Radio
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• EWTN Religious Catalogue - online
• Into the Deep: Finding Peace through Prayer by Dan Burke
• Finding God through Meditation edited by Dan Burke
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729. Please leave your name, location and question.

What happened to traditional hymns during Mass and why are they so important? Dan and Melissa speak with Fr. George Rutler about his book, The Stories of Hymns: The History Behind 100 of Christianity's Greatest Hymns to find out.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

• What is the meaning and significance of the hymn, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"?
• What is the difference between a hymn and other types of songs?
• Are translations of the lyrics important?
• How does hymnody add more beauty to the liturgy?
• What are some common "mistakes" made in modern times with regard to music in the liturgy?

 Resources:

• Spiritualdirection.com - website
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• Sophia Institute Press
• The Stories of Hymns by Fr. George Rutler
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729. — please leave your name, location and question

How can the world news affect our lives? How does one determine if he or she is experiencing spiritual aridity? Today, Dan and Melissa answer these question as they discuss an e-mail from a listener.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

• Could overconsumption of news be considered sinful?
• Why is it detrimental for faithful Catholics to focus incessantly on the problems within the Church? How does the account of Jesus rebuking the disciples for waking Him in the boat during a storm apply to this situation?
• What does it mean to "practice the presence of God"?
• What causes aridity?
• How does one know if he or she is transitioning from one level of prayer to another?
• What is the prayer of silence or quiet?

Resources:

• Spiritualdirection.com - website
• EWTN Global Catholic Radio
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• EWTN Religious Catalogue - online
• Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus calms the storm.
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729. Please leave your name, location and question.