The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts episodes

  • The Most Holy Name of Mary – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
    The Most Holy Name of Mary – 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 St. Luke 6:27-38

    Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I say this to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly. To the man who slaps you on one cheek, present the other cheek too; to the man who takes your cloak from you, do not refuse your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your property back from the man who robs you. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what thanks can you expect? For even sinners do that much. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. Instead, love your enemies and do good, and lend without any hope of return. You will have a great reward, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

    ‘Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.’

    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: ‘I say this to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly. To the man who slaps you on one cheek, present the other cheek too; to the man who takes your cloak from you, do not refuse your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your property back from the man who robs you. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what thanks can you expect? For even sinners do that much. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. Instead, love your enemies and do good, and lend without any hope of return. You will have a great reward, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

    ‘Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.’

    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: ‘I say this to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly. To the man who slaps you on one cheek, present the other cheek too; to the man who takes your cloak from you, do not refuse your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your property back from the man who robs you. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what thanks can you expect? For even sinners do that much. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. Instead, love your enemies and do good, and lend without any hope of return. You will have a great reward, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

    ‘Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.’

    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.

     

    The post The Most Holy Name of Mary – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

    13 min
  • WOM4 – Introductory Rite and the Liturgy of the Word – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    Introductory Rite and the Liturgy of the Word – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating

    Deacon James Keating reflects on how the Mass draws us into communion with Christ and one another. The introductory rites are not a mere formality but a spiritual transition, helping us shift focus from worldly concerns to God’s presence. The penitential rite then deepens this awareness by leading us to recognize our sins and our need for mercy, making us receptive to God’s healing love. He stresses that this moment should not be rushed—it is where we confront our unworthiness yet receive Christ’s invitation into holiness. From there, the Liturgy of the Word allows us to enter salvation history. A good way to prepare is by reading the Scriptures beforehand so that, when proclaimed, they resonate more deeply. While homilies play a role in guiding reflection, he reminds listeners that it is ultimately the Holy Spirit who makes God’s word personally transformative.

    Deacon Keating confronts misconceptions about the Mass as entertainment. Unlike services built around spectacle, the Catholic liturgy centers on transformation, not distraction. Our interior disposition—through prayer and openness—determines how fully we receive Christ in the Eucharist. This transformation must bear fruit in fellowship. Keating notes that Protestant communities often model a strong sense of shared life, something Catholic parishes can grow in. True fellowship arises when the Eucharist overflows into charity and mutual support, not just private devotion. Staying after Mass, sharing faith conversations, and building community are ways to live out the mystery we receive. The Mass prepares us to hear Christ’s voice of love, to be healed, and to bring that love outward into culture through communion with others.

    Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
    1. How do I allow the introductory rites of the Mass to help me shift from daily distractions into awareness of Christ’s presence?
    2. When I pray the penitential rite, do I intentionally recall my sins and open myself to God’s mercy?
    3. How can I prepare for Sunday Mass by spending time with the readings during the week?
    4. Do I listen for the Holy Spirit speaking personally to me during the Liturgy of the Word, beyond what the homilist offers?
    5. Am I seeking entertainment at Mass, or am I open to real transformation through prayer and the Eucharist?
    6. What simple interior prayers can I bring before, during, and after Mass to invite Christ into my heart?
    7. In what ways do I let the Eucharist overflow into charity and fellowship with those in my parish community?
    8. How might I help create or participate in parish life beyond Mass to strengthen true Christian fellowship?
    9. Do I see my parish as the beginning of heaven, even with its flaws, and delight in being with fellow Catholics?
    10. How is Christ calling me through the Mass to bring His love and healing presence into my family, work, and culture?
    11. Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

      Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

      The post WOM4 – Introductory Rite and the Liturgy of the Word – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

      30 min
    12. HSE7 – What Has God Elected to Us? – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts


      What Has God Elected to Us? – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J.

      Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor continue exploring the second week of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. This section has a twofold purpose: first, to grow in knowing, loving, and following Christ more deeply; second, to discern the personal call God has for each individual. St. Ignatius frames this through the “Call of the King,” where Jesus actively invites us to walk, labor, and even suffer alongside Him so that we may also share His joy. Unlike St. Dominic’s focus on the preaching Christ, St. Ignatius leaned on The Imitation of Christ and the lives of the saints, seeing them as models of intimacy with the Lord. The second week requires honest self-knowledge, letting go of self-centered desires, and learning to adopt Christ’s way over our own, even through darkness and sacrifice that leads to resurrection life.

      There is a prayer response St. Ignatius proposes: offering oneself entirely to Christ the Eternal King in service and love, even to the point of embracing poverty or misunderstanding if that is the Lord’s will. This offering is not about personal heroism, but a grace-inspired response to God’s love. He stresses the importance of detachment, citing Aquinas: the soul is drawn closer to God as it is freed from worldly attachments. This prepares us for the “Two Standards” meditation, where St. Ignatius shows the contrast between following Christ’s banner or Satan’s. Jesus invites us to embrace suffering with Him, while the enemy tempts with control, comfort, and self-focus. Discernment is key: recognizing inspirations from God versus false promises. The exercises call us to reorder our lives so that Christ—not self—is at the center, living in freedom and generous service.

      Discerning Hearts Catholic Reflection Questions:
      1. How is Jesus personally inviting me to walk, labor, and even suffer with Him so as to share in His joy?
      2. What attachments or self-centered desires am I being called to release in order to freely follow Christ?
      3. In what ways do I see the “Call of the King” shaping my understanding of my vocation or state of life?
      4. How do the lives of the saints inspire me without discouraging me, reminding me that their holiness was also a journey?
      5. Where in my life am I tempted by the false “standard” of comfort, control, or worldly success instead of Christ’s way?
      6. How can I more fully live the Copernican shift of making Christ, not myself, the center of my life?
      7. What does it look like in my daily circumstances to respond generously to the Lord’s love with detachment and freedom?
      8. Fr. Anthony Wieck is a Jesuit priest of the Central & Southern province. Sixth of nine children, raised on a farm in Oregon, Fr. Anthony began religious life in 1994, spending his first five years of formation in Rome, Italy, studying at the Casa Balthasar and the Gregorian. The former was under the watchful patronage of Pope Benedict XVI (then-Card. Joseph Ratzinger).  Fr. Anthony currently acts as retreat master at White House Jesuit Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri. He also offers spiritual direction at the St. Louis diocesan seminary for 25 future priests there. 

        The post HSE7 – What Has God Elected to Us? – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

        35 min
      9. Tuesday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
        Tuesday of the Twenty-Third 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 According to St. Luke 6:12-19

        Jesus went out into the hills to pray; and he spent the whole night in prayer to God. When day came he summoned his disciples and picked out twelve of them; he called them ‘apostles’: Simon whom he called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot who became a traitor.

        He then came down with them and stopped at a piece of level ground where there was a large gathering of his disciples with a great crowd of people from all parts of Judaea and from Jerusalem and from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon who had come to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. People tormented by unclean spirits were also cured, and everyone in the crowd was trying to touch him because power came out of him that cured them all.

        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 went out into the hills to pray; and he spent the whole night in prayer to God. When day came he summoned his disciples and picked out twelve of them; he called them ‘apostles’: Simon whom he called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot who became a traitor.

        He then came down with them and stopped at a piece of level ground where there was a large gathering of his disciples with a great crowd of people from all parts of Judaea and from Jerusalem and from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon who had come to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. People tormented by unclean spirits were also cured, and everyone in the crowd was trying to touch him because power came out of him that cured them all.

        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 went out into the hills to pray; and he spent the whole night in prayer to God. When day came he summoned his disciples and picked out twelve of them; he called them ‘apostles’: Simon whom he called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot who became a traitor.

        He then came down with them and stopped at a piece of level ground where there was a large gathering of his disciples with a great crowd of people from all parts of Judaea and from Jerusalem and from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon who had come to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. People tormented by unclean spirits were also cured, and everyone in the crowd was trying to touch him because power came out of him that cured them all.

        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.

        The post Tuesday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

        11 min
      10. SD4 – Embracing Consolation, Understanding Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
        Embracing Consolation, Understanding Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

        Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor explore St. Ignatius of Loyola’s teaching on spiritual desolation, distinguishing between its spiritual and non-spiritual forms. Non-spiritual desolation arises from physical or emotional depletion—like fatigue, illness, or stress—which can influence one’s prayer life if not addressed. Examples include the mother losing sleep to care for a sick child or the priest exhausted after Holy Week. Such tiredness, embraced in love, can be holy but still requires recovery. St. Ignatius’ rules, however, focus specifically on spiritual desolation: heaviness of heart in the relationship with God, discouragement in prayer, or the sense of distance from the Lord. St. Teresa of Avila’s advice—“take care of the body for the love of God”—is highlighted, since physical well-being supports spiritual vitality and prevents the enemy from exploiting human weakness.

        Spiritual desolation manifests: darkness of soul, disturbance, attraction to lesser distractions, agitation, loss of confidence, discouragement, absence of love, and the sense of being cut off from God. These movements are lies from the enemy, aiming to erode spiritual growth. The remedy is awareness, recognition of the falsehood, and decisive action—whether resisting distractions, choosing Scripture over the phone, or persevering in prayer. Consolation and desolation are direct opposites, not only in feelings but also in the thoughts they inspire. Consolation leads to hope, gratitude, and openness to God, while desolation brings doubts, lies, and withdrawal. The key is to act promptly before discouragement snowballs, trusting that small, courageous steps open the way for grace and renewed closeness with the Lord.

        Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:
        1. When have I noticed spiritual desolation in my life, and how did I respond?
        2. What signs help me distinguish spiritual desolation from ordinary emotional or physical fatigue?
        3. How well do I “take care of the body for the love of God” through sleep, nutrition, exercise, and rest?
        4. Where do I feel a pull toward “low and earthly things,” and what grace do I need to resist it?
        5. When discouraging thoughts arise, do I name them as lies and counter them with truth in Christ?
        6. What small, concrete step can I take today to pray when I least feel like praying?
        7. How might I “make space for God” by limiting screens, noise, and constant input this week?
        8. Which healthy human remedies (friendship, counseling, medical care, recreation) would support my spiritual life right now?
        9. When consolation comes, do I form and follow through on good resolutions promptly?
        10. When desolation comes, do I avoid making changes to my spiritual commitments?
        11. You can find this book here

          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 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” page

          The 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.

          46 min
        12. Sunday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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          Sunday of the Twenty-Third 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 According to Luke 14:25-33

          Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way and he turned and spoke to them. ‘If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

          ‘And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, “Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.” Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.’

          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:

          Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way and he turned and spoke to them. ‘If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

          ‘And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, “Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.” Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.’

          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:

          Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way and he turned and spoke to them. ‘If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

          ‘And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, “Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.” Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.’

          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.

          The post Sunday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

          11 min
        13. WOM3 – The Paschal Mystery – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast

          The Paschal Mystery – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating

          Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor explore how the Paschal Mystery and the Eucharistic liturgy are inseparably united. The Mass is not merely about attendance or obligation but about making oneself available to be taken into Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. True participation requires an interior openness—allowing Christ to shape our hearts and draw us into communion with both Him and others. Rather than reducing Mass to duty, fellowship, or a fleeting emotional experience, he invites listeners to see it as an intentional, interior response to the presence of God breaking into time.

          Conversion is a gradual process. Everyone comes to the Eucharist at different stages of their spiritual journey, carrying joy, grief, or indifference. We need to bring our authentic state—whether delight or sorrow—before God, trusting that Christ works within those realities. Mass is both personal and communal: it reverences each individual’s encounter with Christ while drawing the community together in communion. Our identity flows from the Eucharist, where Christ gives us Himself and plants the seed of resurrection within us—a gift that sustains us through life, death, and into eternity.

          Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
          1. How do I prepare my heart to be truly available to Christ when I go to Mass?
          2. In what ways do I sometimes reduce the Eucharist to an obligation rather than an encounter with Christ?
          3. Am I attentive to my interior disposition at Mass, or do I approach it on autopilot?
          4. How open am I to letting Christ take me into His life, death, and resurrection during the liturgy?
          5. Do I bring both my joys and sorrows honestly before God in the Eucharist?
          6. How do I recognize and respect that others in the community may be at different points in their spiritual journey?
          7. In what ways do I allow my emotions—or lack of them—to determine my participation at Mass?
          8. Do I see the Mass as both a personal encounter with Christ and a communal act of worship?
          9. How do I live out my Eucharistic identity in daily life beyond the church walls?
          10. What steps can I take to deepen my intentional presence at the Eucharistic liturgy each week?
          11. Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

            Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

            The post WOM3 – The Paschal Mystery – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

            29 min
          12. HSE6 – Ignatian Prayer – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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            Ignatian Prayer – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J.

            Fr. Anthony Wieck and Kris McGregor explore the Call of the King meditation in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Asking for grace in prayer should flow from openness rather than self-centered wants. The Ignatian approach begins with presenting one’s heartfelt desires to God, but with a readiness to let Him transform those desires. This requires humility, silence, and listening before speaking. He draws on Mary’s “fiat” as the model attitude, showing how prayer is not about control but about receptivity to God’s will. Fr. Wieck also introduces the forgotten word “depromptitude,” describing it as spiritual pliability—a readiness to move where God leads, like clay in the potter’s hands or a dancer yielding to the lead.

            There is also the colloquy, St. Ignatius’ method of intimate dialogue with Christ or a person of the Trinity at the close of prayer. Far from being channeling, it is a simple and personal conversation, shaped by what has been contemplated in scripture. Imagination plays a role by adding “flesh to the skeleton” of the Gospel stories, helping them come alive without changing their core truth. This imaginative engagement is meant to draw the soul beyond itself into God’s life, fostering deeper relational trust and healing. The fruit of Ignatian prayer is not in imagined details but in being drawn more fully into the life of Christ, allowing one’s identity to be found within Him rather than apart from Him.

            Discerning Hearts Catholic Reflection Questions:
            1. How do I bring my desires before God—with open hands, or with an attitude of control?
            2. In what ways can I cultivate Mary’s “fiat” spirit of surrender in my daily prayer?
            3. Do I take time to quiet myself and listen before asking for grace?
            4. Where might God be inviting me to grow in flexibility and readiness, like clay in the potter’s hands?
            5. How do I experience the colloquy as a personal conversation with Christ or the Trinity?
            6. What role does imagination play in helping me enter more deeply into the Gospel scenes?
            7. Am I willing to let God reshape or redirect the desires I bring into prayer?
            8. How do I recognize the fruits of prayer in my life, especially in being drawn closer into Christ’s life?
            9. Fr. Anthony Wieck is a Jesuit priest of the Central & Southern province. Sixth of nine children, raised on a farm in Oregon, Fr. Anthony began religious life in 1994, spending his first five years of formation in Rome, Italy, studying at the Casa Balthasar and the Gregorian. The former was under the watchful patronage of Pope Benedict XVI (then-Card. Joseph Ratzinger).  Fr. Anthony currently acts as retreat master at White House Jesuit Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri. He also offers spiritual direction at the St. Louis diocesan seminary for 25 future priests there. 

              The post HSE6 – Ignatian Prayer – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

              24 min
            10. SD3 – Insights into Rules 10 through 14 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
              Insights into Rules 10 through 14 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

              Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor explore St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Rules 10–14. Fr. Gallagher explains how times of consolation are opportunities not only to rejoice in God’s grace but also to gather strength for inevitable periods of desolation, much like Joseph storing grain for famine. Rule 11 invites humility in consolation and trust in God’s power during desolation, helping us avoid overconfidence when prayer feels easy or despair when it feels dry. Such experiences, though painful, can become occasions for deeper prayer and growth. Desolation itself is never from God but permitted in His providence so that, with grace, we may resist discouragement and grow in freedom.

              The later rules shift toward understanding temptation. Rule 12 counsels resisting temptation immediately, before it grows overwhelming, while Rule 13 warns against secrecy and highlights the freedom that comes from sharing struggles with a wise confessor or spiritual companion. Rule 14 addresses our most vulnerable points, urging self-knowledge so that weakness can become strength through grace. Fr. Gallagher ties this teaching to a broader message of Christian hope, drawing on Scripture, St. John Paul II, and even Tolkien to show that God’s redemption always surpasses evil. We need to seek accompaniment, cultivate awareness of God’s presence in daily life, and live with humility and trust, becoming agents of renewal through the quiet witness of a discerning life.

              Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:
              1. In a season of consolation, how can I “store grain” for the next famine through concrete habits of prayer and virtue?
              2. Where might I be overextending myself when things feel easy, and what humble limit would keep me steady?
              3. When desolation returns, what is one truth about God I will cling to first?
              4. What small, practical action can I take today that contradicts a tempting thought at its very beginning?
              5. Which recurring fear or shame do I still keep hidden, and whom could I safely tell this week (confessor or trusted guide)?
              6. What is the weakest point in my “castle walls,” and what grace-building practice will I place there?
              7. How has the Lord recently shown me His nearness, and how will I remember it when prayer feels dry?
              8. When I notice spiritual heaviness, what change in routine will I avoid making until light returns?
              9. How will I practice the daily Examen to notice God’s movements and the enemy’s suggestions?
              10. What hope from Scripture can I memorize now to pray in dark hours?
              11. You can find this book here

                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 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” page

                The 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.

                47 min
              12. The Gift of Nothing: Finding Everything in the Eucharist – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

                In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love, Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor reflect on the meaning of “nothing” through a children’s story, The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell. They discuss how true humility allows us to recognize that what we have on our own is “nothing,” but when united with God, that “nothing” becomes filled with His infinite love and possibility.

                The heart of their reflection centers on the Eucharist. Though it may appear outwardly as “nothing”—simple bread and wine—it is in fact the very presence of Christ, the Bread of Life. Msgr. Esseff shares that only through deep intimacy with Jesus in the Eucharist can people truly experience healing, love, and transformation. Without that personal encounter, many fail to realize the profound gift being offered.

                They explore how Eucharistic adoration opens the way to intimacy with God, helping the soul hear Christ’s words: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.” This love is not abstract but deeply personal, allowing individuals to find their true worth and extend that love to family, friends, and even those most difficult to love.

                The conversation also touches on the fears people have of surrendering fully to God—fearing loss of self—when in truth, giving God “nothing” allows Him to fill us with “everything.” They use the image of nuclear power to describe how Christ’s presence in the Eucharist radiates divine fire into the soul, turning a person into a living source of grace for others.

                Finally, they connect this with real life: intimacy with Jesus enables transformation in marriages, families, parishes, and society. Without this living encounter, many Catholics remain stagnant, but with it, hearts are healed and renewed. The call is clear: return to the Eucharist, adore Him, and allow His love to ignite every part of life.

                Discerning Hearts Spiritual Reflection Questions:
                1. How does the story of The Gift of Nothing invite you to reflect on the meaning of humility in your own life?

                2. What does it mean to recognize that, apart from God, we have “nothing,” yet with Him we receive “everything”?

                3. How do you personally experience intimacy with Christ in the Eucharist or in Eucharistic adoration?

                4. What fears or attachments might keep you from fully surrendering to God’s love?

                5. When have you felt God speak to you personally with the words: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you” (John 15:9)?

                6. How can the Eucharist transform not only your own heart but also your relationships with family, friends, or those who are difficult to love?

                7. What practical step can you take this week to deepen your devotion to the Eucharist and allow Christ’s love to radiate through you to others?

                   

                  The post The Gift of Nothing: Finding Everything in the Eucharist – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

                  30 min

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