The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore Day 11 of The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. The conversation focuses on developing a deep relationship with God the Father, especially for those who may have struggled with their earthly paternal relationships. St. Elizabeth’s own early loss of her father shaped her yearning for the Heavenly Father and how her writings invite us to rediscover this divine relationship. Life’s challenges and imperfections of earthly fathers point us toward the true Father, who grants us identity, freedom, and a mission oriented toward eternal life. The practice of forgiving and letting go of past wounds becomes part of this transformative journey.

Entering spiritual solitude and silence can be daunting for many. St. Elizabeth describes how God leads the soul into an “immense infinite solitude,” where one becomes receptive to His word. Letting go of attachments and internal obstacles by welcoming the Word of God into one’s heart involves not just hearing but living out the Word, allowing it to strip away deeper resistances like resentment or self-pity. In this surrender, the soul is gradually sanctified, making space for the indwelling presence of the Trinity.

27. “The Lord brought me into a spacious place, because He was gracious toward me. . . .” 159 The Creator, seeing the beautiful silence which reigns in His creature, and gazing on her wholly recollected in her interior solitude, is enamored of her beauty and leads her into this immense, infinite solitude, into this “spacious place” sung of by the prophet, which is nothing else but Himself: “I will enter into the depths of the power of God.” 160 Speaking through his prophet, the Lord said: “I will lead her into solitude and speak to her heart.” 161 The soul has entered into this vast solitude in which God will make Himself heard! “His word,” St. Paul says, “is living and active, and more penetrating than a two edged sword: extending even to the division of soul and spirit, even of joints and marrow.” 162 It is His word then that will directly achieve the work of stripping in the soul; for it has this particular characteristic, that it effects and creates what it intends, 163 provided however that the soul consents to let this be done.

Elizabeth of the Trinity (2014-07-24). Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Works, Volume I: I Have Found God, General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings (Kindle Locations 3408-3419). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

This the text we are using to discuss “Heaven in Faith” you can find it here and order from the Carmelite Sisters

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .

The post BTP-LR15 – Day 11, pt. 1 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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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 Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.’

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: ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.’

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: ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.’

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

The post Wednesday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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Fr. Timothy Gallagher explores the second and third modes of discernment in Ignatian spirituality and how a person might be drawn to a life choice through a process of interior movement. Using the story of a sister named “Jessica,” he illustrates how deep spiritual consolation can gently and consistently pull a person toward a particular vocation, in this case religious life. Such a process often unfolds gradually over time, rather than through a single decisive moment. This path involves both an increasing clarity of heart and an alignment with God’s invitations, marked by joy, peace, and a growing desire for a closer relationship with God.

The third mode of discernment comes into play when the first two do not yield sufficient clarity. Here, one prayerfully weighs the advantages and disadvantages of each option in light of how they would serve God’s glory and foster spiritual growth. Fr. Gallagher draws on the example of St. Ignatius’ own discernment regarding the degree of poverty to embrace in the Society of Jesus, showing how careful reflection, prayer, and consultation lead to a sound decision. It’s important to approach this process with inner freedom, a disposition of openness to God’s will, and attentiveness to the movements of the heart, all supported by wise counsel and spiritual practices.

The post Conference 7 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode of ‘Inside the Pages’, Marlene Watkins shares her deep connection to Lourdes through her work with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers and her new book Everyday Miracles of Lourdes.

Marlene Watkins recounts how the Blessed Mother revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception to a simple, poor, and uneducated girl—a truth St. Bernadette communicated with unwavering sincerity and the enduring grace of Lourdes as a place where physical and spiritual transformations continue today.

Though they escape the notice of many, stunning miracles of healing take place each and every day at Our Lady’s Grotto in Lourdes, France. Inexplicable, biblical-like healings of body, mind, and spirit leave visitors with the gifts of peace and renewed faith. Here is the book that will move you, deepen your faith in Our Lady’s active involvement in our world, and help you personally encounter Our Lord.

Marlene Watkins recounts twenty astounding true stories of miracles at Lourdes, including her own watershed healing, which inspired her to establish Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers and become the first volunteer.

In these absorbing pages, you will marvel at how these volunteer helpers bring the sick to the Grotto — and then also experience healings themselves.

You will read the stories of people who were cured and reconciled with God — from babies to preteens to near centenarians. You will be inspired, for instance, by the testimony of a woman with a progressive neurodegenerative disease who not only went to Lourdes to selflessly care for the sick but later returned to receive a gift from Our Eucharistic Lord and Our Lady.

In chapter after chapter, you will encounter men and women who were healed from debilitating traumas, panic attacks, or mood swings.

You will be consoled by stories of women who experienced the loss of babies, including by abortion, and found solace in the arms of our Heavenly Mother.

And you will encounter a man who was struggling with faith and was drawn to Lourdes, where he met the Blessed Mother. Moreover, you will discover:

Above all, you will see how Our Lady leads souls into deeper communion with her Eucharistic Son and with one another, whether through caring for sick loved ones or experiencing loving relationships. Prepare yourself to become a believer and an ardent lover of Lourdes.

Marlene Watkins is the founder of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers, the first Lourdes Hospitality outside Europe and the first of the Americas.In twenty years, as a volunteer, Marlene has led over two hundred pilgrimages to Lourdes for more than six thousand pilgrims, including the seriously ill and profoundly disabled with medical, adult, university and youth volunteers. Marlene has guided Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experiences TM across North America, and in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.In 2015, Marlene was named an Our Sunday Visitor “Catholic of the Year.” She has appeared on CBS, EWTN, PBS, BBC; and hosts the EWTN “My Lourdes Faith Journey” miniseries.Marlene is a wife, mother, grandmother, Secular Franciscan and member of the Hospitalité Notre-Dame de Lourdes. Marlene and her husband, Bill, live in Syracuse, New York, or in the LourdesMobile RV traveling America and sharing the Gospel Message of Lourdes.

The post IP#511 Marlene Watkins – Everyday Miracles of Lourdes on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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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 John 14:15-16,23-26

Jesus said to his disciples:

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:

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:

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

The post The Feast of Pentecost – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor take a look at the remarkable legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who inspired Pope Leo XIV’s chosen name, and his major contributions to modern Catholic thought and life and his wide-ranging influence: reviving Thomistic philosophy, championing the Sacred Heart devotion, initiating the Saint Michael Prayer, and issuing over 80 encyclicals that addressed freedom, citizenship, and social responsibility. Pope Leo XIII’s guidance helped unify the Benedictine orders, supported missionary efforts of saints like Thérèse of Lisieux, Frances Cabrini, and Katharine Drexel, and offered a vision of the Church that engaged deeply with modern challenges. His encyclical Rerum Novarum laid the foundation for Catholic social teaching: a response to industrialization rooted in the dignity of the human person, especially the working poor.

They discuss connections between Leo XIII’s era and current developments such as artificial intelligence and economic shifts. We shouldn’t reduce Catholic social teaching to political ideologies or mislabeling it as socialist. Instead, we must look at it from the truth that it stems from a call to love God and neighbo: caring for the vulnerable, implementing ethical labor practices, and the right use of property are not merely political concerns but spiritual imperatives grounded in Christ’s command to serve.

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez is the President and co-Founder of the Evangelium Institute as well as the Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Omaha.

This short introduction provides the historical background for Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum as well as some detail about the pope himself. It also provides a paragraph-by-paragraph summary of the document to better understand the teaching. This is ideal for students of the document and those studying Catholic Social Teaching.

You can buy a copy of the book here.

The post Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum, Pt. 2 – In Conversation with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Anthony Lilles continues reflecting on the 10th day of The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and her invitation to live fully in the eternal present of God’s love—a reality where hope flourishes because God is always bringing forth something new and beautiful. A soul attuned to this divine presence lives with adoration and vulnerability, free from the controlling anxieties of the world. This disposition allows a person to “awake the dawn,” seeing each moment as filled with purpose, rather than as a monotonous burden. Such souls find joy and strength even amid suffering, living with invincible hope rooted in the Father’s love.

There is a need for contemplative prayer, accessible to all the baptized, as a path toward inner transformation. Silence and solitude help expose the inner noise caused by disordered desires and fears, which must be surrendered to God. Drawing from St. Elizabeth’s musical imagery, he describes how a heart in tune with God finds harmony and peace. True beauty, Elizabeth says, lies in the unity of being—ultimately a reflection of the unity of love in the Trinity. This unity, born of deep interior silence and ordered affection, enables the soul to love greatly and offer that love to the world in a way that heals, strengthens, and sanctifies.

26. “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” “God,” says St. Dionysius, “is the great solitary.” 153 My Master asks me to imitate this perfection, to pay Him homage by being a great solitary. The divine Being lives in an eternal, immense solitude. He never leaves it, though concerning Himself with the needs of His creatures, for He never leaves Himself; and this solitude is nothing else than His divinity.

So that nothing may draw me out of this beautiful silence within, I must always maintain the same dispositions, the same solitude, the same withdrawal, the same stripping of self! If my desires, my fears, my joys or my sorrows, if all the movements proceeding from these “four passions” 154 are not perfectly directed to God, I will not be solitary: there will be noise within me. There must be peace, “sleep of the powers,” 155 the unity of being. “Listen, my daughter, lend your ear, forget your people and your father’s house, and the King will become enamoured of your beauty.” 156

It seems to me that this call is an invitation to silence: listen . . . lend your ear. . . . But to listen we must forget “our father’s house,” that is, everything that pertains to the natural life, this life to which the Apostle refers when he says: “If you live according to the flesh, you will die.” 157 To forget “your people” is more difficult, I think, for this people is everything which is, so to speak, part of us: our feelings, our memories, our impressions, etc., the self, in a word! We must forget it, abandon it, and when the soul has made this break, when it is free from all that, the King is enamored of its beauty. For beauty is unity, at least it is the unity of God!”

Elizabeth of the Trinity (2014-07-24). Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Works, Volume I: I Have Found God, General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings (Kindle Locations 3396-3407). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

This the text we are using to discuss “Heaven in Faith” you can find it here and order from the Carmelite Sisters

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .

The post BTP-LR14 – Day 10, pt. 2 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher takes a look at the final years of Marie of the Eucharist, cousin of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. As Marie suffered from tuberculosis, she experienced physical decline but also a deepening spiritual life. Through correspondence with her friend Céline Poitier, Marie gradually became a source of spiritual support, drawing from the wisdom of Thérèse and her own painful journey. One poignant letter uses a musical metaphor to comfort Céline, comparing her imperfect endurance of suffering to a child’s flawed but heartfelt piano recital—offered with love and accepted with tenderness. Marie encouraged Céline to see God as a loving parent, quick to console, forgive, and embrace. Her spiritual growth is seen in her patient endurance and her consistent effort to reassure others, despite her weakening condition.

Fr. Gallagher reflects on Marie’s long struggle with scruples, her sensitive nature, artistic gifts, and modesty; her transformation—from someone burdened with inner turmoil to a woman of serene faith and self-giving love. Thérèse’s personal influence helped Marie find freedom from self-focus, allowing her to live a quiet version of the “little way”—loving God through the hidden, everyday trials of illness and community life. Her final days were marked by peace, surrender, and affection for those around her. In her dying words—“My Jesus, I love you”—Marie reveals a heart wholly turned toward God.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects upon the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, exploring how her life and spirituality were deeply influenced by her family and how it offers profound insights into everyday holiness. He examines the role of family and spiritual friendships in nurturing faith, the importance of compassionate care for others, and how Thérèse’s example can inspire listeners to seek sanctity in their daily lives. He also brings forth more details of the spiritual bond between the Martin and Guérin families, offering a model for fostering deeper connections within one’s own family and community.

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

The post TM13 – The Death of Marie and Reflections – St. Therese and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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Fr. Timothy Gallagher explores second mode discernment, a process described by St. Ignatius of Loyola in which one discerns God’s will through a pattern of spiritual consolation and desolation. He presents several real-life and historical examples—such as George, Alice, Walter, and Ignatius himself—who experience moments of deep spiritual joy, peace, or warmth (consolation) and contrasting times of emptiness, discouragement, and confusion (desolation), particularly in prayer. These interior shifts, when carefully observed and prayerfully examined, become key indicators in discerning God’s direction. Certain decisions can become clearer over time as one sees a consistent inner response during these highs and lows. Importantly, experiencing spiritual desolation is not shameful but a common part of the journey.

St. Ignatius’s rules for discernment help a person understand which thoughts are coming from God and which are tactics of the enemy meant to confuse or derail one’s spiritual progress. During times of consolation, one is often drawn to decisions aligned with God’s will, while desolation might tempt one to abandon those same decisions—hence St. Ignatius’s rule to never make significant changes during desolation. Gallagher encourages listeners to become familiar with these rules, to practice them, and to seek support from a spiritual director. He illustrates this with Ignatius’s own 40-day discernment regarding Jesuit poverty and a modern example of a young man discerning a Jesuit vocation.

The post Conference 6 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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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 John 17:20-26

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:

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:

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:

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:

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:

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

The post Sunday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.