The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Join Kris McGregor as she leads a journey through the work of Julian of Norwich—14th-century anchoress, mystic, and the first known woman to write a book in English—who offers a voice of hope, humility, and deep intimacy with God.

This episode introduces her life and thought through the lens of her famous Sixteen Shewings, especially her bold desire to receive “three wounds”: contrition, compassion, and longing for God. We examine her relevance in our own anxious times and why the Church has affirmed her as a trustworthy guide, citing her even in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (§313).

Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love, Long Text, trans. Grace Warrack, Methuen & Co., 1901 (PDF edition)

Opening Quote (Ch. XXVII):

“But Jesus, that in this vision informed me of all that is needful to me, answered with these words and said: ‘Sin is behovely, but all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.’”

On her three desires (Ch. III):

“And when I was thirty years old and a half, God sent me a bodily sickness in which I lay three days and three nights; and on the fourth night I thought to die. And then I desired to have all my pain and all my sickness for God’s glory, and to feel the Passion of Christ in my body as far as nature would suffer it. And I desired to receive three wounds in my life—that is to say: the wound of contrition, the wound of compassion, and the wound of longing with my will for God.”

On humility and “even-Christians” (Ch. IX):

“And thus I saw and understood that He is everything that is good and comforting to our help. He is our clothing who wraps and enfolds us for love, embraces us and shelters us, surrounds us for His love, and will never leave us. And for this, I am certain that there be many that never had shewing nor sight but of the common teaching of Holy Church, that love God better than I. For if I look singularly to myself, I am right nought. But in the general Body I am, I hope, in oneness of charity with all mine even-Christians.”

On God’s nearness and love (Ch. LVI):

“For our soul is so specially loved of Him that is highest, that it overpasseth the knowing of all creatures… And therefore we may with grace and His help stand in spiritual beholding, with everlasting marvel of this high, overpassing, inestimable Love that Almighty God hath to us of His Goodness. For He is nearer to us than our own soul.”

Source: Vatican.va

“She understood the central message for the spiritual life: God is love, and only when we open ourselves totally to this love and allow it to become the sole guide of our life, is everything transfigured, true peace and true joy found, and we are able to spread it.”

“Julian’s message, sustained by optimism and trust, is a powerful invitation to all those who, in our time, are gripped by anxiety and fear.”

“Julian is not only the great mystic who has visions of God’s love, but also the wise and loving counselor who, like the saints, knows the human heart well.”

“We firmly believe that God is master of the world and of its history. But the ways of his providence are often unknown to us. Only at the end… will we fully know… the ways by which—even through the dramas of evil and sin—God has guided his creation… to its definitive Sabbath rest.”

Julian is quoted directly in this paragraph:

“Here I was taught by the grace of God that I should steadfastly hold me in the faith … and that, at the same time, I should take my stand on and earnestly believe in what our Lord showed in this time — that ‘all manner of thing shall be well.’”

What resonates with you about Julian’s desire to suffer with Christ?

Are you more familiar with fear or with trust? What does Julian’s calm confidence stir in your heart?

What does it mean to you that “God is love” is not an abstract idea, but a living, personal truth?

Lord Jesus Christ, our endless bliss,
You revealed to Julian the mystery of love in the midst of sorrow.
Grant us the grace to desire You with longing,
To see You with the eyes of faith,
And to trust You even in our wounds.
Let us know, deep in our hearts,
That all shall be well—because You are with us.
Amen.

The post Ep 1 – Julian of Norwich and the Unshakable Love of God – All Shall Be Well w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher discusses the Examen prayer and the support structures that can enhance its practice. Exploring how the Examen, a spiritual exercise developed by St. Ignatius, benefits from being situated within a broader spiritual life, including elements such as spiritual direction, retreats, and communal prayer.

Fr. Gallagher shares personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the importance of not practicing the Examen in isolation. He suggests finding spiritual companions, such as a spiritual director, prayer groups, or even within family settings, to make the Examen more sustainable and enriching. Practical examples include friends discussing their prayer experiences, couples praying together, and families sharing moments of gratitude around the dinner table.

The Examen should be part of a daily routine of diverse prayers, like Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, or the Rosary. Developing a contemplative mindset through quiet, reflective activities can also support this practice. For those who might find journaling helpful, it’s a helpful way to deepen the prayer experience and track spiritual growth.

(translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J.  1909 in the public domain)

METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN

First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received.

OUR FATHER.

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 DPD8 – Dimensions of the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Kris McGregor speaks with theologian and author Timothy Muldoon about The Discerning Parent: An Ignatian Guide to Raising Your Teen, co-written with his wife, Sue. Ignatian spirituality offers a helpful framework for parenting teens—not by prescribing rigid methods, but by inviting parents into a deeper awareness of their own spiritual journey as they accompany their children. Rather than presenting a “how-to” manual, the book encourages a reflective, prayerful stance that allows for genuine listening to both God and the child. It highlights the importance of recognizing each teen’s unique development and being attentive to how God might be working in their life without oversteering or controlling their path.

The challenge many parents face in fearing their children might drift from the Church, and how that fear often reflects unresolved questions in the parent’s own spiritual life. He draws on the example of Saint Monica and the Ignatian principle of letting God deal directly with each soul. The book invites parents to shift from decision-making to discernment, cultivating what Muldoon calls the “acoustics of the heart”—a spiritual sensitivity that helps both parent and child recognize what aligns with God’s voice. Topics like moral development, body awareness, and complex issues like social media and sexuality are approached through reflection and conversation, not prescriptive answers.

“This thoughtful approach shows you how to talk with your children openly about freedom vs. limits, friendships, family time, sexuality, the use and abuse of technology, faith and Catholic practice, recognizing the needs of others, and getting through hard times together. You’ll discover when to be tough and when to be forgiving, when to control and when to give freedom, when to give feedback and when to wait. You will learn the importance of praying for your teens, and the important of praying together as a family.

Daily and weekly prayers, devotions, and meditations will guide you as the Muldoons show how this is a time of discernment for you as well as your teens–and create a way for you to move through these challenging years together. The Discerning Parent offers you an opportunity to pause and consider your life and your teen’s in the light of faith.”

Timothy P. Muldoon is a philosopher, theologian, and author of many books in the areas of Christian theology and spirituality. His research interests in both Philosophy and Theology include the thought of Bernard Lonergan, SJ, particularly as his work sheds light on reversing cultural decline; and the history and practice of Christian spirituality, particularly in the Ignatian tradition. He held several administrative and teaching roles at Boston College since 2005, and joined the Philosophy Department in 2020. He has held visiting professorships at LaSalle University, the Catholic University of America, and Washington Theological Union, and has lectured widely in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Prior to coming to Boston College, he was the Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Theology at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania. His current work involves the philosophy of community and the promotion of flourishing communities.

The post IP#344 Timothy Muldoon – The Discerning Parent on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

Fr. Eamonn Bourke reflects with Kris McGregor on the deeply personal and transformative nature of prayer. Fr. Bourke encourages a grounded, honest approach—bringing one’s full self into prayer, including brokenness, weaknesses, or wounds often rooted in life experiences. It’s a misconception that prayer is only for a spiritual elite: prayer is accessible to everyone. Using examples from the Gospels—like Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in adultery or the healing of Bartimaeus—each story illustrates how Christ meets people exactly where they are, offering compassion and healing without precondition. The heart of prayer is not performance, but authenticity: allowing God to meet us in our reality.

Prayer plays a role in healing: much of the pain people carry—whether from childhood, failed expectations, or sin—is subtle but significant. We need for self-awareness and trust in God’s presence, especially when prayers appear unanswered or outcomes differ from one’s desires. Prayer can be compared to a spiritual offering, where our joys, fears, and even resistance become gifts to God. By asking God to reveal what holds us back, and by relinquishing control over how healing unfolds, one opens the door to freedom, healing, and deeper union with God. This interior transformation, though often quiet and gradual, reshapes how a person experiences life and others.

Father Éamonn Bourke is a priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin, Ireland and served as Vocations Director for the diocese, as well as Pastor in a number of its parishes. Trained as a spiritual director in the contemplative style, he now serves as Chaplain to University College, Dublin, the largest University in Ireland.

The post HP3 – The Healing Nature of Prayer – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Anthony Lilles reflects on Day 7 of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity’s Last Retreat, delving into the mystery of suffering, self-emptying, and divine union. St. Elizabeth sees the soul as a heaven that must echo the glory of God, whether in joy or in weakness. Every aspect of life—including failures, dislikes, and suffering—can become a message of God’s glory when embraced in faith. Drawing on Psalm 18, she describes how even the darkest “nights” can carry divine light if one remains faithful and chooses to love amid pain. Dr. Lilles connects this to the theology of St. John of the Cross, explaining how our trials, when offered in faith, become part of Christ’s redemptive mission and mediate grace to the world.

The reflection culminates in the image of the soul as a bridal chamber prepared for Christ. When emptied of self and filled only with love and the desire for God’s glory, the soul becomes a dwelling place for the Word. This divine indwelling results in a mutual possession between the soul and Christ—”each seems to be the other, and the two are but one.” Dr. Lilles relates this mystical union to the love found in Christian marriage and consecrated life, both of which reflect a deeper spiritual reality. Elizabeth’s vision is an invitation to receive Christ even in suffering, and in doing so, become a living praise of God’s glory—a message especially directed to contemplative nuns, yet deeply enriching for all who long to live faithfully in Christ.

“18. “Night to night announces it.” 106 How very consoling that is! My weaknesses, my dislikes, my mediocrity , my faults themselves tell the glory of the Eternal! My sufferings of soul or body also tell the glory of my Master! David sang: “How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” This: “I will take up the cup of salvation.” 107 If I take up this cup crimsoned with the Blood of my Master and, in wholly joyous thanksgiving, I mingle my blood with that of the holy Victim, it is in some way made infinite and can give magnificent praise to the Father. Then my suffering is “a message which passes on the glory” of the Eternal.

19. “There (in the soul that tells His glory) He has pitched a tent for the Sun.” 108 The sun is the Word, the “Bridegroom.” If He finds my soul empty of all that is not contained in these two words— His love, His glory, then He chooses it to be “His bridal chamber”; He “rushes” in “like a giant racing triumphantly on his course” and I cannot “escape His heat.” 109 He is this “consuming fire” 110 which will effect the blessed transformation of which St. John of the Cross speaks when he says: “Each seems to be the other and the two are but one”: 111 a “praise of glory” 112 of the Father!

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-LR8 – Day 7, 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.

Archbishop George Lucas discusses the centrality of the Resurrection in the Christian life. He reflects on the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ, using the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus as a model for how Jesus meets people in their confusion and sorrow. This personal encounter, available through the Church and its sacraments, is not dependent on perfect understanding or worthiness. Instead, it is a gift offered through the Holy Spirit, calling each person to live in the reality of Christ’s presence here and now. The Resurrection isn’t just a past event to remember—it’s a living truth that invites a response of joy, relationship, and witness.

He also speaks to the responsibility of parishes to support new members entering the Church through the Easter Vigil. These neophytes, full of zeal and spiritual gifts, should be welcomed as vital parts of the community, not left to navigate the life of faith on their own. Parishes must foster a “clear path of discipleship,” continually encouraging growth and deeper conversion. While many might relate to spirituality in a general sense, the Resurrection proclaims a concrete truth about God’s love and power. He urges us to carry the joy of Easter beyond the season and into their daily lives, staying connected to Christ not only through Lenten penance, but through an ongoing relationship nurtured in prayer, community, and the sacraments.

For more episodes in this series, visit the

The post WM41 – Easter: A Season for Joy – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects deeply on the meaning of Holy Thursday, focusing especially on Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet and the institution of the Eucharist. He describes the foot-washing as a sign of humility and love that all Christians are called to imitate, not just toward family and friends, but especially toward enemies and those most difficult to serve. This act, performed by Christ before his Passion, is framed as his last will and testament—a mandate to serve others with profound humility, as he did. Msgr. Esseff invites us to internalize this calling by examining their relationships and asking us whose feet we would struggle to wash.

There is the unity between the Eucharist and this act of service. Receiving Christ in the Eucharist, especially during the Triduum, is meant to transform hearts to love as he loves. It’s important to receive spiritual discernment in knowing when and how to engage with others in this sacrificial way. Msgr. Esseff recalls traditional Holy Thursday devotions and reflects on the Paschal Mystery—Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection—as the heart of Christian life, reminding the listener that Easter marks a beginning, not an end, in the journey of faith.

“Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton.  Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta.    He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world.  Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him.  He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor.   He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.

The post A Special Holy Thursday Reflection – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this classic interview from 2007, Bruce and Kris McGregor speak with actress Sydney Penny about her portrayal of St. Bernadette Soubirous in the films Bernadette and The Passion of Bernadette. Sydney reflects on how she was cast in the role as a young actress and how the experience of playing Bernadette—both in Lourdes and later in the convent at Nevers—deeply impacted her spiritually. She shares how the films aimed to faithfully present the saint’s life; not only the famous apparitions but also Bernadette’s later years marked by suffering, humility, and joyful perseverance. Sydney discusses how the role taught her about true spiritual strength, the value of simplicity, and the depth of Bernadette’s character, which continues to inspire her in everyday life.

They also explore the challenges Sydney faced filming in both English and French, her connection to the physical locations of Lourdes and Nevers, and the gift of encountering Bernadette’s incorrupt body. Sydney, though not Catholic, expresses how the story and spirit of Bernadette enriched her life and gave her a lasting model of grace.

The post “Bernadette” and “The Passion of Bernadette”- In Conversation with Sydney Penny – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

Fr. Eamonn Bourke speaks with Kris McGregor about the simplicity and accessibility of prayer. Drawing on the example of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Fr. Bourke explains that prayer is a simple encounter with God that begins in the heart. One doesn’t need to be a theologian or have a perfect method—just a willingness to be still and present before God. Using personal stories and those of others like Dorothy Day, he highlights how God reaches out to each person gently and uniquely. Prayer, he explains, is not about performance but honesty and relationship, which can bring peace, healing, and a deeper sense of purpose.

It’s important to have consistency in prayer and the value of having guidance from others through spiritual direction or companionship in faith. Fr. Bourke encourages us to begin where they are and not be discouraged by past neglect of prayer. He reminds us that God created each person with intentional love and care, and that recognizing this dignity in ourselves and others is a fruit of prayer. Ultimately, he invites everyone to enter into prayer with simplicity and trust, letting God do the transformative work in the soul.

Father Éamonn Bourke is a priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin, Ireland and served as Vocations Director for the diocese, as well as Pastor in a number of its parishes. Trained as a spiritual director in the contemplative style, he now serves as Chaplain to University College, Dublin, the largest University in Ireland.

The post HP2 – Creating Space for Prayer – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor reflect on the seventh day of The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Dr. Lilles explains how Elizabeth sees the soul as a “heaven” that proclaims the glory of God, drawing from Psalm 19, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” Just as the physical heavens shift through day and night, so too does the soul experience seasons of light and darkness. These shifts are not random but part of God’s presence and action in the soul.

St. Elizabeth teaches us that the soul becomes radiant by faithfully responding to God’s interior movements—subtle invitations to act with love, withdraw from conflict, or enter into prayer. These promptings don’t always come as words but are more often sensed deeply within, illuminating the soul from within and revealing God’s glory.

17. “Coeli enarrant gloriam Dei.” 101 This is what the heavens are telling: the glory of God.

Since my soul is a heaven in which I live while awaiting the “heavenly Jerusalem,” 102 this heaven too must sing the glory of the Eternal, nothing but the glory of the Eternal.

“Day to day passes on this message.” 103 All God’s lights, all His communications to my soul are this “day which passes on to day the message of His glory.” “The command of the Lord is clear,” sings the psalmist, “enlightening the eye. . . .” 104 Consequently, my fidelity in corresponding with each of His decrees, with each of His interior commands, makes me live in His light; it too is a “message which passes on His glory.” But this is the sweet wonder: “Yahweh, he who looks at you is radiant!” 105 the prophet exclaims . The soul that by the depth of its interior gaze contemplates its God through everything in that simplicity which sets it apart from all else is a “ radiant” soul: it is “a day that passes on to day the message of His glory.”

18. “Night to night announces it.” 106 How very consoling that is! My weaknesses, my dislikes, my mediocrity , my faults themselves tell the glory of the Eternal! My sufferings of soul or body also tell the glory of my Master! David sang: “How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” This: “I will take up the cup of salvation.” 107 If I take up this cup crimsoned with the Blood of my Master and, in wholly joyous thanksgiving, I mingle my blood with that of the holy Victim, it is in some way made infinite and can give magnificent praise to the Father. Then my suffering is “a message which passes on the glory” of the Eternal.

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-LR7 – Day 7 – 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.