The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

In this episode of Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart, we reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s teaching that the Social Doctrine of the Church is a living “legacy of wisdom.” It is not merely a set of abstract principles, but a gift given to help us see the challenges of our time in the light of Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the Gospel.

Pope Leo XIV reminds us that the Church’s Social Doctrine gives us principles for thought, criteria for discernment and judgment, and concrete guidelines for action. In a world marked by confusion, rapid technological change, injustice, fear, and division, the Church helps us pause, pray, and ask deeper questions about the dignity of the human person, the common good, and our Christian witness.

This reflection invites us to resist quick reactions, fear, contempt, and discouragement. The Holy Spirit forms the heart in wisdom so that we may see clearly, judge rightly, and act with charity. Through the light of Wisdom 9:4, we ask the Lord to give us a discerning heart that can serve truth, dignity, and peace with joy.

Selection from Magnifica Humanitas

Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas, Introduction, no. 3:

“Today, the Social Doctrine of the Church is a legacy of wisdom, where we find principles for thought, criteria for discernment and judgment, and concrete guidelines for action. Founded on Sacred Scripture and Tradition, and in engagement with the sciences, it helps us clearly interpret the challenges of the present and identify appropriate ways for living out a clear Christian witness, with joy and in service to the world.”

Wisdom 9:4, RSV–Catholic Edition

Copyright © 2026 Kris McGregor. All rights reserved. No portion of this content may be reproduced, distributed, published, or transmitted in any form, including audio, print, or digital media, without prior written permission from Discerning Hearts®.

The post MH3 – A Living Wisdom for Discernment – Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart – 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 Luke 1:57-66,80

The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son; and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had shown her so great a kindness, they shared her joy.

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:

The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son; and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had shown her so great a kindness, they shared her joy.

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:

The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son; and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had shown her so great a kindness, they shared her joy.

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 Nativity of St. John the Baptist – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In part one of our conversation, we discuss how contemporary evidence indicates how we are built by God, invited by God, from the very beginning of our creation, to receive God.  Fr. Spitzer, in this particular episode, sites the work of Carl Jung (psychiatrist) and Mircea Eliade (historian of religion) along with many other experts in their fields to make the case for the beauty of the transcendent soul.

Now why is this topic so vitally important today?  Because the loss of transcendence is negatively affecting our entire society. It has robbed us of  our happiness, dignity, ideals, virtues, and a sense of our eternal destiny.  We were created for greater things and we must believe in that fundamental truth and we must help others to come to that understanding as well!  This is a classic work, in its truest sense, of Christian apologetics! Absolutely not to be missed!

You can find the book here

“Father Spitzer displays a broad range of arguments in favor of the reality and the compelling importance of the transcendent dimension of our existence on the basis of religious literature, our interior awareness of transcendent reality, the cosmic struggle between good and evil, metaphysics, our natural desire to experience perfect goodness, love and beauty, the evidence of near-death experiences, and contemporary science, especially astrophysics.”

Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York

The post IP#289 Fr. Robert Spitzer S.J. – The Souls Upward Yearning on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor pt 1 appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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In this episode of Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart, Kris McGregor reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s teaching that the Christian life is founded on Christ, the living stone. The Holy Father reminds us that we are not asked to build the good by our own strength alone. The Holy Spirit is already acting powerfully and mysteriously, inviting us to cooperate with grace in the real circumstances of daily life.

This reflection considers how discouragement can enter when the needs around us feel overwhelming. Family struggles, cultural confusion, suffering in the world, and rapid technological change can make our small acts seem insignificant. Yet Pope Leo XIV reminds us that every authentic human effort to cooperate with God for the good will be blessed by the Father.

Through the light of 1 Peter 2:4, this episode invites listeners to build on Christ, trust the hidden work of grace, and respond to the good that is close at hand. A patient word, a quiet prayer, a faithful duty, or one act of love can become part of God’s work for the integral development of every human being.

Selection from Magnifica Humanitas

Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas, Introduction, no. 2:

“Founded on Christ, the living stone, we experience the powerful and mysterious action of the Holy Spirit, and we believe that every authentic human effort to cooperate with him for the good will be blessed by our heavenly Father, in whom we place our hope. For this reason, we can diligently contribute to every initiative that builds a more just world, and we can call others to collaborate in promoting the integral development of every human being.”

1 Peter 2:4, RSV–Catholic Edition

Copyright © 2026 Kris McGregor. All rights reserved. No portion of this content may be reproduced, distributed, published, or transmitted in any form, including audio, print, or digital media, without prior written permission from Discerning Hearts®.

The post MH2 – Cooperating with Grace – Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart – 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 Matthew 7:6,12-14

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls in front of pigs, or they may trample them and then turn on you and tear you to pieces.

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 give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls in front of pigs, or they may trample them and then turn on you and tear you to pieces.

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 give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls in front of pigs, or they may trample them and then turn on you and tear you to pieces.

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 Tuesday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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. Matthew 7:1-5

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; because the judgements you give are the judgements you will get, and the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given. Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own? How dare you say to your brother, “Let me take the splinter out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.’

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 judge, and you will not be judged; because the judgements you give are the judgements you will get, and the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given. Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own? How dare you say to your brother, “Let me take the splinter out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.’

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 judge, and you will not be judged; because the judgements you give are the judgements you will get, and the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given. Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own? How dare you say to your brother, “Let me take the splinter out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.’

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 Monday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this opening episode of Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart, Kris McGregor begins a 30-day prayerful journey with Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas. The reflection begins with the foundational truth that humanity is created by God “in all its grandeur.” Before considering artificial intelligence, technology or the pressures of the modern world, Pope Leo invites us to return to the mystery of the human person revealed in Christ.

Drawing from the Tower of Babel, this episode reflects on the danger of building without God. Human achievement can appear impressive while the heart loses communion, humility, and reverence for the dignity of the person. Through the light of John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” we are reminded that Christ reveals the true meaning of humanity.

This episode invites listeners to notice where they may be tempted to measure themselves or others by usefulness, productivity or approval. Through discernment, prayer, and one simple act of love, the heart can begin again to build with God and for communion.

Selection from Magnifica Humanitas

Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas, Introduction, no. 1:

“Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together… Whenever humanity is in danger of marring its true identity, we Christians lift our eyes to the Incarnate God, knowing that it is ‘only in the mystery of the Word made flesh that the mystery of humanity truly becomes clear.’”

John 1:14, RSV–Catholic Edition

Copyright © 2026 Kris McGregor. All rights reserved. No portion of this content may be reproduced, distributed, published or transmitted in any form, including audio, print or digital media, without prior written permission from Discerning Hearts®.

The post MH1 – Created by God in All Our Grandeur – Magnificent Humanity for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 5 -The Third Rule:

Of Spiritual Consolation. I call it consolation when some interior movement in the soul is caused, through which the soul comes to be inflamed with love of its Creator and Lord; and when it can in consequence love no created thing on the face of the earth in itself, but in the Creator of them all.

Likewise, when it sheds tears that move to love of its Lord, whether out of sorrow for one’s sins, or for the Passion of Christ our Lord, or because of other things directly connected with His service and praise.

Finally, I call consolation every increase of hope, faith and charity, and all interior joy which calls and attracts to heavenly things and to the salvation of one’s soul, quieting it and giving it peace in its Creator and Lord.

Episode Five of The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free turns to Rule Three, which addresses the experience St. Ignatius of Loyola calls spiritual consolation. Fr. Timothy Gallagher, in conversation with Kris McGregor, explains how Ignatius describes consolation through lived spiritual experience rather than abstract definition.

Fr. Gallagher begins by reading Ignatius’s text, which describes consolation as an interior movement that inflames the heart with love for its Creator and Lord. This love brings peace. It draws the soul toward heavenly things. It quiets the heart in God. Ignatius lists concrete signs of this grace, including tears, joy, and an increase of faith, hope, and charity.

To help listeners recognize these experiences, Fr. Gallagher shares vivid examples. He reflects on the spiritual journals of Raïssa Maritain, whose prayer reveals tenderness, nearness, and deep joy in God. He also points to moments in Scripture, such as Peter’s encounter with Christ in the boat, where the heart is gently warmed and drawn closer to the Lord.

Fr. Gallagher explains that spiritual consolation can vary greatly. It may be gentle or intense. It may last only a moment or remain for a longer season. Tears may come quietly or with great force. What remains constant is the fruit. Consolation strengthens the soul. It gives peace. It draws the heart toward God and the things of salvation.

The episode also clarifies an important distinction. Ignatius speaks specifically of spiritual consolation. This differs from healthy non-spiritual consolation, such as rest, beauty, friendship, or accomplishment. These natural joys are gifts from God. Yet they are not, in themselves, the basis for discernment. Discernment concerns the spiritual movements that draw the soul into a deeper relationship with God.

At the same time, Fr. Gallagher shows how God often uses non-spiritual consolation as the place where spiritual consolation arises. He reflects on the experience of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose delight in a simple scene of nature became the doorway to a profound awareness of God’s faithful and protecting love throughout her life.

Episode Five helps listeners learn to recognize spiritual consolation when God gives it. It teaches how to name these experiences. It clarifies their meaning. Most importantly, it shows that the proper response to consolation is simple. It is to receive it with gratitude and allow it to strengthen the heart for the journey ahead.

Can you recall moments when your heart felt gently warmed or lifted in prayer?

How do you recognize peace that comes from God rather than from circumstances?

Have you experienced consolation that was brief but left a lasting effect?

What signs help you distinguish spiritual consolation from natural enjoyment?

How do times of consolation strengthen you for moments of difficulty?

Why does Ignatius describe consolation through examples rather than a strict definition?

How do the examples shared in this episode help clarify Rule Three?

Why is peace such an important sign of spiritual consolation?

How can non-spiritual consolation become a doorway to spiritual grace?

What is the proper response to consolation according to Ignatian discernment?

 The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits –

 For the other episodes in this series visit Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts”click here 

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”

The post The Third Rule – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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. Matthew 10:26-33

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not be afraid. For everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops.

‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.

‘So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in 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 instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not be afraid. For everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops.

‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.

‘So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in 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 instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not be afraid. For everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops.

‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.

‘So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in 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 Sunday of the Twelfth 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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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 6:24-34

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘No one can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or treat the first with respect and the second with scorn. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.

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: ‘No one can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or treat the first with respect and the second with scorn. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.

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: ‘No one can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or treat the first with respect and the second with scorn. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.

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 Saturday of the Eleventh Week of Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.