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The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts episodes

May 19SJ8 – Handing on the Passover – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Handing on the Passover – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina
Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore the Finding in the Temple through the experience of Joseph and Mary, placing the event within the rich setting of Jewish pilgrimage and Passover tradition. Aquilina explains how twelve-year-old Jesus was entering adulthood according to Jewish custom, learning from Joseph how to participate fully in the Passover rites, including the offering of the lamb and the sacred meal that foreshadowed the Eucharist. Joseph’s role as teacher and father takes on deep significance as he guides Jesus into the rituals that point toward His future sacrifice and mission.
This also reflects on the anguish Mary and Joseph experienced when Jesus was missing for three days; the fear, exhaustion, and heartbreak of searching through the crowded city, while also considering the emotional shift that occurred when Jesus spoke in the Temple among the teachers. Joseph and Mary begin to recognize that Jesus is moving into a new stage of His life and vocation, creating both wonder and sorrow for them as parents. It connects this moment to the deeper meaning of the Passover meal and Christ’s institution of the Eucharist, showing how the hidden years of Jesus’ youth reveal profound spiritual and historical connections rooted in Jewish worship and family life.
You can find the book on which this series is based here.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
How does viewing the Finding in the Temple through Joseph’s perspective deepen your understanding of his role as a father?
What can Joseph and Mary’s anxious search for Jesus teach you about trusting God during moments of fear or uncertainty?
How does the Jewish Passover tradition help you better understand the meaning of the Eucharist?
In what ways are parents called to guide children toward faith and spiritual maturity as Joseph did with Jesus?
How do pilgrimage, worship, and shared prayer strengthen families and communities in faith?
What does Jesus remaining in the Temple reveal about His awareness of His divine mission?
How can reflecting on the hidden years of Jesus’ life help you grow in holiness within ordinary daily responsibilities?
What emotions might Joseph have experienced as he realized Jesus was entering a new stage of life and purpose?
How does understanding the historical and religious setting of Scripture enrich your prayer and meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary?
What lessons about sacrifice, obedience, and trust can you draw from this Gospel event for your own spiritual journey?
About the Book
He is a man of many titles. Head of the Holy Family. Spouse of the Blessed Virgin. Guardian of Our Lord. Terror of Demons.
Though he is only briefly mentioned in the Bible, and never once has a quote attributed to him. St. Joseph is likely the best-known “silent” character in all of history, but theologians have spent centuries contemplating him.
In St. Joseph and His World, author Mike Aquilina skillfully paints a portrait of St. Joseph by contrasting him with someone who affected his life in many ways—King Herod the Great.
Aquilina invites readers into the life of St. Joseph—an heir of David with quiet beginnings, anticipating the promised Messiah. Conversely, he reveals Herod for who he was–a sociopathic warlord, prone to wicked jealousy and paranoia.
Drawing on modern and archaeological texts, Aquilina sheds light on a remarkable number of mysteries in the life of this revered saint. Was Joseph the decrepit old man he is often depicted as in art? Did the residents of Nazareth expect the Messiah to be one of their own? What did Joseph’s education and job training entail? Why would he contemplate divorcing Mary after the angel Gabriel’s visit? Was the flight to Egypt meticulously executed, or hastily carried out? What did the Holy Family do during the memorable trip to Jerusalem when Jesus was found in the Temple?
Josephologists across the centuries have contemplated the life and character of the Angelic Man. In this definitive work, Mike Aquilina takes the brilliantly uncomplicated approach that, by familiarizing ourselves with St. Joseph’s world: his hometown, his trade, and his faith, we can draw closer to him and ultimately, draw closer to Christ.
About the Author
Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the Eternal Word Television Network and is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio.
For more episodes in this series visit – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina page.
The post SJ8 – Handing on the Passover – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
29 min
May 19 Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day Five – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day Five
Begin be reciting the following prayer…
O Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler!
I adore you as my True God.
I offer You my whole heart,
and I render You heartfelt thanks for all the benefits You have bestowed upon the world.
You are the author of all supernatural gifts
and enriched the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God,
with all favors,
I ask you to visit me by Your grace and Your love,
and grant me the favor
I so earnestly seek…
State your request here…
O Holy Spirit,
spirit of truth, come into our hearts:
DAY FIVE
Come, O Spirit of sanctity,
from the glory of heaven
and send forth the radiance of Your light.
Father of all the poor,
light and peace of all hearts,
come with Your countless gifts.
Consoler in desolation;
refreshment full of loveliness,
come dear friend of my soul.
In weariness send repose;
breath gently cool refreshing breeze;
console the desolate who weep alone.
Light of Beatitude,
make our hearts ready;
come enter our souls.
Without Your grace,
man stands alone;
he cannot be good or sure.
Cleanse what is soiled;
heal what is wounded;
moisten what is arid.
Bend the stubborn will;
warm the cold heart;
guide the wandering footstep.
O Holy Spirit,
we beg You to give us grace through Your sevenfold power
and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena…
State your request here…
Give us merit for the present,
and one day beatitude when we have finished our earthly journey.
Come, O Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of Your faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of Your love.
Amen.
The post Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day Five – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
3 min
May 19 Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – 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 John 17:1-11
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:
‘Father, the hour has come:
glorify your Son
so that your Son may glorify you;
and, through the power over all mankind that you have given him,
let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him.
And eternal life is this:
to know you,
the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
I have glorified you on earth
and finished the work that you gave me to do.
Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me
with that glory I had with you
before ever the world was.
I have made your name known
to the men you took from the world to give me.
They were yours and you gave them to me,
and they have kept your word.
Now at last they know
that all you have given me comes indeed from you;
for I have given them the teaching you gave to me,
and they have truly accepted this, that I came from you,
and have believed that it was you who sent me.
I pray for them;
I am not praying for the world
but for those you have given me,
because they belong to you:
all I have is yours
and all you have is mine,
and in them I am glorified.
I am not in the world any longer,
but they are in the world,
and I am coming to you.’
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 raised his eyes to heaven and said:
‘Father, the hour has come:
glorify your Son
so that your Son may glorify you;
and, through the power over all mankind that you have given him,
let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him.
And eternal life is this:
to know you,
the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
I have glorified you on earth
and finished the work that you gave me to do.
Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me
with that glory I had with you
before ever the world was.
I have made your name known
to the men you took from the world to give me.
They were yours and you gave them to me,
and they have kept your word.
Now at last they know
that all you have given me comes indeed from you;
for I have given them the teaching you gave to me,
and they have truly accepted this, that I came from you,
and have believed that it was you who sent me.
I pray for them;
I am not praying for the world
but for those you have given me,
because they belong to you:
all I have is yours
and all you have is mine,
and in them I am glorified.
I am not in the world any longer,
but they are in the world,
and I am coming to you.’
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 raised his eyes to heaven and said:
‘Father, the hour has come:
glorify your Son
so that your Son may glorify you;
and, through the power over all mankind that you have given him,
let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him.
And eternal life is this:
to know you,
the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
I have glorified you on earth
and finished the work that you gave me to do.
Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me
with that glory I had with you
before ever the world was.
I have made your name known
to the men you took from the world to give me.
They were yours and you gave them to me,
and they have kept your word.
Now at last they know
that all you have given me comes indeed from you;
for I have given them the teaching you gave to me,
and they have truly accepted this, that I came from you,
and have believed that it was you who sent me.
I pray for them;
I am not praying for the world
but for those you have given me,
because they belong to you:
all I have is yours
and all you have is mine,
and in them I am glorified.
I am not in the world any longer,
but they are in the world,
and I am coming to you.’
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 Seventh Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
10 min
May 18SISL19 – Conclusion – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts
Conclusion – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor reflect on the lifelong formation involved in recognizing spiritual consolation and desolation through the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fr. Gallagher explains that spiritual growth comes through learning to recognize the movements of God’s grace and the discouraging tactics of the enemy, allowing a person to respond with greater clarity and freedom. He describes Ignatian spirituality as practical, simple, and deeply respectful of the human heart, rooted in the way Christ Himself encounters wounded and searching souls in the Gospels—with patience, gentleness, and profound love. The Christian journey, he says, is not merely about following rules but about entering into communion with a God who desires intimacy with humanity and accompanies people tenderly through healing and transformation.
Drawing from personal experiences after his ordination, Fr. Gallagher recounts how he came to understand authentic Christian joy through the teachings of St. Paul VI and the witness of Jesus Christ. True joy is ultimately found in communion with the Triune God—a deep resting of the heart in divine love that surpasses material comforts and natural pleasures. He connects this joy to the longing of every human heart not to feel alone, pointing to Jesus’ constant union with the Father as the source of His peace and happiness. Turning to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, it shows holiness as the shared goal of every vocation, reminding us that God grants the grace needed for each step of the spiritual journey. By courageously taking those first steps, the soul is strengthened “from victory to victory” as it moves toward sanctity and lasting union with God.
You can pick up a copy of the book here.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
How can I become more aware of the movements of consolation and desolation in my daily spiritual life?
In what ways have I experienced God meeting me gently in moments of weakness or suffering?
Do I approach prayer as a relationship of love with God or merely as an obligation to fulfill?
What discouraging thoughts or fears most often pull me away from hope and trust in God?
How does the example of Jesus’ tenderness toward others challenge the way I treat myself and those around me?
Where do I currently seek joy, and does it lead me closer to lasting peace in God?
Have I allowed natural joys such as friendship, family, or beauty in creation to deepen my gratitude toward God?
What does it mean for me personally to know that I am never alone because God is with me?
How can the witness of St. Thérèse inspire me to pursue holiness in my present vocation and circumstances?
What first step of courage might God be asking me to take on my spiritual journey today?
An excerpt from the chapter, “Conclusion”:
“The day was August 8, 1897, the month before her death. Thérèse lay on her sickbed. Her sister Pauline was with her in the room. As she lay there, Thérèse pondered her life. In particular, she remembered the Christmas night eleven years earlier when she received what she had called “the grace of my complete conversion.” On that “night of light,” God’s grace and an act of courage liberated her from the nervousness and sensitivity that had oppressed her for years. Thérèse thought, too, of Judith in the Old Testament and of the courage with which she had acted. Thérèse began to speak.
Many, she told her sister, feel that they lack such courage. Then she said, “God never refuses that first grace that gives one the courage to act; afterwards, the heart is strengthened, and one advances from victory to victory.” That is the message of this book. A path to liberation from discouragement, confusion, and pain in the spiritual life exists.
God has not called us to captivity but to freedom. Clarity regarding the struggle is possible, and remedies are available. Begin. Take the first step. Take it now. And take it knowing that “God never refuses that first grace that gives one the courage to act; afterwards, the heart is strengthened, and one advances from victory to victory.” May that grace and that courage bless our spiritual lives.”
Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (p. 144). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition.
To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast
From the book’s description: “Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It’s a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth.
All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness.
With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You’ll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you’ll be given the remedy for the struggle. You’ll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them.
In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You’ll gain confidence as you journey through desolation, and you’ll learn to reject the enemy’s ploys to infect you with a sense of hopelessness.”
Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!
The post SISL19 – Conclusion – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
25 min
May 18 Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day Four – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day Four
Begin be reciting the following prayer…
O Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler!
I adore you as my True God.
I offer You my whole heart,
and I render You heartfelt thanks for all the benefits
You have bestowed upon the world.
You are the author of all supernatural gifts and enriched the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, with all favors,
I ask you to visit me by Your grace and Your love,
and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek…
State your request here…
O Holy Spirit,
spirit of truth, come into our hearts:
DAY FOUR
O God,
Who today by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful,
give us, by the light of the same Holy Spirit,
a love for what is right and just and a constant enjoyment of His comforts.
Pray Holy Spirit, that I may strive to learn more of my faith;
that I may ever be conscious that reason in all its human magnificence is capable of grasping but a glimpse of the reality that is God.
Pray that I may accept as the motto of my life:
“All for the greater glory of God”
and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena…
State your request here…
Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Amen.
The post Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day Four – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
2 min
May 18 Monday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
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Monday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – 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 John 16:29-33
His disciples said to Jesus, ‘Now you are speaking plainly and not using metaphors! Now we see that you know everything, and do not have to wait for questions to be put into words; because of this we believe that you came from God.’ Jesus answered them:
‘Do you believe at last?
Listen; the time will come – in fact it has come already –
when you will be scattered,
each going his own way and leaving me alone.
And yet I am not alone,
because the Father is with me.
I have told you all this
so that you may find peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but be brave: I have conquered the world.’
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:
His disciples said to Jesus, ‘Now you are speaking plainly and not using metaphors! Now we see that you know everything, and do not have to wait for questions to be put into words; because of this we believe that you came from God.’ Jesus answered them:
‘Do you believe at last?
Listen; the time will come – in fact it has come already –
when you will be scattered,
each going his own way and leaving me alone.
And yet I am not alone,
because the Father is with me.
I have told you all this
so that you may find peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but be brave: I have conquered the world.’
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:
His disciples said to Jesus, ‘Now you are speaking plainly and not using metaphors! Now we see that you know everything, and do not have to wait for questions to be put into words; because of this we believe that you came from God.’ Jesus answered them:
‘Do you believe at last?
Listen; the time will come – in fact it has come already –
when you will be scattered,
each going his own way and leaving me alone.
And yet I am not alone,
because the Father is with me.
I have told you all this
so that you may find peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but be brave: I have conquered the world.’
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 Monday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
10 min
May 17Fr. Christopher Collins S.J. – Three Moments of the Day on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts
“Three Moments of the Day: Praying with the Heart of Jesus” by Fr. Christopher Collins S.J. on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
In this episode of Inside the Pages, Kris McGregor speaks with Fr. Christopher Collins, SJ, author of The Three Moments of the Day: Praying with the Heart of Jesus, about a simple yet profound rhythm of prayer that can shape the whole of daily life. Rooted in Eucharistic spirituality, Ignatian prayer, and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Collins reflects on three essential moments that can anchor the day: the morning offering, the Eucharist, and the evening examen. He explains how these moments open the heart to Christ, help us unite our daily joys and sufferings to His love, and draw us into a deeper awareness of God’s presence in the ordinary movements of life.
Their conversation also explores the rich meaning of devotion to the Sacred Heart, not as a sentimental image from the past, but as a living doorway into the whole Christian mystery of the Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection, and Eucharist. Fr. Collins offers practical insight into discernment, spiritual growth, and the healing that comes through honest dialogue with the Lord. He shows how the daily pattern of offering, receiving, and reviewing can become a lifelong path of transformation, especially for those who desire a deeper prayer life but may not know where to begin. This episode is a beautiful invitation to pray with the heart of Jesus and to discover how God meets us in the humility, vulnerability, and grace of each day.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
How do I begin and end my day, and what might change if I consciously offer both to the Heart of Jesus?
What part of this conversation helped me better understand devotion to the Sacred Heart as a living reality and not simply a devotional image from the past?
In what ways is the Eucharist truly the center of my day, my prayer, and my identity as a Christian?
How might the morning offering help me place my ordinary tasks, relationships, and sufferings into the hands of Christ?
When I look back on my day, where do I notice moments when my heart was open in love, trust, and generosity?
Where do I notice the places in daily life where my heart closes off through fear, discouragement, pride, or self-protection?
How does the practice of the examen help me become more honest with the Lord about both grace and struggle?
Am I more likely to talk to the Lord about what is happening in my heart, or to remain trapped in my own inner monologue?
What did I hear in this episode about discernment that helps me recognize the difference between movements toward isolation and movements toward love?
How is Jesus inviting me to let Him shape the rhythm of my life more deeply through prayer, silence, and daily offering?
From the book description:
On the strength of the Apostleship of Prayer’s worldwide reach, retreat master Christopher Collins introduces a powerful approach to both the Sacred Heart devotion and classic Ignatian spirituality.
In the tradition of Michael Gaitley’s bestselling 33 Days to Morning Glory, Three Moments of the Day presents a classic Catholic tradition in a way that is fresh and compelling. Jesuit retreat master Christopher Collins introduces three simple, yet powerful prayer habits that are at the foundation of both the Sacred Heart devotion and Ignatian spirituality and that assist the reader in turning intentionally toward the Sacred Heart of Christ. Readers are guided through morning offering, evening reflection, and how to ponder the gift of the Eucharist throughout the day.

You can find the book here
“Fr. Collins has written a dynamic and entertaining invitation to the Church: Let Jesus love us and heal us at the depth of our wounds. Here, in this accessible source, we can encounter the fire of the Sacred Heart, a fire of love searching for us all.” ––Deacon James Keating, Director of Theological Formation, Institute for Priestly Formation, Creighton University
“This simple yet profound program of three moments a day will bless all who undertake it. In this book, a rich spiritual content is conveyed in heartfelt and accessible language.” —Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., Author of The Discernment of Spirits

The post Fr. Christopher Collins S.J. – Three Moments of the Day on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
31 min
May 17IP#510 Dr. Matthew Bunson – Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Dr. Matthew Bunson – Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Kris McGregor interviews Dr. Matthew Bunson about his new book on Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Dr. Bunson recounts the extraordinary events surrounding Pope Francis’s final days and the surprising election that followed. He offers a deeply personal perspective on the historic transition, describing his experience covering the month-long period in Rome with EWTN. Dr. Bunson reflects on the unexpected yet providential choice of Pope Leo XIV—a U.S.-born Augustinian with extensive missionary and Vatican experience—and explores why he resonated so strongly with the College of Cardinals.
Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate is already marked by clarity, humility, and theological depth rooted in the Augustinian tradition, as well as the Pope’s focus on the dignity of the human person, renewal of Catholic social teaching, and the global challenges posed by technology and modernity. With insight into the papal conclave, the Church’s current needs, and Pope Leo XIV’s spiritual and pastoral formation, Dr. Bunson presents a compelling portrait of a man uniquely positioned to guide the Church in a new era of both continuity and renewal.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:
How does the unexpected election of Pope Leo XIV challenge your assumptions about how the Holy Spirit guides the Church?
What can Pope Leo XIV’s missionary background teach you about serving Christ across cultures and boundaries?
How might the Augustinian motto “In Christ, we are one” shape your approach to unity in your parish or community?
In what ways can you foster greater clarity and charity when sharing the truths of the Catholic faith?
How can you respond with trust when God’s plans surprise or disrupt your expectations?
What role does the Liturgy of the Hours or Church Fathers like Augustine play in your personal spiritual growth?
How do you discern the dignity of each person in light of today’s technological and societal shifts?
What does the reverence Pope Leo XIV shows for Church tradition invite you to reconsider in your own relationship with the Church’s teachings?
How can you contribute to healing divisions within the Church by anchoring your life more deeply in Christ?
What might God be asking of you in this new chapter of the Church’s journey under Pope Leo XIV?
From the book’s description:
We have a Pope! And his name is Leo XIV.
But who is this American-born 266th successor to St. Peter? What is the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s vision for the Church, and what impact will his papacy have on Catholics and on the world?
Renowned Vatican journalist Dr. Matthew Bunson offers the first authoritative portrait of the new Holy Father. With unmatched access and a reputation for integrity and insight, Bunson delivers a compelling, richly textured narrative of the new pope’s life, beliefs, and most improbable journey to the Chair of St. Peter.
This book will roll off the presses on May 21st, making it the first definitive biography available to readers worldwide. Accessible, informative, and rooted in journalistic rigor and an intimate understanding of the Church, Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the man inside the white cassock — and the moment in which he will reign.
The post IP#510 Dr. Matthew Bunson – Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
49 min
May 17 Sunday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
Sunday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – 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. John 17:1-11
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:
‘Father, the hour has come:
glorify your Son
so that your Son may glorify you;
and, through the power over all mankind that you have given him,
let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him.
And eternal life is this:
to know you,
the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
I have glorified you on earth
and finished the work that you gave me to do.
Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me
with that glory I had with you
before ever the world was.
I have made your name known
to the men you took from the world to give me.
They were yours and you gave them to me,
and they have kept your word.
Now at last they know
that all you have given me comes indeed from you;
for I have given them the teaching you gave to me,
and they have truly accepted this, that I came from you,
and have believed that it was you who sent me.
I pray for them;
I am not praying for the world
but for those you have given me,
because they belong to you:
all I have is yours
and all you have is mine,
and in them I am glorified.
I am not in the world any longer,
but they are in the world,
and I am coming to you.’
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 raised his eyes to heaven and said:
‘Father, the hour has come:
glorify your Son
so that your Son may glorify you;
and, through the power over all mankind that you have given him,
let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him.
And eternal life is this:
to know you,
the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
I have glorified you on earth
and finished the work that you gave me to do.
Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me
with that glory I had with you
before ever the world was.
I have made your name known
to the men you took from the world to give me.
They were yours and you gave them to me,
and they have kept your word.
Now at last they know
that all you have given me comes indeed from you;
for I have given them the teaching you gave to me,
and they have truly accepted this, that I came from you,
and have believed that it was you who sent me.
I pray for them;
I am not praying for the world
but for those you have given me,
because they belong to you:
all I have is yours
and all you have is mine,
and in them I am glorified.
I am not in the world any longer,
but they are in the world,
and I am coming to you.’
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 raised his eyes to heaven and said:
‘Father, the hour has come:
glorify your Son
so that your Son may glorify you;
and, through the power over all mankind that you have given him,
let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him.
And eternal life is this:
to know you,
the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
I have glorified you on earth
and finished the work that you gave me to do.
Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me
with that glory I had with you
before ever the world was.
I have made your name known
to the men you took from the world to give me.
They were yours and you gave them to me,
and they have kept your word.
Now at last they know
that all you have given me comes indeed from you;
for I have given them the teaching you gave to me,
and they have truly accepted this, that I came from you,
and have believed that it was you who sent me.
I pray for them;
I am not praying for the world
but for those you have given me,
because they belong to you:
all I have is yours
and all you have is mine,
and in them I am glorified.
I am not in the world any longer,
but they are in the world,
and I am coming to you.’
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 Seventh Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
10 min
May 17 Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day Three – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day Three
O Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler!
I adore you as my True God.
I offer You my whole heart,
and I render You heartfelt thanks for all the benefits You have bestowed upon the world.
You are the author of all supernatural gifts
and enriched the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God,
with all favors,
I ask you to visit me by Your grace and Your love,
and grant me the favor
I so earnestly seek…
State your request here…
O Holy Spirit,
spirit of truth, come into our hearts:
DAY THREE
Heavenly Father,
You have called me to be a member
of the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
and to be a temple of the Holy Spirit.
I ask You to give me these gifts of the Holy Spirit:
wisdom, that I may understand the follies of this world;
understanding, that I may grasp more fully
the meaning of my existence
and the purpose of all things in the world;
counsel, that I may always choose the proper way;
fortitude, that I may remain faithful to You
under the pressure of temptation.;
piety, that I may revere You in all I do, think or say;
fear of the Lord, that should the motive of love fail me,
I may quickly be awakened to the eternal consequences of my deeds.
Visit me by Your grace
and Your love
and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena…
State your request here…

Come, O Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of Your faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of Your love.
Amen.
The post Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day Three – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
3 min

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