The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

In this episode of The Great Works in Western Literature,  Joseph Pearce and Kris McGregor explore Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, a foundational work of American literature that offers a profound meditation on sin, repentance, and redemption. Set within a Puritan community, the novel examines the consequences of moral failure while also revealing the deeper Christian call to mercy and reconciliation. Pearce highlights how Hawthorne challenges both the self-righteousness of judgmental religion and the despair of hidden sin, presenting instead a vision of hope rooted in humility and transformation.

The discussion highlights the novel’s powerful symbolism, especially in the characters of Hester, Dimmesdale, and Pearl. Hester’s acceptance of her suffering becomes a path toward holiness, while Dimmesdale’s hidden guilt reveals the destructive burden of unconfessed sin. Pearl, as a symbol of innocence and grace, serves as a light of redemption within a broken world. Pearce emphasizes that The Scarlet Letter is not an anti-Christian work, but a deeply Christian one, calling readers to move beyond judgment toward compassion, repentance, and the healing power of truth.

A native of England, Joseph Pearce is the internationally acclaimed author of many books, which include bestsellers such as The Quest for Shakespeare, Tolkien: Man and Myth, The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis and The Catholic Church, Literary Converts, Wisdom and Innocence: A Life of G.K. Chesterton, Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile and Old Thunder: A Life of Hilaire Belloc. His books have been published and translated into Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Croatian, and Polish.

He has hosted two 13-part television series about Shakespeare on EWTN, and has also written and presented documentaries on EWTN on the Catholicism of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. His verse drama, Death Comes for the War Poets, was performed off-Broadway to critical acclaim. He has participated and lectured at a wide variety of international and literary events at major colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Europe, Africa, and South America.

He is a Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University and a Visiting Chair of Catholic Studies at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (Merrimack, New Hampshire). He is editor of the St. Austin Review, series editor of the Ignatius Critical Editions, senior instructor with Homeschool Connections, and senior contributor at the Imaginative Conservative and Crisis Magazine. His personal website is www.jpearce.co.

The post GWWL7 – Nathaniel Hawthorne – The Scarlet Letter – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor continues with St. Gregory the Great and turns to a danger that often follows responsibility: losing sight of one’s own soul while caring for others. Gregory understands how easily outward activity can create the illusion of fidelity while the interior life grows thin, neglected, or evasive. For that reason, he insists that anyone who guides, corrects, or serves others must remain rooted in self-knowledge.

Gregory’s teaching is not about endless introspection. It is about truthfulness. The person entrusted with others must remain teachable, repentant, and aware of his own need for mercy. Discretion grows from that humility. It helps a person judge rightly, not only others but himself. It keeps authority from becoming harsh or blind and keeps correction from turning hypocritical. The one who remembers his own wounds is more likely to lead with patience and tenderness.

This wisdom belongs naturally within the Benedictine way. The Holy Rule does not let a person hide behind duty, role or appearance for long. Humility brings the heart into truth. Stability keeps it from fleeing that truth. Obedience softens defensiveness and teaches the soul to listen even when the truth is uncomfortable. This episode invites listeners to see that self-knowledge does not weaken service. It purifies it. The heart that stays honest before God becomes safer for others.

St. Gregory the Great: The Pastoral Rule

“The ruler must examine himself carefully, lest while correcting others he neglects his own wounds.”

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”

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 BW43 – Discretion and Self-Knowledge – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible)

Matthew 26:14–25 

Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus to say, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

When evening came he was at table with the Twelve disciples. And while they were eating he said, “I tell you solemnly, one of you is about to betray me.”

Reflection:

Judas goes to the chief priests. He doesn’t stumble or hesitate—he asks the price. The transaction is quiet. Intentional. And heartbreakingly small.

Thirty silver coins. The going rate for a servant. That’s what the Son of God is valued at.

But what’s even more piercing is this: Jesus still chooses to eat with him. He shares the table. He offers him bread. He allows him to remain close—even in betrayal. Jesus holds nothing back, even though He knows what is coming.

We might feel removed from this moment, but if we’re honest—there may be places in our own lives where we’ve made quiet trades. Not out of hatred. Not even consciously. Just slow movements of the heart…

There is a part of every human heart that bargains with God.

We may not hand Him over to death—but how often have we silenced His voice, withheld our love, chosen our own way?

Spy Wednesday is not just about betrayal.

But Jesus still offers us the seat.

John Cassian reminds us,

“We must not imagine that we are safe from temptation simply because we feel secure. The enemy waits not for the moment we are strong, but for when our guard is lowered.”

This day invites us to gently examine our hearts. Not to accuse—but to awaken. Where have I settled? What have I quietly allowed to take first place?

And still—Jesus is here. He offers the bread. He looks us in the eye.

Pope Benedict XVI wrote:

“In Judas, we see the mystery of human freedom and divine patience.

He is still appealing to ours.

This is not the end of the story. But it is a moment of decision.

Reflection Questions:

Closing Prayer:

This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent.

The post Day 43: The Price of Betrayal – 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 of St. Matthew 26:14-25

One of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you prepared to give me if I hand him over to you?’ They paid him thirty silver pieces, and from that moment he looked for an opportunity to betray him.

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:

One of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you prepared to give me if I hand him over to you?’ They paid him thirty silver pieces, and from that moment he looked for an opportunity to betray him.

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:

One of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you prepared to give me if I hand him over to you?’ They paid him thirty silver pieces, and from that moment he looked for an opportunity to betray him.

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

In this episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor turns to St. Gregory the Great, monk, pope, and Doctor of the Church, whose Pastoral Rule speaks with unusual depth about the relationship between contemplation and responsibility. Gregory knew both the silence of monastic life and the heavy demands of pastoral office. Because of that, he writes with realism. He understands how easily caring for others can draw the heart outward, leaving the interior life thin, restless, or neglected.

Gregory does not oppose compassion and contemplation. He insists they belong together. The shepherd must be close to others through sympathy, yet remain anchored in God through prayer. Without that rootedness, even sincere service can become anxious, reactive or subtly self-serving. Prayer does not remove a person from responsibility. It purifies responsibility and keeps it faithful.

This teaching fits deeply within the Benedictine way. The Holy Rule does not force a choice between prayer and duty. It teaches the soul to remain rooted in God while carrying what has been entrusted to it. Stability guards against interior scattering. Obedience keeps responsibility under God rather than under ego or fear. Humility protects authority from distortion. This episode invites listeners to see that the safest place for responsibility is in the hands of a person who still knows how to pray.

St. Gregory the Great: The Pastoral Rule

“The shepherd should be close to everyone through compassion

“Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.”

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 BW42 – Compassion Rooted in Prayer – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Kris McGregor and Mike Aquilina explore St. Joseph by placing him within the sweeping history of Israel, especially the lineage of Abraham and King David as presented in the Gospel of Matthew. This genealogy is not incidental but central, revealing a family story rooted in concrete historical events, carefully preserved over centuries. The people of Israel maintained detailed ancestral records because they trusted that God’s promises—though sometimes appearing delayed—would be fulfilled. This long view of history reveals a pattern: divine promises unfolding across generations, culminating in the arrival of the Messiah through David’s line, with Joseph playing a unique role within God’s family as a reflection of fatherhood.

Mike also reflects on the flawed yet significant figures of David and Solomon, whose sins contributed to the collapse and exile of the kingdom, demonstrating both human weakness and the need for repentance. Despite apparent defeat—exile, loss of kingship, and the seeming end of David’s line—God’s plan continued quietly through preserved genealogies and faithful communities living in dispersion. Over time, movements like the Maccabean revolt and the return to the land reignited hope, leading descendants of David back to places like Nazareth, where Joseph would be born. This historical journey reveals how divine purposes unfold through both triumph and failure, preparing the way for fulfillment in unexpected ways.

fsdfsd

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 SJ1 – St. Joseph’s World – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible)

John 13:21–33, 36–38

When he had gone Jesus said: “Now has the Son of Man been glorified, and in him God has been glorified… My little children, I shall not be with you much longer.”

Simon Peter said, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now; you will follow me later.”

Reflection:

Judas has walked with Jesus. Eaten with Him. Slept under the same roof. Witnessed the miracles. Heard the parables. Felt the warmth of His friendship.

And still… he turns.

Jesus offers him bread. It is the sign of deepest communion, a gesture of peace and covenant. But Judas receives it not as a gift, but as a means to a hidden agenda. And then he leaves.

The Gospel says simply: “Night had fallen.” And not just outside.

The others don’t understand. Peter speaks with zeal. But Jesus knows what’s coming. Peter’s denials. Their scattering. His agony. He knows, and still He stays at the table.

And this is where it gets personal.

Because we’ve all known betrayal—not just from others, but sometimes within ourselves. We’ve betrayed our own integrity. We’ve said one thing and done another. We’ve made promises to God and failed to keep them. We’ve pulled away in fear.

But Jesus stays. He does not retreat. He gives His heart, knowing it will be broken.

He knows what’s in Judas. And He still offers him bread.

This is not sentimental love. This is covenantal love. The kind that stays even when it hurts. The kind that doesn’t withdraw even when we do. The kind that keeps reaching.

Pope Benedict XVI said

“God does not force us. He does not fence us in. He leaves us free, even to refuse Him…But it is in this freedom that love becomes real.”

Judas gave his heart to silver. Peter gave his heart to his own strength. Only one returned.

Evagrius Ponticus once said,

“A man in chains cannot run. Nor can the soul enslaved to passions be free to follow Christ.”

Judas was not free. Peter would not be free—until he wept. Until he was healed.

Today, the question is not “Would I betray Him?”

Jesus already knows. And He’s still holding out the bread.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where have I felt betrayal in my own life—and how has it shaped my heart?

Closing Prayer:

This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent.

The post Day 42: A Table Prepared – 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 of John 13:21-33,36-38

While at supper with his disciples, Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, ‘I tell you most solemnly, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, wondering which he meant. The disciple Jesus loved was reclining next to Jesus; Simon Peter signed to him and said, ‘Ask who it is he means’, so leaning back on Jesus’ breast he said, ‘Who is it, Lord?’ ‘It is the one’ replied Jesus ‘to whom I give the piece of bread that I shall dip in the dish.’ He dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. At that instant, after Judas had taken the bread, Satan entered him. Jesus then said, ‘What you are going to do, do quickly.’ None of the others at table understood the reason he said this. Since Judas had charge of the common fund, some of them thought Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’, or telling him to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the piece of bread he went out. Night had fallen.

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:

While at supper with his disciples, Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, ‘I tell you most solemnly, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, wondering which he meant. The disciple Jesus loved was reclining next to Jesus; Simon Peter signed to him and said, ‘Ask who it is he means’, so leaning back on Jesus’ breast he said, ‘Who is it, Lord?’ ‘It is the one’ replied Jesus ‘to whom I give the piece of bread that I shall dip in the dish.’ He dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. At that instant, after Judas had taken the bread, Satan entered him. Jesus then said, ‘What you are going to do, do quickly.’ None of the others at table understood the reason he said this. Since Judas had charge of the common fund, some of them thought Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’, or telling him to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the piece of bread he went out. Night had fallen.

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:

While at supper with his disciples, Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, ‘I tell you most solemnly, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, wondering which he meant. The disciple Jesus loved was reclining next to Jesus; Simon Peter signed to him and said, ‘Ask who it is he means’, so leaning back on Jesus’ breast he said, ‘Who is it, Lord?’ ‘It is the one’ replied Jesus ‘to whom I give the piece of bread that I shall dip in the dish.’ He dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. At that instant, after Judas had taken the bread, Satan entered him. Jesus then said, ‘What you are going to do, do quickly.’ None of the others at table understood the reason he said this. Since Judas had charge of the common fund, some of them thought Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’, or telling him to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the piece of bread he went out. Night had fallen.

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

In this episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor continues with St. Anselm of Canterbury and turns from faith seeking understanding to the deeper patience of seeking God’s face. Anselm helps us see that the spiritual life is not sustained by insight alone. There are times when truth seems near and luminous, and times when it feels hidden. What matters then is not whether the soul can grasp God, but whether it will remain turned toward Him.

This episode explores Anselm’s prayer as the language of holy desire. “Your face, Lord, I seek” is not the cry of someone who has solved the mystery of God, but of someone who knows that seeking is itself part of loving. Anselm teaches that prayer does not fail when understanding is incomplete. It becomes more reverent, more faithful, and more rooted in the continual turning of the heart toward God. In that sense, this episode also opens a deeper understanding of conversion, not as a single event left behind, but as an ongoing turning toward the One who is Love.

This teaching fits deeply within the Benedictine way. Stability teaches the soul not to flee when prayer feels hidden. Humility teaches it not to demand mastery. Obedience keeps the heart anchored in what has already been given. Christ remains at the center, for in Him the face of God is made known, even though the mystery is never exhausted. This episode invites listeners to remain before God with patience, reverence, and holy longing, trusting that to seek His face and not turn away is already a form of love.

St. Anslem of Canterbury, The Proslogion

“I seek your face, Lord.
Your face, Lord, I seek.
Do not turn your face away from me.”

“You have said, ‘Seek my face.’
My heart says to you,
‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’”

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 BW41 – Seeking the Face of God – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss spiritual desolation and St. Ignatius of Loyola’s guidance on overcoming it. Desolation often manifests as a lack of energy or motivation in one’s spiritual life, as illustrated by Bob’s story—a faithful man suddenly feeling weary in his spiritual commitments and tempted to give up leading a church group.

It’s important to recognize and reject these feelings without making changes during desolation, using St. Ignatius’ principles: “Be aware, identify, reject,” and “in desolation, make no change,” alongside the wisdom of staying connected with others for support. This approach mirrors St. Benedict’s teaching on dismissing negative thoughts quickly to prevent them from taking root.

We’re meant to face spiritual struggles with others. This unity in faith is essential for spiritual resilience in a challenging cultural environment.

In this form of desolation, we feel spiritually sluggish, indolent, lazy, lackadaisical. The adverb “totally” is powerful: in time of spiritual desolation, we may feel totally sluggish, lazy, and slothful as regards various aspects of our spiritual lives. We feel no energy for prayer, for God’s service, for involvement in our parish, for holiness in our vocations, and the like. The feeling of slothfulness in spiritual desolation may contrast sharply with the energy we more habitually feel for these same things when not in desolation.

There is no shame in experiencing this form of spiritual desolation. We all do at times. What is important — Julie is on target with this — is to be aware of it, understand it for the tactic of the enemy that it is, and firmly reject it. For Bob, this means that he should not renounce leadership of the group until he has greater clarity about his spiritual situation (rule 5: in time of desolation, never make a change). That change will not resolve his lack of energy; identifying and rejecting the desolation will. Bob may further apply the means Ignatius offers to resist and overcome the desolation: prayer of petition, meditation, examination, suitable penance, and the rest.

Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (pp. 72-73). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition.

“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.“

The post SISL11 – I Don’t Have the Energy – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.