The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Trust in the Lord is the foundation of a life rooted in grace. The prophet Jeremiah paints a beautiful image of this trust: “like a tree planted by water,” drawing sustenance from the stream. Even in times of drought, when life feels barren or uncertain, the tree remains alive and fruitful. In the same way, when we place our trust in God, His grace sustains us, even through trials.

Yet trusting in God can be difficult. We often rely on our own strength, trying to control situations or solve problems on our own. Self-reliance, while seemingly virtuous, can be a subtle yet severe temptation to pride. When we trust only in ourselves, we risk shutting God out, believing that our abilities alone will carry us through. This is the danger of self-reliance—it leads us away from the humility of depending on God and places the weight of life’s burdens squarely on our own shoulders.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux warns of this temptation:

“The man who trusts in himself is lost. He who trusts in the Lord will never be confounded.” (Sermon on the Song of Songs, 61.3)

Trust in God is not passive—it requires an active surrender, choosing again and again to place our lives in His hands. The Desert Fathers understood this well. Abba Poemen said:

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for it belongs to God. Leave it in His hands.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Poemen 26)

St. Francis de Sales, known for his gentle spirituality, echoed this trust in his Introduction to the Devout Life:

“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day.”

Lent invites us to recognize the places where we are still clinging to control. This is why taking time in silence and deep listening to the Lord in prayer is vital—it is an everyday discerning of His guidance, a continual surrender to His wisdom and direction. Are we trusting in God’s providence or in our own plans? Do we allow Him to lead us, or do we insist on charting our own course? To grow in trust means to surrender—not just in our words but in the very way we live.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Where is God calling me to let go? What areas of my life am I holding onto too tightly? How can I rest in the knowledge that He is always faithful?

Lord, You are the source of life and hope. Teach us to trust in You, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Help us to surrender our fears and to place our lives in Your loving hands. May we draw strength from Your promises, like a tree planted by the water, and bear fruit in every season.

Amen.

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 16: “Blessed Are Those Who Trust in the Lord” – 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. Luke 16:19-31

Jesus said to the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.

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 the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.

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 the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.

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 2nd Thursday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss the sacrament of Holy Orders and its roots in the earliest life of the Church. Jesus entrusted the apostles with continuing His work when He commanded them at the Last Supper to “do this in memory of me,” establishing a structure that appears already in the New Testament: bishops, priests, and deacons. Early Christian writings confirm that this threefold ministry was present from the beginning and connected with the priestly pattern of Israel—high priest, priests, and Levites. Figures such as St. Clement of Rome and St. Ignatius of Antioch testify that the Church maintained this order across different communities, with apostolic succession ensuring continuity of authority and teaching after the apostles died.

Priesthood, like baptism, imprints a permanent sacramental identity that does not disappear even if a priest fails morally. The Church Fathers reflected deeply on the dignity and responsibility of this ministry, describing it as a heavenly work carried out on earth. Examples such as St. John Chrysostom and St. Ambrose illustrate both the spiritual awe surrounding the priesthood and the practical virtues required of clergy. St. Ambrose’s courageous leadership, personal holiness, and guidance of others—including the conversion of St. Augustine—show how faithful ministry helped shape Christian civilization and influence the course of the Church’s history.

This highly readable introduction to the roots of many Catholic beliefs and practices provides a sense of connection to our brothers and sisters who have gone before us and who helped shape the faith. Mike Aquilina makes it clear that as far as the essentials are concerned, a time-travel trip back to the beginning of the Church would reveal a Church familiar to Catholics today. Just as an acorn grows into a tree and yet remains the same plant, so the Catholic Church is a living organism that has grown from the faith of the earliest Christians into the Body of Christ we know today.

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.

The post ROF7 – The Clergy – Love’s Earthly Form – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 20:26-28

Reflection:

Jesus challenges us today with a profound truth about greatness: it is not about power or prestige but about service and sacrifice. “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant.” Jesus doesn’t simply teach this principle—He lives it. His life is the ultimate example of self-giving love, culminating in His death on the cross for the salvation of all.

This teaching calls us to examine our own hearts. Do we seek recognition or influence? Or are we willing to humble ourselves, to serve without expectation of reward? True service comes from a heart transformed by God’s love, one that seeks to imitate Christ in putting others first.

The Desert Fathers understood the power of humility in the life of service. Abba Isaiah said:

Service, then, is not simply an action but a disposition of the heart—a willingness to bear burdens for the sake of others. St. Francis of Assisi, known for his radical embrace of humility and poverty, expressed this beautifully:

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: How can we embrace this call to serve others as Christ served us? What small acts of service can we offer in our daily lives, and how can they bring us closer to the heart of Jesus?

Reflection Questions:

Take a moment to reflect on these questions and allow them to guide your prayer today:

Closing Prayer:

Let us now bring our time of reflection to God in prayer, asking for the grace to serve others with humility and love.

Lord, You came not to be served but to serve and to give Your life for us. Teach us to follow Your example, embracing humility and seeking to serve others with joy. Transform our hearts so that we may give without expecting anything in return and love as You love. May our lives reflect the greatness that comes from serving others in Your name. Amen.

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 15: “Whoever Wishes to Be Great Must Be a Servant” – 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 20:17-28

Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, and on the way he took the Twelve to one side and said to them, ‘Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the pagans to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again.’

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 was going up to Jerusalem, and on the way he took the Twelve to one side and said to them, ‘Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the pagans to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again.’

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 was going up to Jerusalem, and on the way he took the Twelve to one side and said to them, ‘Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the pagans to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again.’

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 2nd Wednesday of Lent – 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 enters Chapter 7 during the third week of Lent as St. Benedict turns explicitly to humility. What has been quietly formed through listening, obedience and charity is now named. Humility is not weakness or self-negation. It is truth lived steadily before God.

Grounded in Scripture, Benedict teaches that humility is ordered relationship. God is God. We are not. When this truth is lived without distortion or pretense, the heart becomes free. It no longer needs to inflate or defend itself. Christ stands as the measure of this humility. He lives entirely from the Father. This episode invites listeners to see humility not as a new demand but as the natural shape of a heart formed through faithful practice.

Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 7 § 1 (RB 1980)

“Holy Scripture cries out to us, brothers, saying:

“Clamat ad nos scriptura divina, fratres, dicens: Omnis qui se exaltat humiliabitur, et qui se humiliat exaltabitur.”

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

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 BW15 – Humility as Truth – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor reflects on St. Benedict’s teaching about receiving correction. As Chapter 5 concludes, obedience is tested in a practical way: how the heart responds when it is admonished or redirected. Correction reveals whether humility is truly taking root. The Holy Rule treats correction not as punishment but as part of ordinary spiritual formation.

St. Benedict calls the disciple to remain teachable, attributing any good to God rather than to personal achievement. Correction, when ordered toward truth and charity, becomes an instrument of growth. This episode explores how accepting fair correction without defensiveness keeps the heart free and receptive to grace, while also clarifying that humility does not mean accepting injustice or abuse. Benedictine formation shapes a heart that remains open, steady and responsive to truth.

Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 5 §§ 14-15 (RB 1980)

“Those who fear God and do not grow proud of their obedience,

“Qui Deum timent et non extolluntur de oboedientia sua, sed omne bonum quod in se vident Deo deputant, non sibi, semper se corrigendos existimant.”

Proverbs 12:1. RSV–CE

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

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 BW14 – Receiving Admonition and Correction – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss integrating faith into daily life, warning against separating religion from ordinary activities. They stress the need for vulnerability in worship to avoid routine and self-centeredness.

Lent offers opportunities for spiritual growth, including reconciliation and stations of the cross. They lament the decline of shame and public judgment in society, emphasizing the community’s role in upholding moral truth. The Eucharist brings peace and transforms individuals, impacting society through witness.

An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion”:

“The only location for God to interact with us is deep within the ordinariness of our days. We are called to cherish the ordinary day, not because of its routine or common features, but because within this daily forum God reaches us through others, through worship, charity, and our relational commitments. Our daily lives carry an invitation from God to become morally good and holy; it is the only medium through which this invitation can come. Cherish the days.”

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

The post CTD2 – The Desert of Ordinary Life – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 23:11-12

Jesus turns our understanding of greatness upside down: “The greatest among you must be your servant.” In a world that often celebrates power, ambition, and self-promotion, Jesus calls us to a different kind of greatness—one rooted in humility and service.

To be a servant is to put others before ourselves, to meet their needs with love and generosity. It is not a sign of weakness but of strength—a strength that comes from knowing who we are as beloved children of God. True humility does not diminish our dignity but elevates it, allowing us to reflect God’s love in our actions.

The Desert Fathers emphasized humility as the foundation of the spiritual life. Abba Macarius taught:

“If you are humble, you will inherit the earth without even trying. Humility brings peace to the soul.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Macarius 15)

St. Bernard of Clairvaux, one of the great teachers of humility, reminds us:

“No spiritual house can stand if humility is not its foundation.” (Sermon on the Song of Songs, 16.2)

Humility is seeing our giftedness as well as our limitations, recognizing that all has a purpose in God’s plan for our lives and His mission to the world. It is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. It is an interior disposition that recognizes all good comes from God. St. Bernard also warns of the dangers of pride, calling it “the enemy of grace”, for when we seek our own exaltation, we close ourselves off to God’s work in our hearts.

Humility frees us from the burden of constantly proving ourselves. It allows us to serve others with joy, knowing that our reward is not in the praise of men but in the love of God. When we embrace humility, we allow Christ to lead us on the path to true greatness—a greatness measured not by power, but by love.

As we reflect on Jesus’ words, let us consider: How is He calling us to embrace humility and service today? Where do we need to let go of pride and seek instead the grace of a servant’s heart?

Lord, You humbled Yourself to serve us, even to the point of death on the cross. Teach us to follow Your example, embracing humility and seeking greatness in service. Help us to put others before ourselves and to love as You love. May our lives reflect Your light and bring glory to Your name.

Amen.

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 14: “The Path of Humility and True Greatness” – 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 Matthew 23:1-12

Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they! Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader phylacteries and longer tassels, like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues, being greeted obsequiously in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi.

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:

Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they! Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader phylacteries and longer tassels, like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues, being greeted obsequiously in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi.

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:

Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they! Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader phylacteries and longer tassels, like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues, being greeted obsequiously in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi.

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 2nd Tuesday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.