The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts episodes

  • PoC-1 Ash Wednesday: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation

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    Ash Wednesday
    ETERNAL LIFE OR DEATH?

    Steps to Take as You Follow Christ

    Ask—Am I living my life in fear of death or in anticipation of eternal life in Christ?

    Seek— Try to focus on Christ as the motivation for all of your actions throughout the day. Be conscious of whom you are trying to please in all that you do.

    Knock— Meditate on Genesis 3:19.

    “You are dust and to dust, you shall return.”

    How does Baptism wash away original sin? What is the purpose of recalling that, without Christ, we are all living to die? How does the cross of Christ defeat death?

    Transform Your Life—Make the cross of Christ your banner of hope. See in the victory of Jesus’ cross a life-changing invitation to overcome all the evil forces that try to keep you from being who God has created you to be and to drive you away from your true purpose in life.

    Michael Dubruiel’s book The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ to Your Life is currently available in Kindle format. 

    You can find the book here:
    https://amzn.to/4rTMBK9

    To explore more of Amy Welborn’s books and writing, visit:
    https://amywelborn.wordpress.com/books-by-amy-welborn/

     

    The post PoC-1 Ash Wednesday: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

    3 min
  • BW1 – Beginning the Way – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts


    The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life: Learning to Listen to God with a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor
    Episode 1 – Beginning the Way

    In this opening episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor introduces the Benedictine path as a way of attentiveness rather than achievement. Drawing from the opening line of the Holy Rule, listeners are invited to rediscover what it means to listen with “the ear of the heart.” This episode explores Benedictine listening as a patient, faithful openness to God’s living Word, rooted in Christ who dwells within those who receive Him. Through gentle teaching, prayerful posture, and lectio divina with John 1:14, the episode establishes the foundation for a discerning heart shaped by steady attentiveness, silence, and trust in God’s work over time.

    Citations

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

    “Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.”

    (“Obsculta, o fili, praecepta magistri, et inclina aurem cordis tui.”)

    John 1:14, RSV–Catholic Edition

    “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

    Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
    1. What does it mean for me personally to listen with the ear of my heart rather than only with my thoughts or intentions?

    2. Where in my prayer life do I feel drawn to effort or control instead of attentiveness and receptivity?

    3. How do I typically respond to silence in prayer, and what emotions or habits surface when nothing fills the space?

    4. In what ways might Christ be asking to dwell more deeply within my daily decisions, speech or actions?

    5. How could patient, faithful listening shape my discernment over time rather than expecting immediate clarity or change?

      For other episodes in this series, visit
      The Rule Of St. Benedict For Daily Life: Learning To Listen To God With A Discerning Heart
      Pick up a copy of The Rule of St. Benedict here

      The post BW1 – Beginning the Way – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

      8 min
    6. ROF5 – Saints in Heaven – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast Copy


      Saints in Heaven – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina

      Mike Aquilina discusses the communion of saints and the practice of seeking their intercession. Scripture and archaeology both show early Christians believed the faithful departed are alive in Christ and active in prayer. In the Roman catacombs, inscriptions ask Peter, Paul, and other holy ones to pray for the living. Biblical scenes such as the Transfiguration, the “great cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews, and the martyrs in Revelation reveal ongoing life and intercession in heaven.

      He also describes early devotion to relics and tombs. Christians treated burial places as holy, built churches over martyrs’ graves, and reverenced their remains because the baptized body shares in Christ’s life. Church Fathers like Augustine, Ambrose, and John Chrysostom wrote about honoring saints and celebrating liturgy at their tombs. Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary appears early as well, including the ancient prayer Sub Tuum Praesidium. A good comparison to this practice is family life: just as Christians ask one another for prayer, they also ask those who have gone before them. Honoring saints through feast days, images, and church names reflects confidence that love in God unites rather than divides.

      Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
      1. How does the biblical image of the “great cloud of witnesses” shape my understanding of the Church as united across heaven and earth?
      2. What do the inscriptions in the Roman catacombs reveal about the faith and prayer life of the earliest Christians?
      3. In what ways does asking the saints for intercession resemble asking a friend or family member to pray for me?
      4. How does the Christian reverence for relics and holy places reflect belief in the resurrection of the body?
      5. What can I learn from the courage and hidden witness of the early martyrs whose names are known only to God?
      6. How does devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary deepen my relationship with Christ rather than compete with it?
      7. Where might I need to grow in trusting that love in God multiplies rather than divides?
      8. How can honoring the saints inspire me to live more faithfully as a member of Christ’s family?
      9. You can find the book on which this series is based here.
        About the Book

        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.

        For more episodes in the Roots of the Faith podcast visit here – Roots of the Faith – Discerning Hearts Podcast

        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.

        Mike Aquilina’s website is found at fathersofthechurch.com

        The post ROF5 – Saints in Heaven – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast Copy appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

        24 min
      10. Preparing for Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

        Preparing for Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

        Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the significance of Lent and its deep spiritual purpose rooted in Jesus’ 40 days in the desert.  The ashes of Ash Wednesday remind us of our mortality and call us to repentance, marking the beginning of 40 days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Even though Lent is a penitential season, Sundays remain celebrations of the Resurrection.

        He shares his personal experience with fasting in the Peruvian desert, explaining how physical deprivation heightened his spiritual clarity and deepened his prayer life. Fasting should not be about mere dieting but about uniting our sacrifices with Christ’s. For those unable to fast physically, he suggests fasting from judgment or envy while feasting on recognizing Christ in others. Almsgiving is closely tied to fasting, as seen in St. Teresa of Calcutta’s example, where the food her sisters gave up directly fed the poor. Lent is meant to transform us so that by Easter, we are more fully conformed to Christ, carrying the spiritual fruits beyond the season itself.

        Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
        1. How does Jesus’ 40 days in the desert relate to your own Lenten journey and struggles with temptation?
        2. What does receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday mean to you personally, and how does it shape your perspective on repentance?
        3. How can fasting become a more intentional spiritual practice rather than just a physical challenge?
        4. In what ways can you incorporate prayer more deeply into your Lenten observance this year?
        5. What is one area of your life where you need to “fast” from a negative habit or attitude and “feast” on virtue instead?
        6. How does the connection between fasting and almsgiving challenge your approach to generosity?
        7. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Liturgy of the Hours or daily Mass during Lent?
        8. How can reflecting on your mortality help you live more intentionally as a disciple of Christ?
        9. What specific sacrifices can you make this Lent to grow closer to God and imitate Christ more fully?
        10. How can your Lenten practices lead to a lasting transformation beyond Easter?
        11. Pray the Liturgy of Hours
          • Morning Prayer
          • Mid-morningPrayer
          • Mid-dayPrayer
          • Afternoon Prayer
          • Evening Prayer
          • Night Prayer
          • Office of Readings
          • Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton.  He was ordained on May 30, 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA.  Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St.  Teresa of Calcutta.    He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world.  Msgr. Esseff encountered St.  Padre Pio,  who would become a spiritual father to him.  He has lived in areas around the world,  serving in the Pontifical Missions, a Catholic organization established by St. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor.  Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute.  He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.  

            The post Preparing for Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

            29 min
          • Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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            Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time  – 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 of St. Mark 8:14-21

            The disciples had forgotten to take any food and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Then he gave them this warning, ‘Keep your eyes open; be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ And they said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And Jesus knew it, and he said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you not yet understand? Have you no perception? Are your minds closed? Have you eyes that do not see, ears that do not hear? Or do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?’ They answered, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?’ And they answered, ‘Seven.’ Then he said to them, ‘Are you still without perception?’

            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 disciples had forgotten to take any food and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Then he gave them this warning, ‘Keep your eyes open; be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ And they said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And Jesus knew it, and he said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you not yet understand? Have you no perception? Are your minds closed? Have you eyes that do not see, ears that do not hear? Or do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?’ They answered, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?’ And they answered, ‘Seven.’ Then he said to them, ‘Are you still without perception?’

            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 disciples had forgotten to take any food and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Then he gave them this warning, ‘Keep your eyes open; be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ And they said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And Jesus knew it, and he said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you not yet understand? Have you no perception? Are your minds closed? Have you eyes that do not see, ears that do not hear? Or do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?’ They answered, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?’ And they answered, ‘Seven.’ Then he said to them, ‘Are you still without perception?’

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

            10 min
          • SISL5 – I Can’t See – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts Copy

            I Can’t See – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

            Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor explore what St. Ignatius of Loyola calls spiritual desolation. After previously discussing physical and emotional factors that can affect prayer, they now focus on difficulties that arise directly within one’s relationship with God. Using the example of “Julie,” a woman who had been growing in prayer, daily Mass attendance, and peace of heart, Fr. Gallagher describes how her initial joy gradually gives way to confusion, heaviness, and discouragement. Though nothing external has changed, her prayer feels dry and she questions whether her earlier experiences were real. Fr. Gallagher explains that this darkness is a common spiritual trial permitted by God and often coincides with genuine growth. Drawing from Ignatian teaching, there are three “actors” in the spiritual life: the individual, the good spirit (God, grace, angels, and helpful influences), and the enemy (Satan, disordered tendencies, and harmful influences). Spiritual desolation is presented as a tactic meant to discourage progress, yet it carries no shame and is not a sign of failure.

            A central remedy comes from St. Ignatius’ well-known Rule Five: in times of desolation, never change previously chosen spiritual practices. One must remain firm and constant, continuing prayer, Mass, and other commitments made during times of clarity. Desolation is an affective experience—a heaviness of heart in one’s relationship with God—while its counterpart, spiritual consolation, brings peace, joy, and renewed faith. Because much of spiritual life unfolds in these ordinary ups and downs, learning to recognize and reject discouraging thoughts is crucial. Julie’s act of reaching out to a trusted friend already reflects a wise response. By staying steady and naming the discouragement for what it is, she not only avoids regression but grows stronger for future trials.

            You can pick up a copy of the book here.
            Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
            1. When have I experienced a shift from spiritual joy to confusion or heaviness in prayer, and how did I respond?
            2. Do I recognize that spiritual desolation can occur precisely when I am growing closer to God?
            3. In times of discouragement, am I tempted to abandon or reduce my spiritual practices?
            4. How faithfully do I follow St. Ignatius’ counsel to make no changes to my spiritual commitments during periods of darkness?
            5. Who in my life serves as a trustworthy spiritual friend when I need encouragement and clarity?
            6. Can I distinguish between spiritual struggles and those that may have physical or emotional causes?
            7. What lies or discouraging thoughts most often surface when my prayer becomes difficult?
            8. How might God be strengthening my perseverance and trust through experiences of spiritual desolation?
            9. An excerpt from the book:

              “The enemy’s lie says, “Look how badly things are going! You are confused. You can’t see clearly. You are regressing. And things will only get worse.” No! For months, Julie has prayed faithfully and sought to grow. She is simply — again, there is no shame in this — experiencing a tactic of the enemy: a spiritual desolation that the enemy hopes will impede her growth.

              By enemy, Ignatius intends Satan and his associated fallen angels, together with the wound of concupiscence — a legacy of original sin — and harmful influences around us in the world. By spiritual desolation, he intends a heaviness of heart (and so, desolation) on the level of our relationship with God (and so, spiritual).

              Julie experiences one form of such spiritual desolation, a form that Ignatius calls “darkness of soul.”11 In such spiritual desolation, a burden, a confusion, a heaviness — a darkness — enters our prayer and our efforts to love God. A feeling that this will worsen may accompany this darkness.”

              Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (p. 32). 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 SISL5 – I Can’t See – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts Copy appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

              31 min
            10. Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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              Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time  – 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 of St. Mark 8:11-13

              The Pharisees came up and started a discussion with Jesus; they demanded of him a sign from heaven, to test him. And with a sigh that came straight from the heart he said, ‘Why does this generation demand a sign? I tell you solemnly, no sign shall be given to this generation.’ And leaving them again and re-embarking, he went away to the opposite shore.

              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 Pharisees came up and started a discussion with Jesus; they demanded of him a sign from heaven, to test him. And with a sigh that came straight from the heart he said, ‘Why does this generation demand a sign? I tell you solemnly, no sign shall be given to this generation.’ And leaving them again and re-embarking, he went away to the opposite shore.

              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 Pharisees came up and started a discussion with Jesus; they demanded of him a sign from heaven, to test him. And with a sigh that came straight from the heart he said, ‘Why does this generation demand a sign? I tell you solemnly, no sign shall be given to this generation.’ And leaving them again and re-embarking, he went away to the opposite shore.

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

              8 min
            11. Sunday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
              Sunday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time  – 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 of St. Matthew 5:17-37

              Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.

              ‘For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
              ‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.
              ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.
              ‘It has also been said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
              ‘Again, you have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord. But I say this to you: do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God’s throne; or by the earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great king. Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black. All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.’

              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 imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.

              ‘For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
              ‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.
              ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.
              ‘It has also been said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
              ‘Again, you have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord. But I say this to you: do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God’s throne; or by the earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great king. Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black. All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.’

              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 imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.

              ‘For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
              ‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.
              ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.
              ‘It has also been said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
              ‘Again, you have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord. But I say this to you: do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God’s throne; or by the earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great king. Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black. All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.’

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

              17 min
            12. Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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              Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time  – 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 of St. Mark 8:1-10

              A great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat. So Jesus called his disciples to him and said to them, ‘I feel sorry for all these people; they have been with me for three days now and have nothing to eat. If I send them off home hungry they will collapse on the way; some have come a great distance.’ His disciples replied, ‘Where could anyone get bread to feed these people in a deserted place like this?’ He asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ ‘Seven’ they said. Then he instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them among the crowd. They had a few small fish as well, and over these he said a blessing and ordered them to be distributed also. They ate as much as they wanted, and they collected seven basketfuls of the scraps left over. Now there had been about four thousand people. He sent them away and immediately, getting into the boat with his disciples, went to the region of Dalmanutha.

              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:

              A great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat. So Jesus called his disciples to him and said to them, ‘I feel sorry for all these people; they have been with me for three days now and have nothing to eat. If I send them off home hungry they will collapse on the way; some have come a great distance.’ His disciples replied, ‘Where could anyone get bread to feed these people in a deserted place like this?’ He asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ ‘Seven’ they said. Then he instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them among the crowd. They had a few small fish as well, and over these he said a blessing and ordered them to be distributed also. They ate as much as they wanted, and they collected seven basketfuls of the scraps left over. Now there had been about four thousand people. He sent them away and immediately, getting into the boat with his disciples, went to the region of Dalmanutha.

              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:

              A great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat. So Jesus called his disciples to him and said to them, ‘I feel sorry for all these people; they have been with me for three days now and have nothing to eat. If I send them off home hungry they will collapse on the way; some have come a great distance.’ His disciples replied, ‘Where could anyone get bread to feed these people in a deserted place like this?’ He asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ ‘Seven’ they said. Then he instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them among the crowd. They had a few small fish as well, and over these he said a blessing and ordered them to be distributed also. They ate as much as they wanted, and they collected seven basketfuls of the scraps left over. Now there had been about four thousand people. He sent them away and immediately, getting into the boat with his disciples, went to the region of Dalmanutha.

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

              11 min
            13. IP#507 Sr. Josephine Garrett – Wilderness Within on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast


              Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

              Sister Josephine Garrett and Kris McGregor discuss Wilderness Within, a Lenten journal designed to guide individuals in deepening their spiritual journey. Sister Josephine explains that the book is not for the faint of heart but for those willing to reflect on their implicit beliefs about God, faith, and themselves. The book explores the theme of the “wilderness within,” likening it to the Desert Fathers’ realization that the greatest spiritual battle is fought in the human heart and the importance of rendering one’s heart open to Christ, engaging in interior reflection, and embracing the challenges of Lent not as failures but as necessary struggles on the path to spiritual growth.

              The need for authentic hope amid personal and societal struggles is important during the Jubilee of Hope. Fasting, penance, and detachment each share a role in gaining clarity and deepening union with God rather than simply self-denial. She encourages listeners to avoid rushing through Lent, instead embracing the rhythm of the liturgical season as a model for ongoing spiritual discipline.

              Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:
              1. How does the concept of the “wilderness within” resonate with your own spiritual struggles and growth?
              2. In what ways do you see God’s love sustaining you, even in times of doubt or hardship?
              3. What are the “stories” you tell yourself about your relationship with God, and how do they shape your faith?
              4. How can you practice rendering your heart more fully open to God during Lent?
              5. What attachments or distractions in your life may be keeping you from fully trusting in God’s plan?
              6. How do you respond to suffering and the cross in your own life—do you resist it or see it as a path to deeper union with Christ?
              7. How can fasting, prayer, and almsgiving help you detach from worldly concerns and focus more on God?
              8. In what ways does the Jubilee of Hope challenge you to rediscover hope in your personal faith journey?
              9. How does reflecting on Christ’s suffering during Holy Week draw you closer to His heart?
              10. What steps can you take after Lent to ensure that your spiritual growth continues beyond the season?
              11. From the book’s description:

                This Lent, allow Sr. Josephine Garrett to be your guide as you explore the interior wilderness of your heart and invite Jesus in to heal you with his love.

                Have you ever wondered why Jesus went into the wilderness? Some believe it was to reveal his divinity or to restore humanity’s relationship with God. In Wilderness Within, Sr. Josephine Garrett, a mental health counselor and popular speaker, reflects on the belief that Jesus went into the wilderness to rescue us—to rescue us! The Lord does not want us to view the wilderness as something that causes worry, anxiety, or fear. “What if, instead,” Sr. Josephine writes, “we looked at how God has been a faithful provider in the wilderness and trusted that He will do the same for us in the wilderness journey ahead? What if we joyfully take His hand and journey into the wilderness, because when Christ enters there, ‘this opposite place of the garden becomes the place of reconciliation and healing’” (Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth)?

                In Wilderness Within, Sr. Josephine will guide you through the forty days of Lent to attend to the wilderness of your heart as a place to be explored, restored, and sent on mission by Jesus’s tender love.

                • Week of Ash Wednesday: Enter Lent by recognizing your ability to always begin anew in Christ.
                • Week One: Open your heart to God’s love, allowing yourself to reverence your heart as a gift from your Creator.
                • Week Two: Reflect on the truth that we are created for relationships, and examine the relationships in your life.
                • Week Three: Take an honest look at your limitations, wounds, and sin guided by a spirit of humility and repentance.
                • Week Four: Begin to see how God designed your heart to be rescued by him and grow in your capacity to be healed by him.
                • Week Five: Leave the wilderness of your heart so that you can go on mission—with a heart restored by Christ’s love—to love your neighbor and be a good steward of the gifts and charisms given to you.
                • Holy Week: Follow in Jesus’s footsteps to the Cross and discover how you can love him well through each stage of the Passion and Resurrection.
                • Each day’s content includes brief meditations, specially crafted illustrations, thought-provoking reflection questions, heartfelt prayers curated to uplift your spirit, and ample journaling space for personal revelations and insights. Whether you’re journeying alone or with a group, Wilderness Within is your guide to a beautiful and renewing Lent.

                  About the Author

                  Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, is a sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, a licensed counselor, host of the Hope Stories podcast, and a Catholic speaker and author.

                  Garrett earned a bachelor’s degree in political philosophy from the University of Dallas. Prior to entering religious life, she worked as vice president in the home loans division of Bank of America. In 2019, she earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and became a nationally certified counselor licensed in Texas.

                  She worked as a school counselor in Tyler, Texas, and is presently serving as a counselor in private practice. Garret is a voice for mental health on various platforms such as Formed and Hallow.

                  She resides in Tyler, Texas.

                  The post IP#507 Sr. Josephine Garrett – Wilderness Within on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

                  37 min

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