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St. Thomas you have taught

Suppose a person entering a house were to feel heat on the porch, and going further, were to feel the heat increasing, the more they penetrated within. Doubtless, such a person would believe there was a fire in the house, even though they did not see the fire that must be causing all this heat. A similar thing will happen to anyone who considers this world in detail: one will observe that all things are arranged according to their degrees of beauty and excellence, and that the nearer they are to God, the more beautiful and better they are.Sermon on the Apostles’ Creed , 13-14

Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

Grant me grace, O merciful God,

In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.

Grant me, O Lord my God,

Amen.

Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia”  performed by “Capella Musica Seoul”

For the complete 9-day Novena with St. Thomas Aquinas

The post St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 9 – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the spiritual struggles many face, particularly when prayer feels burdensome or difficult to maintain. Framed through the story of “John,” a man with a solid prayer life who experiences a period of spiritual dryness, struggling to maintain his usual practices of prayer, daily Mass, and spiritual reading; Fr. Gallagher tells us of the importance of recognizing the role of physical health in spiritual life.

John’s challenges are linked to his fatigue and poor self-care, especially his lack of sleep, which leads to diminished energy and motivation for prayer. Fr. Gallagher highlights that sometimes, what may seem like a spiritual problem is actually rooted in the body’s needs. He advises that taking care of the body—getting enough sleep, eating well, and managing stress—is crucial for maintaining a healthy spiritual life.

“Yes, the spiritual life is easier when we take wise care of the body. If you struggle in the spiritual life, ask first: How is my physical energy? Do I get enough sleep? Do I exercise sufficiently? Does my diet sustain my energy? If the answers are positive, you may presume that spiritual struggles, should you experience them, arise from a different cause. But it is wise to ask these questions before you presume this.

Sometimes, life simply makes demands on our energy. If John’s pace at work increases still more, if his wife’s illness grows more serious and long-lasting, if he himself faces physical issues, if the children’s needs increase, and the like, then his energy for prayer will be less. God never asks the impossible! John, or any one of us in similar circumstances, can only do our best to care for our energy. Such expenditures of energy, accepted out of love for our vocation — in this case, marriage and fatherhood — bring us closer to God, though our prayer may be more tired. Even in such situations, however, God asks us to care for the body as best we can. And this will bless our prayer.”

Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (p. 17). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition.

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.”

The post SISL2 – I Just Can’t Pray – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this powerful reflection, Msgr. John Esseff speaks about the urgency of Jesus’ call to every human heart. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, and the story of Jonah, he reflects on the immediacy with which Jesus calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave everything and follow him. This call is not delayed, negotiated, or postponed. It is immediate and personal.

Msgr. Esseff explains that Jesus speaks not only to those who feel distant from God but also to those who have lived faithfully for many years. Holiness, he says, is not static. Christ continues to invite every soul into deeper union, greater surrender, and closer intimacy. Past fidelity is preparation for what God desires to give now.

Through vivid personal stories, including moments of sudden danger and narrowly avoided loss, Msgr. Esseff illustrates how urgency sharpens listening. Just as one responds instantly to fire or imminent danger, so the soul is invited to respond without delay to the voice of Christ. God’s call is not meant to create fear, but to awaken joy, freedom, and life.

He speaks candidly about sin, addiction, hardness of heart, inherited hatred, and spiritual resistance. Whether one feels unworthy, indifferent, angry, or convinced they are beyond God’s reach, the invitation remains the same. Jesus calls each person by name. Repentance is not condemnation but a doorway into healing, love, and renewal.

The episode concludes with a profound meditation on union with Christ, drawing from the life of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Msgr. Esseff reflects on how closeness to Jesus means sharing both his joy and his sorrow, his love and his suffering. To be united with Christ is to live from his heart, now and for eternity.

Where do I sense Jesus inviting me to follow him more closely right now?

What fears, habits, or attachments delay my response to God’s call?

How do moments of urgency in my life help me recognize what truly matters?

In what ways am I being called to repentance that leads to deeper freedom?

What does union with the Heart of Jesus mean for my daily life?

The post The Urgent Call of Jesus – Building a Kingdom of Love w/Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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Fr. John Burns discusses his book, Lift Up Your Heart: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Francis de Sales. The book brings St. Francis de Sales’ practical and profound wisdom to modern readers, guiding them through a structured retreat based on the saint’s classic Introduction to the Devout Life. Fr. Burns explains how the meditations are designed to help busy laypeople integrate faith into their daily lives using St. Francis’ method of creating a “spiritual bouquet” by carrying small graces from prayer into everyday tasks, making holiness accessible and actionable.

There’s relevance in St. Francis’ guidance for today’s world, where distractions and busyness often overshadow spiritual growth. Fr. Burns shares his hope that the book will inspire readers to embrace meditative prayer and daily choices for holiness. He suggests it as a tool for individual reflection or group study, particularly in programs like RCIA. By following this approach, readers can move closer to a vibrant, prayerful relationship with God and prepare their hearts for eternal life.

This practical book goes right to the heart of helping you kick the habit of floating along on your spiritual journey to start actively pursuing holiness and devotion to God. During the course of the retreat, you ll learn the basics of forming a daily prayer routine, including how to offer yourself to God, meditate on his love, and maintain peace in the face of suffering and clarity in the midst of temptation.

The meditations will help you:

In a very real sense, Burns helps you take St. Francis de Sales as your spiritual director for ten days. As you do so, you’ll feel God’s fatherly love and restart your faith life, equipped with the tools to connect with God and live for heaven now.

Fr. John Burns is a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He is the author of the bestselling books Adore: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation, Return: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation, and Lift Up Your Heart: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Francis de Sales. Ordained in 2010, Burns has served as an associate pastor and pastor in Milwaukee in addition to being an adjunct professor of moral theology at the Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology. He completed a doctorate in moral theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome in 2019. His doctoral research focused on the theology of healing through forgiveness.

Burns speaks at conferences, preaches for missions, and directs retreats throughout the country. He works extensively with the Sisters of Life and St. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, and has given retreats, conferences, and spiritual direction for the sisters in Africa, Europe, and the United States.

The post IP#318 Fr. John Burns – Lift Up Your Heart on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Thomas you have taught that:

“The world tempts us either by attaching us to it in prosperity, or by filling us with fear of adversity. But faith overcomes this in that we believe in a life to come better than this one, and hence we despise the riches of this world and we are not terrified in the face of adversity.”

― Thomas Aquinas, The Catechetical Instructions

Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

Grant me grace, O merciful God,

In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.

Grant me, O Lord my God,

Amen.

Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia”  performed by “Capella Musica Seoul”

The post St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 5 – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Think for a moment of the piety of the Madonna when the angel told her that the Spirit would overshadow her. What sentiments of humility, confidence and courage! At the very moment when she understood that God had given her His heart, that is, His Son, she gave herself to God. Her soul was flooded with charity, so she could say with the sacred spouse, “…My heart trembled within me, and I grew faint when he spoke.” [Sg:5:4] As far as we are concerned, we receive a similar grace in Communion, because not an angel but Jesus Christ Himself assures us that in it the Holy Spirit descends on us. Heavenly power covers us with its shadow and the Son of God really comes to us. He can say that He is conceived and born in us. Truly then, the soul can respond with the Madonna, “I am the servant of the Lord; let is be done to me as you say.” [Lk 1:38] (Spiritual Directory, Art. 12)

O blessed Francis de Sales, who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here

The post St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 9 – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode of “Inside the Pages”, Kris McGregor interviews Dr. Christopher Reed about his book “Sacred Conversations.” Exploring the integration of faith into everyday interactions and emphasizes the importance of meaningful dialogue guided by agape love—selfless, Christ-like love. Dr. Reed shares how a pivotal conversation inspired him to write the book in just 21 days, offering a process involving invitation, intention, inquiry, illumination, and integration to guide faith-based conversations.

Using the transformative power of intentional, loving conversations, particularly during times of crisis or in the context of social media; Kris and Dr. Reed discuss the necessity of patience, kindness, and genuine listening to deepen understanding and compassion; and the benefits of sacred conversations across various settings, including family, marital relationships, and professional and community environments.

Dr. Reed also shares his personal faith journey, his parents’ support in his exploration and return to the Catholic Church. His experiences have shaped his dedication to helping others through sacred conversations. and to view each interaction as an opportunity to embody God’s love and grace, fostering personal and communal transformation through meaningful dialogue guided by the Holy Spirit.

“Imagine the best conversation you’ve ever had–one that set your heart on fire, challenged your thinking, brought you closer to God, and inspired you to act. Recall how that conversation made you feel and how it changed your heart and your life. Such interactions rise to the level of the sacred–sacred conversations–dialogues that transform hearts, strengthen relationships, and make the world a better place by converting compassionate love into action.

Conversations like this are rare but accessible to all of us all the time, regardless of where we are on our spiritual journeys. Dr. Christopher Reed provides a divinely inspired, scientifically tested, step-by-step process for guiding interactions between “seekers” and “helpers.” We are all seekers, and we can all become helpers. This book will show you how to relate to others in their pain, frustration, hopes, and dreams. You will also learn:

This isn’t merely another Christian self-help book. It’s an inspired invitation to transform your life, and our world, one “sacred conversation” at a time.”

Dr. Christopher Reed, a Catholic Christian and husband, integrates over 25 years of communication expertise with spiritual growth. His journey includes a master’s degree in interpersonal communication and a doctorate focusing on human and cultural communication studies. Following a postdoctoral role at the University of Michigan, he developed consultation methods and authored “Future-Ready Leadership.” In 2021, he answered a spiritual calling to promote Sacred Conversations, culminating in his book published by Sophia Institute Press. Dr. Reed continues to advocate for transformative dialogue across diverse sectors through speaking, writing, and workshops.

The post IP#505 Dr. Christopher Reed – Sacred Conversations on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Thomas you have taught that:

“Many cry to the Lord that they may win riches, that they may avoid losses; they cry that their family may be established, they ask for temporal happiness, for worldly dignities; and, lastly, they cry for bodily health, which is the patrimony of the poor. For these and such like things many cry to the Lord; hardly one cries for the Lord Himself! How easy it is for a man to desire all manner of things from the Lord and yet not desire the Lord Himself! As though the gift could be sweeter than the Giver!”

― Thomas Aquinas, On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

Grant me grace, O merciful God,

In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.

Grant me, O Lord my God,

Amen.

Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia”  performed by “Capella Musica Seoul”

The post St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 4 – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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One of the greatest proofs of love that Jesus displayed on the cross was putting up with the imperfections of His neighbor. There He showed us that He has a heart that loves us tenderly and watches over us kindly. He even showed His love for those who put Him to death. In those dire moments the Savior expressed thoughts of love even for his executioners, pardoning them in the very act of sinning! How petty-minded we are when we cannot bring ourselves to forget some injury received, even after a long time! Whoever sincerely pardons another calls down abundant blessings and perfectly imitates Christ. (Spiritual Treatises IV; O. VI, pp. 65-66)

O blessed Francis de Sales, who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here

The post St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 8 – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina explores how the Church Fathers function as the hidden roots that nourish Christian faith across centuries. Though separated from modern life by culture, geography, and historical upheaval, the Fathers testify to a continuity of doctrine, worship, and moral life that has remained intact from the earliest generations. Their writings clarify how Scripture was received, interpreted, and lived within the early Christian community, providing a stable guide amid constant cultural change. Without this inherited witness, Cnfusion replaces coherence, particularly on matters such as the Eucharist, ecclesial structure, repentance, and sacramental life.

Drawing on the theological insights of Pope Benedict XVI, Mike Aquilina describes the Fathers as a constitutive part of divine revelation: humanity’s great “Amen” to God’s self-gift in Christ. Through their response, the canon of Scripture, the sacraments, and the Church’s liturgical life took definitive shape. The discussion also highlights the lived reality of the Fathers as real men and women who worked, raised families, endured persecution, and shed blood in witness—echoing the ancient insight of Tertullian that the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church. Their preserved writings, lovingly transmitted through centuries, remain strikingly relevant today.

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.

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