Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

St. Augustine of Hippo, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

In part 2 of their conversation, Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor explore the transformative journey of St. Augustine from his baptism in Italy to his return to Africa, where he established a monastic community and eventually became a priest and bishop. Augustine’s profound transformation and commitment to spiritual renewal equipped him to compassionately address heresies like Donatism and Pelagianism, emphasizing the Church’s teachings on the efficacy of the sacraments and grace.

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St. Augustine of Hippo, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discusses the life and legacy of St. Augustine, one of the most influential figures in Christian history. Dr. Bunson describes Augustine as a towering figure, honored as a saint, a Church Father, and a Doctor of the Church, often referred to as the “Doctor of Grace.” His vast body of work, including Confessions and City of God, has profoundly impacted Western civilization and Christian thought.

The po...



Sunday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 10:27-30

Je...

Pope Leo XIII and “Rerum Novarum” (The Condition of Labor) – Regnum Novum with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez

Deacon Omar Gutierrez and Kris McGregor discuss the life and contributions of Pope Leo XIII, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping modern Catholic social teaching. Pope Leo XIII, a deeply intellectual and spiritually grounded leader, sought to engage the modern world rather than retreat from it, producing over 80 encyclicals and major works like Rerum Novarum and Libertas. These documents laid the foundation for Catholic social doctrine, addressing issues like the proper understanding of liberty, the role of the state, and th...



Saturday of the Third Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 6:60-69

Af...

Episode Two – Rooted in Faith – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his family’s deep roots in the Maronite Catholic tradition, tracing his lineage back to Lebanon. He shares how his grandparents immigrated to Pennsylvania, where distinct ethnic enclaves formed around coal mining towns like Wilkes-Barre. He describes his grandfather’s journey from Lebanon and the strong faith that shaped his upbringing and the significance of being baptized in the Maronite Rite, which maintains a continuous connection to the ancient Christian traditions and Aramaic language used by Jesus. This con...



Friday of the Third Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 6:52-59

Th...

Prayer and Confession – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke

Fr. Eamonn Bourke shares insights from his experience as a chaplain at University College Dublin, where he serves over 32,000 students. He describes his role as a spiritual father, emphasizing the importance of authentic prayer in ministry. Fr. Bourke reflects on the challenges students face, including the isolation and distractions of a secular environment, and the need for priests to be rooted in their own prayer lives to guide others effectively. He also discusses the struggles many encounter in prayer, such as feeling distant from God...



Thursday of the Third Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 6:44-51

Je...

All Shall Be Well: A Journey Through Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love with Kris McGregor

Episode Two: The First Shewing — Love Poured Out and the Mystery of the Trinity

Summary:
In this second episode, we enter into Julian’s First Shewing—a profound vision of Christ’s Passion that opens us to the mystery of the Trinity, the role of Our Lady, and the enduring love of God that holds all creation in being. Set against the backdrop of a suffering world, Julian’s revelations center not on fear or judgment, b...



Wednesday of the Third Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 6:35-40

Je...

Day 8, Part 2 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor reflect on paragraph 21 of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s Last Retreat, focusing on the soul’s journey into adoration and silence. St. Elizabeth describes adoration as a silent, profound love response that arises when the soul acknowledges its own nothingness before God’s overwhelming beauty and majesty. This silence is not empty or passive, but one rich in meaning—a sacred stillness that mirrors the eternal praise of the Trinity. Drawing fr...

Tuesday of the Third Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 6:30-35

The people...

Conference 1 – Discerning the Will of God with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher introduces St. Ignatius of Loyola’s teaching on discernment, presenting it as a gift for the whole Church, not just the Jesuits. He recounts St. Ignatius’ personal conversion and the spiritual insight that followed, especially his recognition of lasting interior peace when reading about Christ and the saints.

There are two kinds of discernment Ignatius teaches: the discernment of spirits, which deals with spiritual consolation and desolation, and the discernment of God’s will in significant life cho...



Monday of the Third Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 6:22-29

Af...



Sunday of the Third Week of Easter – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 21:1-19

Je...



Feast of St. James and St. Phillip – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 14:6-14

Je...

St. Athanasius of Alexandria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss St. Athanasius of Alexandria, declared a Doctor of the Church in 1568. St. Athanasius played a significant role in defending orthodox Christian doctrine against the Arian heresy. Born around 298 AD, he became Bishop of Alexandria and faced exile multiple times due to his staunch opposition to Arianism.

Despite persecution and false accusations, Athanasius remained steadfast in his defense of Christ’s divinit...



Friday of the Second Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 6:1-15

Je...

Episode One – The Beginning… – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

In this opening episode, Monsignor John Esseff shares the deeply personal story of his family’s immigration from Lebanon to America—fleeing persecution, carrying with them a rich Catholic faith, and planting deep roots in Pennsylvania.

He reflects on growing up in a multi-generational Maronite Catholic household, filled with faith, love, and quiet sacrifice. He honors his grandfather, a humble deacon and “ragman,” who lived a life of deep prayer and became a spiritual father to him. Through these early memories, we glimpse the...



Prayer and Forgiveness – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke

Fr. Eamonn Bourke and Kris McGregor explore how prayer becomes a space of healing and transformation, especially when confronting inner turmoil, negative self-talk, and emotional wounds. Fr. Bourke shares how recognizing the voices we listen to—whether from anxiety, past wounds, or spiritual deception—is crucial in discerning what aligns with God’s truth. Prayer is an intimate encounter where one can hand over these burdens to God, who does not speak through fear or condemnation but invites us into a relationship marked by love, co...



Thursday of the Second Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 3:31-36

Jo...

All Shall Be Well: A Journey Through Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love with Kris McGregor

Episode One: Julian of Norwich and the Unshakable Love of God

Summary:

Join Kris McGregor as she leads a journey through the work of Julian of Norwich—14th-century anchoress, mystic, and the first known woman to write a book in English—who offers a voice of hope, humility, and deep intimacy with God.

This episode introduces her life and thought through the lens of her famous Sixteen Shewings, especially her bold desire...



Wednesday of the Second Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 3:16-21

Je...



From the dialogue On Divine Providence by Saint Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor

Saint Catherine of Siena

Eternal God, eternal Trinity, you have made the blood of Christ so precious through his sharing in your divine nature. You are a mystery as deep as the sea; the more I search, the more I find, and the more I find the more I search for you. But I can never be satisfied; what I receive will ever leave me desiring more. When you fill my soul I have an even greater hu...

St. Catherine of Siena Novena – Day Nine

“My Nature is Fire”:

In your nature, eternal Godhead,
I shall come to know my nature.
And what is my nature, boundless love?
It is fire,
because you are nothing but a fire of love.
And you have given humankind
a share in this nature,
for by the fire of love you created us.
And so with all other people
and every created thing;
you made them out of love.
O ungrateful people!
...

Tuesday of the Second Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 3:7-15

Jesus said...

Dimensions of the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher discusses the Examen prayer and the support structures that can enhance its practice. Exploring how the Examen, a spiritual exercise developed by St. Ignatius, benefits from being situated within a broader spiritual life, including elements such as spiritual direction, retreats, and communal prayer.

Fr. Gallagher shares personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the importance of not practicing the Examen in isolation. He suggests finding spiritual companions, such as a spiritual director, prayer groups, or...

St. Catherine of Siena Novena – Day Eight

To Queen Giovanna of Naples (written in trance):

We have three chief foes. First, the devil, who is weak if I do not make him strong by consenting to his malice. He loses his strength in the power of the Blood of the humble and spotless Lamb. The world with all its honors and delights, which is our foe, is also weak, save in so far as we strengthen it to hurt us by possessing these things with intemperate love. In the gentleness, humility, po...



Monday of the Second Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 3:1-8

The...

The Divine Mercy Chaplet

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.

2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat...

Who Are You? Your Catholic Identity on Divine Mercy Sunday – Building a Kingdom with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for Divine Mercy Sunday and it’s meanings for our lives.  He discusses the identity of the Christian, and in particular, what it means to be a “Catholic”.

From the NAB

Reading 1 ACTS 5:12-16

St. Catherine of Siena Novena – Day Seven

To the King of France:

Oh, how the man should be ashamed who follows the teaching of the devil and his own lower nature, caring more to gain and keep the riches of this world, which are all vain, and pass like the wind, than for his soul and his neighbor For while abiding in hate with his neighbor, he has hate by his side, since hate deprives him of divine charity. Surely he is foolish and blind, for he does not see that wit...



Divine Mercy Sunday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 20:19-31

In the evening o...



Divine Mercy Novena – Day Nine

Ninth Day – “The souls who have become lukewarm.“

“Today bring to Me the Souls who have become lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: ‘Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.’ For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy.”

Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion...

St. Catherine of Siena Novena – Day Six

To Brother Raimondo of Capua at Avignon:

I do not want you to fall into weariness or confusion through any vexations that you might feel in your mind; but I want you to keep that good and holy and true faithful will which I know that God in His mercy has given you … Yes, I want that out of the shadows should issue knowledge of yourself, free from confusion…Reflect that through love He keeps your will good, and does not let it run by its...



Easter Saturday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. Mark 16:9-15

Having risen in the mornin...

Timothy Muldoon – The Discerning Parent on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Kris McGregor speaks with theologian and author Timothy Muldoon about The Discerning Parent: An Ignatian Guide to Raising Your Teen, co-written with his wife, Sue. Ignatian spirituality offers a helpful framework for parenting teens—not by prescribing rigid methods, but by inviting parents into a deeper awareness of their own spiritual journey as they accompany their children. Rather than presenting a “how-to” manual, the book encourages a reflective, prayerful stance that allows for genuine listening to both God and the child. It highlights the impo...



Divine Mercy Novena – Day Eight

Eighth Day – “ The souls who are detained in purgatory“

“Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments...

St. Catherine of Siena Novena – Day Five

To Monna Agnese wife of Francesco, a tailor of Florence

I desire to see thee clothed in true and perfect humility–for that is a little virtue which makes us great in the sight of God. This is the virtue which constrained and inclined God to make His most sweet Son incarnate in the Womb of Mary. It is as exalted as the proud are humbled; it shines in the sight of God and men; it binds the hands of the wicked, it unit...