Thursday of the Thirtieth 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 According to Luke 13:31-35

So...

Wednesday of the Thirtieth 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 According to Luke 6:12-19

Jesus went...

Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Day 5

composed by St. Alphonsus of Liguori

Visit the Discerning Hearts “Holy Souls” page for the complete novena and text of the prayers

Woe to me, unhappy being, if Thou, O Lord, hadst cast me into hell; for from that dungeon of eternal pain there is no deliverance. I love Thee above all things, O infinite God and I am sincerely sorry for having offended Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls...

Episode 2: A Foretaste of Heaven – Communion with Christ: Practical Prayer with Deacon James Keating

Deacon James Keating joins Kris McGregor to explore the importance of spiritual discernment and the interior life of prayer. Drawing upon Scripture, the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Deacon Keating explains that not every thought, feeling, or interior movement comes from God. The Christian must learn to distinguish the voice of the Holy Spirit from worldly influences, personal attachments, and spiritual deception. Through prayer, the sacraments, and the guidance of trusted spiritual companions, th...

Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Day 4

composed by St. Alphonsus of Liguori

Visit the Discerning Hearts “Holy Souls” page for the complete novena and text of the prayers

My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I am sorry with my whole heart for having offended Thee. I promise to die rather than ever offend Thee more. Give me holy perseverance; have pity on me, and have pity on those holy souls that burn in the cleansing fire and love Thee with all their hearts. O Mary, Mother of God, assist them b...



Tuesday of the Thirtieth 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 According to St. Luke 13:18-21...

Episode 7 – Rules 3 and 4 – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide to a Greater Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

In this episode of The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits, Fr. Timothy Gallagher continues his exploration of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Third Rule, explaining why spiritual consolation accompanied by good and holy thoughts requires careful discernment. While consolation may bring joy, peace, and a sense of closeness to God, these experiences do not necessarily confirm that a particular course of action comes from the go...

Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Day 3

composed by by St. Alphonsus of Liguori

Visit the Discerning Hearts “Holy Souls” page for the complete novena and text of the prayers

My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I love Thee above all things, and repent with my whole heart of my offenses against Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. And thou, Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.

Say...



Monday of the Thirtieth 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 According to St. Luke 13:10-17...

Let Christ Love Through You: The Greatest Commandment with Msgr. John Esseff – Building a Kingdom of Love podcast

In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love, Msgr. John Esseff reflects on Jesus’ teaching about the two greatest commandments: to love God with our whole heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. These commandments reveal something essential about the Christian life. Left to our own strength, we cannot love as God commands. Only Jesus Christ loves the Father perfectly, and through Baptism, His life has been given to us. Msgr. Esseff invi...

Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Day 2

composed by St. Alphonsus of Liguori

Visit the Discerning Hearts “Holy Souls” page for the complete novena and text of the prayers

Woe to me, unhappy being, so many years have I already spent on earth and have earned naught but hell! I give Thee thanks, O Lord, for granting me time even now to atone for my sins. My good God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Send me Thy assistance, that I may apply the time yet remaining to me for Thy lo...

Sunday of the Thirtieth 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 According to St. Matthew 22:34-40

When the...

Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Day 1

composed by St. Alphonsus of Liguori
Visit the Discerning Hearts “Holy Souls” page for the complete novena and text of the prayers

Jesus, my Saviour, I have so often deserved to be cast into hell. How great would be my suffering if I were now cast away and obliged to think that I myself had caused my damnation. I thank Thee for the patience with which Thou hast endured me. My God, I love Thee above all things and I am heartily sorry for having offend...



Saturday of the Twenty-Ninth 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 According to Luke 13:1-9

Som...

Episode 9 – Know Your Weapons pt. 4 – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D

In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Kris McGregor and Dr. Paul Thigpen turn to the virtues as the Christian’s interior armor. Dr. Thigpen begins by distinguishing virtue from vice: virtue is a habit of doing good, while vice is a habit of wrongdoing. Using the image of ruts worn into a road, he explains how repeated choices gradually shape the soul, making it easier either to choose what is good or to fal...



Friday of the Twenty-Ninth 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 According to St. Luke 12:54-59

Je...

The Prayer of St. John Paul II – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor reflect on the spiritual legacy of St. John Paul II. St. John Paul II’s profound theology of love, which he articulated during a 1976 retreat, tells us that love is the essence of creation and theology. Dr. Lilles recounts a personal encounter with John Paul II, noting his remarkable ability to connect deeply with individuals, even in a crowd. The pope’s openness and vulnerability, which manifested in his global travels and personal interactions, demons...



Thursday of the Twenty-Ninth 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 According to St. Luke 12:49-53...

Episode 1: God Calls Man First -Communion with Christ: Practical Prayer with Deacon James Keating

Deacon James Keating joins Kris McGregor to explore the Church’s teaching on prayer through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, beginning with the profound truth that God desires communion with each person. Prayer is not simply a human search for meaning but a response to God’s loving presence and His continual invitation to relationship. Drawing from the Old Testament and the experiences of Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and the prophets, Deacon Keating reveals how salvation history unfolds through God’s initia...



Wednesday of the Twenty-Ninth 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 According to St. Luke 12:39-48...

A Novena to St. John Paul II – Day Nine

Reflection by Saint John Paul II:

“The pilgrim Church on earth lifts its gaze to Heaven and exultantly joins the choir of those with whom God shares his glory. It is the communion of saints!”

Prayer for the Intercession of St. John Paul II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank you
for having graced the Church with
Saint John Paul II and for allowing
the tenderness of your fatherly care,
the glory of the Cross of Christ
...

A Novena to St. John Paul II – Day Eight

Reflection by Saint John Paul II:

“Thus the great gift of redemption – our being ‘brought forth’ to divine life – is a mighty work of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It must be received by us in faith. It must be lived. It must be proclaimed.”

Prayer for the Intercession of St. John Paul II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank you
for having graced the Church with
Saint John Paul II and for allowing
the tenderness of your fatherly care...

Tuesday of the Twenty-Ninth 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 According to St. Luke 12:35-38

Jesus sai...



Episode 6 – Introduction to Rules 3 to 8 – The Second Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide to a Greater Discernment of Spirits with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Gallagher offers an introduction to Rules 3 through 8 which primarily addresses the most common question in second mode discernment, “What about spiritual consolation with preceding cause?”

Third Rule

The third: with cause both the good angel and the bad can console the soul, for contrary ends: the good angel for the profit of the soul, that it may grow and rise from good to be...

St John Paul II by Mike Roberts

A Novena to St. John Paul II – Day Seven

Reflection by Saint John Paul II:

“Certainly the whole mystery of Christ is a mystery of light. He is the ‘light of the world.’”

Prayer for the Intercession of St. John Paul II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank you
for having graced the Church with
Saint John Paul II and for allowing
the tenderness of your fatherly care,
the glory of the Cross of Christ
and the splendor of the Spir...



Monday of the Twenty-Ninth 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 According to St. Luke 12:13-21...

Pray Always and Never Grow Weary: Learning to Persevere in Prayer with Msgr. John Esseff – Building a Kingdom of Love podcast

In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love, Msgr. John Esseff reflects on Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18 and His teaching about the necessity of praying always without becoming weary. Prayer is something every Christian must learn, and perseverance is essential to developing a lasting relationship with God. Drawing from his experiences with St. Teresa of Calcutta, Msgr. Esseff recalls a remarkable night of prayer in war-torn Beirut. Determined to resc...

Pope John Paul II by Krzysztof Annusewicz,

A Novena to St. John Paul II  – Day Six

Reflection by Saint John Paul II:

“The Good News which she received from her divine Founder obliges the Church to proclaim the message of salvation and human dignity and to condemn injustices and attacks on human dignity.”

Prayer for the Intercession of St. John Paul II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank you
for having graced the Church with
Saint John Paul II and for allowing
the tenderness of your fatherly care,
the glo...

Sunday of the Twenty-Ninth 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 According to St. Matthew 22:15-21

The Phari...

A Novena to St. John Paul II – Day 5

Reflection by Saint John Paul II:

“As we ask for forgiveness, let us also forgive. This is what we say every day when we recite the prayer Jesus taught us: ‘Our Father . . . forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’”

Prayer for the Intercession of St. John Paul II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank you
for having graced the Church with
Saint John Paul II and for allowing
the tenderness of your fatherly care,



Saturday of the Twenty-Eighth 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 According to St. Luke 12:8-12<...

A Novena to St. John Paul II – Day 4

Reflection by Saint John Paul II:

“Faith is strengthened when it is given to others! It is in commitment to the Church’s universal mission that the new evangelization of Christian peoples will find inspiration and support.”

Prayer for the Intercession of St. John Paul II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank you
for having graced the Church with
Saint John Paul II and for allowing
the tenderness of your fatherly care,
the glory of the Cross of...

Friday of the Twenty-Eighth 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 According to St. Luke 12:1-7...

St. Teresa of Avila on friendship with Christ, his sacred humanity, and why growing deeper in prayer always brings us closer to Jesus

About This Episode

What does it mean to grow deeper in prayer? St. Teresa of Avila gives us a simple answer: stay close to Jesus and learn to know him as a true friend.

In this episode of The Spiritual Journey for the Discerning Heart, Kris McGregor reflects on St. Teresa’s teaching that even at the heights of contemplation, Christ remains the way. Prayer does not lead us...

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

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor continue their look into the life, spirituality, and teachings of St. Teresa of Avila; her profound insights on prayer and the Christian journey towards holiness, and her view of prayer as an “exercise of love,” wherein true prayer entails a deep, loving relationship with God. St. Teresa, often misunderstood as simply mystical, rooted her spirituality in the Church and it...



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

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss the life and legacy of St. Teresa of Ávila, a Spanish Carmelite nun and one of the first female Doctors of the Church. St. Teresa was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI in 1970, recognizing her profound teachings on prayer and the mystical life. Her autobiography reveals her early influences, like her father’...

A Novena to St. John Paul II – Day Three

Day Three

Reflection by Saint John Paul II:

“Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power open the boundaries of States, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization and development. Do not be afraid.”

Prayer for the Intercession of St. John Paul II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank you
for having graced the Church with
Saint John Paul II and for allowing
the ten...



Thursday of the Twenty-Eighth 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 According to St. Luke 11:47-54...

Day 2 – A Novena to St. John Paul II

Reflection by Saint John Paul II:

“Darkness can only be scattered by light. Hatred can only be conquered by love. My most fervent wish, which I entrust to God in prayer . . . is that we should all carry in our unarmed hands the light of a love which nothing can discourage.”

Prayer for the Intercession of St. John Paul II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank you
for having graced the Church with
Saint John Paul II and for allowi...

Day 9: CHARITY

St. Teresa you have said

The blessings gained through true poverty I think are many, and I wouldn’t want to lose them.  I am often aware of a faith within me so great that I think God cannot fail anyone who serves Him.  I know that there never is or will be any time in which His words will fail; for I cannot persuade myself otherwise, nor can I fear…It seems to me I have much more compassion for the poor than I used to.  I feel such great p...