Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

Holy Rule Novena to St. Benedict – Day 3

In the Holy Rule, St. Benedict you have said:

Brothers, the Holy Scripture crys to us saying: “Every one that exalts himself shall be humbled; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted” (Lk 14:11; 18:14). Since, therefore, it says this, it shows us that every exaltation is a kind of pride…

Hence, brethren, if we wish to reach the greatest height of humility, and speedily to arrive at that heavenly exaltation to which ascent is made in the present life by humility, then, mounting by our a...



 Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin Novena

Day 2 – Family Life

« Let the children come to Me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. » Mark 10:14

Meditation

The Martin household knew all the joys and tribulations of normal family life. With their nine children, four of whom died at a young age, Sts. Louis and Zélie had the difficult task of helping each daughter to develop her gifts of nature and grace. They undertook it in a spirit of creativity and Faith which made th...

Friday of the Thirteenth 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 Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus wa...

Holy Rule Novena to St. Benedict – Day 2

In the Holy Rule, St. Benedict you have said:

What, dearest brothers, can be sweeter to us than this voice of the Lord inviting us? See, in His loving kindness, the Lord shows us the way of life. Therefore, having our loins girt with faith and the performance of good works, let us walk His ways under the guidance of the Gospel, that we may be found worthy of seeing Him who has called us to His kingdom (cf 1 Thes 2:12).

If we desire to...



 Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin Novena

Day 1 – Prayer

 Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray. » Luke 11:1

Meditation

Prayer had an important place in the lives of Sts. Louis and Zélie; personal or as a family, it profoundly marked their children.
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus testified that when « the little queen was all alone near her King (her father) »,it was enough to « look at him to see how the s...

Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle – 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 20:24-29

Thomas, called the Twin, w...

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

Episode 7: The Ninth and Tenth Shewings — The Joy of the Redeemer and the Open Side of Christ

Summary:

In Episode 7 we journey with Julian of Norwich into the mystery of Christ’s joy in His Passion. Rather than sorrow alone, Julian sees the Redeemer rejoicing in His self-offering, delighting to give Himself for the salvation of souls. She is shown the threefold joy of the Trinity, where the Father is pleased...

Holy Rule Novena to St. Benedict – Day 1

In the Holy Rule, St. Benedict you have said:

Listen, O my son, to the precepts of the master, and incline the ear of your heart, and cheerfully receive and faithfully execute the admonitions of your loving Father, that by the toil of obedience you may return to Him from whom by the sloth of disobedience you have gone away.

To You, therefore, my speech is now directed, who, giving up your own will, take up the strong and most excellent arms of ob...

Wednesday of the Thirteenth 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 8:2...



Tuesday of the Thirteenth 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 Matthew 8:23-27

Je...



Conference 2 – Hope in Difficult Times: with Sts. Therese, Louis, and Zelie and Their Family with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher continues a reflection on the life and letters of Zélie Martin, mother of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and her deeply personal letters to her brother during the years when she was raising her growing family amid intense physical, emotional, and spiritual trials. Fr. Gallagher narrates Zélie’s account of caring for her elderly, dying father-in-law while managing her lace business and family, enduring migraine headaches, and responding...



Monday of the Thirteenth 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 Matthew 8:18-22

Wh...

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles – 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 16:13-19

When Jesus...

Saturday of the Twelfth Week of 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. John 17:20-26

Fr. James Kubicki S.J. – A Heart on Fire on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of Inside the Pages, Fr. James Kubicki discusses his book A Heart on Fire: Rediscovering Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He explores the meaning and history of this devotion, tracing it back to the early Church rather than starting with St. Margaret Mary. Fr. Kubicki explains that the heart of Jesus represents his whole being, particularly his self-giving love and compassion. Through stories like that of Admiral Jeremiah Denton, he illustrates how trust and surrender to Ch...



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

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss St. Cyril of Alexandria, also known as the Doctor of the Incarnation. Cyril’s significant role in combating Christological heresies, particularly Nestorianism, which denied the unity of Christ’s divine and human natures. Cyril was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1883, reflecting the church’s recognition of his importance in theological clarity, especially regarding the role of Mary as The...

The Gifts of the Sacred Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff discusses the concept of enthronement and consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The initiation of this devotion is God’s work, not ours. God calls individuals and families by name to belong to Him, initiating a relationship and union through prayer and consecration. This act of consecration involves giving back to God all that He has given us, including our very being, desires, and actions. Consecration is a powerful gift and a reciprocal promise: as we c...

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – 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 15:3-7

Jesus spo...



Introduction to the Enthronement, Continued – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff discusses preparing for Jesus’ presence in the home, the importance of confession, and heart examination, symbolized by the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

He advises creating a dedicated space in the home for these images to foster spiritual unity and devotion within the family. The enthronement ceremony involves professing faith, consecrating the home, and establishing a continuous spiritual connection with Jesus, leading to a transformative and sanctified family life.

...

Sacred Heart Novena – Day 9

O adorable Savior, Jesus Christ, I believe what your holy Word teaches. I believe that you were made a priest forever by the solemn oath of your eternal Father and that you offer sacrifices forever. I believe that you offer the most sublime, holy and pure sacrifice most pleasing to God in the fire of your love, your Heart, your infinite merits, even your entire self. I believe that the most profound compassion of your priestly Heart impels you to carry on the function of your priesthood forever and ever in or...

Thursday of the Twelfth Week of 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 7:21-29

Jesus sai...

Day 12 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor reflect on the 12th day of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s Last Retreat, focusing on the theme of peace as a gift from Christ’s indwelling presence. Elizabeth teaches that true holiness and peace flow from Christ’s intimate union with the soul—a union initiated by God’s love and sealed through Christ’s sacrifice. Dr. Lilles explains that Christ doesn’t conform to our expectations, but rather invites us to surrender to...



Sacred Heart Novena – Day 8

My God and my Savior, Jesus Christ, I believe it to be an undeniable truth. I believe it firmly, O Jesus, that you are my good shepherd. Even if you had not said it, I would believe it because I know that you have in my behalf always manifested the heart of a good shepherd. Would that I, during my entire life, had permitted the goodness and solicitude of your Heart to lead me; would that I had never departed from your side, for then I would not have suffered so m...

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week of 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 7:1...



Sacred Heart Novena – Day 7

O my Divine Savior, according to the words of the Holy Scriptures, you are in truth our advocate before our Father. You have freely taken this office upon yourself and unceasingly exercise it with faithful and loving zeal for all who trust in you. Your influence with the Father is so great he will not refuse you. He always hears you as you have testified at the grave of Lazarus. Filled with this faith and with confidence in your Compassionate Heart I come to you to plead my cause. I have...



The Nativity of St. John the Baptist – 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 1:57-66,80

The tim...



Conference 1 – Hope in Difficult Times: with Sts. Therese, Louis, and Zelie and Their Family with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

In this first conference of Hope in Difficult Times with St. Thérèse and Her Family, Fr. Timothy Gallagher introduces the deeply faith-filled and resilient lives of St. Thérèse’s parents, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin. Setting the historical and geographical stage of 19th-century Normandy, he describes how the Martins’ lives were shaped by a deep devotion to God, personal suffering, and commitment to family. Zélie, a talented and industriou...



Sacred Heart Novena – Day 6

O Jesus, my divine model and teacher, what can I do when I see you the Son of the Eternal Father, full of glory and honor, laden with the cross, walking the awful road to death, especially when thereby you show me the way to salvation without selfishness but only for my benefit? O Jesus, what can I do but have faith in you and return your love by at least bearing my trials in patience and humility. And this, particularly, my God, because I have so often experienced the grea...

Monday of the Twelfth Week of 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 7:1...

Corpus Christi Sunday- Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the significance of the Feast of Corpus Christi, emphasizing the profound importance of the Eucharist in the Catholic faith. Msgr. Esseff reflects on a beautiful morning where nature itself seemed to glorify the Trinity. He explains how the celebration of the Eucharist is a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary and that every Mass around the world continues this unbroken lineage from the Last Supper. The Eucharist is not just bread and wine but th...



Sacred Heart Novena – Day 5

O Divine Savior, the infinite love of your Sacred Heart was so inflamed for us that it brought you as a sacrifice of propitiation for our sins to the altar of the cross.  You have given us the wounded Heart and kept it open not only that we might find therein a protection against the justice of the Eternal Father whom we have offended by our sins but also that this source of grace and mercy may always be open to us in our needs.

Why then do I...

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi – 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 6:51-58

Jesus said to the crow...

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi – 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 14:12-16,22-26

On the first d...



Sacred Heart Novena – Day 4

O sweetest Heart of Jesus, to whom shall I turn in all my sorrows if not to you, the faithful friend of our souls? You have given your very life for me. How then can you refuse me your assistance during my life? It is true, indeed, and I must confess this to you, that instead of relying on you only I have too often trusted to the love and friendship of creatures although I had frequently experienced their treachery. If I have thus insulted you in the past, I pr...



Saturday of the Eleventh Week of 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 Matthew 6:24-34

Je...

Introduction to the Enthronement – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff discusses the importance of enthroning the Sacred Heart of Jesus in families and individual hearts. He emphasizes that this act is not merely symbolic but a profound relationship with Jesus, making Him the head of every family and individual life. He explains the historical and theological significance of the Sacred Heart, highlighting how Jesus’ heart is a symbol of divine love, revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century. Jesus showed her His heart to d...



Sacred Heart Novena – Day 3

O beloved Jesus, my heart is deeply moved at the thought that you, Almighty God, should take upon yourself our human nature in order to enable you to become our brother and to make us children of God. But your loving Heart was not satisfied to raise us to such high dignity; you also desired to make us partakers in your inheritance in the kingdom of heaven.

How greatly are we indebted to you for these favors. O how I grieve to think that until this very day...

Friday of the Eleventh Week of 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 Matthew 6:19-23

...

Deacon Omar F.A. Gutierrez, M.A.

The Lasting Influence of St. Augustine, Pt. 3 – In Conversation with Deacon Omar Gutierrez

Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor discuss the enduring significance of St. Augustine in Catholic thought, the Church’s spiritual life, and how he may influence Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. St. Augustine made an immense impact on Western theology, especially his influence on St. Thomas Aquinas, and how this shaped Catholic social teaching through Rerum Novarum. St. Augustine’s deep interior exploration in Confessions resonated with saints like St. Teresa of Avila and St. Teresa Benedicta...



Sacred Heart Novena – Day 2

To whom, therefore, shall I go if not to you the best of fathers and the author of all good? It is indeed true that I have grievously offended you, that I have neglected to honor you properly and have been guilty of ingratitude and do not deserve to be numbered among your children. But although I forgot my duty to you as your child I know that you are still my beloved Father in heaven.

Now with a contrite heart, I kneel at your feet weeping over my s...