The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Trusting God in Vocation Discernment – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor talk about discerning one’s vocation, especially marriage. Fr. Gallagher notes that many already sense a natural orientation toward marriage, but still must prayerfully discover whom God is inviting them to marry. He describes practical growth in three areas—Christian formation, human maturity, and spiritual life—so a person becomes ready for a lifelong union. Because modern culture often wounds people, he suggests honest attention to emotional h...

Caryll Houselander image used with permission from TRINITY ICONS

Day 10:  Faith in the Hidden Christ

“This time of Advent is absolutely essential to our contemplation too. If we have truly given our humanity to be changed into Christ, it is essential to us that we do not disturb this time of growth. It is a time of darkness, of faith. We shall not see Christ’s radiance in our lives yet; it is still hidden in our darkness; nevertheless, we must believe that He is growing in our lives; we must believe it so firmly that we canno...

Novena a la Virgen de Guadalupe

En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo. Amén.

“Señor mío, Jesucristo, Dios y Hombre verdadero, creador y redentor mío, por ser vos quien sois, y porque os amo sobre todas las cosas, me pesa de todo corazón haberos ofendido.

Propongo enmendarme y confesarme a su tiempo y ofrezco cuanto hiciere en satisfacción de mis pecados, y confío por vuestra bondad y misericordia infinita, que me perdonaréis y me daréis gracia para nunca más pe...

Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Day 7

Mystical Rose, your miraculous signs of Castilian roses in winter and your image on the tilma of Juan Diego led to the conversion of eight million Aztec people to Catholicism in just seven years. Mary, Mother of the Americas, intercede again for your children in the Americas, and convert the hearts of all who deny the sanctity of every human life.

Our Father …

Hail Mary …

Glory be …

Please visit the Discerning Hearts Our Lady of Guadalupe page for the text and audi...

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart:
Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening.

Week Two: Following the Voice of Christ

DAY 10 – Peace

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14.27 RSV

Peace is not something the world can create. It is the gift of Christ Himself. Advent invites the heart to receive this p...

I will wait, and wait, and wait with the Lord. I will wait with and in the Lord, rather than violate charity. Wanting to speed up time, and make things happen now is a violation of charity. It does violence to the nature of things. But the patient person keeps a perspective that is beyond expedient. Beyond what is immediate, and sees before him or her, all what serves love. This Advent, let’s ask for the grace to serve only what promotes love.

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Sp...

The Immaculate Conception – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

On the the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Msgr. Esseff reflects on the significance of the Immaculate Conception of Mary within the broader plan of salvation history. He uses Genesis, Ephesians, and the Gospel of Luke to show us God’s eternal plan to reconcile humanity with Himself through Jesus Christ. Humanity’s fall through Adam and Eve introduced sin and death into the world, but God’s response was the plan of redemption, preordained before creation, culminating in the birth of Christ. Mary, co...

Caryll Houselander image used with permission from TRINITY ICONS

Day 9:  The Silent Growth of Divine Love

“Advent is the season of the secret, the secret of the growth of Christ, of divine love growing in silence…For nine months, Christ grew in his mother’s body. By his own will, she formed him from herself, from the simplicity of her daily life.”

Commentary:  Caryll Houselander reflects on Advent as a time of hidden development, where Christ’s presence grows quietly within us, much like His growth in Mary’s womb. This period emphasizes the importance of nurturing d...

The Blessed Virgin Mary, Advent, and Caryll Houselander – a reflection by Deacon Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Join Omar Gutierrez as he explores the profound themes of Advent in Caryll Houselander’s “The Reed of God.” Focusing on the anticipation and spiritual preparation that characterize this liturgical season, Gutierrez brings to life Houselander’s unique insights into the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role during Advent. Through his thoughtful presentation, listeners are invited to deepen their understanding of Mary’s journey, mirroring the waiting and hopeful expectation central to Advent. This episode is a jou...

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart:
Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening.

Week Two: Following the Voice of Christ

DAY 9 – Courage

“Wait for the Lord. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27.14 RSV

Courage is the grace that strengthens the heart to follow Christ even when the path feels uncertain or overwhelming. Advent forms this courage by teaching the soul to trust God’s presence more than its...