Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart Day Six Allowing Christ to Reorder My Way Scripture “And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod,they departed for their country by another way.”Matthew 2:12 Reflection After their encounter with Christ, the Magi do not simply return to their former path. Scripture tells us that ... Read more The post Day 6 – Allowing Christ to Reorder My Way – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina on Arius, the Arian controversy, and how early Church conflicts clarified the doctrine of the Trinity, the Nicene Creed, and Christian understanding of divine love. The post VEC10 – Arius – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart Day Five Receiving My Identity from the Father Scripture “This is my beloved Son,with whom I am well pleased.”Matthew 3:17 Reflection Epiphany continues beyond Bethlehem. The child who was revealed to the nations now steps into public life. At the Jordan River, Christ stands among the people who ... Read more The post Day 5 – Receiving My Identity from the Father – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher explains St. Ignatius of Loyola's second and third modes of discernment, showing how prayer, interior freedom, spiritual consolation, and wise guidance help clarify God's will in everyday decisions. The post DWG10 – Steps in Spiritual Guidance – The Discernment of God's Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart Day Four Placing My Life Before Christ Scripture “They offered him gifts of gold,frankincense, and myrrh.”Matthew 2:11 Reflection After the Magi kneel before the child, the Gospel tells us that they open what they have brought and place it before Him. Their response to Christ is not only ... Read more The post Day 4 – Placing My Life Before Christ – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart Day Three A Willing Heart Before Christ Scripture “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled,and all Jerusalem with him.”Matthew 2:3 Reflection As Epiphany continues, the Gospel shows that people respond to Christ in different ways. The Magi hear of His birth and rejoice. Others hear the ... Read more The post Day 3 – A Willing Heart Before Christ – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart Day Two Receiving Christ in His Humility Scripture “When they saw the child with Mary his mother,they fell down and worshiped him.”Matthew 2:11 Reflection Epiphany now shows us not only that Christ is revealed, but how He chooses to be revealed. The Magi have followed the light given ... Read more The post Day 2 – Receiving Christ in His Humility – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Day One Receive the Light of Christ Scripture “Arise, shine; for your light has come,and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”Isaiah 60:1 Reflection Epiphany comes from the Greek word meaning manifestation or appearing. It proclaims the making known of who Jesus Christ is for the salvation of the world. From the beginning, ... Read more The post Day 1 – Receive the Light of Christ – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the eternal identity of Jesus Christ as the Word through whom all things were made, now dwelling among us in human flesh. He invites listeners to gaze upon the infant Jesus and recognize that this child is the radiance of the Father, the light that shines in darkness, and the source of grace poured out upon the world. Christmas is presented not simply as a remembrance of a past event, but as a present encounter with divine love made visible. The post God Made Flesh for the Salvation of the World – A Christmas message from Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Four: Welcoming Christ with a Heart Fully Awake DAY 26 – Christ Dwelling Within “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1.14 RSV Christmas reveals something astonishing: God ... Read more The post Day 26 – Christ Dwelling Within – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Four: Welcoming Christ with a Heart Fully Awake DAY 25 – Adoration “O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.” Psalm 95.6 RSV ... Read more The post Day 25 – Adoration – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 9 - Diocletian - "Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians" In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss Diocletian and the threat of a "police state" to religious freedom.  Mike makes suggestions on what the Christian can do to stay true to the faith in times of religious persecution. The post VEC9 – Diocletian – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Four: Welcoming Christ with a Heart Fully Awake DAY 24 – Joy “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people; for to you ... Read more The post Day 24 – Joy – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode, Fr. Gallagher discusses St. Ignatius of Loyola's second mode of discernment, exploring how clarity unfolds over time through prayer, interior attraction, and spiritual guidance. The post DWG9 – Second Mode of Discernment – The Discernment of God's Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Four: Welcoming Christ with a Heart Fully Awake DAY 23 – Wonder “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with ... Read more The post Day 23 – Wonder – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on Mary as the faithful woman prepared from all ages to receive the Word made flesh. Through her obedience, God enters human history in a new and intimate way. The Incarnation is presented not only as an event in the past, but as a living reality that continues through those united to Christ. Drawing from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, Msgr. Esseff speaks about incorporation into Christ through baptism and the call to live as Christ in the world today. The post The 4th Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Four: Welcoming Christ with a Heart Fully Awake DAY 22 – Mercy “His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.” Luke 1.50 RSV Mercy is the tenderness ... Read more The post Day 22 – Mercy – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Four: Welcoming Christ with a Heart Fully Awake DAY 21 – Humility “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3.30 (RSV) Humility is the doorway through which Christ enters the ... Read more The post Day 21 – Humility – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Four: Welcoming Christ with a Heart Fully Awake DAY 20 – Love “We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4.19 (RSV Love is the fullness of the listening heart. ... Read more The post Day 20 – Love – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Three: Listening Through Trials, Weakness, and Silence DAY 19 – Spiritual Desolation “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for ... Read more The post Day 19 – Spiritual Desolation – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor on Celsus, early critics of Christianity, and how ancient challenges continue to shape Christian thought, faith, and the relationship between reason, history, and science. The post VEC8 – Celsus – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Three: Listening Through Trials, Weakness, and Silence DAY 18 – Fear “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3 RSV Fear touches every human heart. We long ... Read more The post Day 18 – Fear – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Deacon James Keating's discussion on how the Eucharist shapes moral life, guiding Christians from attachment to sin into deeper union with Christ through worship, discernment, and the Church's teaching. The post WOM18 – The Gift of Grace – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Three: Listening Through Trials, Weakness, and Silence DAY 17 – Suffering “For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1.5 ... Read more The post Day 17 – Suffering – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher's teaching on St. Ignatius of Loyola's first and second modes of discernment, exploring clarity beyond doubt, spiritual consolation and desolation, and how God guides everyday decisions. The post DWG8 – Two Modes of Discernment – The Discernment of God's Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Three: Listening Through Trials, Weakness, and Silence DAY 16 – Weakness “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12.9 RSV Weakness is ... Read more The post Day 16 – Weakness – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Part Three: Listening Through Trials, Weakness, and Silence DAY 15 – Confusion “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.” Proverbs 3.5 RSV Interior ... Read more The post Day 15 – Confusion – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this Third Sunday of Advent reflection, Msgr. John Esseff proclaims the joy of Christ's coming and the deep mystery of Jesus dwelling within those who are baptized. Drawing from the prophet Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew, he reflects on the signs that reveal the Messiah: the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the dead are raised, and the poor receive the good news. The post The 3rd Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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 14 – Dryness “O God, thou art my God, I seek thee, my soul thirsts for thee; my flesh faints for thee, as in ... Read more The post Day 14 – Dryness – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff explores Our Lady of Guadalupe, her appearance to Juan Diego, the renewal of the Church in the Americas, and Mary's tender motherhood leading us toward Christmas. The post Our Lady of Guadalupe – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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 13 – Surrender “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge ... Read more The post Day 13 – Surrender – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina's discussion on Valentinus, an early Gnostic teacher whose exclusive doctrines challenged the Church and helped clarify core Christian beliefs about the incarnation, the body, Scripture, and the communal nature of the faith. The post VEC7 – Valentinus – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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 12 – Interior Movement “I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel. In the night also my heart instructs me.” Psalm 16.7 RSV ... Read more The post Day 12 – Interior Movement – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A short conversation with Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor on how ordinary prayer, the sacraments, and daily choices shape deeper union with Christ, moving us from attachment to sin toward a life rooted in the Eucharist. The post WOM17 – Mystical Experience and Consoling Prayer – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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 11 – Guidance “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30.21 RSV Guidance is ... Read more The post Day 11 – Guidance – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Discover Fr. Timothy Gallagher's guidance on discerning God's will in vocation, especially in choosing marriage or religious life. This Discerning Hearts discussion explores emotional healing, dating as a Catholic, deepening prayer, and St. Ignatius' teaching on recognizing God's voice in major life decisions. The post DWG7 – Trusting God in Vocation Discernment – The Discernment of God's Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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. ... Read more The post Day 10 – Peace – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A short reflection from Msgr. John Esseff on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, exploring humanity's fall, God's eternal plan in Christ, and Mary's unique role in salvation history as we prepare our hearts during Advent. The post The Immaculate Conception – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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 ... Read more The post Day 9 – Courage – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this Advent reflection, Msgr. John Esseff turns to the figure of John the Baptist and the call to repentance that prepares the way for the Lord. He explains that John stands at the culmination of Old Testament prophecy, announcing the arrival of the Messiah and calling all people to conversion. Yet Jesus teaches that the least in the kingdom is greater than John, because Christians carry Christ within them. This means the true tragedy is not simply breaking commandments but failing to live as Christ in the world. The post The 2nd Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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 8 – Hope “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10.23 Hope is ... Read more The post Day 8 – Hope – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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 7 – Trust “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge ... Read more The post Day 7 – Trust – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Week One: Awakening the Listening Heart DAY 6 – Conversion “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4.17 Conversion is not a single moment. It is a continual turning ... Read more The post Day 6 – Conversion – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Week One: Awakening the Listening Heart DAY 5 – Stillness “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46.10 RSV Stillness is the interior calm that allows the soul to recognize ... Read more The post Day 5 – Stillness – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Discover how second-century figure Marcian used wealth and personal interpretation to reshape Christianity, creating a parallel movement that rejected the Old Testament—and what his story teaches about doctrine, humility, and spiritual responsibility. The post VEC6 – Marcion – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Week One: Awakening the Listening Heart DAY 4 – Openness “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in ... Read more The post Day 4 – Openness – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Explore Deacon James Keating's insights on experiencing God's love through silence, prayer, the Eucharist, and fidelity to conscience. Learn how spiritual union grows in everyday life, suffering, and sacramental faith. The post WOM16 – The Internal World and External Presence of God – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Week One: Awakening the Listening Heart DAY 3 – Desire “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the ... Read more The post Day 3 – Desire – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Explore Fr. Timothy Gallagher's teaching on discerning vocations, highlighting how marriage flows from human nature and how priesthood and religious life arise from a supernatural call to offer oneself in love and spiritual fruitfulness. The post DWG6 – Understanding Marriage and Priesthood – The Discernment of God's Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Week One: Awakening the Listening Heart DAY 2 – Silence “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.” Psalm 62.5 RSV Silence is the doorway through ... Read more The post Day 2 – Silence – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the start of this new Advent season in the life of the Church.  He makes suggestions on how we can make our spiritual journey more fruitful, not only for ourselves but also for the world. The post The 1st Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.