Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

Dr. Alexander Harb and Kris McGregor explore The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East, his new book that gives both spiritual and theological insight into Eastern Christian spirituality through the lens of the Desert Fathers and the Philokalia. The post IP#508 Dr. Alexander Harb – The Kingdom of the Heart: Meditations from the Christian East on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina on Julian the Apostate, exploring his rise to power, rejection of Christianity, efforts to revive paganism, and the lasting lessons drawn from his life and legacy. The post VEC11 – Julian the Apostate – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The Wednesday after the Epiphany Sunday- A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts 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... The post Wednesday After the Epiphany – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Deacon James Keating explores emotional suffering, loneliness, pastoral ministry, spiritual formation, and the healing love of Christ found in the Cross. The post HH2 – The Agony of Emotional Suffering – The Heart of Hope with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Gallagher's teaching on Ignatian discernment, focusing on the third mode of decision-making through prayerful reasoning, interior freedom, and spiritual guidance in everyday choices. The post DWG11 – Three 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.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the meaning of the "Epiphany" and how we can manifest the light of Christ to the world.  He shares how the saints are the stars that show us the way. From the USCCB readings fo the day: Reading 1 Is 60:1-6 Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. The post How Can You Be the Light of Christ? -The Epiphany – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart Day Nine Living by the Light That Has Been Given Scripture “Rise, take the child and his mother, and go.”Matthew 2:13 Reflection Epiphany reveals Christ to the world. Over these days of prayer, we have seen that God makes Himself known freely and clearly. The Light is given. ... Read more The post Day 9 – Living by the Light That Has Been Given – 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 Eight Receiving the Light That Is Given Scripture “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 Reflection Epiphany shows us that God does not hide Himself. He gives light freely. Christ is made known in the world, not cautiously ... Read more The post Day 8 – Receiving the Light That Is Given – 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 Seven When the Light Confronts the World Scripture “Herod was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”Matthew 2:3 Reflection Epiphany reveals Christ as Light for the world. Yet the Gospel shows that this Light does not bring peace to every place it enters. When news of the Child ... Read more The post Day 7 – When the Light Confronts the World – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A reflection with Deacon James Keating on the meaning of the cross, suffering, prayer, and hope, exploring how Christ enters human pain with love and transforms suffering into a path of intimacy and resurrection. The post HH1 – The Cross Conquers Evil – The Heart of Hope with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on 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.