Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss Mary and Joseph's marriage and his challenge with her pregnancy in this Discenring Hearts Podcast The post SJ4 – Marriage Amid The Madness – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor examine the struggles and remedies in the spiritual life, focusing on dryness in prayer. The post SISL14 – Forms of Dryness – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Third Sunday of Easter reflection on living the resurrection, finding hope in Christ, and becoming his witness in the world today. The post Living the Resurrection and Becoming Christ's Witness – Building a Kingdom with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Joseph Pearce explores Melville's Moby-Dick, revealing a powerful story of pride, obsession, and the search for truth and meaning. The post GWWL9 – Herman Melville – Moby Dick – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Paul Thigpen reflects on the armor of God, the role of virtue, the mystery of temptation and the strength found in prayer, Scripture and Our Lady. The post POA2 – Why does God allow evil? – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hears Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde reflects on St. Benedict's teaching that work, when united with prayer, frees the heart and deepens spiritual life. The post HR 8 – In place of idleness, work – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Prosperity and It’s Price – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina explores the broader world Joseph lived in, including the complex figure of Herod the Great—an accomplished but deeply troubled ruler whose achievements brought prosperity while his paranoia and cruelty alienated his people. He also explains the challenge of reconstructing Joseph's ... Read more The post SJ3 – Prosperity and It’s Price – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher illustrates the struggles in the process of discernment with Kathy's story, a woman who, after experiencing spiritual closeness with God, is confronted by a deeply buried pain triggered during prayer. The post SISL13 – I Feel Alone- Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Kris McGregor speaks with Mike Pacer, author of Mercy and Hope, about the power of God's mercy, the grace of the sacraments and the call to trust in Christian hope. This conversation offers a profound and practical invitation to live with greater confidence in the love of God The post Mike Pacer – Mercy and Hope on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Kris McGregor speaks with Ginny Kochis, author of Quirky Catholic Kids, about raising neurodivergent children with faith, hope and joy. This conversation offers practical wisdom, spiritual encouragement and reassurance for Catholic families navigating autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety and the beautiful uniqueness of every child. The post IP#514 Ginny Kochis – Quirky Catholic Kids on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Paul Thigpen and Kris McGregor open this powerful series by exploring the reality of spiritual warfare, the danger of denying the devil and the hope Christians have in Christ's victory. The post POA1 – Know Your Enemy – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hears Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde reflects on how community life forms, challenges and supports us in growing closer to God together. The post HR 7 – Living in Community – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Joseph Pearce explores Shakespeare's Hamlet and Macbeth, revealing powerful themes of conscience, sin, grace, and moral choice. The post GWWL8 – William Shakespeare – Hamlet and Macbeth – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore the historical and cultural setting surrounding the birth and early life of St. Joseph, placing him within a small, quiet Nazareth shaped by hope and rooted in the promises to Israel. The post SJ2 – Joseph and His King – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher discusses St. Ignatius of Loyola's insights on handling spiritual desolation with St. Ignatius' rule to remain steadfast in spiritual practices during desolation and not make changes, using Beth's experience to illustrate this. The post SISL12 – I Have No Fervor & I Feel Sad – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Frances of Rome shows that holiness grows through prayer, charity and faithful love in the ordinary duties of daily life. The post BW45 – Fidelity in the Ordinary – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this special Discerning Hearts conversation, Deacon James Keating joins Kris McGregor to reflect on the mystery of Good Friday and the saving love revealed on the Cross. Recorded during the 2020 lockdowns, his words remain strikingly relevant as he contemplates Christ's perfection as the one who forgives, welcomes the enemy and reveals the fullness of divine love. This episode invites us to meditate more deeply on the crucifixion, Christian dignity, forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit to transform the human heart. The post The Mystery of Good Friday with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. and Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Gregory the Great teaches that hidden fidelity and prayer keep service rooted in God rather than in praise or recognition. The post BW44 – Guarding What Is Hidden – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects deeply on the meaning of Holy Thursday, focusing especially on Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet and the institution of the Eucharist. The post A Special Holy Thursday Reflection – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde reflects on St. Benedict's wisdom on respect and tolerance as the foundation for unity in Christian community life. The post HR 6 – In place of provincialism, respect and tolerance – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Joseph Pearce explores Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, revealing a powerful story of sin, repentance, mercy, and redemption. The post GWWL7 – Nathaniel Hawthorne – The Scarlet Letter – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life: Learning to Listen to God with a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor Episode 43 – St. Gregory the Great – The Pastoral Rule: Discretion and Self-Knowledge In this episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor continues with St. Gregory the Great and ... Read more The post BW43 – Discretion and Self-Knowledge – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Gregory the Great teaches that compassion remains faithful only when responsibility stays rooted in contemplation and prayer. The post BW42 – Compassion Rooted in Prayer – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor begin this series on the life and times of St. Joseph with a discussion on his ancestry. The post SJ1 – St. Joseph’s World – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Anselm teaches that seeking God's face with patience and holy desire deepens prayer, conversion and faithful love. The post BW41 – Seeking the Face of God – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss spiritual desolation and St. Ignatius of Loyola's guidance on overcoming it. The post SISL11 – I Don't Have the Energy – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Anselm of Canterbury shows how faith seeks understanding through prayer, humility and a mind that remains rooted in Christ. The post BW40 – Faith Seeking Understanding – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Palm Sunday reflection inviting us to enter Holy Week by uniting our suffering with Christ in his Passion, death, and resurrection. The post Palm Sunday: Entering the Passion of Christ – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Joseph Pearce explores Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, revealing a powerful story of virtue, humility, and authentic love rooted in truth. The post GWWL6 –Jane Austen – Pride & Prejuidice and Mansfield Park – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Mechtilde of Hackeborn teaches that the soul is never outside God's care and can learn to rest in being held by Him. The post BW39 – Being Held by God – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde reflects on St. Benedict's vow of stability as a powerful remedy for spiritual restlessness and modern instability. The post HR 5 – In place of spiritual homelessness, stability – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Gertrude the Great teaches that trust grows when the soul believes Christ is more ready to forgive than we are to ask. The post BW38 – Trust Before God – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Gertrude the Great shows that friendship with Christ grows through prayer, fidelity and a heart that keeps returning to Him. The post BW37 – Friendship With the Lord – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina discusses how early Christian leaders upheld the dignity of human life in a culture where infanticide and abortion were common and widely accepted. The post ROF10 – Defending Human Life – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Hildegard of Bingen shows how grace restores harmony in soul, body and daily life when life is rightly ordered in God. The post BW36 – Living In Harmony – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Annunciation – Annunciation on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Kris McGregor speaks with Sally Read about Annunciation: A Call to Faith in a Broken World, a book Sally wrote as a letter to her daughter and as a reflection on faith, motherhood, and conversion. Sally describes the Annunciation as a pattern for every life: ... Read more The post IP#353 Sally Read – Annunciation on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the Feast of the Annunciation, which falls in the heart of Lent. The post The Annunciation – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Hildegard of Bingen teaches that the soul bears lasting fruit through steadfastness, prayer and grace received over time. The post BW35 – Bearing Fruit in Steadfastness – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Hildegard of Bingen reveals God as the Ruler of All whose faithful love sustains creation and teaches the soul to trust. The post BW34 – The Ruler of All – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

I Don’t Feel God’s Love – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V. Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss how ongoing struggles are a normal part of the spiritual life, where both consolation and desolation play important roles in growth. Through Kathy's experience, they show how prayer can begin with deep ... Read more The post SISL10 – I Don’t Feel God’s Love – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Fifth Sunday of Lent reflection on Lazarus and the call to believe in Christ who brings new life through the power of the Holy Spirit. The post The Fifth Sunday of Lent: Resurrection and New Life – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Hildegard of Bingen reveals the living God who sustains creation, heals the soul and restores all things in Christ. The post BW33 – Scivias: God's Living Work – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

5th Sunday of Lent - 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 5th Sunday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Episode 32, we continue with St. Bernard of Clairvaux's On Loving God and reflect on the healing of love in God. Bernard teaches that the soul can be so purified by grace that even love of self is no longer anxious or self-seeking, but rightly ordered in God. In light of the Holy Rule of St. Benedict, this episode explores how humility, obedience, prayer and perseverance make room for this hidden restoration. The post BW32 – Love Returned in God – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Episode 31, we continue with St. Bernard of Clairvaux's On Loving God and reflect on the purification of love. Bernard teaches that the soul can be led by grace from loving God for His gifts to loving Him for who He is. In light of the Holy Rule of St. Benedict, this episode explores how prayer, obedience, stability and perseverance form a quieter, steadier and more faithful love. The post BW31 – Loving God for God's Sake – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Joseph Pearce explores Dickens' Great Expectations, revealing a powerful story of pride, conversion, and discovering true happiness beyond wealth. The post GWWL5 – Charles Dickens and Great Expectations – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde explores how St. Benedict's rhythm of prayer and work restores balance, peace and perspective in daily life. The post HR 4 – In place of confusing life patterns, the security of a healthy balance – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 30 reflects on St. Bernard of Clairvaux's teaching that love often begins in need. With the wisdom of St. Benedict's Rule, we see how grace gently purifies the heart and leads it toward deeper love of God. The post BW30 – Love in Its Beginning – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Gary Caster presents St. Joseph as a mysterious yet deeply engaging figure whose life is revealed through decisive, faithful action rather than recorded words. The post IP#245 Fr. Gary Caster – Joseph – The Man Who Raised Jesus on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St Bernard of Clairvaux teaches that the love of God begins in need but matures into communion. Through prayer, the heart learns to rest in God who is Love. The post BW29 – On Loving God – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss how the Church Fathers presented marriage and family life as sacred gifts in sharp contrast to pagan Rome, where women were often treated as property, children could be discarded, and marriage was frequently marked by exploitation, instability, and distrust. The post ROF9 – Sexuality, Marriage, Contraception – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.