Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

The 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits – The First Week Rules as formulated by St. Ignatius of Loyola Fr. Timothy Gallagher with Kris McGregor Episode Two: The life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the foundational elements of the Spiritual Exercises In Episode Two of The Discernment of Spirits: Setting the Captives Free, Fr. ... Read more The post The Life of St. Ignatius – Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Trinity Sunday reflection on baptism, renewal of faith and the indwelling of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The post The Holy Trinity: God’s Union in Love – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Vincent Ryan joins Kris McGregor to discuss Sven Stolpe's The Maid of Orleans: The Life and Mysticism of Joan of Arc, exploring Joan's spiritual life, mystical mission, suffering and enduring witness as one of the most compelling saints of the Church. The post Dr. Vincent Ryan – Joan of Arc and the Maid of Orleans on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde reflects on St. Benedict's wisdom of sustainability, stewardship, and freedom from the endless pursuit of the latest things. The post HR 14 – In place of wanting the latest….sustainability – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor reflect on St. Joseph as a model of prudence, describing him as a man whose prayerful reflection naturally led to decisive action. The post SJ9 – A Brief Reflection on Prudence – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher introduces the First Week Rules for the Discernment of Spirits as formulated by St. Ignatius of Loyola. This foundational episode explores how the fourteen rules help us notice, understand and respond to the interior movements of the heart, especially in times of spiritual consolation and desolation. A practical guide for daily prayer, spiritual growth, small groups, parish studies and retreats. The post Introduction – The Discernment of Spirits w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Paul Thigpen reflects on Christ the victorious commander, the help of Mary, the saints, the angels and the strength of faithful Christian companions. The post POA5 – Know Your Commander and Comrades – 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.

Joseph Pearce explores Bram Stoker's Dracula, revealing themes of spiritual battle, evil, sacramental power, and Christian truth. The post GWWL12 – Bram Stoker – Dracula – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde reflects on St. Benedict's wisdom for balancing spiritual ideals with human weakness, mercy, and grace. The post HR 13 – In place of idealistic spirituality…acknowledging one’s needs – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss St. Joseph and the role he had in Jesus' religious formation and "the finding in the Temple." The post SJ8 – Handing on the Passover – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor reflect on the lifelong formation involved in recognizing spiritual consolation and desolation through the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The post SISL19 – Conclusion – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Kris McGregor speaks with Fr. Christopher Collins, SJ, author of The Three Moments of the Day, about the morning offering, the Eucharist and the evening examen as a daily path into the heart of Jesus. This conversation offers a rich invitation into Sacred Heart devotion, Ignatian spirituality and a deeper life of prayer. The post Fr. Christopher Collins S.J. – Three Moments of the Day on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Sunday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – 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 ... Read more The post Sunday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde reflects on humility, self-righteousness and the lifelong Benedictine call to seek God with trust and openness. The post HR 12 – In place of self-righteousness…seeking God – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Pray Day 1 of the Novena to the Holy Spirit, asking for the seven holy gifts, wisdom, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, childlike trust and holy fear of God. The post Day 1 Novena to the Holy Spirit – Discerning Hearts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

 Joseph and His Work – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore how St. Joseph's life reveals the sacred dignity of ordinary labor and the spiritual meaning of daily work. Through the example of St. Joseph, Christianity transformed the understanding of work into something noble and holy. ... Read more The post SJ7 – Joseph and His Work – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher continues the story of Bob to illustrate how the Ignatian spiritual exercises can reveal deeper wounds and foster healing. The post SISL18 – Image of God – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Paul Thigpen discusses extraordinary demonic activity, the authority of the Church and the spiritual protection found in prayer, humility and the sacraments. The post POA4 – Extraordinary Activity – 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.

Joseph Pearce explores Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice and King Lear, revealing powerful themes of mercy, justice, pride, and redemption. The post GWWL11 – William Shakespeare – Merchant of Venice and King Lear – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde reflects on how St. Benedict's understanding of correction and reconciliation leads to healing and restored community life. The post HR 11 – In Place Of Relativism…Healing Consequences – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss St. Joseph and his the Holy Family's flight into Egypt this Discenring Hearts Podcast The post SJ6 – Flight from Herod – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher explores the experience of spiritual dryness in prayer, highlighting it as a potential sign of growth rather than failure. The post SISL17 – A Need to Share – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde reflects on St. Benedict's teaching that every guest is to be welcomed as Christ. The post HR 10 – Instead of circling around one's self, hospitality – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Gretchen Crowe discusses her book Praying the Rosary with St. John Paul II, which grew out of her earlier work on the relevance of the rosary in modern life. The post IP#357 Gretchen Crowe – Praying the Rosary with St. John Paul II on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide – 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 ... Read more The post Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina explores the four angelic visitations to St. Joseph in Matthew's Gospel, presenting them as unusually sustained encounters that guide Joseph's decisions at critical moments. The post SJ5 – Joseph and His Angels – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor explore the spiritual challenges faced during prayer, using Cathy's journey as a case study to illustrate how prayer evolves over time. The post SISL16 – Growth – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Paul Thigpen reflects on ordinary temptation, spiritual deception and the power of Scripture, humility and prayer in the daily Christian battle. The post POA3 – Temptation – 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.

Joseph Pearce explores C.S. Lewis's The Pilgrim's Regress, a powerful allegory of conversion, desire, truth, and the journey to faith. The post GWWL10 – C.S. Lewis – Pilgrim’s Regress – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde reflects on St. Benedict's teaching that true freedom comes from responsibility, trust and standing on one's own feet. The post HR 9 – Instead of leaning on others, standing on one’s own feet – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on 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.