Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore the origins of Holy Orders in the early Church, apostolic succession, and the teachings of the Church Fathers on the dignity and responsibility of the priesthood. The post ROF7 – The Clergy – Love’s Earthly Form – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Chapter 7 names what has been forming all along: humility as truth lived steadily before God. The post BW15 – Humility as Truth – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Benedict teaches that correction is not punishment but formation. This episode reflects on remaining teachable and free from defensiveness. The post BW14 – Receiving Admonition and Correction – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Benedict teaches that obedience must be offered without murmuring. Exterior compliance is not enough if the heart resists. The post BW13 – Obedience Without Murmuring – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

How Can I Be Drawn to Such Things? – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V. Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor reflect on spiritual desolation through Beth's story. After a draining day, she feels too discouraged to pray and instead turns to gossip, television, and social media, ending the night ashamed. ... Read more The post SISL7 – How Can I Be Drawn to Such Things? – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The Power of the Cross, applying the Passion of Christ to your life Episode 3: The Cross of Christ unites us… – Ash Wednesday through Saturday of that week. In Episode 3 of The Power of the Cross, Michael Dubruiel reflects on the Cross as a uniting force that draws together heaven and earth, mercy ... Read more The post EP3 – The Cross of Christ unites us… – The Power of the Cross with Michael Dubruiel – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Second Sunday of Lent reflection on the Transfiguration, inviting deeper faith, interior listening, and trust in Christ beyond reason. The post The Second Sunday of Lent: The Transfiguration and Listening to Christ – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff Podcast 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 12 – Unhesitating Obedience In this episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor reflects on the beginning of Chapter 5 and St. Benedict's teaching on unhesitating obedience. This obedience ... Read more The post BW12 – Unhesitating Obedience – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

“Not to nurse anger… to make peace before the setting of the sun.” St. Benedict calls the heart to release resentment and trust in mercy. The post BW11 – Before the Setting of the Sun – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

“To prefer nothing whatever to Christ.” St. Benedict calls us to concrete charity that remains present to real need. The post BW10 – Preferring Nothing to Christ – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Joseph Pearce and Kris McGregor explore Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, examining its moral vision, the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition, the novel's cultural misreadings, and the enduring relevance of its questions about technology, responsibility, and love. The post GWWL2 – Mary Shelley and Frankenstein – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

“Not to seek after self-will.” St. Benedict teaches humility as freedom from the need to insist, rooted in Christ's surrender. The post BW9 – Not My Will – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina on the biblical and early Church foundations of purgatory, drawing from Scripture, the Church Fathers, and historical Christian practice to reveal its meaning as a gift of divine mercy and hope. The post ROF6 – Purgatory: Love Stronger than Death – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

“To endure hardship for the sake of Christ.” St. Benedict teaches how to remain steady in suffering through grace rather than willpower. The post BW8 – Endurance and Patience – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Benedict warns that careless words wound charity and disturb peace. This episode reflects on guarding the tongue as a path to freedom and interior strength. The post BW7 – Guarding the Tongue – 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 continue their discussion on struggles in the spiritual life by revisiting the story of Paul, a character who experiences both spiritual and non-spiritual desolation. The post SISL6 – I’ve Lost My Peace – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Benedict turns from desire and invitation to daily practice in Chapter 4 of the Holy Rule. The tools for good works begin with love and take shape through small, steady acts of faithfulness that quietly form the heart in Christ. The post BW6 – The Tools for Good Works – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A First Sunday of Lent reflection on Jesus tempted in the desert, inviting conversion of heart through prayer, fasting, repentance, and renewed trust in God. The post The First Sunday of Lent: Temptation, Conversion, and New Life in Christ – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

“As we progress in this way of life…” St. Benedict promises that perseverance opens into the inexpressible delight of love. This episode explores steady faithfulness and quiet joy. The post BW5 – The Delight of Love – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In Episode 2 of The Power of the Cross, Michael Dubruiel reflects on the First Week of Lent and how the Cross teaches us conversion, discernment and love in daily life. The post EP2 – The Cross of Christ teaches us… – The Power of the Cross with Michael Dubruiel – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

“What is sweeter to us than this voice of the Lord inviting us?” In this episode, we reflect on recognizing God's gentle call in peace rather than urgency. The post BW4 – The Sweetness of the Lord's Voice – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Deacon James Keating reflects on the First and Second Stations of the Cross, inviting prayerful meditation on Christ's silent acceptance of injustice and His willing embrace of the Cross as an act of perfect love. The post SC-1 – 1st & 2nd Stations of the Cross: Reflections w/ Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Benedict speaks directly to desire, not as impulse but as what quietly directs a life. This episode explores how speech, restraint and the pursuit of peace reveal what the heart is truly living for. The post BW3 – Desiring True and Everlasting Life – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Joseph Pearce and Kris McGregor explore Wuthering Heights as a profoundly Christian novel that critiques destructive passion rather than celebrating romantic obsession. Through the figures of Heathcliff, Catherine and Nelly Dean, Emily Brontë exposes the spiritual damage caused by ego-driven desire and calls readers toward mature, self-giving love rooted in moral clarity. The post GWWL1 – Emily Bronte and Wuthering Heights – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Benedict presents obedience not as pressure or performance, but as a loving response to a word received. In this episode, Kris McGregor reflects on obedience as deep listening rooted in trust, patience and daily faithfulness. The post BW2 – Obedience as Deep Listening – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this opening episode of The Power of the Cross, Michael Dubruiel introduces the spiritual foundations of Lent and the meaning of the Cross in everyday life. This episode sets the tone for a series rooted in Scripture, lived experience and the transforming power of Christ's Passion. The post EP1 – The Introductory Days – The Power of the Cross with Michael Dubruiel – 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 1 – Beginning the Way In this opening episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor introduces the Benedictine path as a way of attentiveness rather than achievement. Drawing from ... Read more The post BW1 – Beginning the Way – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina explores the communion of saints, early Christian devotion to relics, biblical foundations for intercession, and evidence from the Church Fathers and the Roman catacombs. The post ROF5 – Saints in Heaven – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast Copy appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher discusses spiritual desolation in the Ignatian tradition, explaining its signs, causes, and practical remedies, including the importance of perseverance and never changing spiritual practices during times of darkness. The post SISL5 – I Can’t See – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts Copy appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Sister Josephine Garrett and Kris McGregor discuss Wilderness Within, a Lenten journal designed to guide individuals in deepening their spiritual journey. The post IP#507 Sr. Josephine Garrett – Wilderness Within on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina on how the early Church received Scripture, formed the biblical canon, responded to heresies, and understood the Bible within the liturgical life of the Church. The post ROF4 – From the Scriptures to the Bible – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode of 'Inside the Pages', Marlene Watkins shares her deep connection to Lourdes through her work with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers and her new book Everyday Miracles of Lourdes. The post IP#511 Marlene Watkins – Everyday Miracles of Lourdes on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A reflective summary on St. Scholastica and St. Benedict, exploring their spiritual friendship, shared monastic vocation, and the enduring power of prayer, holy conversation, and sibling bonds in the life of the Church. The post St. Scholastica – In Conversation with Teresa Monaghen – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher's teaching on non-spiritual desolation, burnout, journaling, sustainable prayer, and practical remedies for restoring balance in the spiritual life. The post SISL4 – I Can’t Go On – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Ed Broom joins Kris McGregor on Inside the Pages to explore Ignatian discernment, spiritual combat, the daily Examen, forming a plan of life, and trusting in God's mercy on the path to holiness. The post IP#304 Fr. Ed Broom, O.M.V. – From Humdrum to Holy on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina explores the history of mercy, confession, and penance in the early Church through the writings of the Church Fathers. The post ROF3 – Confession: The History of Mercy – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel – The Heart of Hope with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Deacon Keating and Kris McGregor address the following: Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Am I being punished? Why do the innocent and faithful suffer? Beholding the wood of the cross. The core of redemptive suffering. The post HH6 – The Light at the End of the Tunnel – The Heart of Hope with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

SISL3 - I Try to Pray, but I'm So Discouraged - Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher - Discerning Hearts Podcasts The post SISL3 – I Try to Pray, but I’m So Discouraged – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The Beatitudes as the Path to Joy and True Happiness – Building a Kingdom Love with Msgr. John Esseff In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love, Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the Beatitudes as the true path to joy and happiness, drawing directly from the Gospel of Matthew. He explains that “blessed” does ... Read more The post The Beatitudes as the Path to Joy and True Happiness – Building a Kingdom Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A reflection on the Mass and the Eucharist through Scripture and the early Church, exploring how the first Christians understood Christ's real presence, reverence in worship, and the continuity of the Mass from the apostles through the Church Fathers. The post ROF2 – The Mass: the Universal Sign – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

"Practical Theology: Spiritual Direction from St. Thomas Aquinas" by Dr. Peter Kreeft is outstanding! An incredible work that transforms the potentially intimidating Summa Theologiae into a vital life-giving, soul-nurturing work for the pilgrim soul.   Dr. Kreeft offers us the religious wisdom of Aquinas in 359 bite-size pieces that can aid our growth in holiness.  He has framed these readings as answers to questions that people actually ask their spiritual directors. Each answer is taken word for word from Aquinas.  So many topics are covered.  You'll be returning to this book over and over again throughout your spiritual journey.  An excellent gift to give yourself and those you love!  Highly Recommended!!! The post Dr. Peter Kreeft – Practical Theology on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Deacon James Keating explores the meaning of suffering, emotional wounds, purification, aging, and how union with Christ transforms pain into deeper intimacy, healing, and hope. The post HH5 – The Purpose of Life – The Heart of Hope with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The Urgent Call of Jesus – Building a Kingdom of Love w/Msgr. John Esseff In this powerful reflection, Msgr. John Esseff speaks about the urgency of Jesus' call to every human heart. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, and the story of Jonah, he reflects on the immediacy ... Read more The post The Urgent Call of Jesus – Building a Kingdom of Love w/Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this episode of "Inside the Pages", Kris McGregor interviews Dr. Christopher Reed about his book "Sacred Conversations." Exploring the integration of faith into everyday interactions and emphasizes the importance of meaningful dialogue guided by agape love—selfless, Christ-like love. Dr. Reed shares how a pivotal conversation inspired him to write the book in just 21 days, offering a process involving invitation, intention, inquiry, illumination, and integration to guide faith-based conversations. The post IP#505 Dr. Christopher Reed – Sacred Conversations on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina on the Church Fathers as the living roots of Christian faith, illuminating Scripture, tradition, martyrdom, and the enduring continuity of the Church from the earliest centuries to today. The post ROF1 – Witnesses to Tradition – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Deacon James Keating explores Christian suffering, the cross of Christ, hope, and how love and vulnerability transform pain into communion with God. The post HH4 – The Suffering of Love – The Heart of Hope w/ Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In this Discerning Hearts conversation, Kris and Bruce McGregor speak with Mike Aquilina about St. Anthony of the Desert and why his life became a defining witness for Christian monasticism. Drawing from St. Athanasius' Life of Anthony, the discussion traces how Anthony's radical response to the Gospel shaped generations. Though untrained and simple by worldly ... Read more The post St. Anthony of the Desert – Mike Aquilina In Conversation with Bruce and Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Kris McGregor as she discusses the book "The Gospel Truth: How We Can Know What Christ Taught" with Gary Michuta The post IP#489 Gary Michuta – The Gospel Truth on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Mike Aquilina on Nestorius, the Council of Ephesus, and how early Church controversies clarified Christology, Marian doctrine, and the call to holiness through lived witness. The post VEC12 – Nestorius – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Deacon Keating discusses redemptive suffering, intercessory prayer, emotional pain, and the Christian meaning of the cross, showing how suffering can be transformed into love and union with Christ. The post HH3 – What is Redemptive Suffering – The Heart of Hope with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher's teaching on Saint Ignatius of Loyola's third mode of discernment, exploring practical ways to find clarity and peace when making significant life decisions through prayerful reflection and spiritual wisdom. The post DWG12 – The Peace 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.