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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mike Aquilina's discussion of Nero from the Discerning Hearts podcast, examining early Christian persecution, the witness of martyrs like Peter and Paul, and how historical villains reveal spiritual lessons for today. The post VEC5 – Nero – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Explore the three stages of spiritual growth—purgative, illuminative, and unitive—through insights from Deacon James Keating, with real-life examples, sacramental grace, and practical ways to recognize God's presence in everyday life. The post WOM15 – The Unitive Way – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Timothy Gallagher's teaching about praying with Scripture, cultivating silence, and preparing the heart to discern God's will through personal encounter with Christ and deeper spiritual practices. The post DWG5 – Listening for God’s Voice – The Discernment of God's Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Msgr. John Esseff reflects on widespread anxieties about the end of the world by drawing from Malachi, the Gospel of Luke, and the lived suffering of Christians across the globe. The post Christ the King and the Victory of Jesus – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 4 - Simon the Magician - "Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians" In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss Simon the Magician and learning pride and hubris. An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church: IF THERE had been supermarket tabloids in Rome of the first century, Simon Magus, or Simon the Magician, would have been on the front pages every week. His story gives us zombies, levitation, a talking dog, a jewel heist, and a prophesying baby, just to name a few of the highlights. But it all begins with a true story in the Acts of the Apostles. The post VEC4 – Simon the Magician – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Transformation – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating Deacon Keating and Kris McGregor discuss how scandals within the Church, particularly clergy abuse, have damaged trust but do not negate the truth that Christ continues to teach through the Church's magisterium. Deacon Keating distinguishes between the unchanging fidelity of Christ's promise to guide the ... Read more The post WOM14 – Transformation – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
This episode offers a look at the importance of the disposition of heart, which like the Blessed Virgin Mary, seeks the will of God in whatever He wants. How do we gain that disposition and what are the means of obtaining that grace is what discussed in the next several episodes. In this conversation the importance of the retreat and even more importantly the role of sacraments is discussed. The post DWG4 – Deepening Spiritual Foundations – The Discernment of God's Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Msgr. John Esseff reflects on widespread anxieties about the end of the world by drawing from Malachi, the Gospel of Luke, and the lived suffering of Christians across the globe. The post Trusting Jesus in an Age of Fear – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Dr. Terrence Wright discusses his book Dorothy Day: An Introduction to Her Life and Thought, highlighting Day's complex early years, her lifelong attraction to God, and the gradual, uneven journey that led her into the Catholic Church. The post IP#330 Terrence Wright – Dorothy Day: An Introduction to Her Life and Thought on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts » Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Dr. Terrence Wright discusses his book Dorothy Day: An Introduction to Her Life and Thought, highlighting Day's complex early years, her lifelong attraction to God, and the gradual, uneven journey that led her into the Catholic Church. The post IP#330 Terrence Wright – Dorothy Day: An Introduction to Her Life and Thought on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Mike Aquilina explores the complex figure of Pontius Pilate and offering thought-provoking questions that invite deeper courage, truthfulness, and fidelity to Christ in daily life. The post VEC3 – Pontius Pilate – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the importance of understanding the foundation of discerning God's will according to St. Ignatius. Before delving into the specific techniques of discernment, it's crucial to grasp why discerning God's will is significant. The post DWG3 – Foundation 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.
The Feast of St. John Lateran - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Podcast The post The Feast of St. John Lateran – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Ignatius Schweitzer, O.P. and Dr. Anthony Lilles discuss their collaboration on Named for Glory: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity's Identity and Mission, a book exploring the spirituality of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. The post ITP#514 – Fr. Ignatius Schweitzer O.P. / Dr. Anthony Lilles – St. Elizabeth of the Trinity on Inside the Pages w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts » Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Fr. Ignatius Schweitzer, O.P. and Dr. Anthony Lilles discuss their collaboration on Named for Glory: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity's Identity and Mission, a book exploring the spirituality of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. The post ITP#514 – Fr. Ignatius Schweitzer O.P. / Dr. Anthony Lilles – St. Elizabeth of the Trinity on Inside the Pages w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor reflect on the sacred reality of receiving Holy Communion as an act of faith and new life. The post WOM12 – The Communion Rite – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss Caiaphas and the temptation of unholy compromises. An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church: CAIAPHAS IS mentioned everywhere in the Church Fathers, but almost as furniture—“ and Jesus was brought before Caiaphas.” If the early Christian writers are interested in anything about him, it's that he could prophesy truly because of his office. Otherwise, they don't seem to find much remarkable in him. He's the banality of evil. A bureaucrat. Yet, Caiaphas, like many of the characters caught up in the Passion story, was in a complicated position—more complicated than we may realize when we hear the story in the Gospels. The post VEC2 – Caiaphas – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Fr. Timothy Gallagher discusses how Christians can seek God's direction not only in major life choices but also in the ordinary moments of each day. The post DWG2 – God’s Guidance in Everyday Decisions – The Discernment of God's Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Join Kris McGregor and Thomas Jacobi as they discuss How Saints Die: 100 Stories of Hope by Fr. Antonio Maria Sicari The post IP#483 – Thomas Jacobi – How Saints Die by Fr. Antonio Maria Sicari on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts » Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Join Kris McGregor and Thomas Jacobi as they discuss How Saints Die: 100 Stories of Hope by Fr. Antonio Maria Sicari The post IP#483 – Thomas Jacobi – How Saints Die by Fr. Antonio Maria Sicari on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
What a delight to have the opportunity to have a conversation with Dr. Scott Hahn about his fantastic new book Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of Death and the Resurrection of the Body. Along with Emily Stimpson Chapman, Dr. Hahn brings us an absorbing work that reflects the transcendent nature of our souls and also of our bodies. He helps us to go deeper into the mystery of the incarnation, as well as, the sheer gift of our own existence in God's eyes. Joy and expectation fuel an effervescent hope that we definitely all need today. So filled with spiritual fruit, you do not want to miss this incredible book! The post IP#359 Dr. Scott Hahn – Hope to Die on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts » Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
What a delight to have the opportunity to have a conversation with Dr. Scott Hahn about his fantastic new book Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of Death and the Resurrection of the Body. Along with Emily Stimpson Chapman, Dr. Hahn brings us an absorbing work that reflects the transcendent nature of our souls and also of our bodies. He helps us to go deeper into the mystery of the incarnation, as well as, the sheer gift of our own existence in God's eyes. Joy and expectation fuel an effervescent hope that we definitely all need today. So filled with spiritual fruit, you do not want to miss this incredible book! The post IP#359 Dr. Scott Hahn – Hope to Die on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 1 - Judas - "Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians" In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss the "mystery of Judas." An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church: What happened to Judas? Was it simple greed that snapped him? That seems unlikely. Thirty pieces of silver was a good bit of money, but Judas was doing all right with his embezzling racket. The Gospels don't tell us his motivation most likely because their writers just didn't know. It was a mystery to them as it is to us. And a lot of the Christian legends that later grew up about Judas seem like popular attempts to psychoanalyze him. Judas was also present for the Last Supper, having a miserable time as Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray him: “The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:24). John tells us that the disciple whom Jesus loved—John himself—asked Jesus who the betrayer would be. “It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it,” Jesus responded, and then dipped the morsel and handed it to Judas. Yet the others still didn't understand what Jesus meant when he said to Judas, “What you are going to do, do quickly” (John 13:26–27). Was he sending Judas out to buy more food? Or to make a donation to the poor from the money box? “So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out,” John says, adding the significant detail “and it was night.” Judas walked out of the Last Supper and into the very symbolic darkness (John 13:30). But he knew where to look for Jesus when he came with the police. Judas and the rest of the disciples had often been with Jesus in that pleasant park across the Kidron Valley, the garden of Gethsemane (see John 18:2; Mark 14:32). That was where Judas led the soldiers to arrest Jesus. The post VEC1 – Judas – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist, Part 3 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating Deacon James Keating reflects on the deep meaning of the Our Father and the moments that follow it in the Eucharistic liturgy. Christ not only left His Body and Blood as an enduring gift but also gave His Church ... Read more The post WOM11 – The Liturgy of the Eucharist, pt. 3 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 10 -The Way of Mystery: The Eucharist and Moral Living– The Liturgy of the Eucharist part 2 : The True Meaning of "Full and Active Participation"...The Purpose of the Eucharistic Praye The post WOM10 – The Liturgy of the Eucharist, pt. 2 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Deacon James Keating explores how the Eucharist shapes moral life by transforming our conscience through divine charity. The post WOM9 – The Liturgy of the Eucharist, pt. 1 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Overcoming Pre-Event Desolation - Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss "pre-event desolation," a form of spiritual discouragement before significant spiritual activities. They highlight its tactics by the enemy to deter individuals from growth opportunities. Drawing from C.S. Lewis's "Perelandra," he tells us of the importance of recognizing and countering this desolation with prayer and trust. The post SD9 – Overcoming Pre-Event Desolation – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 8 -The Way of Mystery: The Eucharist and Moral Living– The Liturgy of the Word part 2: The role of the lector, the role of the deacon, and the role of those who receive the Word. The post WOM8 – The Liturgy of the Word, pt. 2 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Episode 8 - Fr. Gallagher answers other questions that come up about Spiritual Desolation. He then addresses the various qualities of Spiritual Desolation. The post SD8 – Confronting Desolation with Faith – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Liturgy of the Word, Part 1 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor explore how the Liturgy of the Word shapes conscience and draws the faithful into a deeper encounter with Christ. Conscience is not a mystical faculty but the human mind oriented toward discerning right ... Read more The post WOM7 – The Liturgy of the Word, pt. 1 – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
"His Angels at Our Side: Understanding Their Power in Our Souls and the World" by Fr. John Horgan is a very special work which gives us all a beautiful glimpse of the invisible messengers of God. My conversation about the Holy Angels with Fr. Horgan was a pure joy! This is a phenomenal work and one that will be sure to become a classic on the subject! Don't miss. The post IP#331 Fr. John Horgan – His Angels At Our Side on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
St. Therese, the Little Flower - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff The post St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena – Day Nine St. Therese you have said: “When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens, I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth.” The post A Novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux – Day Nine – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.