MC4 – Encountering Christ in Scripture – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Encountering Christ in Scripture – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher delves into the practical and spiritual steps for engaging in Ignatian meditation and contemplation. Preparation is a vital stage, encouraging a moment of stillness to recognize God’s loving presence before beginning prayer. It’s important to read the scripture passage attentively, allowing the text to become “fresh in our consciousness.” We should imaginatively “compose” ourselves within the biblical scene, drawing upon St. Ignatius’ and St. Francis de Sales’ teachings to vividly visualize the setting and characters, enriching the prayer experience.

He recounts examples from the lives of saints, such as St. Jane de Chantal and St. Catherine of Siena, who lingered deeply on meaningful moments in scripture, allowing their hearts to align with God’s. This method leads to profound intimacy with the Lord, where “heart speaks to heart.” Prayer is a grace-filled gift, encouraging freedom from rigid methods and focusing on the relational encounter with God.


St.-Ignatius-5

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Recognizing God’s Loving Gaze
    Reflect on how you begin your prayer time by acknowledging God’s loving presence and your response to it.
  2. Preparing with Scripture
    Consider the steps you take to make scripture fresh in your heart before entering into meditation or contemplation.
  3. Engaging Imaginatively with the Gospel
    Reflect on how visualizing yourself within a biblical scene enriches your prayer and draws you closer to Jesus.
  4. Remaining Where God Speaks
    Think about how you discern the moments in prayer where God is speaking to your heart and allow yourself to remain there without rushing.
  5. Praying with Simplicity and Trust
    Evaluate how you approach prayer as a gift of grace, setting aside anxiety and focusing on a deep, relational encounter with God.

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola.” For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio, which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 15 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 9 – Discerning Hearts Podcast



Day 9St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas you have taught

Suppose a person entering a house were to feel heat on the porch, and going further, were to feel the heat increasing, the more they penetrated within. Doubtless, such a person would believe there was a fire in the house, even though they did not see the fire that must be causing all this heat. A similar thing will happen to anyone who considers this world in detail: one will observe that all things are arranged according to their degrees of beauty and excellence, and that the nearer they are to God, the more beautiful and better they are.Sermon on the Apostles’ Creed , 13-14

Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

Grant me grace, O merciful God,
to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee,
to examine it prudently,
to acknowledge it truthfully,
and to accomplish it perfectly,
for the praise and glory of Thy name.

In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.
[Make your request here…]

Grant me, O Lord my God,
a mind to know you,
a heart to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
conduct pleasing to you,
faithful perseverance in waiting for you,
and a hope of finally embracing you.

Amen.

Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia”  performed by “Capella Musica Seoul

For the complete 9-day Novena with St. Thomas Aquinas

SJC9 – Purification of the Will for Love Alone – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast


Purification of the Will for Love Alone – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty

Fr. Haggerty and Kris McGregor discuss St. John of the Cross’s teaching on the purification of the will, as outlined in Master of Contemplation. The spiritual journey of aligning our will with God’s, which is the essence of sanctity, and that true love of God requires surrendering self-centered desires and habitual tendencies to seek personal satisfaction, enabling a deeper union with God. Using examples like Martha and Mary from the Gospels, he shows us the challenge of choosing God’s will over worldly distractions, especially for laypeople living amid daily responsibilities.

Fr. Haggerty reflects on how cultivating a life rooted in selfless love leads to authentic joy and holiness, using Mother Teresa’s life as a vivid example. Her ability to prioritize acts of love—like stopping to aid a homeless man even when meeting the Pope—demonstrates a life fully surrendered to God.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. The Alignment of Will and God’s Desire: Reflect on how your daily choices align with God’s will and seek ways to surrender self-centered motivations.
  2. Finding Delight in God Alone: Examine where you find your happiness and whether it leads you closer to or distracts you from God.
  3. The Priority of Love in Actions: Consider whether your actions are motivated by selfless love and how they reflect Christ’s presence in your life.
  4. Letting Go of Worldly Attachments: Identify any material or worldly desires that hinder your spiritual growth and pray for the grace to let them go.
  5. The Call to Serve in Daily Life: Ponder how you can embody Christ’s love in small acts of service, especially toward those in need.
  6. Faithfulness in Your Vocation: Evaluate how well you are living out your vocation—whether in marriage, priesthood, or single life—with faithfulness and love.
  7. Seeking God in Simplicity: Reflect on whether you have cultivated a sense of contentment with what you need rather than what you want.
  8. Humility in Spiritual Growth: Pray for the humility to recognize and purify any prideful motivations in your spiritual or personal life.
  9. Joy as a Fruit of Surrender: Meditate on how surrendering to God’s will has brought authentic joy to your life and how you can deepen this surrender.
  10. Discerning the Better Part: Ask yourself how you can, like Mary of Bethany, choose the “better part” by prioritizing prayer and contemplation in your daily life.

An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation

“After exposing these principles of asceticism, we turn to the purification of the will by the theological virtue of charity. Saint John of the Cross treats this subject in the last section of book 3 of The Ascent of Mount Carmel. The teaching is not a matter simply of self-denial leading to an emptying of the will for God. While the ascetical task is important and required, what is indispensable for the grace of contemplation is a developed capacity for deeper self-emptying. No grace of contemplation can be expected as long as we indulge coveting tendencies in our lives. A release from immoderate, self-oriented desires that turn us inwardly upon ourselves is therefore a necessary preparation for any deeper life of prayer. Seeking to please ourselves as a motive for choices is always some variation of this damaging inward turn. In the view of Saint John of the Cross, this tendency demands serious efforts of reversal. If we aspire to the grace of contemplation, our will has to give itself with vigor to the will of God. We have to strive to give delight to God by our choices and by our renunciations, not seeking to find pleasure and delight simply for ourselves. As we turn away from pleasing ourselves, we become more empty and receptive inwardly to God’s promptings. The grace of contemplation in prayer then has an open window, if God chooses to bestow it. Otherwise, that window is sealed tight. The purpose of this chapter is to understand the deeper challenges in this purification of the will for the sake of contemplative graces. As the will exercises itself in interior self-renunciation, it opens itself to a loving union with the will of God. This increasing bond with the will of God is a necessary prerequisite for the prayer of contemplation.”

Haggerty, Donald. Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation (pp. 120-121). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.


For more episodes in this series visit Fr. Haggerty’s Discerning Hearts page here


You find the book on which this series is based here.

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 5 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 5

St. Thomas you have taught that:St.-Thomas-Aquinas

“The world tempts us either by attaching us to it in prosperity, or by filling us with fear of adversity. But faith overcomes this in that we believe in a life to come better than this one, and hence we despise the riches of this world and we are not terrified in the face of adversity.”

― Thomas Aquinas, The Catechetical Instructions

Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

Grant me grace, O merciful God,
to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee,
to examine it prudently,
to acknowledge it truthfully,
and to accomplish it perfectly,
for the praise and glory of Thy name.

In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.
[Make your request here…]

Grant me, O Lord my God,
a mind to know you,
a heart to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
conduct pleasing to you,
faithful perseverance in waiting for you,
and a hope of finally embracing you.

Amen.

Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia”  performed by “Capella Musica Seoul
For the complete 9-day Novena with St. Thomas Aquinas

HRS3 – Leadership and Soberness – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB – Discerning Hearts Podcast


Leadership and Soberness – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB

Fr. Mauritius Wilde discusses the virtue of soberness in leadership as described in the Rule of St. Benedict and Scripture. Soberness, understood as clarity and openness to truth, is essential for effective leadership, preventing decisions clouded by emotions like anger, pride, or envy. St. Benedict states the need for a leader’s inner peace, prudence, and mercy, as well as the need to create an environment where others can also find peace. Drawing on examples from Scripture, sober leaders not only make sound decisions but also act as stabilizing figures, much like St. Peter, whom Christ called a rock for his steadfastness.

Fr. Mauritius connects soberness to practical guidance for both monastic and everyday leadership, including parenting in the domestic church. It’s important for leaders to become self-aware, manage their emotions, and lead by example, as their demeanor directly influences those they serve. Soberness combined with mercy fosters trust and enables leaders to discern wisely while addressing challenges with compassion. This virtue is a gift of service to others, shaping communities with integrity and peace.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Soberness in Leadership: Reflect on how soberness in your leadership or daily responsibilities allows you to approach challenges with clarity and peace.
  2. Influence of Emotions: Consider how your emotions might impact those you lead or interact with and what practices could help you achieve greater balance.
  3. Integration of Mercy and Soberness: Examine ways to combine soberness with mercy in your decisions, ensuring both truth and compassion guide your actions.
  4. Role Modeling Virtues: Reflect on the example you set for others, especially in how your inner peace or lack thereof shapes your family, workplace, or community.
  5. Discernment Through Prayer: Contemplate how time with God in prayer can help you clear your mind and heart to discern and act in alignment with His will.
  6. Leadership as Service: Consider how your leadership or influence can be a gift of service to others by fostering trust, peace, and wise decision-making.
  7. Spiritual Readiness: Reflect on how cultivating virtues like soberness, prudence, and mercy can help you remain spiritually prepared for challenges and opportunities.

From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict

CHAPTER XLVI

Of the Election of the Abbot

“He must, therefore, be versed in the divine law, that he may know whence “to bring forth new things and old” (Mt 13:52). Let him be chaste, sober, and merciful, and let him always exalt “mercy above judgment” (Jas 2:13), that he also may obtain mercy.

Let him hate vice, but love the brethren. And even in his corrections, let him act with prudence and not go to extremes, lest, while he aimeth to remove the rust too thoroughly, the vessel be broken. Let him always keep his own frailty in mind, and remember that “the bruised reed must not be broken” (Is 42:3). In this we are not saying that he should allow evils to take root, but that he cut them off with prudence and charity, as he shall see it is best for each one, as we have already said; and let him aim to be loved rather than feared.

Let him not be fussy or over-anxious, exacting, or headstrong; let him not be jealous or suspicious, because he will never have rest. In all his commands, whether they refer to things spiritual or temporal, let him be cautious and considerate. Let him be discerning and temperate in the tasks which he enjoineth, recalling the discretion of holy Jacob who saith: “If I should cause my flocks to be overdriven, they would all die in one day” (Gen 33:13). Keeping in view these and other dictates of discretion, the mother of virtues, let him so temper everything that the strong may still have something to desire and the weak may not draw back. Above all, let him take heed that he keep this Rule in all its detail; that when he hath served well he may hear from the Lord what the good servant heard who gave his fellow-servants bread in season: “Amen, I say to you,” He saith,”he shall set him over all his goods” (Mt 24:47).

If, however, anyone is found to break this rule, let him undergo heavy punishment, unless the needs of guests should arise, or the Abbot should perhaps give a command to anyone. But let even this be done with the utmost gravity and moderation.”


Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, NE

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 4 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 4

St. Thomas you have taught that:thomas-av-aquino-summa

“Many cry to the Lord that they may win riches, that they may avoid losses; they cry that their family may be established, they ask for temporal happiness, for worldly dignities; and, lastly, they cry for bodily health, which is the patrimony of the poor. For these and such like things many cry to the Lord; hardly one cries for the Lord Himself! How easy it is for a man to desire all manner of things from the Lord and yet not desire the Lord Himself! As though the gift could be sweeter than the Giver!”

― Thomas Aquinas, On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

Grant me grace, O merciful God,
to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee,
to examine it prudently,
to acknowledge it truthfully,
and to accomplish it perfectly,
for the praise and glory of Thy name.

In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.
[Make your request here…]

Grant me, O Lord my God,
a mind to know you,
a heart to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
conduct pleasing to you,
faithful perseverance in waiting for you,
and a hope of finally embracing you.

Amen.

Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia”  performed by “Capella Musica Seoul
For the complete 9-day Novena with St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 9 – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 9

Think for a moment of the piety of the Madonna when the angel told her that the Spirit would overshadow her. What sentiments of humility, confidence and courage! At the very moment when she understood that God had given her His heart, that is, His Son, she gave herself to God. Her soul was flooded with charity, so she could say with the sacred spouse, “…My heart trembled within me, and I grew faint when he spoke.” [Sg:5:4] As far as we are concerned, we receive a similar grace in Communion, because not an angel but Jesus Christ Himself assures us that in it the Holy Spirit descends on us. Heavenly power covers us with its shadow and the Son of God really comes to us. He can say that He is conceived and born in us. Truly then, the soul can respond with the Madonna, “I am the servant of the Lord; let is be done to me as you say.” [Lk 1:38] (Spiritual Directory, Art. 12)

O blessed Francis de Sales, who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbor,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people,
especially (names of those whom you wish to include) may experience
the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ
and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern
that I now lift up in prayer. (mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all,
you desired that St. Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many long the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit
may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here

 

St. Agnes, A Lamb for Christ – In Conversation With Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Mike Aquilina - Fathers of the Church and so much more... 5St. Agnes, A Lamb for Christ – In Conversation With Mike Aquilina

In this classic conversation with Kris and Bruce McGregor, they discuss with Mike Aquilina the life and legacy of St. Agnes of Rome, a 12- or 13-year-old martyr who lived during the early 4th century. St. Agnes, from a noble Roman family, became renowned for her steadfast Christian faith, refusing suitors and choosing to consecrate her virginity to God. Amidst the Roman Empire’s widespread persecution of Christians, her refusal led to denunciation and martyrdom, during which she displayed extraordinary courage. Her witness inspired many, turning public opinion against the brutality of Christian persecution and fostering conversions. St. Agnes’s story emphasizes her purity, bravery, and the cultural contrast between Christian respect for life and the Roman practices of abortion and infanticide.

St. Agnes’s enduring relevance makes her a model for young girls facing cultural pressures. Her name, meaning “lamb,” symbolizes her gentle yet victorious spirit, depicted in art with a palm of martyrdom and a lamb. St. Agnes is honored in Rome with churches at her martyrdom and burial sites. Her impact spans centuries, inspiring faith and offering a powerful example of living courageously for Christ.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. The Courage of Faith: Reflect on how St. Agnes’s unwavering faith inspires you to stand firm in your beliefs despite societal pressures.
  2. Living as a Witness: Consider how you can witness to the Gospel in your own life, even in the face of challenges or criticism.
  3. The Sanctity of Life: Contemplate the value of human life in light of St. Agnes’s time and the modern issues of abortion and infanticide.
  4. Purity and Holiness: Think about how you can strive for purity and holiness in your thoughts, actions, and relationships.
  5. Sacrifice for God: Reflect on what sacrifices you are willing to make to grow closer to God and follow His will.
  6. Strength in Suffering: Ponder how St. Agnes’s acceptance of martyrdom encourages you to endure trials with faith and trust in God.
  7. Inspiration for the Young: Identify ways you can support and guide the younger generation in following St. Agnes’s example of virtue and courage.
  8. Martyrdom and Eucharist: Meditate on the connection between St. Agnes’s martyrdom and the Eucharist as a model of total self-giving.
  9. Transforming Culture: Explore how you can contribute to building a culture of life and love in a world often marked by indifference and division.
  10. Trust in Divine Victory: Reflect on the assurance that ultimate victory lies in God’s hands, as shown in St. Agnes’s triumph through her martyrdom.

St. Agnes

From Wikipedia on St. Agnes

“According to tradition, Saint Agnes was a member of the Roman nobility born c. 291 and raised in a Christian family. She suffered martyrdom at the age of twelve or thirteen during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, on 21 January 304.

The Prefect Sempronius wished Agnes to marry his son, and on Agnes’ refusal he condemned her to death. As Roman law did not permit the execution of virgins, Sempronius had a naked Agnes dragged through the streets to a brothel. Various versions of the legend give different methods of escape from this predicament. In one, as she prayed, her hair grew and covered her body. It was also said that all of the men who attempted to rape her were immediately struck blind. In another the son of the prefect is struck dead, but revived after Agnes prayed for him, causing her release. There is then a trial from which Sempronius excuses himself, and another figure presides, sentencing her to death. When led out to die she was tied to a stake, but the bundle of wood would not burn, or the flames parted away from her, whereupon the officer in charge of the troops drew his swordbeheaded her, or, in some other texts, stabbed her in the throat. It is also said that the blood of Agnes poured to the stadium floor where other Christians soaked up the blood with cloths. and

The daughter of Constantine I, Saint Constance, was also said to have been cured of leprosy after praying at Agnes’ tomb.”

A prayer to St. Agnes

Let us gain courage for our own battle
by honoring the martyrdom of the glorious virgin Agnes.
St. Agnes, vessel of honor,
flower of unfading fragrance,beloved of the choirs of Angels,
you are an example to the worth of virtue and chastity.
O you who wear a Martyr’s palm
and a virgin’s wreath,
pray for us that,
though unworthy of a special crown,
we may have our names written in the list of Saints.


Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the Eternal Word Television Network and is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio.

Mike Aquilina’s website is found at fathersofthechurch.com

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 3 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 3

St. Thomas you have taught that:Dr. Matthew Bunson - Insights on the Church Yesterday and Today 2

“God loves his creatures, and he loves each one the more, the more it shares his own goodness, which is the first and primary object of his love. Therefore he wants the desires of his rational creatures to be fulfilled because they share most perfectly of all creatures the goodness of God.

And his will is an accomplisher of things because he is the cause of things by his will. So it belongs to the divine goodness to fulfill the desires of rational creatures which are put to him in prayer.”

― Thomas Aquinas, Faith, Reason and Theology

Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

Grant me grace, O merciful God,
to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee,
to examine it prudently,
to acknowledge it truthfully,
and to accomplish it perfectly,
for the praise and glory of Thy name.

In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.
[Make your request here…]

Grant me, O Lord my God,
a mind to know you,
a heart to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
conduct pleasing to you,
faithful perseverance in waiting for you,
and a hope of finally embracing you.

Amen.

Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia”  performed by “Capella Musica Seoul
For the complete 9-day Novena with St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 8 – Discerning Hearts Podcast


St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 8

One of the greatest proofs of love that Jesus displayed on the cross was putting up with the imperfections of His neighbor. There He showed us that He has a heart that loves us tenderly and watches over us kindly. He even showed His love for those who put Him to death. In those dire moments the Savior expressed thoughts of love even for his executioners, pardoning them in the very act of sinning! How petty-minded we are when we cannot bring ourselves to forget some injury received, even after a long time! Whoever sincerely pardons another calls down abundant blessings and perfectly imitates Christ. (Spiritual Treatises IV; O. VI, pp. 65-66)

O blessed Francis de Sales, who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbor,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people,
especially (names of those whom you wish to include) may experience
the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ
and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern
that I now lift up in prayer. (mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all,
you desired that St. Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many long the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit
may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here