Some brothers came to find Abba Anthony to tell him about the visions they were having, and to find out from him if they were true or if they came from the demons. They had a donkey which died on the way. When they reached the place where the old man was, he said to them before they could ask him anything, “How was it that the little donkey died on the way here?” They said, “How do you know about that, Father?” And he told them, “the demons showed me what happened.” So they said, “That was what we came to question you about, for fear we were being deceived, for we have visions which often turn out to be true.” Thus the old man convinced them, by the example of the donkey, that their visions came from the demons.
Dear God,
St Anthony of the Desert accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things.
He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works.
In the Sign of the Cross, he triumphed over the devil.
Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
St Anthony, great and powerful saint, intercede for us also for this special request (mention your request).
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Abbe Pambo asked Abba Anthony, “What ought I to do?” and the old man said to him, “Do not trust in your own righteousness, do not worry about the past, but control your tongue and your stomach.”
Abba Anthony said, “I saw the snares that the enemy spreads out over the world and I said groaning, ‘What can get through from such snares?” Then I heard a voice saying to me, “Humility.’
Dear God,
St Anthony of the Desert accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things.
He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works.
In the Sign of the Cross, he triumphed over the devil.
Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
St Anthony, great and powerful saint, intercede for us also for this special request (mention your request).
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Episode 11 – Spiritual Fruits of Small Acts – St. Thérèse and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor take a look at the spiritual development of Marie, cousin of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, through her letters to Celine, and Thérèse’s teachings. After Thérèse’s death, Marie grew into a spiritual guide for Celine, who faced challenges in her married life. The letters reveal Marie’s assimilation of Thérèse’s “Little Way,” focusing on love in daily, seemingly small acts. Thérèse’s advice, including humility, joy, and charity in daily interactions, reflects her practical approach to holiness. She urged Marie to let go of self-focus, embrace sacrificial love, and make virtuous choices in ordinary settings, even during recreation, fostering relationships through selfless acts of love.
They also discuss Thérèse’s transformation of spiritual attitudes prevalent in her time, such as the lingering effects of Jansenism. Thérèse believed in God’s merciful love over fear and judgment, demonstrating a path to holiness accessible to all, even in mundane tasks. Her counsel to “forget oneself” and focus on love for God and others highlights her conviction that profound spiritual growth lies in simple, consistent acts of love.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Spiritual Growth Through Relationships: How can I guide others spiritually while remaining open to my own growth in faith?
Embracing Humility: In what ways can I practice humility by seeking forgiveness, even when I am not at fault?
Living the “Little Way”: How can I fill the small, everyday moments of my life with love and intentionality?
Overcoming Self-Focus: What steps can I take to forget myself and center my thoughts and actions on loving God and others?
Finding Joy in Sacrifice: How can I offer small sacrifices in my daily interactions as acts of love and charity?
Sanctifying Ordinary Activities: How can I approach routine or recreational moments with the same fidelity and virtue as prayer or work?
Being Cheerful for Others: How can I bring joy and encouragement to others, even when I am facing personal sadness?
Rediscovering God’s Mercy: How do I view God’s love and mercy, and how can I overcome fears rooted in a harsh image of God?
Reflecting on Daily Duty: How does my approach to daily responsibilities reflect my love for God and commitment to holiness?
Building Virtuous Relationships: How can I intentionally foster love, patience, and kindness in my relationships, following the example of Thérèse?
Marie Guérin
About this Series
Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects upon the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, exploring how her life and spirituality were deeply influenced by her family and how it offers profound insights into everyday holiness. He examines the role of family and spiritual friendships in nurturing faith, the importance of compassionate care for others, and how Thérèse’s example can inspire listeners to seek sanctity in their daily lives. He also brings forth more details of the spiritual bond between the Martin and Guérin families, offering a model for fostering deeper connections within one’s own family and community.
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 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!
“When the demons see Christians, specially the monks, working joyfully and growing in the spirit, first they fight them with temptation, and by placing obstacles to hinder their growth, trying to inject evil thoughts in their minds; but there is no reason for fear from their temptations because their offenses fail instantly by prayer and fasting, especially if you have had armed yourself with faith and the sign of the cross.”
Dear God,
St Anthony of the Desert accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things.
He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works.
In the Sign of the Cross, he triumphed over the devil.
Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
St Anthony, great and powerful saint, intercede for us also for this special request (mention your request).
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Someone asked Abba Anthony, “What must one do in order to please God?” The old man replied, “Pay attention to what I tell you: whoever you may be, always have God before your eyes, whatever you do, do it according to the testimony of the holy Scriptures; in whatever place you live, do not easily leave it. Keep these three precepts and you will be saved.”
Dear God,
St Anthony of the Desert accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things.
He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works.
In the Sign of the Cross, he triumphed over the devil.
Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
St Anthony, great and powerful saint, intercede for us also for this special request (mention your request).
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Asceticism: Recovery of a Neglected Value – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty
Fr. Haggerty and Kris McGregor discuss the concept of asceticism in Christian spiritual life. Asceticism as a tradition rooted in the Desert Fathers and essential for tempering bodily indulgence to deepen one’s relationship with God. While often misunderstood as synonymous with penance, asceticism encompasses renunciations and disciplines that help individuals master their will and align their desires with God’s. The spiritual necessity of saying “no” to self-indulgence is a means of freeing the soul to say “yes” to God, fostering both interior freedom and deeper charity. Drawing insights from St. John of the Cross, he highlights the importance of mortification and detachment to clear the soul for divine union, a key principle explored in The Ascent of Mount Carmel.
The modern challenges to asceticism include the culture’s promotion of materialism and pleasure-seeking. Contrasting this with traditional religious practices, such as rigorous fasting and renunciation, with the current minimalistic approach; cautioning against the loss of spiritual discipline. Aceticism benefits all states of life, whether through fasting, simplifying family life, or engaging in acts of love for others. By placing God above created comforts, asceticism becomes a profound way to train the will, deepen faith, and live generously, echoing the Gospel’s call to store treasures in heaven. This spiritual focus invites believers to evaluate their motivations, detach from worldly attachments, and embrace a life centered on God.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Understanding Asceticism: How can you integrate ascetic practices into your daily life to foster spiritual discipline and a closer relationship with God?
Detachment from Comforts: In what ways might materialism or indulgence be hindering your spiritual growth, and how can you simplify your life to prioritize God?
Mastering the Will: What small daily choices can you make to strengthen your ability to say “no” to self-indulgence and “yes” to God’s will?
Sacrificial Love: How does practicing self-denial in your relationships, such as within your family or community, reflect the love and generosity of Christ?
Spiritual Motivation: When engaging in acts of discipline, are your motivations rooted in a desire to please God, or are they influenced by self-focused goals?
Teaching Children Detachment: How can you model and teach a spirit of detachment and generosity to your children or those in your care?
Aligning Desires with God: What steps can you take to examine and purify your desires so they align more fully with God’s purpose for your life?
Asceticism in Action: How can physical sacrifices, such as fasting or service, be offered as acts of love for God and others?
Prioritizing Spiritual Treasures: How can you focus your heart on storing treasures in heaven rather than becoming overly attached to earthly possessions?
Learning from the Saints: What lessons from the ascetical practices of the Desert Fathers or St. John of the Cross resonate with your spiritual journey today?
An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation
“In this chapter we take up a subject planted more firmly on the ground, namely, Saint John of the Cross’ instructions in book 1 of The Ascent of Mount Carmel on asceticism and self-denial. This teaching will make better sense now after we have seen his understanding of the great role of purification in the human faculties for the sake of union with God. Unfortunately, asceticism is a largely forgotten word in contemporary spirituality, despite its importance in the Catholic tradition. In truth, it has never been a treasured topic or a popular Catholic pursuit. It has always been subject to exaggerated notions that distort it and empty it of value. Today another reason may exist for its virtual disappearance from spiritual teaching, which is the excessive focus on the inward path of silent meditative practices that has lately preoccupied spirituality. Writings on the quest for God through methods of meditative mindfulness typically ignore self-denial or bodily discipline as a prerequisite for spiritual growth. This is not to say that these writings encourage moral laxity, but simply that a need for some commitment to asceticism and to real practices of self-denial is nowhere to be found in them. Frankly, this is not a good sign of their value as a teaching for souls seeking a closer relationship with God. The neglect of an ascetical element in the pursuit of God leaves unaddressed the retention of indulgent tendencies in a life. The effort of seeking God ends up then often as a self-absorbed quest, instead of a pure and sacrificial pursuit in response to Jesus’ own words in the Gospel and in imitation of saintly lives.”
Haggerty, Donald. Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation (p. 101). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.
When the holy Abba Anthony lived in the desert he was beset by acedia (lack of care, sloth), and attacked by many sinful thoughts. He said to God, “Lord, I want to be saved but these thoughts do not leave me alone; what shall I do in my affliction? How can I be saved?” A short while afterward, when he got up to go out, Anthony saw a man like himself sitting at his work, getting up from his work to pray, then sitting down again and plaiting a rope, then getting up again to pray. It was an angel of the Lord sent to correct and reassure him. He heard the angel saying to him, “Do this and you will be saved.” At these words, Anthony was filled with joy and courage. He did this, and he was saved.
Dear God,
St Anthony of the Desert accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things.
He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works.
In the Sign of the Cross, he triumphed over the devil.
Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
St Anthony, great and powerful saint, intercede for us also for this special request (mention your request).
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
The Nature of Our Need – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB
Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor explores the virtue of “soberness” as a spiritual practice rooted in the Rule of St. Benedict. Fr. Wilde highlights soberness as a state of inner freedom, not merely abstaining from excess but cultivating simplicity, clarity, and presence to God and reality. Using the story of Herod’s banquet (Mark 6:14–29), he illustrates the destructive effects of overindulgence and emotional intoxication. Modern parallels, such as the constant consumption of media or overindulgence in food and entertainment, show how losing soberness distorts judgment and leads to spiritual emptiness.
Fr. Wilde emphasizes that soberness is not deprivation but liberation. It enables one to find joy in simplicity, like savoring the taste of water or the beauty of silence. This virtue invites us to consider what we truly need and align our lives with God’s presence. Soberness fosters awareness, detachment from material distractions, and a deeper appreciation for the divine. It’s a path to spiritual maturity, freeing us to “taste” God’s goodness and live with clarity and balance in a noisy, indulgent world.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Understanding Soberness as a Virtue: How can cultivating soberness in your daily life create space for greater awareness of God’s presence?
Reflection on Overindulgence: In what ways might overindulgence in food, entertainment, or media cloud your spiritual clarity and decision-making?
Lessons from Herod’s Banquet: How does the story of Herod’s irrational actions challenge you to remain grounded and detached from societal pressures?
Savoring Simplicity: What experiences in your life have helped you discover the beauty and joy of simplicity?
Experiencing the Divine Taste: How can you practice spiritual disciplines, such as fasting or silence, to better “taste” the presence of God?
Balancing Positive Emotions: How can you maintain spiritual balance and clarity when experiencing enthusiasm or joy?
Soberness in Modern Life: How might you limit distractions, such as constant news or social media, to foster a more sober and prayerful mindset?
Aligning Needs with God’s Will: How do you discern what you truly need versus what distracts you from spiritual freedom and maturity?
From the Gospel of St. Mark 6:14-29
The Death of John the Baptist
14 King Herod heard of it; for Jesus’[b] name had become known. Some[c] said, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “It is Eli′jah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Hero′di-as, his brother Philip’s wife; because he had married her. 18 For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 And Hero′di-as had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Hero′di-as’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the baptizer.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
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
Introduction – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher
Fr. Timothy Gallagher explains the practice of praying with Scripture through meditation and contemplation in the Ignatian tradition. Rooted in St. Ignatius of Loyola’s teachings, meditation uses reason to reflect on the meaning of Scripture, drawing personal insights and applying them to daily life. Contemplation, on the other hand, engages the imagination to enter a Gospel scene, allowing one to “be present” in the event and encounter Jesus personally. Ignatian contemplation is distinct from the mystical prayer described by St. John of the Cross and is accessible to everyone, regardless of spiritual experience.
Prayer, as defined by Vatican II, is the foundation of the spiritual life, and engaging with Scripture provides strength for faith, nourishment for the soul, and a deep well of spiritual growth. It encourages freedom and personalization in choosing meditation, contemplation, or a blend of both to encounter God in a meaningful way. By reflecting on passages like the Beatitudes or imagining Gospel events like the calming of the storm, believers can engage their hearts in a transformative dialogue with God.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
The Role of Scripture in Prayer: How can you integrate daily Scripture reading into your prayer life as encouraged by Vatican II?
Understanding Meditation and Contemplation: Which approach—meditation (reason) or contemplation (imagination)—feels most natural for your prayer, and why?
Personal Connection to Scripture: How has reflecting on or imagining a specific Gospel passage deepened your understanding of God’s presence in your life?
Engaging the Heart in Prayer: In what ways can you allow your heart to respond more deeply to the insights and feelings stirred during your prayer with Scripture?
Freedom and Personalization in Prayer: How can you adapt Ignatian methods of prayer to suit your current spiritual needs and journey?
Transformative Power of Scripture: Reflect on a time when Scripture provided you with strength, nourishment, or spiritual growth—how did it change you?
Starting from Prayer: How does this episode’s emphasis on “everything starts from prayer” inspire you to prioritize prayer in your daily life?
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!
“On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Twelve Drummers Drumming …” sounding out the cadence of what we believe in our lives, the Twelve Points of Doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed:
1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
2. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
5. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
6. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
7. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
8. The holy catholic Church,
9. The communion of saints,
10. The forgiveness of sins,
11. The resurrection of the body,
12. And life everlasting.
