The Discerning Hearts Blog Archives

St. Gregory of Nazianzus – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Gregory of Nazianzus – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson

Born: 329 AD
Died: January 1, 390 AD

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor explore St. Gregory of Nazianzus (Nazianzen), a doctor of the Church. St. Gregory faced the Arian heresy and a tension between solitude and serving as a priest. His theological contributions include emphasizing “consubstantial” and defending the Trinity. Dr. Bunson highlights his views on Christ’s full humanity, theosis, and the connection between theology and prayer, making special note of Pope Benedict XVI’s insights on St. Gregory as well.

St. Gregory’s teachings provide timeless prescriptions for addressing heresy, offering valuable lessons for today’s challenges in defending the faith.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

How does St. Gregory of Nazianzus’ struggle between solitude and active service resonate with your own spiritual journey and the challenges of balancing personal prayer with engagement in the world?
In what ways can St. Gregory’s response to the Arian heresy inspire you to actively defend and uphold the Church’s teachings in your community or personal life?
Reflect on the significance of the term “consubstantial” in describing the relationship within the Trinity. How does this theological concept deepen your understanding of God?
Consider St. Gregory’s emphasis on theosis. How can you strive to become more like Christ in your daily life?
How can you integrate prayer into your study of theology to enhance your relationship with God and the Church?

For more on St. Gregory of Nazianzus and his teachings:

Gregory Nazianzen
– Orations
– Letters

For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson check out his Discerning Hearts page

Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints, and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

St. Basil the Great – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Basil the Great – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson

Born: 330 AD, Kayseri, Turkey
Died: January 1, 379 AD, Kayseri, Turkey
Siblings: Gregory of Nyssa, Macrina the Younger, Theosebia

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss the life of St. Basil the Great. St. Basil defended Christ’s divinity during the Arian controversy, contributed significantly to understanding the Holy Trinity and pneumatology. Pope St. Pius V declared him a doctor of the Church in 1568 amid the Council of Trent. St. Basil’s commitment to social teachings, exemplified as bishop of Caesarea, reflects his deep concern for the dignity of every person.

The significance of his family, including siblings like St. Gregory of Nyssa, is acknowledged. St. Basil’s emphasis on eternal life and indifference to worldly achievements serves as a key aspect of his legacy.

Dr. Bunson provides insights into the multifaceted contributions of St. Basil as a defender of faith, social advocate, and influential figure in the development of monastic traditions.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

How does St. Basil’s defense of Christ’s divinity during the Arian controversy inspire your understanding of the importance of precise theological language in discussions about faith?
In what ways can we, like St. Basil, actively engage in social teachings and demonstrate a deep concern for the dignity of every person in our communities?
Reflect on St. Basil’s contributions to monasticism, particularly his emphasis on communal living, care for the poor, and humility. How can these principles be applied to your own spiritual journey?
Consider the significance of St. Basil’s family, including St. Gregory of Nyssa. How does the family dynamic contribute to their collective impact on the Church, and how might our own families reflect and support our faith?
St. Basil placed great importance on eternal life over earthly achievements. How can we adopt a similar perspective in our daily lives, focusing on spiritual growth and the pursuit of the divine rather than worldly success?

For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson check out his Discerning Hearts page

Surrender Prayer Novena – Day 8 – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away on the flowing current of my grace; close your eyes and do not think of the present, turning your thoughts away from the future just as you would from temptation. Repose in me, believing in my goodness, and I promise you by my love that if you say “You take care of it” I will take care of it all; I will console you, liberate you and guide you.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)

Mother, I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you I always want to belong completely to Jesus.

Amen

For the entire audio 9-day version visit of Surrender to the Will of God Novena

To download a PDF version of this novena click HERE

(Thanks to www.Surrenderprayer.com)

The Ninth Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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“On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Nine Ladies Dancing …”
symbolizing the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Prayer: Holy Spirit abide in me, let my life be abundant with Your fruit that I may bring peace and love to a hurting world. I pray that during this season of excess that the greatest of all will be the harvest of Your fruits in my life, for without an abundant harvest of Your fruits, I have nothing to give. Amen.

Text gratefully found at
Via Rosa Rosaries, Devotional Chaplets, Rosary Beads, and Catholic Gifts
entitled A Christian meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas
Copyright © 2005-2006

The Eighth Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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“On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Eight Maids a Milking …”

who were the least of the servants in a home. They symbolize Christ’s love for the least of us, and His faithfulness to those who don’t deserve it. The eight maids stand for the Beatitudes or blessings listed in Matthew.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for standing by us when we least deserve it…we remember today that blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn, blessed are the meek, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the pure in heart, blessed are the peacemakers, blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake….let us open our lives to Your blessings! Amen.

Text gratefully found at
Via Rosa Rosaries, Devotional Chaplets, Rosary Beads, and Catholic Gifts
entitled A Christian meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas
Copyright © 2005-2006

Surrender Prayer Novena – Day 7 – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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I perform miracles in proportion to your full surrender to me and to your not thinking of yourselves. I sow treasure troves of graces when you are in the deepest poverty. No person of reason, no thinker, has ever perform miracles, not even among the saints. He does divine works whosoever surrenders to God. So don’t think about it anymore, because your mind is acute and for you it is very hard to see evil and to trust in me and to not think of yourself. Do this for all your needs, do this all of you and you will see great continual silent miracles. I will take care of things, I promise this to you.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)

Mother, I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you I always want to belong completely to Jesus.

Amen

For the entire audio 9-day version visit of Surrender to the Will of God Novena

To download a PDF version of this novena click HERE

(Thanks to www.Surrenderprayer.com)

Día 7 – Novena del Abandono a la Voluntad de Dios – Podcasts De Corazones Discernientes

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Novena del Abandono a la Voluntad de Dios – Día 7

Jesús Nos Dice

Yo obro milagros en proporción del pleno abandono en mí, y a la ausencia de preocupaciones vuestras. ¡Yo derramo tesoros de gracia cuando vosotros estáis en la plena pobreza! Si apreciáis vuestros recursos, por pocos que sean, o si los buscáis, os halláis en el campo natural de las cosas, que es a menudo frecuentemente obstaculizado por Satanás. Ningún razonador o ponderador ha hecho milagros, ni siquiera entre los santos: obra divinamente quien se abandona a Dios. Cuando veas que las cosas se complican, di con los ojos del alma cerrados: “Jesús, ocúpate Tú de ello”. Y distráete, apártate de ti porque tu mente es penetrante… y para ti es difícil ver el mal y tener confianza en mí. Haz así para con todas tus necesidades; obrad así todos y veréis grandes, continuos y silenciosos milagros. Os lo aseguro por mi amor. Y yo me ocuparé de ello, os lo aseguro.

O Jesús, yo me entrego a Ti, ¡ocúpate de todo! (Repítelo 10 veces)

Madre, soy tuyo ahora y siempre.
A través de ti y contigo siempre quiero pertenecer completamente a Jesús.
Amén

Para la versión completa en audio de 9 días de la Novena del Abandono a la Voluntad de Dios visite aquí

Esta Novena fue compuesta por el Padre Dolindo Ruotolo (1882-1970) un sacerdote de Nápoles, Italia, para ayudar a quienes la rezan a entender que el Señor quiere que confiemos en Él sin importar cuál sea nuestro problema. Solo podemos elevarnos a este nivel de confianza a través de la gracia de Dios y la ayuda del Espíritu Santo. Debemos dejar de lado nuestros problemas, dejar de preocuparnos y tratar de resolverlos nosotros mismos. Debemos creer, confiar y permitir que nuestro Señor nos rescate de nosotros mismos y suplir nuestros deseos, necesidades y resolver nuestros problemas como solo Él puede. “Jesús, cuídalo tú”, deben ser las primeras palabras que nos vienen a la mente y brotan de nuestros labios.

TM10 – A Heart Set on Holiness – St. Therese and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 10 – A Heart Set on Holiness – St. Thérèse and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor explore the final months of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her profound spiritual journey amidst extreme physical suffering. They delve into her ability to remain joyful and other-centered despite her struggles, as highlighted through the letters of her cousin Marie.

These letters vividly portray Thérèse’s perseverance in love, her humor even in the face of immense pain, and her heroic efforts to console those around her. This disposition exemplifies her “little way” of offering herself entirely to God, turning ordinary moments of suffering into extraordinary acts of love and faith.

St. Thérèse’s deeply selfless nature, as she consistently sought to lighten the burdens of her sisters and caregivers, demonstrates a heroic commitment to pleasing God and others through love.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Embracing Joy Amidst Suffering: How can you cultivate a joyful and other-centered disposition in moments of personal pain or hardship?
Living the “Little Way”: What small, ordinary acts of love and sacrifice can you offer to God in your daily life?
Strength in Community: How do your relationships reflect the love and support exemplified by St. Thérèse and her sisters in their Carmel community?
Responding to God’s Call: What steps can you take to faithfully respond to God’s invitation to holiness in your current circumstances?
Encouraging Holiness in Others: How can you inspire and support those around you to grow in their faith and spiritual life?
Offering Suffering for Others: In what ways can you offer your struggles for the spiritual benefit of others, as St. Thérèse did?
Trusting in God’s Grace: How does St. Thérèse’s unwavering trust in God challenge you to deepen your own reliance on His grace?
Leaving a Legacy of Love: What legacy of faith, love, and joy are you leaving for those who come after you?

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!

The Seventh Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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“On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Seven Swans A Swimming …”

representing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion or the seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, penance, Eucharist, marriage, anointing of the sick, and holy orders. This is a day of new beginning, seven is the number of finality and we finish the old year and begin anew this day.

Prayer: Lord, examine our hearts today, let us come to You as anew, pure as the snow of the season. Show us our conscience, help us take Your words to heart, and make a new beginning. Lord, let this season of birth be a new birth in me. Amen

Día 6 – Novena del Abandono a la Voluntad de Dios – Podcasts De Corazones Discernientes

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Novena del Abandono a la Voluntad de Dios – Día 6

Jesús Nos Dice

No descansáis nunca, queréis valorarlo todo, escudriñarlo todo, pensar en todo, y os abandonáis así a las fuerzas humanas, o peor, a los hombres, confiando en su intervención. Es esto lo que obstaculiza, impide mis palabras y mis cálculos. ¡Oh, como deseo vuestro abandono para beneficiaros!, ¡Y cuanto me aflijo al veros turbados! Satanás tiende precisamente a esto: a turbaros para apartaros de mi acción y arrojaros a la merced de las iniciativas humanas. Confiad por eso sólo en mí, reposad en mí, abandonaos a mí en todo.

O Jesús, yo me entrego a Ti, ¡ocúpate de todo! (Repítelo 10 veces)

Madre, soy tuyo ahora y siempre.
A través de ti y contigo siempre quiero pertenecer completamente a Jesús.
Amén

Para la versión completa en audio de 9 días de la Novena del Abandono a la Voluntad de Dios visite aquí