Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts Archives

IP#320 Fr. Wade Menezes C.F.M. – The Four Last Things on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

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Fr. Wade Menezes C.F.M. – The Four Last Things on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Wade Menezes explains why Catholics need to recover clear teaching on the four last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. These truths belong together and help us understand the full Christian message. God desires souls to go straight to heaven by living lives of repentance, charity, and faithful discipleship. The Church’s view that death in Christ has a positive meaning, completing our union with him begun at baptism.

A “holy and happy death” includes dying in a state of grace and receiving the Church’s final rites whenever possible. Fr. Menezes’s book offers a simple spiritual plan: monthly confession, Sunday Mass, daily prayer, fasting, an examen, and the use of sacramentals. These practices help overcome distractions and heal old wounds, allowing us to live with renewed hope for heaven.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How often do I honestly think about death, judgment, heaven, and hell, and what changes when I do?
Am I living in a way that prepares me to die in a state of grace today, not someday?
What “dented fenders” of past sins still need repair through acts of charity, prayer, or penance?
Do I avoid certain teachings of the faith because they make me uncomfortable, and why?
How might I incorporate monthly confession or a daily examen into my spiritual routine?
What distractions most often pull me away from pursuing holiness?
Are there wounds from my past that still need healing so I can follow Christ more freely?
How can I better use sacramentals, Scripture, or the lives of the saints to form my spiritual life?
In what ways am I helping loved ones grow in their awareness of eternal realities?
What concrete step can I take this week to move toward a deeper hope for heaven?

You can find the book here

About the Book

Few things in this earthly life are absolutely certain, but the most undebatable of these is death. Every person, even the atheist, will admit that death is certain. Death, however, is not the last event in this life of ours. Immediately after death, we shall be judged and then again on the Day of Judgment when all humanity will know us for what we are.

Too often the reality of Heaven and salvation are highlighted at the expense of the Church’s teachings on Death, Judgment, Purgatory, and Hell. Yet, these important doctrines of the Church hold the truths of salvation — truths that can lead us to Heaven or can pull us away from it.

In these pages, Fr. Wade Menezes, EWTN television host and Assistant General of the Fathers of Mercy, shows us that God has not called us to His wrath, but to salvation. He shows us that Heaven and Hell, salvation and damnation, eternal life and eternal punishment are all complementary doctrines. They need each other to be complete and we must understand the Church’s teachings on all of these doctrines in order to have a balanced view of the world.

Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell these are the Four Last Things toward which we are moving each hour of the day and night. Read this book, and you’ll have a firm grasp of one of the most important doctrines of Holy Mother Church that holds the truths of Heaven and our own salvation.

About the Author

Fr. Wade L. J. Menezes, CPM is a member of the Fathers of Mercy, a missionary preaching Religious Congregation based in Auburn, Kentucky. Ordained a priest during the Great Jubilee Year 2000, he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Catholic Thought from the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Toronto, Canada and his dual Master of Arts and Master of Divinity Degrees in Theology from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut.

Thursday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Thursday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. Luke 19:41-44

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem and came in sight of the city he shed tears over it and said, ‘If you in your turn had only understood on this day the message of peace! But, alas, it is hidden from your eyes! Yes, a time is coming when your enemies will raise fortifications all round you, when they will encircle you and hem you in on every side; they will dash you and the children inside your walls to the ground; they will leave not one stone standing on another within you – and all because you did not recognise your opportunity when God offered it!’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem and came in sight of the city he shed tears over it and said, ‘If you in your turn had only understood on this day the message of peace! But, alas, it is hidden from your eyes! Yes, a time is coming when your enemies will raise fortifications all round you, when they will encircle you and hem you in on every side; they will dash you and the children inside your walls to the ground; they will leave not one stone standing on another within you – and all because you did not recognise your opportunity when God offered it!’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem and came in sight of the city he shed tears over it and said, ‘If you in your turn had only understood on this day the message of peace! But, alas, it is hidden from your eyes! Yes, a time is coming when your enemies will raise fortifications all round you, when they will encircle you and hem you in on every side; they will dash you and the children inside your walls to the ground; they will leave not one stone standing on another within you – and all because you did not recognise your opportunity when God offered it!’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

VEC4 – Simon the Magician – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 4 – Simon the Magician – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore the figure of Simon Magus, the sorcerer who appears in the Acts of the Apostles. Simon admired the dramatic manifestations of the Holy Spirit in Samaria and tried to purchase this divine power, an act that gave rise to the term simony. Though he briefly repented after Peter rebuked him, traditions recount that Simon later traveled to Rome, crafted a counterfeit version of Christian teaching, and attached himself to wealthy believers for status and profit. His blend of spectacle, flattery, and religious language made him dangerous, and the Fathers portray him as someone driven by vanity rather than authentic conversion.

Simon the Magician is a cautionary example for the Church today. Spiritual showmanship can mask corruption, whether through money, popularity, or public influence. Instead of seeking attention—whether on a grand stage or through modern media—the Christian pattern is shown in Peter, who went to Rome to counter Simon and remained faithful without concern for numbers or acclaim. God allowed Simon’s schemes to draw Peter to Rome, turning disorder into a path for the Church’s future. In contrast to Simon, whose story ends in failure and obscurity, Peter’s fidelity endures, underscoring the call to trust God, remain steady in one’s vocation, and resist the temptations of self-promotion.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does Simon Magus’ attempt to buy spiritual power challenge my own attitude toward God’s gifts and the motives behind my discipleship?
In what ways do I risk trading authenticity for attention, praise, or comfort in my spiritual life or ministry?
Where might I be drawn toward “spiritual showmanship” rather than quiet fidelity like St. Peter?
How do I respond when confronted with teachings or personalities that appear dazzling but lack true apostolic grounding?
What fears—such as fear of losing influence, relevance, or approval—tempt me to compromise my witness to Christ?
How can I deepen my trust in God’s ability to bring good even from confusion, conflict, or spiritual counterfeits?
Where is my heart most vulnerable to pride, and how is God inviting me to humility today?
How do I discern whether my spiritual practices lead me closer to God or subtly feed self-focus?
When have I seen God use a difficult or deceptive situation to strengthen my faith or clarify my mission?
What concrete step can I take this week to imitate Peter’s steady, faithful service rather than Simon’s hunger for attention?

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.”

Aquilina, Mike. Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians (Kindle Locations 528). Emmaus Road Publishing. Kindle Edition.

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

**For more episodes in the Villians of the Early Church podcast visit here – Villains of the Early Church – Discerning Hearts Podcast**

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

Wednesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Wednesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to Luke 19:11-28

While the people were listening, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and they imagined that the kingdom of God was going to show itself then and there. Accordingly he said, ‘A man of noble birth went to a distant country to be appointed king and afterwards return. He summoned ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds. “Do business with these” he told them “until I get back.” But his compatriots detested him and sent a delegation to follow him with this message, “We do not want this man to be our king.”

‘Now on his return, having received his appointment as king, he sent for those servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what profit each had made. The first came in and said, “Sir, your one pound has brought in ten.” “Well done, my good servant!” he replied “Since you have proved yourself faithful in a very small thing, you shall have the government of ten cities.” Then came the second and said, “Sir, your one pound has made five.” To this one also he said, “And you shall be in charge of five cities.” Next came the other and said, “Sir, here is your pound. I put it away safely in a piece of linen because I was afraid of you; for you are an exacting man: you pick up what you have not put down and reap what you have not sown.” “You wicked servant!” he said “Out of your own mouth I condemn you. So you knew I was an exacting man, picking up what I have not put down and reaping what I have not sown? Then why did you not put my money in the bank? On my return I could have drawn it out with interest.” And he said to those standing by, “Take the pound from him and give it to the man who has ten pounds.” And they said to him, “But, sir, he has ten pounds…”. “I tell you, to everyone who has will be given more; but from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

‘“But as for my enemies who did not want me for their king, bring them here and execute them in my presence.”’
When he had said this he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

While the people were listening, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and they imagined that the kingdom of God was going to show itself then and there. Accordingly he said, ‘A man of noble birth went to a distant country to be appointed king and afterwards return. He summoned ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds. “Do business with these” he told them “until I get back.” But his compatriots detested him and sent a delegation to follow him with this message, “We do not want this man to be our king.”

‘Now on his return, having received his appointment as king, he sent for those servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what profit each had made. The first came in and said, “Sir, your one pound has brought in ten.” “Well done, my good servant!” he replied “Since you have proved yourself faithful in a very small thing, you shall have the government of ten cities.” Then came the second and said, “Sir, your one pound has made five.” To this one also he said, “And you shall be in charge of five cities.” Next came the other and said, “Sir, here is your pound. I put it away safely in a piece of linen because I was afraid of you; for you are an exacting man: you pick up what you have not put down and reap what you have not sown.” “You wicked servant!” he said “Out of your own mouth I condemn you. So you knew I was an exacting man, picking up what I have not put down and reaping what I have not sown? Then why did you not put my money in the bank? On my return I could have drawn it out with interest.” And he said to those standing by, “Take the pound from him and give it to the man who has ten pounds.” And they said to him, “But, sir, he has ten pounds…”. “I tell you, to everyone who has will be given more; but from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

‘“But as for my enemies who did not want me for their king, bring them here and execute them in my presence.”’
When he had said this he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

While the people were listening, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and they imagined that the kingdom of God was going to show itself then and there. Accordingly he said, ‘A man of noble birth went to a distant country to be appointed king and afterwards return. He summoned ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds. “Do business with these” he told them “until I get back.” But his compatriots detested him and sent a delegation to follow him with this message, “We do not want this man to be our king.”

‘Now on his return, having received his appointment as king, he sent for those servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what profit each had made. The first came in and said, “Sir, your one pound has brought in ten.” “Well done, my good servant!” he replied “Since you have proved yourself faithful in a very small thing, you shall have the government of ten cities.” Then came the second and said, “Sir, your one pound has made five.” To this one also he said, “And you shall be in charge of five cities.” Next came the other and said, “Sir, here is your pound. I put it away safely in a piece of linen because I was afraid of you; for you are an exacting man: you pick up what you have not put down and reap what you have not sown.” “You wicked servant!” he said “Out of your own mouth I condemn you. So you knew I was an exacting man, picking up what I have not put down and reaping what I have not sown? Then why did you not put my money in the bank? On my return I could have drawn it out with interest.” And he said to those standing by, “Take the pound from him and give it to the man who has ten pounds.” And they said to him, “But, sir, he has ten pounds…”. “I tell you, to everyone who has will be given more; but from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

‘“But as for my enemies who did not want me for their king, bring them here and execute them in my presence.”’
When he had said this he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

WOM14 – Transformation – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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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 Church in matters of doctrine and the personal failures of individual bishops and priests. Some people use these failures as a pretext to disregard Church teaching and remain entrenched in their own patterns of sin. It frames this dynamic as a moment when confusion and resentment can open the door to deeper spiritual distortion, leading people to disconnect from the very spiritual authority meant to help them heal.

The Eucharist is the privileged place where Christ reshapes the mind and heart. Mass—especially the silence after receiving Communion—becomes a space to bring doubts, disagreements, and personal wounds before Christ, allowing Him to purify motivations and lead one into clearer moral understanding. Even those in grave sin, who cannot receive sacramental Communion, still receive graces simply by remaining present at Mass, praying honestly, and remaining within the community rather than isolating themselves. Christ always offers Himself, always calls people toward conversion, and that authentic love sometimes includes hearing difficult truths about one’s life.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How do I respond interiorly when I witness failures in Church leadership, and do those reactions draw me closer to Christ or farther from Him?
In what ways might I use the sins of others—especially clergy—as a shield to avoid confronting my own need for conversion?
Do I bring my doubts or disagreements with Church teaching honestly before Christ in prayer, especially after receiving or attending the Eucharist?
What self-interests, fears, or wounds might influence my resistance to particular moral teachings?
How consistently do I remain within the worshiping community even when I feel unworthy, embarrassed, or spiritually conflicted?
When I refrain from Communion because of grave sin, do I still approach Mass as a place where Christ seeks to heal and guide me?
Do I listen attentively to preaching—especially difficult preaching—as a possible act of Christ’s love for my soul?
How aware am I of the real impact my freely chosen actions have on my relationship with Jesus and others?
What areas of my life need deeper repentance before I can authentically celebrate Communion with Christ?
How might I allow Christ to purify my motives so that my desire for truth becomes stronger than my attachment to comfort or personal preference?

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

Tuesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Tuesday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to Luke 19:1-10

Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance: he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man. He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. They all complained when they saw what was happening. ‘He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house’ they said. But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, ‘Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance: he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man. He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. They all complained when they saw what was happening. ‘He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house’ they said. But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, ‘Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance: he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man. He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. They all complained when they saw what was happening. ‘He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house’ they said. But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, ‘Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

DWG4 – Deepening Spiritual Foundations – The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Deepening Spiritual Foundations – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher explains how a person grows ready to recognize God’s direction in meaningful life choices. Once someone knows they are profoundly loved by God, a new interior posture can form—one that mirrors Mary’s “let it be done unto me.” Fr. Gallagher shows that this readiness is ultimately a grace rather than an achievement of sheer effort. He describes how confession, healing from sin, and even addressing emotional wounds can open the heart, remove inner barriers, and create room for freedom. He also highlights stories of individuals who discovered this freedom through forgiveness, reconciliation, and the experience of being cherished by Christ even in their weaknesses. No past mistake can ever block God’s ability to bring about a greater good in one’s life.

He then turns to the concrete spiritual practices that nurture this receptive posture. At the center is the Eucharist—daily Mass, time before the tabernacle, and quiet moments in adoration—which draw the soul close to Christ, the true light for any crossroads. Fr. Gallagher notes that many who undergo significant discernment naturally find themselves spending more time before the Blessed Sacrament, where their prayers gradually shift from anxious requests for answers to a peaceful willingness to follow God’s direction.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

When have I most clearly experienced God’s personal love for me, and how might that shape my readiness to receive His direction?
What areas of my life still need healing—spiritual or emotional—so that I can stand before God with greater freedom?
How open am I right now to saying, with sincerity, “Let it be done according to Your will”?
Are there past decisions or failures I still fear have closed off God’s plan, and how does His mercy invite me to see these differently?
How regularly do I seek the grace of the sacraments, especially confession, as part of my discernment?
What role does the Eucharist currently play in my efforts to understand God’s direction for my life?
When I pray, do I find myself clinging to my preferred outcome, or am I allowing God to form a more trusting posture within me?
Who has God placed in my life—pastors, spiritual friends, directors—who can support me in recognizing His voice?
What patterns of prayer, silence, or Scripture reading might I adopt to make my heart more attentive to God?
Where do I sense God gradually transforming my concerns into a deeper trust in His guidance?

From The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions:

“Three Times in which a Sound and Good Choice May Be Made

The first time is when God Our Lord so moves and attracts the will that, without doubting or being able to doubt, the devout soul follows what is shown to it, as St. Paul and St. Matthew did in following Christ our Lord.

The second time is when sufficient clarity and understanding is received through experience of consolations and desolations, and through experience of discernment of different spirits.

The third time is one of tranquility, when one considers first for what purpose man is born, that is, to praise God our Lord and save his soul, and, desiring this, chooses as a means to this end some life or state within the bounds of the Church, so that he may be helped in the service of his Lord and the salvation of his soul. I said a tranquil time, that is, when the soul is not agitated by different spirits, and uses its natural powers freely and tranquilly.

If the choice is not made in the first or second time, two ways of making it in this third time are given below.”

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

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

Monday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Monday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. Luke 18:35-43

As Jesus drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. When he heard the crowd going past he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.’ The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God for what had happened.

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

As Jesus drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. When he heard the crowd going past he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.’ The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God for what had happened.

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

As Jesus drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. When he heard the crowd going past he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.’ The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God for what had happened.

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

Trusting Jesus in an Age of Fear – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Trusting Jesus in an Age of Fear – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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. Scripture speaks plainly about upheaval, persecution, natural disasters, and global conflict, yet Christ assures His followers that this world is not the final destination. Those who face violence or loss for Christ bear witness to a life that cannot be destroyed, because their destiny is anchored in the Resurrection. He recounts examples from history and from contemporary persecution to illustrate that the death of the body is not the death of one’s true life in God.

In the second part of the discussion, he highlights St. Paul’s teaching to the Thessalonians: the proper way to prepare for the world’s end is not through predictions or fear but through faithful, ordinary daily work. Just as Jesus lived quietly in Nazareth for most of His earthly life, and Paul labored as a tentmaker, Christians are called to fulfill their daily duties with integrity. The passing nature of earthly possessions, status, and comfort becomes clear in the face of mortality, and the only lasting tragedy is to miss the path to holiness. Perseverance in one’s vocation—united to Christ’s suffering, death, and rising—is the steady way to live in readiness for whatever comes, whether global upheaval or the moment of personal death.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does remembering that this world will pass change the way I approach suffering, conflict, or fear in my life?
In what ways am I living as though this world is my final home rather than preparing my heart for eternal life?
How do the stories of persecuted Christians around the world invite me to examine my own witness to Christ?
What daily responsibilities or ordinary tasks might God be calling me to carry out with greater faithfulness and love?
Where am I tempted to seek security in possessions or status instead of trusting in Christ’s risen life?
How does the promise that “not a hair of your head will be destroyed” deepen my confidence in God’s care?
What fears about the future or the “end times” do I need to bring honestly to prayer?
How might God be inviting me to persevere more patiently through trials or uncertainty?
When confronted with sudden loss, tragedy, or global disasters, how can I root my response in Christ’s victory over death?
What concrete steps can I take this week to grow in holiness and live more fully “with, in, and through” Jesus?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.

From the Revelations of Divine Peace – St. Gertrude the Great from the Office of Readings – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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From the Revelations of Divine Peace of St Gertrude

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May my soul bless you, O Lord God my Creator, may my soul bless you. From the very core of my being may all your merciful gifts sing your praise. Your generous care for your daughter has been rich in mercy; indeed it has been immeasurable, and as far as I am able I give you thanks. I praise and glorify your great patience which bore with me even though, from my infancy and childhood, youth and early womanhood, until I was nearly twenty-six, I was always so blindly irresponsible. Looking back I see that but for your protecting hand I would have been quite without conscience in thought, word or deed. But you came to my aid by giving me a natural dislike of evil and a natural delight in what is good, and provided me with necessary correction from those among whom I lived. Otherwise I should now have to admit to doing my own will whenever the opportunity offered itself, living like some pagan in a pagan society, and never understanding that you, my God, reward good deeds while punishing evil. Yet you had chosen me to be specially trained to serve you. I was a child of five when I began to live in a convent surrounded by your most devoted friends.

`To make amends for the way I previously lived, I offer you, most loving Father, all the sufferings of your beloved Son, from that first infant cry as he lay on the hay in the manger, until that final moment when, bowing his head, with a mighty voice, Christ gave up his spirit. I think, as I make this offering, of all that he underwent, his needs as a baby, his dependence as a young child, the hardships of youth and the trials of early manhood.

  To atone for all my neglect I offer, most loving Father, all that your only begotten Son did during his life, whether in thought, word or deed. That sacred life was, I know, utterly perfect in all respects, from the moment he descended from your heavenly throne and came into this world, until finally he presented the glory of his victorious human nature to you, his Father.

  And now, as an act of thanksgiving, I praise and worship you, Father, in deepest humility for your most loving kindness and mercy. Though I was hurrying to my eternal loss, your thoughts of me were thoughts of peace and not of affliction, and you lifted me up with so many great favours. To these you added the inestimable gift of your intimate friendship, and in various ways allowed me to possess your Son’s own heart, that most noble ark of God united with the Godhead. You refused me no delight that could be mine.

  Finally, you drew me to yourself by your faithful promises of the good things you would give me from the hour of my death. So great are these promises that for their sake alone, even if you had given me nothing besides, my heart would sigh for you always and be filled with a lively hope.