WOM17 – Mystical Experience and Consoling Prayer – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Mystical Experience and Consoling Prayer – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating

Deacon James Keating explains how God draws the heart toward himself through ordinary prayer and through growth out of serious sin. He describes “consoling prayer,” the simple joy and peace one begins to notice when turning to God—often after the hard early work of conversion, repentance, and regular prayer. Over time, prayer becomes something we desire rather than an obligation, and affection for God gently replaces past attachments to sin. God can unexpectedly visit us during ordinary moments of the day, stirring love for him outside of set prayer times. These moments are like spontaneous interior invitations that deepen closeness with Christ.

He also speaks of union through the sacraments—especially the Eucharist—where Christ is truly present even when affection is absent. Acting according to a well-formed conscience is itself another real union with Christ, because choosing the good unites us to the One who is Truth, even when doing so brings difficulty or misunderstanding in the culture. Ongoing purification, participation in parish life, and concrete practices such as confession, spiritual direction, works of mercy, and friendships rooted in Christ gradually reorder the heart. Conversion is a continual turning toward Christ in the Eucharist, letting him heal attachments to sin and make us new.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

When have I experienced prayer as something I genuinely look forward to rather than a duty?
In what areas of my life do I still seek comfort from old habits instead of turning to Christ?
How open am I to unexpected moments of prayer during my ordinary day?
What keeps me from approaching the Eucharist with a heart ready for inner change?
When choosing the good becomes costly, how do I remain faithful to conscience?
Which practices in my parish are truly helping my heart turn toward Christ?
What specific attachment to sin do I need to surrender to the Lord right now?

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

CLJ5 – A Cleaned Heart – Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Art of Waiting by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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CLJ5 – A Cleaned Heart – ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C.

An excerpt from Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Art of Waiting:

A Cleaned Heart

My dear Sisters, in the second week of Advent we have so rich a liturgy encompassing the great solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and rounding its weekly cycle off with the tender feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is enough to make one feel drunk with new wine just to think about all that is opening out before us in this week. We want to linger especially today on that great solemnity of our Immaculate Mother. It could be that this great solemnity which is meant to bring us so close to our Mother could really separate us from her if we did not enter profoundly into its meaning. She was immaculate; she was born without sin, and she lived without sin; and death could not hold her in the tomb because she was without sin and therefore the penalty of death had nothing to do with her.

And so, we could think, what does this have to do with me? I, who have a whole life of accumulation of sin and dreary faults committed again and again. What do we mean—in that prayer of the Church—that we should come with clean hearts to God? How can we ever come with a clean heart to God? Is this not something reserved to our Immaculate Mother? We just seem to get dirtier and dirtier all the time. How can this be a real prayer, a sincere prayer? It seems that no sooner have we got a little bit clean than we are soiled again; and Scripture itself could seem very depressing when it says the just man, the man in perfect holiness, falls seven times a day. We could sit back and say, “Oh, dear!”—and then we want to pray to come to God with a clean heart?

None of us would stand up and say, “Well, I None of us would stand up and say, “Well, I None of us would stand up and say, “Well, I am the just woman.” But even then I would fall seven times a day!

Francis P.C.C., Mother Mary. Come, Lord Jesus (p. 77-78). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.

Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C., (1921-2006) was for more than forty years the abbess of the Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Roswell, New Mexico. She became recognized as an authoritative voice for the renewal of religious life through her many books, including A Right to Be Merry, But I Have Called You Friends, and Anima Christi. To learn more about Mother Mary Francis and the Poor Clare Nuns of Roswell, NM visit their website at https://poorclares-roswell.org

Discerning Hearts is grateful to Cluny Media whose permission was obtained to record these audio selections from this published work.

Day 10: Faith in the Hidden Christ – From the writings of Caryll Houselander – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Caryll Houselander image used with permission from TRINITY ICONS

Day 10: Faith in the Hidden Christ

“This time of Advent is absolutely essential to our contemplation too. If we have truly given our humanity to be changed into Christ, it is essential to us that we do not disturb this time of growth. It is a time of darkness, of faith. We shall not see Christ’s radiance in our lives yet; it is still hidden in our darkness; nevertheless, we must believe that He is growing in our lives; we must believe it so firmly that we cannot help relating everything, literally everything, to this almost incredible reality. This attitude it is which makes every moment of every day and night a prayer”

Commentary: Caryll Houselander describes Advent as a time of unseen transformation—a season when Christ’s presence grows quietly within us, veiled in darkness and requiring deep faith. She likens this process to a hidden gestation, where Christ’s light is not yet visible but is growing nonetheless. In this waiting period, we are called to believe so firmly in His presence that it permeates every aspect of our lives, transforming each moment into a silent prayer. For Houselander, this unwavering faith in Christ’s hidden growth is essential to a life of contemplation, shaping us in preparation for His radiance to be revealed.

Personal Reflection: Reflect on the unseen ways Christ may be working in your life. How can you cultivate faith in His hidden presence, letting this trust transform each part of your day into a quiet prayer of expectation?

Houselander quote from: Caryll Houselander, The Reed of God, Sheed & Ward, 1944

For more reflections visit:
Caryll Houselander – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Image © Trinity Icons / Joseph M. Malham
Image used with permission
To purchase your own copy, visit Trinity Icons

Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Day 8 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Day 8

Mary, Mother of the Church, your apparitions at Tepeyac and the miraculous image you left fostered unity between Catholic conquerors and clergy and the millions of Aztec converts. Bring unity, Mother, to the various factions within the Church and the wider public so that all may work to establish a culture of life.

Our Father …

Hail Mary …

Glory be …

Please visit the Discerning Hearts Our Lady of Guadalupe page for the text and audio for the remaining days.

Day 11 – Guidance – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart:
Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening.

Week Two: Following the Voice of Christ

DAY 11 – Guidance

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it.”
Isaiah 30.21 RSV

Guidance is one of the most tender ways Christ speaks to the heart. He does not force. He does not overwhelm. He guides. He invites the soul to walk with Him, step by step, in a way that is personal, gentle, and full of peace.

Advent teaches us to expect this guidance. Christ came into the world quietly, through a path that surprised nearly everyone. God’s guidance often works the same way. It comes through small movements, quiet nudges, and interior clarity that grows over time. The discerning heart learns that guidance is rarely dramatic. It is steady and patient.

Guidance also requires cooperation. God does not reveal the entire path at once. He gives light for the next faithful step. He speaks through Scripture, through prayer, through the deep desires He awakens, and through the peace that settles when we move in harmony with His will.

To follow Christ is to trust that He knows the way even when we do not. Guidance is God’s continual gift to the listening heart.

Journey with the Saints –

St. Ignatius of Loyola

“It is characteristic of God and His angels, in their movements, to give true spiritual joy and consolation, taking away all sadness and disturbance.”
St. Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises, Rule 1 for Discernment

Ignatius teaches that God guides the heart by giving interior movements that help us recognize His presence. These movements are not merely emotions. They are spiritual signals that draw the soul toward greater faith, hope, and love. They reveal the path toward God.

For Ignatius, guidance is recognizable because it leads to freedom. When a thought, desire, or direction brings peace, clarity, humility, and renewed strength for charity, it can be a sign of the Lord’s gentle directing hand. When it brings agitation, fear, confusion, or discouragement, it is often not from Him.

Ignatius teaches us that God guides in a way that respects our humanity and works through it. He does not bypass the heart. He illuminates it. His guidance becomes recognizable as we grow in trust and in the habit of listening.

Reflection for the Listening Heart

Today invites you to pay attention to the small movements within you. Guidance is rarely found in loud moments. It is usually uncovered in the quiet pull toward good, the gentle desire to pray, the sudden clarity that brings peace, or the unexpected strength to do what is loving and right.

God guides through these subtle movements. He also guides through the desires He purifies, through the Scriptures that speak directly into your situation, and through the peace that surrounds a faithful decision.

Ask yourself: Where do I sense the Lord gently guiding me today. What small step is He giving light for.

A Simple Practice for Today

Take one quiet moment and pray, “Lord, show me the next faithful step.” Notice any movement toward peace or clarity. Later in the day, pause again and ask, “Lord, guide my thoughts, my choices, and my heart.” Let this openness allow His direction to surface.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are my Shepherd and my guide. Lead me in the way I should go. Open my heart to notice the gentle movements of Your Spirit and give me the courage to follow them. Teach me to trust the light You give for each step. Draw me along the path that brings me closer to You. Amen.

For more of the episodes of
An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor visit here

Citations for Day 11

Isaiah 30.21 RSV
St. Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises, Rule 1 for the Discernment of Spirits

AR#9 – The True Way of Love – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D.

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The impatient one, above all, desires to speed up time and to get what he wants, when he wants it. In this way, impatience is related to violence. Whereas patience takes suffering upon the self. The impatient one makes others suffer. The patient one suffers for the sake of others. This Advent, the one who suffered for our sake, will come and take on flesh; be born into our world and teach all of us the true way of love. It is not to be impatient, but to suffer for the sake of others. To suffer for the goodness of others. To suffer for what benefits others. Jesus, who lives within all Christians, moves the heart to this new kind of patience. Let us welcome it, and make choices that further the welfare of others.

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.

We highly recommend – The Eucharist and the Hope of Conversion with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Discerning Hearts Podcast

Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent – An Advent Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

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Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent – An Advent Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

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 of St. Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

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 said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

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 said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

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?

We thank you, Lord Jesus for this time with you.

Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God,

as we await the advent of Christ your Son,

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever

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.

DWG7 – Trusting God in Vocation Discernment – The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor talk about discerning one’s vocation, especially marriage. Fr. Gallagher notes that many already sense a natural orientation toward marriage, but still must prayerfully discover whom God is inviting them to marry. He describes practical growth in three areas—Christian formation, human maturity, and spiritual life—so a person becomes ready for a lifelong union. Because modern culture often wounds people, he suggests honest attention to emotional healing, communication skills, and a richer life of prayer (Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration, daily prayer, retreats). He discusses the challenges young adults face in dating today and encourages seeking wise Catholic sources, community, and companionship so that anxiety or cultural pressures do not isolate them during this search.

Fr. Gallagher then transitions to those who feel a pull both toward marriage and toward priesthood or religious life. Drawing on St. Ignatius, he introduces one of three “modes” in which God gives direction: a deep inner clarity that leaves no doubt, illustrated through biblical examples and contemporary stories of vocations discovered either suddenly or gradually, yet with lasting certainty. He reminds listeners that not everyone receives this kind of unmistakable certainty, and that Ignatius offers two additional modes for such discernment (to be discussed next time). God’s providence is active even during long, painful, or uncertain waiting, and that companionship, spiritual direction, and trusting prayer keep a person close to Christ through the process.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

How has my understanding of marriage or religious life been shaped by my faith rather than by cultural expectations?
In what areas of emotional or relational growth do I sense the Lord inviting healing before pursuing a vocation?
How consistent is my practice of prayer, sacraments, and spiritual reading as I seek clarity about my future?
What healthy steps am I taking to meet potential spouses or learn about religious life in a faithful and intentional way?
When anxiety or uncertainty rises in discernment, how do I bring those feelings to Jesus in prayer?
Which people—friends, mentors, or spiritual directors—might walk with me so that I do not journey alone?
Can I recognize moments of God’s providence during waiting, even when the outcome is not yet visible?

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

Día 7 – Novena a la Virgen de Guadalupe – Podcasts De Corazones Discernidores

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Novena a la Virgen de Guadalupe

En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo. Amén.

“Señor mío, Jesucristo, Dios y Hombre verdadero, creador y redentor mío, por ser vos quien sois, y porque os amo sobre todas las cosas, me pesa de todo corazón haberos ofendido.

Propongo enmendarme y confesarme a su tiempo y ofrezco cuanto hiciere en satisfacción de mis pecados, y confío por vuestra bondad y misericordia infinita, que me perdonaréis y me daréis gracia para nunca más pecar. Así lo espero por intercesión de mi Madre, nuestra Señora la Virgen de Guadalupe. Amén”.

Séptimo día

¡Oh Santísima Virgen María de Guadalupe! Nada, nada veo en perfecciones de que te dotó el Señor a tu alma inocentísima. Ese lienzo grosero y despreciable; ese pobre pero feliz ayate en que se ve estampada tu singular belleza, dan claro a conocer la profundísima humildad que le sirvió de cabeza y fundamento a tu asombrosa santidad.

No te desdeñaste de tomar la pobre tilma de Juan Diego, para que en ella estampase tu rostro, que es encanto de los ángeles, maravilla de los hombres y admiración de todo el universo. Pues, ¿cómo no he de esperar yo de tu benignidad, que la miseria y pobreza de mi alma no sean embarazo para que estampes en ella tu imagen graciosísima?

Yo te ofrezco las telas de mi corazón. Tómalo, Señora, en tus manos y no lo dejes jamás, pues mi deseo es que no se emplee en otra cosa que en amarte y amar a Dios. Amén.

Padre Nuestro
Padre nuestro, que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu nombre, venga a nosotros tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día, perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en la tentación, y líbranos del mal. Amén

Ave Maria
Dios te Salve, María, llena eres de gracia, el Señor está contigo. Bendita tú eres entre todas las mujeres y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre, Jesús. Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros pecadores, ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte. Amén

Gloria
Gloria al Padre y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo. Como era en el principio ahora y siempre, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros. Amén

En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo. Amén

Para consultar la novena completa, visite:
Novena A La Virgen De Guadalupe – Podcasts De Corazones Discernidores

Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Day 7 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Day 7

Mystical Rose, your miraculous signs of Castilian roses in winter and your image on the tilma of Juan Diego led to the conversion of eight million Aztec people to Catholicism in just seven years. Mary, Mother of the Americas, intercede again for your children in the Americas, and convert the hearts of all who deny the sanctity of every human life.

Our Father …

Hail Mary …

Glory be …

Mystical Experience and Consoling Prayer – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

CLJ5 – A Cleaned Heart – ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C.

An excerpt from Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Art of Waiting:

A Cleaned Heart

For more reflections visit: Caryll Houselander – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Day 8

Please visit the Discerning Hearts Our Lady of Guadalupe page for the text and audio for the remaining days.

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening.

Week Two: Following the Voice of Christ

DAY 11 – Guidance

Journey with the Saints –

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Reflection for the Listening Heart

A Simple Practice for Today

Prayer

For more of the episodes of An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor visit here

Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent – An Advent Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

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

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Novena a la Virgen de Guadalupe

Séptimo día

Para consultar la novena completa, visite: Novena A La Virgen De Guadalupe – Podcasts De Corazones Discernidores

Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Day 7

Please visit the Discerning Hearts Our Lady of Guadalupe page for the text and audio for the remaining days.

For more reflections visit:
Caryll Houselander – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart:
Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening.

For more of the episodes of
An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor visit here

Para consultar la novena completa, visite:
Novena A La Virgen De Guadalupe – Podcasts De Corazones Discernidores