Temptation and Spiritual Warfare – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Temptation and Spiritual Warfare – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love, Monsignor John Esseff reflects on the Epistle of St. James and every Christian’s daily spiritual battle. He explores the nature of temptation, emphasizing that it is the ordinary way Satan works in our lives, luring us according to our weaknesses. Monsignor Esseff stresses the importance of recognizing our tendencies toward sin—whether pride, self-reliance, jealousy, fear, or lust—and surrendering them completely to God. He reminds us that even great saints like St. Peter and St. Paul struggled with temptation but overcame it through total reliance on Christ. This episode is a powerful call to vigilance, prayer, and dependence on God’s grace to withstand temptation.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

What are the primary temptations you struggle with in your daily life? How have you seen patterns of sin or weakness develop over time?
St. James teaches that God does not tempt us but allows trials for our growth. How can you view your temptations as opportunities to deepen your reliance on Christ?
Monsignor Esseff discusses how Satan studies each of us to exploit our weaknesses. How can you be more vigilant in recognizing and resisting these attacks?
The Lord’s Prayer asks, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” How can praying this with sincerity change your approach to spiritual warfare?
Self-reliance is a major obstacle in the spiritual life. In what ways do you try to handle struggles on your own instead of surrendering them to God?
What spiritual practices—such as prayer, fasting, or the sacraments—help you guard against temptation? Are there areas where you need to strengthen your defenses?
Temptation is not a sin, but giving in to it leads us away from God. How can you distinguish between being tempted and willfully choosing sin?
Many people struggle with shame from past sins, like the priest Monsignor mentioned who experienced childhood humiliation. How can God heal past wounds that may still influence your choices today?
The devil wants to isolate us in our struggles, but God calls us to community. How can seeking guidance from a spiritual director, priest, or trusted friend help you overcome temptations?
St. Paul said, “What I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate, I do” (Romans 7:15). How does this struggle resonate with you, and how can you invite God’s grace to transform your heart?

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 worldwide. 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 St. Pope 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, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders worldwide.

PoC-5 1st Sunday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation

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The Cross of Christ Teaches Us. . . Our Mission

The-Cross Steps to Take as You Follow Christ

Ask—What temptations do I find it hardest to resist? How might this reveal God’s intended purpose for you?

Seek—Reject sin. Learn to see in your temptations a perversion of God’s plan for you. Try to discern what it is that God might be calling you to do by looking at the areas of your life where you are most tempted.

Knock—Meditate on Numbers 22:32-33

And the angel of the Lord said to him, ‘Why did you beat your donkey three times like that? I myself had come to bar your way; while I am here, your road is blocked. The donkey saw me and turned aside from me three times. You are lucky she did turn aside, or I should have killed you by now, though I would have spared her. ‘Balaam answered the angel of Yahweh, ‘I have sinned. I did not know you were standing in my path. However, if you are angry with me, I will go back.’ The angel of Yahweh answered Balaam, ‘Go with these men, but only say what I tell you to say.’ So Balaam went with the chiefs sent by Balak.

How does Balaam’s donkey differ from the prophet with respect to discerning the path God wanted them to take? Are you more like the donkey or the prophet?

Transform Your Life—Sometimes we live as though God does not see us, yet we know that God is always present, whether or not we acknowledge him. Look over your life and try to see where God has revealed himself at various moments in your life. Then move confidently into the future, assured of God’s providential care for you.

The author of The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ in Your Life, Michael Dubriuel, passed away in 2009. His wife, author Amy Welborn, has made his book available as a free e-book! We HIGHLY encourage you to download this exceptional work.

The Power of the Cross is now available as a free e-book,
check out more information by going here

Check out more at the Discerning Hearts’ Michael Dubruiel page

Day 5: Into the Wilderness – “Temptation and Proclamation” – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Day 5: Into the Wilderness – “Temptation and Proclamation”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Mark 1:12-15
“The Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness and He remained there for forty days, and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and the angels looked after Him. After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There He proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come,’ He said, ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’”

Reflection:

Today, we follow Jesus into the wilderness—a place of solitude, trial, and preparation. The Spirit drives Him there, not as a punishment, but as a necessary step in His mission. In the wilderness, Jesus confronts temptation directly, with Satan himself attempting to divert Him from His path. Yet, even in this desolate place, Jesus is not alone. Angels minister to Him, and God’s presence sustains Him.

The wilderness is a powerful image for our spiritual lives. It represents those times when we feel stripped of comfort, faced with our weaknesses, and confronted by the enemy. Yet, as we see in Jesus, the wilderness is also a place of profound encounter with God. In the silence and the struggle, we are invited to rely not on our own strength, but on His.

Jesus’ victory over temptation in the wilderness reveals that God is always greater than the trials we face. Each time Satan tempts Him, Jesus responds with the truth of God’s Word. This is a reminder for us: when we feel spiritually attacked or overwhelmed by temptation, we are not powerless. We have the Word of God, the sacraments, and the presence of Christ to sustain us.

Consider how Jesus begins His public ministry immediately after leaving the wilderness. Having faced the trials, He is prepared to proclaim the Good News: “The time has come, and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.” His call is not only to turn away from sin but to turn toward something infinitely greater—God’s kingdom and the life of grace.

As we reflect on this passage, let us also examine the wilderness moments in our own lives. Where do we feel tempted to give up, to doubt, or to turn away from God? How can these moments become opportunities for deeper trust and reliance on Him? The wilderness is not meant to destroy us; it is meant to prepare us for mission, to sharpen our awareness of God’s presence, and to strengthen us for the journey ahead.

St. John Chrysostom teaches: “Do not fear the wilderness, for it is there that God speaks most clearly to the heart.”In the silence and struggle, we are refined, and like Jesus, we emerge ready to proclaim His love to the world.

The Desert Fathers often spoke of the importance of perseverance in trials. Abba Macarius once said: “If you wish to be saved, do not go out of your cell, but sit there and the cell will teach you everything.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Macarius 24) His wisdom reminds us that just as Jesus stayed in the wilderness to face temptation, we too must not run from our spiritual battles. Instead, we must remain rooted in prayer, allowing God to form us in patience, endurance, and trust.

Take a moment now to sit quietly and imagine yourself in the wilderness with Jesus. What temptations are you facing? What fears or struggles do you need to surrender to God? Ask for His strength to persevere, for His grace to resist the enemy, and for His love to fill every corner of your heart. The wilderness may feel desolate, but it is also holy ground, where God meets us and transforms us.

Reflection Questions:

What are the “wilderness” moments in your life right now, and how is God inviting you to trust Him in them?
How can you draw strength from Jesus’ example of resisting temptation through God’s Word?
What does it mean for you to repent and believe the Good News in a deeper way during this Lenten journey?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You entered the wilderness and faced temptation, yet You remained faithful to the Father. Help us to follow Your example in our own struggles. When we feel weak, remind us of Your strength. When we feel alone, remind us of Your presence. Lead us through the wilderness of our lives and prepare our hearts to proclaim Your kingdom with courage and joy. Amen.

This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent.

1st Sunday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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1st Sunday of Lent – 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 of Luke 4:1-13

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit through the wilderness, being tempted there by the devil for forty days. During that time he ate nothing and at the end he was hungry. Then the devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to turn into a loaf.’ But Jesus replied, ‘Scripture says: Man does not live on bread alone.’
Then leading him to a height, the devil showed him in a moment of time all the kingdoms of the world and said to him, ‘I will give you all this power and the glory of these kingdoms, for it has been committed to me and I give it to anyone I choose. Worship me, then, and it shall all be yours.’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Scripture says:
You must worship the Lord your God,
and serve him alone.’
Then he led him to Jerusalem and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said to him ‘throw yourself down from here, for scripture says:
He will put his angels in charge of you
to guard you,
and again:
They will hold you up on their hands
in case you hurt your foot against a stone.’
But Jesus answered him, ‘It has been said:
You must not put the Lord your God to the test.’
Having exhausted all these ways of tempting him, the devil left him, to return at the appointed time.

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:

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit through the wilderness, being tempted there by the devil for forty days. During that time he ate nothing and at the end he was hungry. Then the devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to turn into a loaf.’ But Jesus replied, ‘Scripture says: Man does not live on bread alone.’
Then leading him to a height, the devil showed him in a moment of time all the kingdoms of the world and said to him, ‘I will give you all this power and the glory of these kingdoms, for it has been committed to me and I give it to anyone I choose. Worship me, then, and it shall all be yours.’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Scripture says:
You must worship the Lord your God,
and serve him alone.’
Then he led him to Jerusalem and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said to him ‘throw yourself down from here, for scripture says:
He will put his angels in charge of you
to guard you,
and again:
They will hold you up on their hands
in case you hurt your foot against a stone.’
But Jesus answered him, ‘It has been said:
You must not put the Lord your God to the test.’
Having exhausted all these ways of tempting him, the devil left him, to return at the appointed time.

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:

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit through the wilderness, being tempted there by the devil for forty days. During that time he ate nothing and at the end he was hungry. Then the devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to turn into a loaf.’ But Jesus replied, ‘Scripture says: Man does not live on bread alone.’
Then leading him to a height, the devil showed him in a moment of time all the kingdoms of the world and said to him, ‘I will give you all this power and the glory of these kingdoms, for it has been committed to me and I give it to anyone I choose. Worship me, then, and it shall all be yours.’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Scripture says:
You must worship the Lord your God,
and serve him alone.’
Then he led him to Jerusalem and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said to him ‘throw yourself down from here, for scripture says:
He will put his angels in charge of you
to guard you,
and again:
They will hold you up on their hands
in case you hurt your foot against a stone.’
But Jesus answered him, ‘It has been said:
You must not put the Lord your God to the test.’
Having exhausted all these ways of tempting him, the devil left him, to return at the appointed time.

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.

PoC-4 Saturday after Ash Wednesday: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation

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Saturday after Ash Wednesday

A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

Steps to Take as You Follow Christ sf_deathdefeated_03

Ask—How does viewing Jesus as my savior from death help me to face head-on the deaths of loved ones and even my own death?

Seek—Fast from passing judgment on anyone today. Realize in this little dying to yourself you are opening yourself to see others as God sees them.

Knock—Meditate on Revelation 1:17-18

When I saw him, I fell in a dead faint at his feet, but he touched me with his right hand and said, ‘Do not be afraid; it is I, the First and the Last; I am the Living One, I was dead and now I am to live for ever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and of the underworld.

Imagine Jesus touching you with his right hand and lifting you up from your death. What other areas of your life are dominated by death rather than the life of Christ Ask Our Lord to free you from all death.

Transform Your Life—Do not shy away from death. Attend the funerals of loved ones and use the experience to engage your faith in Christ. Pray for others, ask the saints to pray for you, seeing in them living examples of the promise of Christ to save us from death.

The author of The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ in Your Life, Michael Dubriuel, passed away in 2009. His wife, author Amy Welborn, has made his book available as a free e-book 61189_profile_pic1-213x300 ! We HIGHLY encourage you to download this exceptional work.

The Power of the Cross is now available as a free e-book,
check out more information by going here

Check out more at the Discerning Hearts’ Michael Dubruiel page

Day 4: “Follow Me” – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Day 4: “Follow Me“

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Luke 5:27-32
“When Jesus went out, He noticed a tax collector called Levi sitting by the customs house, and He said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything, he got up and followed Him. In his house, Levi held a great reception for Jesus, and with them at table was a large gathering of tax collectors and others. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to His disciples and said, ‘Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered them, ‘It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.’”

Reflection:

Today, Jesus speaks those simple yet life-changing words to Levi: “Follow me.” And with no hesitation, Levi leaves everything behind—his job, his income, his old life—and follows Jesus.

This moment is at the heart of Lent. Every day, Jesus speaks these same words to us: “Follow me.” And like Levi, we are invited to let go of what holds us back—our attachments, fears, and sins—and trust in the new life Jesus offers.

But surrendering is not easy. To leave behind the familiar requires trust, courage, and faith. It is human to hesitate, to wonder what might be lost. Yet, Jesus does not ask for perfection; He asks for willingness. He meets us where we are, in the ordinary moments of life, and calls us into something greater than ourselves.

Self-examination can be difficult and sometimes painful. Often, we avoid looking at the darker corners of our lives out of shame, disappointment with ourselves, or even fear. Yet, the gentle Jesus does not leave us alone. It is He who calls us, He who will guide us. Allowing time and space to listen in silence to what He lovingly reveals to us is the first step in following Him. His voice does not shame or accuse; rather, it reveals and invites. He does not condemn but encourages us to let go, to trust, and to be healed in love.

One practical daily practice to help us grow in awareness of God’s presence and discern His call more deeply is the Examen Prayer, as offered by St. Ignatius of Loyola. This prayer helps us to reflect on our day with gratitude, recognize where God was present, and identify where He is leading us to deeper conversion. The Examen is a powerful tool for cultivating a listening heart, learning from our experiences, and growing in trust. A guide for the Examen can be found on DiscerningHearts.com or in the free Discerning Hearts app.

The prophet Isaiah assures us that God will guide us through the challenges of this surrender. When we let go of the burdens we carry, Isaiah promises: “Your light will rise in the darkness, and your shadows become like noon.” (Isaiah 58:10) God strengthens us when we entrust ourselves to Him fully.

The Desert Fathers deeply understood the struggle of surrendering to God. Abba Theodore of Pherme taught:

“Let us strive to enter through the narrow gate. Just as trees cannot bear fruit if they have not stood against the wind, so too does the one who struggles bear the fruit of the Spirit.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Theodore of Pherme 5)

Saying yes to Jesus is the narrow way. It involves struggle and sacrifice, but it also leads to freedom, healing, and joy. Jesus does not call us because we are perfect or ready—He calls us because He longs to transform us.

St. Francis de Sales, a master of the spiritual life, encourages us in this journey of trust. He writes:

“Do not fear what might happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.” (Letters to a Devout Life)

Take a moment to imagine yourself in Levi’s place, sitting at your work, at your daily tasks, when suddenly Jesus walks by and speaks directly to you: “Follow me.” What do you feel? Do you hesitate? Do you rise immediately? Ask for the grace to trust His voice, to leave behind what no longer leads you to Him, and to embrace the joy of walking in His footsteps.

Reflection Questions:

What attachments or habits make it difficult for us to hear and respond to Jesus’ call to“Follow me”?
How can we trust that surrendering to Christ will bring greater freedom and joy?
What practical steps can we take today to respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You call us each day with those simple yet powerful words: “Follow me.” Give us the courage to leave behind whatever holds us back—our attachments, fears, and distractions—and to trust fully in You. Strengthen us as we walk the narrow path, and fill our hearts with the light of Your presence. May we, like Levi, respond with joy and trust, knowing that You walk beside us every step of the way. Amen.

Saturday after Ash Wednesday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Saturday after Ash Wednesday – 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 of St. Luke 5:27-32

Jesus noticed a tax collector, Levi by name, sitting by the customs house, and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything he got up and followed him.

In his honour Levi held a great reception in his house, and with them at table was a large gathering of tax collectors and others. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples and said, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.’

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 noticed a tax collector, Levi by name, sitting by the customs house, and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything he got up and followed him.

In his honour Levi held a great reception in his house, and with them at table was a large gathering of tax collectors and others. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples and said, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.’

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 noticed a tax collector, Levi by name, sitting by the customs house, and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything he got up and followed him.

In his honour Levi held a great reception in his house, and with them at table was a large gathering of tax collectors and others. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples and said, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.’

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.

The Story of St. Perpetua – In Conversation with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Story of St. Perpetua – In Conversation with Mike Aquilina

Mike Aquilina joins Kris and Bruce McGregor to discuss St. Perpetua, an early Christian martyr whose story has been powerfully preserved through her own writings. St. Perpetua’s remarkable courage, faith, and rebellious spirit against the evils of the world, as well as her deep trust in Christ, enabled her to embrace martyrdom despite the many comforts of her noble status, young motherhood, and privileged upbringing.

Her account is one of the few firsthand writings from an early Christian woman, making her an extraordinary voice in Church history. Her willingness to sacrifice everything for Christ, including her family and infant child, serves as a powerful witness that continues to inspire believers today.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

What aspects of St. Perpetua’s faith and courage inspire you most, and why?
How does Perpetua’s willingness to sacrifice everything for Christ challenge your own faith journey?
In what ways do you see the same kind of persecution of Christians happening in the world today?
How can you apply Perpetua’s unwavering trust in God to your daily struggles and decisions?
What does her story teach us about the value of spiritual preparation and perseverance in suffering?
How does Perpetua’s example encourage you to be bolder in professing your faith, even in small ways?
What role does community play in strengthening our faith, as seen in Perpetua’s prison experience?
How does the idea of “good rebellion” against the world’s evils apply to your spiritual life?
How can the witness of martyrs like Perpetua help deepen your appreciation for the Eucharist and sacraments?
What concrete steps can you take to learn more about the early Church and its martyrs?

From CNA:

“Saints Perpetua and Felicity were martyrs who died for the faith around the year 203.

St. Perpetua was a young, well-educated, noblewoman and mother living in the city of Carthage in North Africa. Her mother was a Christian and her father was a pagan. In terms of her faith, Perpetua followed the example of her mother. Despite the pleas of her father to deny her faith, Perpetua did the very opposite, and fearlessly proclaimed it. At the age of 22, she was imprisoned for her faith. While in prison she continued to care for her infant child and put up with the tortures designed to make her renounce her faith. Perpetua remained steadfast until the end. St. Perpetua was sacrificed at the games as a public spectacle for not renouncing her faith.
St. Felicity was a pregnant slave girl who was imprisoned with St. Perpetua. Little is known about the life of St. Felicity because, unlike Perpetua, she did not keep a diary of her life. After imprisonment and torture, Felicity was also condemned to die at the games. Only a few days before her execution, Felicity gave birth to a daughter who was secretly taken away to be cared for by some of the Faithful.

The feast of these Saints is March 7.“

Visit Catholic Heroes of the Faith to learn more about the animation Mike Aquilina talks about

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SC-1 – The 1st and 2nd Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The 1st and 2nd Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating

Deacon James Keating reflects on the Stations of the Cross as a profound meditation on Christ’s suffering and its connection to human woundedness. Through this devotion, believers unite their burdens with Christ, allowing His love to transform their struggles into a path of salvation. The first station, Jesus’ condemnation, reveals His silent acceptance of injustice, a model for enduring suffering in communion with God. Pilate represents those who reject truth for self-preservation, while Jesus remains steadfast in His mission. His silence before Pilate and His choice to embrace the cross demonstrate perfect love, teaching that God enters even the darkest places of human suffering to ensure no one is abandoned.

As Jesus receives the cross, Dcn. Keating highlights medieval writings that portray Him as willingly taking it, seeing it as the culmination of His love for humanity. His embrace of suffering stands in contrast to human tendencies to resist crosses in life. The lack of compassion from those placing the cross on Him reflects the tendency to project guilt onto others rather than face personal sin. Jesus receives every aspect of human experience, including jeers and rejection, so that all may be reconciled in His love.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does uniting our personal burdens with Christ’s suffering in the Stations of the Cross deepen our understanding of redemption?
In what ways do we, like Pilate, struggle to acknowledge and stand by the truth when it challenges our self-interest?
How does Jesus’ silence before His accusers reveal the depth of His love and obedience to the Father?
What fears or attachments keep us from embracing our own crosses with trust in God’s will?
How does Jesus’ willingness to carry the cross inspire us to accept suffering as a means of sanctification?
In what areas of our lives have we “washed our hands” of responsibility instead of courageously choosing truth?
How can we cultivate a spirit of humility and surrender, following Jesus’ example in His Passion?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us bear our own trials with faith and perseverance?
How does reflecting on Jesus’ rejection and suffering help us approach our own experiences of betrayal and loneliness?
In what ways can we pray for the grace to receive and carry our crosses with the same love that Christ showed?

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

PoC-3 Friday after Ash Wednesday: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation

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Friday after Ash Wednesday

HOW MUCH WE NEED JESUS

Steps to Take as You Follow Christ sf_deathdefeated_03

Ask—How greatly do I feel the need for Christ in my life?

Seek— Practice fasting before your reception of the Eucharist. Also find special times to fast before high points in the Christian year and during high points in your own life so that you may always remain focused on your need for Christ. Try doing more than is required by the Church.

Knock—Meditate on Revelation 22:17, 20

The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come’. Let everyone who listens answer, ‘Come’. Then let all who are thirsty come: all who want it may have the water of life, and have it free. The one who guarantees these revelations repeats his promise: I shall indeed be with you soon. Amen; come, Lord Jesus.

What did Jesus say about two or more gathering in his name?
Who are you waiting for?

Transform Your Life—Foster and keep before you the need that you have for Jesus. Make your constant prayer to Jesus one of entreating him to come, to be present, inviting him to be a part of your life.

The author of The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ in Your Life, Michael Dubriuel, passed away in 2009. His wife, author Amy Welborn, has made his book available as a free e-book 61189_profile_pic1-213x300 ! We HIGHLY encourage you to download this exceptional work.

The Power of the Cross is now available as a free e-book,
check out more information by going here

Check out more at the Discerning Hearts’ Michael Dubruiel page