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The Transfiguration and the Glory of God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Transfiguration and the Glory of God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Transfiguration of Jesus, drawing connections between Mount Tabor and Calvary to illustrate the necessity of faith in both moments of glory and suffering.  Jesus’ radiant presence on Tabor reveals His divine nature, yet this same Jesus must pass through suffering and death to bring salvation.

The call to “listen to Him” is central to Lent, inviting us to deepen their trust in God. Using Abraham’s faith as an example, we should rely on God’s promises, even in uncertain times, and to recognize the power of Christ within them.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  • How does the Transfiguration reveal both the glory and the suffering of Christ, and what does this mean for your own faith journey?
  • In what ways have you experienced or witnessed the radiant presence of holiness in others?
  • What does it mean to “listen to Him” in your daily life, especially during Lent?
  • How does Abraham’s trust in God challenge you to deepen your own faith?
  • Are there areas in your life where you struggle to surrender fully to God’s will?
  • How does receiving the Eucharist or going to Confession transform your spiritual life?
  • What sacrifices or commitments can you make during Lent to strengthen your faith?
  • Do you truly trust in God’s power to provide for your needs and answer your prayers?
  • How can you radiate Christ’s presence to those around you through your actions and words?
  • What steps can you take to more fully live out the faith you profess in the Creed?

Transfiguration_TitianFrom the NAB Gospel: LK 9:28B-36

“Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up the mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him,
Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.”

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.  

SC-2 – The 3rd and 4th Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 2 -Stations of the Cross: Reflections with Deacon James Keating 
The Stations of the Cross – one of the most powerful devotionals alive in the heart of the Church. Reflecting and deeply meditating on the Passion of the Christ, Deacon Keating guides us through the 3rd station (Jesus falls the first time), the 4th station (Jesus encounters His Blessed Mother), and the 5th station (Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry the Cross) along the Way of the Cross.

For other episodes in the “Stations of the Cross” series click here

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. 

More episodes of Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating Ph.D.

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

Deacon Keating is also the author of:


You can find the book here.

From the book description:

Deacon James Keating’s book Abiding in Christ: Staying with God in a Busy World is a how-to-pray resource. This book helps readers to find a quiet space wherein they can be present to God and offers suggestions of how they can be more open to God s movement within them.

CTD2 – The Desert of Ordinary Life – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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The Desert of Ordinary Life – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating

In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss integrating faith into daily life, warning against separating religion from ordinary activities. They stress the need for vulnerability in worship to avoid routine and self-centeredness.

Lent offers opportunities for spiritual growth, including reconciliation and stations of the cross. They lament the decline of shame and public judgment in society, emphasizing the community’s role in upholding moral truth. The Eucharist brings peace and transforms individuals, impacting society through witness.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Integration of Faith: How can we ensure that our faith is not compartmentalized but integrated into every aspect of our daily lives?
  2. Vulnerability in Worship: Reflect on times when worship has felt routine or self-centered. How can we cultivate vulnerability and openness to God during worship?
  3. Lenten Practices: In what ways can Lenten practices such as reconciliation and stations of the cross deepen our relationship with God?
  4. Decline of Shame: What are the implications of the decline of shame and public judgment in contemporary society for moral behavior and community life?
  5. Role of Community: How can communities uphold moral truth while respecting individual conscience and freedom?
  6. Transformative Power of the Eucharist: Reflect on the transformative power of the Eucharist in bringing peace and impacting society through witness.

An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion”:

“The only location for God to interact with us is deep within the ordinariness of our days. We are called to cherish the ordinary day, not because of its routine or common features, but because within this daily forum God reaches us through others, through worship, charity, and our relational commitments. Our daily lives carry an invitation from God to become morally good and holy; it is the only medium through which this invitation can come. Cherish the days.”
– Keating, James  (2012-07-20).  Liguori Publications. Kindle Edition.

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

DPD1 – Living the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Living the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the Ignatian practice of the Examen prayer. Fr. Gallagher explains that the Examen is a method of prayer designed to help individuals reflect on their daily spiritual experiences. It involves a brief period of introspection, typically 10-15 minutes, during which one reviews the events of the day to discern where God was present, how one responded to His presence, and how to improve future responses to both consolations and desolations.

The Examen is deeply rooted in Ignatian spirituality and serves as a practical way to apply the teachings on discernment of spirits to everyday life. He illustrates this with examples from the lives of saints such as St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Brother Lawrence, and Blessed Pierre Favre, highlighting how ordinary moments can be transformed into profound spiritual encounters through attentive reflection and openness to God’s grace.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How can the Examen prayer help me recognize God’s presence in my daily life?
  2. In what ways can I apply the teachings on discernment of spirits to my everyday experiences?
  3. How can I incorporate a 10-15 minute period of reflection to review my day and my spiritual responses?
  4. What moments of consolation or desolation have I experienced today, and how did I respond to them?
  5. How can I be more open to recognizing and responding to God’s grace in the small, ordinary moments of my day?
  6. How does regularly practicing the Examen prayer contribute to my spiritual growth and awareness?
  7. In what ways does the Examen prayer deepen my personal relationship with Jesus?
  8. How can I become more of a contemplative in action, finding God in the midst of my busy life?
  9. What can I learn from the experiences of saints like St. Thérèse, Brother Lawrence, and Blessed Pierre Favre regarding attentiveness to God’s presence?
  10. How committed am I to making the Examen prayer a regular part of my spiritual routine, and what steps can I take to ensure consistency?

St.-Ignatius-4

As outlined from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

(translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J.  1909 in the public domain)

METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN
It contains in it five Points.

First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received.
Second Point. The second, to ask grace to know our sins and cast them out.
Third Point. The third, to ask account of our soul from the hour that we rose up to the present Examen, hour by hour, or period by period: and first as to thoughts, and then as to words, and then as to acts, in the same order as was mentioned in the Particular Examen.
Fourth Point. The fourth, to ask pardon of God our Lord for the faults.
Fifth Point. The fifth, to purpose amendment with His grace.

OUR FATHER.

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

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

  1. How does uniting our personal burdens with Christ’s suffering in the Stations of the Cross deepen our understanding of redemption?
  2. In what ways do we, like Pilate, struggle to acknowledge and stand by the truth when it challenges our self-interest?
  3. How does Jesus’ silence before His accusers reveal the depth of His love and obedience to the Father?
  4. What fears or attachments keep us from embracing our own crosses with trust in God’s will?
  5. How does Jesus’ willingness to carry the cross inspire us to accept suffering as a means of sanctification?
  6. In what areas of our lives have we “washed our hands” of responsibility instead of courageously choosing truth?
  7. How can we cultivate a spirit of humility and surrender, following Jesus’ example in His Passion?
  8. What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us bear our own trials with faith and perseverance?
  9. How does reflecting on Jesus’ rejection and suffering help us approach our own experiences of betrayal and loneliness?
  10. 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

CTD1 – The Desert of Consumerism – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts


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The Desert of Consumerism – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating

In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss Lent as a spiritual oasis in life’s desert, where distractions of consumerism often obscure our deeper needs. Deacon Keating reminds us of Lent’s call to surrender to God’s providence, confront loneliness, and find simplicity.

He highlights how modern culture fosters busyness to avoid facing inner realities. Lent offers a chance to deepen relationships, encounter God, and break free from the cycle of distraction and emptiness.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Understanding Lent’s Purpose: How does Deacon Keating describe Lent’s intended purpose as an oasis in life’s desert of consumerism and routine?
  2. Reflection on Cultural Distractions: What insight does Deacon Keating provide regarding the distractions of modern culture and their impact on spiritual awareness during Lent?
  3. The Paradox of Surrender: Explain Deacon Keating’s perspective on the fear of surrendering to God’s providence and the discomfort it may bring.
  4. Embracing Simplicity: How does Deacon Keating propose embracing simplicity during Lent can lead to a deeper encounter with God and transformation?
  5. Confronting Loneliness and Pain: Discuss Deacon Keating’s view on the avoidance of loneliness and pain in modern society, and how Lent offers an opportunity to confront these realities.
  6. The Invitation to Deepen Relationships: According to Deacon Keating, how does Lent invite individuals to deepen relationships within the Catholic community and experience God’s healing presence?
  7. Breaking Free from Distraction: Summarize Deacon Keating’s message regarding Lent’s role in breaking free from the cycle of distraction and emptiness perpetuated by consumer culture.

An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion”:

“Lent wants to remind us of our real identity. At first appearance a seeming “obligation,” Lent is actually a great gift. Are we brave enough to enter this desert, and then let it affect us so deeply as to turn us away from sin and false identities, turn us toward communion with the living God? The Church presents this season to us every year because it is hoped that this year will be our year to say “Yes” to Lent’s call to repentance. Lent should not be something we go through alone, but together. As the Hebrews wandered the desert for forty years, so we should enter Lent through the ecclesial community and share its challenges with brothers and sisters in Christ. Lent should not be what the elderly man in the barbershop characterized as “life as usual.” With our goal being moral conversion, let us now turn to see how God can facilitate that conversion when we take on a “lenten mind.”

Keating, James (2012-07-20). Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion (Kindle Locations 200-207). Liguori Publications. Kindle Edition.

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

IP#507 Sr. Josephine Garrett – Wilderness Within on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast


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Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Sister Josephine Garrett and Kris McGregor discuss Wilderness Within, a Lenten journal designed to guide individuals in deepening their spiritual journey. Sister Josephine explains that the book is not for the faint of heart but for those willing to reflect on their implicit beliefs about God, faith, and themselves. The book explores the theme of the “wilderness within,” likening it to the Desert Fathers’ realization that the greatest spiritual battle is fought in the human heart and the importance of rendering one’s heart open to Christ, engaging in interior reflection, and embracing the challenges of Lent not as failures but as necessary struggles on the path to spiritual growth.

The need for authentic hope amid personal and societal struggles is important during the Jubilee of Hope. Fasting, penance, and detachment each share a role in gaining clarity and deepening union with God rather than simply self-denial. She encourages listeners to avoid rushing through Lent, instead embracing the rhythm of the liturgical season as a model for ongoing spiritual discipline.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

  1. How does the concept of the “wilderness within” resonate with your own spiritual struggles and growth?
  2. In what ways do you see God’s love sustaining you, even in times of doubt or hardship?
  3. What are the “stories” you tell yourself about your relationship with God, and how do they shape your faith?
  4. How can you practice rendering your heart more fully open to God during Lent?
  5. What attachments or distractions in your life may be keeping you from fully trusting in God’s plan?
  6. How do you respond to suffering and the cross in your own life—do you resist it or see it as a path to deeper union with Christ?
  7. How can fasting, prayer, and almsgiving help you detach from worldly concerns and focus more on God?
  8. In what ways does the Jubilee of Hope challenge you to rediscover hope in your personal faith journey?
  9. How does reflecting on Christ’s suffering during Holy Week draw you closer to His heart?
  10. What steps can you take after Lent to ensure that your spiritual growth continues beyond the season?

From the book’s description:

This Lent, allow Sr. Josephine Garrett to be your guide as you explore the interior wilderness of your heart and invite Jesus in to heal you with his love.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus went into the wilderness? Some believe it was to reveal his divinity or to restore humanity’s relationship with God. In Wilderness Within, Sr. Josephine Garrett, a mental health counselor and popular speaker, reflects on the belief that Jesus went into the wilderness to rescue us—to rescue us! The Lord does not want us to view the wilderness as something that causes worry, anxiety, or fear. “What if, instead,” Sr. Josephine writes, “we looked at how God has been a faithful provider in the wilderness and trusted that He will do the same for us in the wilderness journey ahead? What if we joyfully take His hand and journey into the wilderness, because when Christ enters there, ‘this opposite place of the garden becomes the place of reconciliation and healing’” (Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth)?

In Wilderness Within, Sr. Josephine will guide you through the forty days of Lent to attend to the wilderness of your heart as a place to be explored, restored, and sent on mission by Jesus’s tender love.

  • Week of Ash Wednesday: Enter Lent by recognizing your ability to always begin anew in Christ.
  • Week One: Open your heart to God’s love, allowing yourself to reverence your heart as a gift from your Creator.
  • Week Two: Reflect on the truth that we are created for relationships, and examine the relationships in your life.
  • Week Three: Take an honest look at your limitations, wounds, and sin guided by a spirit of humility and repentance.
  • Week Four: Begin to see how God designed your heart to be rescued by him and grow in your capacity to be healed by him.
  • Week Five: Leave the wilderness of your heart so that you can go on mission—with a heart restored by Christ’s love—to love your neighbor and be a good steward of the gifts and charisms given to you.
  • Holy Week: Follow in Jesus’s footsteps to the Cross and discover how you can love him well through each stage of the Passion and Resurrection.

Each day’s content includes brief meditations, specially crafted illustrations, thought-provoking reflection questions, heartfelt prayers curated to uplift your spirit, and ample journaling space for personal revelations and insights. Whether you’re journeying alone or with a group, Wilderness Within is your guide to a beautiful and renewing Lent.

About the Author

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, is a sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, a licensed counselor, host of the Hope Stories podcast, and a Catholic speaker and author.

Garrett earned a bachelor’s degree in political philosophy from the University of Dallas. Prior to entering religious life, she worked as vice president in the home loans division of Bank of America. In 2019, she earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and became a nationally certified counselor licensed in Texas.

She worked as a school counselor in Tyler, Texas, and is presently serving as a counselor in private practice. Garret is a voice for mental health on various platforms such as Formed and Hallow.

She resides in Tyler, Texas.

St. Gregory of Narek – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Gregory of Narek – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

  • Born: 951 Rshtunik, Vaspurakan, Bagratid Armenia
  • Died: 1003 Narekavank, Vaspurakan, Armenia
  • Feast Day: 13 October (Holy Translators day); 27 February (Roman Catholic Church)

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss the significance of St. Gregory of Narek being declared the 36th Doctor of the Church by Pope Francis in 2015. St. Gregory’s profound contributions to Christian spirituality, particularly his “Book of Lamentations,” is a collection of 95 poetic prayers that deeply resonate with themes of humility, suffering, and the longing for union with God. A mystic, theologian, and poet of the Armenian Church, is recognized for his ability to express the depths of human brokenness and the hope found in divine mercy. His writings are compared to those of St. Augustine and St. John of the Cross, emphasizing their ability to guide the faithful toward a personal encounter with God through lament and prayer.

St. Gregory’s life, shaped by early suffering and monastic formation, deeply influenced his spiritual insight. His work remains central to Armenian Christianity, with prayers from the “Book of Lamentations” integrated into the Armenian liturgy. The podcast considers how Gregory’s appointment as a Doctor of the Church invites the broader Catholic Church to engage more deeply with Eastern Christian traditions and spirituality.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Church’s recognition of St. Gregory of Narek as a Doctor deepen our understanding of the spiritual treasures within Eastern Christianity?
  2. In what ways can Gregory’s “Book of Lamentations” teach us to transform our suffering into a path toward deeper union with God?
  3. How does Gregory’s emphasis on humility challenge our approach to prayer and our relationship with God?
  4. What does Gregory’s mystical theology reveal about the call to holiness and the pursuit of intimate communion with God for all believers?
  5. How can the integration of Gregory’s prayers into the Armenian liturgy inspire a deeper appreciation for the role of sacred tradition in personal prayer?
  6. How does Gregory’s work invite Latin Rite Catholics to explore the richness of Eastern Christian theology and worship?
  7. What can the faithfulness of the Armenian Church, especially through suffering, teach us about perseverance in our own spiritual journey?
  8. How can engaging with the writings of lesser-known Doctors, like Gregory, expand our understanding of Catholic spirituality and deepen our faith?

From the Vatican Insider:

Pope Francis has approved the decision of the Congregation for Saints. The Armenian saint was born in 950 AD in present-day Turkey

ANDREA TORNIELLI: VATICAN CITY

”An Armenian saint has been declared a Doctor of the Church. In last Saturday’s audience with the cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Francis approved the proposal put forward by the Plenary Session of the Congregation, agreeing for the title of Doctor of the Universal Church to be conferred upon Gregory of Narek.

St. Gregory, a priest and monk, was born circa 950 AD in Andzevatsik (formerly Armenia, present-day Turkey) to a family of writers. He died circa 1005 in Narek (formerly Armenia, present-day Turkey). His father, Khosrov, was an archbishop. Having lost his mother at a young age, Gregory was brought up by his cousin, Anania of Narek, founder of the local school and village. The saint lived most of his life in the monasteries of Narek (in what was once called Great Armenia), where he taught at the monastic school. He is considered one of Armenian literature’s greatest poets.

The cult of St. Gregory of Narek will be marked on 27 February in the Roman Martyrology. He will be defined as “monk, doctor of the Armenians, distinguished for his writings and mystic science”.

The papal decision comes just weeks before Francis is due to commemorate the centenary of the Armenian massacre on 12 April in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Medz Yeghern as the Armenian massacre is called, took place in 1915.”

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

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

TM12 – The Death of St. Thérèse – St. Therese and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Death of St. Thérèse – St. Thérèse and Marie: The Story of Two Cousins with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the final moments of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, drawing from the detailed account written by her sister Pauline, also known as Mother Agnes of Jesus. As Thérèse approached death at the age of 24, she endured immense physical suffering from tuberculosis, compounded by deep spiritual desolation. Despite this, she remained centered on love and trust in God, uttering her final words, “My God, I love you,” while gazing at her crucifix. Her last moments were marked by a profound surrender to God’s will, even in the face of excruciating pain. The sisters in her Carmelite community observed a radiant transformation in her countenance after death, interpreting it as a sign of her immediate entry into eternal joy.

Fr. Gallagher also touches on the impact of Thérèse’s passing on her cousin Marie and other family members. Marie, who struggled with scrupulosity, experienced a deepening of her spiritual life, reflecting the grace Thérèse had promised to shower upon souls from heaven. Shortly after, Marie’s mother, Céline, also passed away, reinforcing the family’s growing sense of heavenly intercession. Their letters reveal a profound love for family, which did not diminish in the cloister but grew stronger through their sanctity.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. St. Thérèse’s final words reflect complete trust in God—how do I respond when faced with suffering and uncertainty?
  2. Despite immense physical and spiritual agony, Thérèse continued to express love—how can I cultivate love even in my own trials?
  3. Thérèse and her family remained deeply united in faith—how does my love for my family reflect my journey toward holiness?
  4. Thérèse saw her suffering as a way to bring souls to God—how can I intentionally offer my struggles for the salvation of others?
  5. Her family found comfort knowing their loved ones were interceding from heaven—how often do I turn to the saints for help and guidance?
  6. Thérèse’s love for her family grew through her union with Christ—how does my relationship with God shape the way I love others?
  7. Thérèse embraced death as a gateway to heaven—how am I preparing my heart each day for the moment I will meet God?

About this Series

Fr. Timothy Gallagher reflects upon the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, exploring how her life and spirituality were deeply influenced by her family and how it offers profound insights into everyday holiness. He examines the role of family and spiritual friendships in nurturing faith, the importance of compassionate care for others, and how Thérèse’s example can inspire listeners to seek sanctity in their daily lives. He also brings forth more details of the spiritual bond between the Martin and Guérin families, offering a model for fostering deeper connections within one’s own family and community.

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola.” For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio, which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org

Did you know that Fr. Timothy Gallagher has 14 different podcast series on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts?
Visit here to discover more!

BTP-LR4 – Day 4 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Day 4 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the fourth day of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s 16‑day retreat. They reflect on how contemplative prayer is not about performing spiritual exercises to achieve a measurable outcome but about surrendering one’s own control and expectations to welcome God’s transformative love.

Weaving together insights from scripture and Carmelite spirituality, particularly the teachings of St. John of the Cross, illustrates that moments of doubt or even the dark night of faith are not failures but essential passages toward a profound, unshakeable trust in God.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. How can I release my need to control my prayer experience and open my heart to God’s transformative love instead?
  2.  In what ways can I view moments of spiritual darkness as opportunities for growth and deeper faith?
  3. How does my current practice of prayer serve as a foretaste of the eternal peace promised in the beatific vision?
  4. How can I deepen my understanding of heaven beyond cultural clichés to experience a profound relationship with God?
  5. What steps can I take to strengthen my trust in God’s plan even when I face uncertainty or doubt?
  6. How can I extend compassionate support to those enduring spiritual trials, mirroring Christ’s presence in their lives?
Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity
St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

From “Last Retreat Day 3” found in The Complete Works vol 1:

“10. Here faith, the beautiful light of faith appears. It alone should light my way as I go to meet the Bridegroom. The psalmist sings that He “hides Himself in darkness,” 59 then in another place he seems to contradict himself by saying that “light surrounds Him like a cloak.” 60 What stands out for me in this apparent contradiction is that I must immerse myself in “the sacred darkness” 61 by putting all my powers in darkness and emptiness ; then I will meet my Master, and “the light that surrounds Him like a cloak ” will envelop me also, for He wants His bride to be luminous with His light, His light alone, “which is the glory of God.”

This the text we are using to discuss “Heaven in Faith” you can find it here and order from the Carmelite Sisters

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .