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BTP10 – Heaven In Faith: Day 5 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 10 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 5 Prayer 2 – “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood, remains in Me and I in him.”

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the profound eucharistic themes in Elizabeth’s reflections, emphasizing the transformative power of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. Elizabeth portrays this communion as an intimate exchange where Christ’s love and generosity invite us to surrender fully, allowing Him to purify and consume our beings with His grace and presence.

Dr. Lilles highlights the significance of preparing oneself for receiving Holy Communion, engaging deeply with the liturgy, and being open to the transformative encounter with Christ’s presence. He also connects this to the broader spiritual life, illustrating how our union with Christ in the Eucharist fuels our capacity to love and give of ourselves in all aspects of life.

The discussion reveals how Elizabeth sees this communion with Christ as a pathway to experiencing the burning desires of His heart, urging us to open ourselves entirely to His love. This experience of divine love in the Eucharist is portrayed as an empowering source that enables us to face life’s challenges and to love others with Christ’s own love. Through this intimate union, we are called to become vibrant witnesses of Christ’s love, transforming our lives and drawing others into this mystery of divine intimacy and grace.

From “Heaven in Faith: Day 5 Prayer 2”:

Second prayer. “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood, remains in Me and I in him.” “The first sign of love is this: that Jesus has given us His flesh to eat and His blood to drink.” “The property of love is to be always giving and always receiving. Now the love” of Christ is “generous. All that He has, all that He is, He gives; all that we have, all that we are, He takes away. He asks for more than we of ourselves are capable of giving. He has an immense hunger which wants to devour us absolutely. He enters even into the marrow of our bones, and the more lovingly we allow Him to do so, the more fully we savor Him.” “He knows that we are poor, but He pays no heed to it and does not spare us. He Himself becomes in us His own bread, first burning up, in His love, all our vices, faults, and sins. Then when He sees that we are pure, He comes like a gaping vulture that is going to devour everything. He wants to consume our life in order to change it into His own; ours, full of vices, His, full of grace and glory and all prepared for us, if only we will renounce ourselves. Even if our eyes were good enough to see this avid appetite of Christ who hungers for our salvation, all our efforts would not prevent us from disappearing into His open mouth.” Now “this sounds absurd, but those who love will understand!” When we receive Christ “with interior devotion, His blood, full of warmth and glory, flows into our veins and a fire is enkindled in our depths.” “We receive the likeness of His virtues, and He lives in us and we in Him. He gives us His soul with the fullness of grace, by which the soul perseveres in love and praise of the Father!” “Love draws its object into itself; we draw Jesus into ourselves; Jesus draws us into Himself. Then carried above ourselves into love’s interior,” seeking God, “we go to meet Him, to meet His Spirit, which is His love, and this love burns us, consumes us, and draws us into unity where beatitude awaits us.” “Jesus meant this when He said: ‘With great desire have I desired to eat this pasch with you.’”

Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 9100-101). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Eucharistic Theology: How does Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity describe the relationship between Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and the believer’s transformation? Reflect on the reciprocal nature of this relationship. Discuss the implications of viewing Holy Communion as a transformative encounter with Christ’s love and presence.
Personal Reflection on the Eucharist: How does the episode challenge you to prepare for and participate in Holy Communion more fully and consciously? In what ways can you deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Christian life?
Connecting Eucharistic Life to Everyday Living: How can the transformative experience of the Eucharist influence your relationships and daily actions? Reflect on the statement that Jesus “yearns for our love” and “aches to be loved by us.” How does this influence your perception of the Eucharist and your relationship with Christ?
Mystical and Theological Insights: Discuss the significance of Saint Elizabeth’s emphasis on the Eucharist as an encounter that consumes and purifies the believer, transforming them into an icon of Christ’s love. How does the Eucharistic theology presented by Dr. Lilles and Kris McGregor deepen your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and continual presence in the Church?
Practical Application: After listening to the episode, identify one practical step you can take to enhance your preparation for and participation in the Eucharist. Share this with a group member or write it down as a personal commitment. Consider how you might help others in your community to grow in their understanding and reverence for the Eucharist. What actions or discussions could you initiate?
Connecting with Scripture: Reflect on the scriptural basis of the Eucharistic themes discussed in the episode. How do the words of Christ at the Last Supper and other relevant scripture passages deepen your understanding of the Eucharist?

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 .

BTP9 Heaven In Faith: Day 5 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 9 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 5 Prayer 1 – “Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock”

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor continue their discussion on the spiritual teachings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, focusing on the concept of being calmly lost in God’s will. Dr. Lilles tells us of the importance of trust in God’s plan, even in times of confusion or darkness.

They explore the idea that prayer is a gift from God, and that experiences in prayer are beyond human comprehension, as well as the need for openness to God’s presence and the transformative power of welcoming Jesus into one’s heart.

Dr. Lilles also touches on the expansion of the heart through prayer, leading to deeper love and devotion to God, and encourages listeners to embrace prayer as a means of drawing closer to God and experiencing His love.

From “Heaven in Faith: Day 5 Prayer 1”:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man listens to My voice and opens the door to Me, I will come in to him and sup with him, and he with Me.”66 Blessed the ears of the soul alert enough, recollected enough to hear this voice of the Word of God; blessed also the eyes67 of this soul which in the light of a deep and living faith can witness the “coming” of the Master into His intimate sanctuary. But what then is this coming? “It is an unceasing generation, an enduring hymn of praise.” Christ “comes with His treasures, but such is the mystery of the divine swiftness that He is continually coming, always for the first time as if He had never come; for His coming, independent of time, consists in an eternal “now,”68 and an eternal desire eternally renews the joys of the coming. The delights that He brings are infinite, since they are Himself.” “The capacity of the soul, enlarged by the coming of the Master, seems to go out of itself in order to pass through the walls into the immensity of Him who comes; and a phenomenon occurs: God, who is in our depths, receives God coming to us, and God contemplates God! God in whom beatitude consists.”69

Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 99-100). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Trusting God’s Plan: How does the concept of being calmly lost in God’s will challenge our natural inclination towards anxiety and fear when faced with uncertainty?
Understanding Prayer as a Gift: Reflect on the idea that prayer is a gift from God. How does this perspective change our approach to prayer and our expectations of what prayer should entail?
Welcoming Jesus into the Heart: In what ways can we actively welcome Jesus into our hearts, especially during times of confusion or difficulty? How does this practice align with the teachings of Elizabeth of the Trinity?
Experiencing God’s Presence: Consider the various ways in which individuals experience God’s presence in prayer. How can we recognize and appreciate these experiences, even when they may not conform to our preconceived notions?
Expanding the Heart through Prayer: Reflect on the idea that prayer can enlarge the capacity of our hearts to love, receive love, and give love. How has prayer transformed your capacity for love and devotion to God?
Living Out the Gift of Prayer: Evaluate whether your life reflects the fruits of prayer, such as deeper love for others and increased devotion to God. How can you continue to nurture and cultivate the gift of prayer in your life?

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

BTP8 Heaven In Faith: Day 4 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 8 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 4 Prayer 2 – “I Have Come to Cast Fire Upon the Earth”

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor focus on prayer and Christian living, particularly the messages from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The core theme revolves around the concept of love as the essence of Christian prayer and life, emphasizing the need for a soul’s complete surrender to God’s will. It highlights how such surrender leads to a genuine conversion, growing deeper into love and allowing God’s love to transform and guide one’s life.

Elizabeth’s teachings encourage contemplation on God’s love, urging individuals, including those engaged in worldly duties like parenting, to align every aspect of their life with love. This alignment, they reason, fulfills God’s desire to elevate the soul, making love the central occupation, regardless of life’s distractions or responsibilities.

Dr. Lilles further delves into the notion of embracing God’s will, especially during trials or confrontations, advocating for a response rooted in love and mercy rather than self-defense or retaliation. Both Dr. Lilles and Kris touch on the lives of saints to exemplify how enduring silence and suffering out of love can manifest grace and spiritual growth, ultimately leading to a profound trust in God.

This episode underscores a life of deep faith characterized by the surrender to and trust in God’s will, living through love and mercy, and maintaining a constant focus on spiritual growth and communion with God.

Day 4: Second Prayer

“I have come to cast fire upon the earth and how I long to see it burn.”58 It is the Master Himself who expresses His desire to see the fire of love enkindled. In fact, “all our works and all our labors are nothing in His sight. We can neither give Him anything nor satisfy His only desire, which is to exalt the dignity of our soul.” Nothing pleases Him so much as to see it “grow.” “Now nothing can exalt it so much as to become in some way the equal of God; that is why He demands from the soul the tribute of its love, as the property of love is to make the lover equal to the beloved as much as possible. The soul in possession of this love” “appears on an equal footing with Christ because their mutual affection renders everything common to both.”59 “I have called you My friends because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”60 16.

But to attain to this love the soul must first be “entirely surrendered,”61 its “will must be calmly lost in God’s will”62 so that its “inclinations,” “its faculties” “move only in this love and for the sake of this love. I do everything with love, I suffer everything with love: this is what David meant when he sang, ‘I will keep all my strength for You.’”63 Then “love fills it so completely, absorbs it and protects it” so well “that everywhere it finds the secret of growing in love,” “even in its relations with the world”;64 “in the midst of life’s cares it can rightly say: ‘My only occupation is loving’! . . .”65

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Surrender to God’s Will
How do you interpret the concept of total surrender to God’s will in your daily activities, and what challenges do you face in achieving it?
Living by Love in Everyday Life
Reflect on how the idea of making love your central life occupation is present in your interactions, responsibilities, and trials.
Responding with Love and Mercy
Evaluate your typical reactions to adversity or offense and consider how you might foster a more loving and merciful approach.
Experiencing Transformative Love
Recall instances where you have felt or observed love’s transformative power and its effects on those involved.
Valuing God’s Esteem Over Self-Esteem
Contemplate how prioritizing God’s view over self-esteem influences your perception of dignity, worth, and humility.
Learning from Saints’ Silence and Suffering
Relate to the spiritual practice of enduring silence and suffering for love, drawing inspiration from saintly examples.
Offering Misery to God
Reflect on how you perceive and present your own brokenness to God and the role it plays in your spiritual intimacy.
Prayer Aligned with Christian Love
Consider adjustments to align your prayer life more closely with the Christian principle of living through love.
Practicing Perpetual Acts of Mercy
Identify ways to integrate continuous acts of mercy into your daily interactions and choices.
Deepening Trust in God Amidst Adversity
Reflect on how to cultivate a deeper trust in God to maintain peace and resilience through life’s challenges.

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

CTD3 – Waiting in the Desert – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Waiting in the Desert – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating

In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss Lent as a time of vulnerability to God’s mercy, emphasizing bringing sin into Christ’s light for liberation. They contrast morality’s true freedom with sin’s chains and highlight Christ’s presence in our struggles.

Deacon Keating gives us of a message of hope, reassuring listeners that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and mercy.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Lenten Focus: How does Deacon Keating suggest shifting focus during Lent from a mere “to-do list” approach to one of vulnerability and openness to God’s mercy?
Recognizing Sin: According to the podcast, what is the significance of bringing hidden truths and sins into the light of Christ during Lent?
Morality and Freedom: Describe the relationship between morality and true freedom, as discussed in the episode.
Christ’s Presence: How does Deacon Keating emphasize Christ’s accompaniment through the Lenten journey, drawing parallels with Jesus’ experience in the desert?
Message of Hope: Summarize the final message of hope conveyed by Deacon Keating in the conclusion of the episode.

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

“The ancient image of Lent as a time of withdrawal is relevant to the formation of conscience if we perceive that our consciences have been inordinately attached to anemic sources of influence. Christians are called to transform the world of culture, work, and politics according to the truths learned through Christ in the Church. It is a powerful and dignified calling. Lent affords us a good opportunity to repent of those habits, attitudes, or behaviors that reflect a preoccupation with the secular. Thus devoid of the religious, we are then called to eagerly respond to our faith and imbue the secular with religious and ethical meaning. To do less than this is to render our baptisms impotent and meaningless.”

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

BTP7 Heaven In Faith Day 4 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 7 “Heaven in Faith” Day 4 Prayer 1 – “Our God, wrote St. Paul, is a consuming Fire”

This episode with Dr. Anthony Lillis and Kris McGregor discusses Elizabeth’s emphasis on the universal call to contemplative prayer and her belief that living in love, as she describes, should be an immediate and constant reality for Christians. Dr. Lillis elaborates on the retreat’s core message: that individuals are called to dwell in the love of the Trinity, experiencing this love in the present moment, and allowing it to inform and transform all aspects of their lives.

Elizabeth’s reflections suggest that contemplative prayer deepens one’s relationship with God and facilitates a transformation into divine love, influencing not only personal spirituality but also familial and communal relationships. Dr. Lilles connects this transformative process with the broader Christian tradition, including references to other saints and scriptural teachings. He also addresses potential misunderstandings about Christian mysticism, clarifying that becoming like God does not mean losing one’s personhood but fully realizing one’s humanity in the divine image.

Overall, the discussion underscores the profound impact of contemplative prayer on personal growth, familial bonds, and the ability to love authentically and selflessly, reflecting the heart of Christian life and vocation.

Day 4 First Prayer

13. “Deus ignus consumens.” Our God, wrote St. Paul, is a consuming Fire, that is “a fire of love” which destroys, which “transforms into itself everything that it touches.” “The delights of the divine enkindling51 are renewed in our depths by an unremitting activity: the enkindling of love in a mutual and eternal satisfaction. It is a renewal that takes place at every moment in the bond of love.” Certain souls “have chosen this refuge to rest there eternally, and this is the silence in which, somehow, they have lost themselves.” “Freed from their prison, they sail on the Ocean of Divinity without any creature being an obstacle or hindrance to them.”

14. For these souls, the mystical death of which St. Paul spoke yesterday becomes so simple and sweet! They think much less of the work of destruction and detachment that remains for them to do than of plunging into the Furnace of love burning within them which is none other than the Holy Spirit, the same Love which in the Trinity is the bond between the Father and His Word. They “enter into Him by living faith, and there, in simplicity and peace” they are “carried away by Him” beyond all things, beyond sensible pleasures, “into the sacred darkness” and are “transformed into the divine image.” They live, in St. John’s expression, in “communion” with the Three adorable Persons, “sharing” their life, and this is “the contemplative life”; this contemplation “leads to possession.” “Now this simple possession is eternal life savored in the unfathomable abode. It is there, beyond reason, that the profound tranquillity of the divine immutability awaits us.”

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Contemplative Prayer and Daily Life: How can I integrate contemplative prayer into my daily routine to remain in constant communion with God? What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more prayerful attitude throughout my day?
Dwelling in Love: Saint Elizabeth emphasizes the call to dwell in the love of the Trinity. Reflect on what it means to “dwell in love” in your own life. How can you open your heart more fully to this divine presence?
Transformation through Love: Consider how the experience of God’s love has transformed or can transform your life. In what ways do you see yourself being called to change, to die to self, and to live more fully in God’s love?
The Role of Suffering: Reflect on how encountering Jesus in the painful parts of your life has or can bring about spiritual growth. How can you invite God into these areas of struggle or suffering?
Family and Community: Dr. Lilles connects Elizabeth’s teachings to the concept of the family as a “school of love.” How does your faith influence your relationships with family and community? In what ways can you foster a more loving, Christ-centered environment in your home or community?
Christian Joy: Consider the distinction between happiness and joy in the Christian sense. How have you experienced the joy of the Lord even during challenging times? What does it mean to find joy in God’s presence regardless of external circumstances?
Spiritual Maturity: Reflect on the process of becoming fully human and fully alive in God’s image, as discussed by Dr. Lilles. What does spiritual maturity look like for you? How can you cooperate more fully with God’s transformative grace in your life?
Love in Action: Saint Elizabeth wanted her spirituality to apply to the real world. Reflect on the statement, “my only occupation is loving.” How can you apply this ideal in your interactions, decisions, and service to others?

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

BTP6 Heaven In Faith Day 3 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 6 “Heaven in Faith” Day 3 Prayer 2 – “You have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God”

This episode with Dr. Anthony Lillis and Kris McGregor discusses the concept of spiritual death, where the soul, aspiring to be close to God, must detach and surrender itself entirely to divine will, transcending earthly attachments. This process is likened to St. Paul’s teaching about dying to oneself daily, allowing Christ to increase within. The discussion touches upon the dark night of the soul, as described by St. John of the Cross, emphasizing that such experiences, though challenging, are avenues for profound encounters with God, beyond mere understanding or feeling.

The episode delves into the necessity of trusting God amidst sufferings and renunciations, illustrating this through personal anecdotes and the experiences of saints like Teresa of Avila. It addresses the human struggle with attachments, guilt, and the reality of death, urging listeners to embrace these realities not as ends in themselves but as means to deeper union with God.

In summary, the episode underscores the transformative power of divine love and the call to surrender fully to God, highlighting the paradox that true life in Christ requires a willingness to undergo spiritual death and detachment.

Day 3 Second Prayer

11. “You have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” St. Paul comes to bring us a light to guide us on the pathway of the abyss. “You have died!” What does that mean but that the soul that aspires to live close to God “in the invincible fortress of holy recollection” must be “set apart, stripped, and withdrawn from all things” (in spirit). This soul “finds within itself a simple ascending movement of love to God, whatever creatures may do; it is invincible to things which” pass away, “for it transcends them, seeking God alone.”

12. “Quotidie morior.” “I die daily.” I decrease, I renounce self more each day so that Christ may increase in me and be exalted; I “remain” very little “in the depths of my poverty.” I see “my nothingness, my misery, my weakness; I perceive that I am incapable of progress, of perseverance; I see the multitude of my shortcomings, my defects; I appear in my indigence.” “I fall down in my misery, confessing my distress, and I display it before the mercy” of my Master. “Quotidie morior.” I place the joy of my soul (as to the will, not sensible feelings) in everything that can immolate, destroy, or humble me, for I want to make room for my Master. I live no longer I, but He lives in me: I no longer want “to live my own life, but to be transformed in Jesus Christ so that my life may be more divine than human,” so that the Father in bending attentively over me can recognize the image of His beloved Son in whom He has placed all His delight.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Self-Reflection and Renunciation: How do you understand the concept of “dying daily” in your spiritual life, and are there specific attachments or desires you feel called to renounce to grow closer to God?
Trust in God Amidst Suffering: Reflect on a time you experienced suffering or desolation. How did you respond to God during this time, and how can you cultivate a deeper trust in God despite difficulties?
Encountering God in Darkness: How do you relate to the idea of the “dark night of the soul” as described by St. John of the Cross? Can you identify any periods in your life that might reflect this experience, and what did they teach you about your relationship with God?
Spiritual Growth through Renunciation: Consider the areas in your life where God might be asking you to make space for Him through renunciation. What steps can you take to respond to this call?
The Role of Prayer in Surrender: Reflect on your prayer life. How does prayer help you to surrender more fully to God, and how might you deepen your prayer life to facilitate this surrender?
Learning from the Saints: How do the experiences and teachings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and St. Teresa of Avila inspire you in your spiritual journey? What specific aspect of their spiritual lives resonates with you the most?
Love and Sacrifice: The podcast mentions that to love is to do so at one’s own expense. How do you understand this statement in the context of your faith and daily life? How does it challenge you to live out your Christian vocation?

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

LSB7 – God’s Dwelling Within – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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God’s Dwelling Within – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, O.S.B.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor discuss St. Benedict’s journey, emphasizing letting go of ego to dwell with God. TFr. Mauritius warns against the trap of false humility and the belief that techniques alone can lead to spiritual growth, stressing the role of grace in allowing God to enter our lives. The goal is to dwell with God in this life and in eternity, akin to the peaceful state imagined in heaven.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Journey Reflection: Reflect on the struggles and temptations faced by St. Benedict on his spiritual journey. How do these challenges parallel with your own spiritual journey?
Dwelling with God: Consider the concept of dwelling with oneself in the presence of God. How can you cultivate this sense of peaceful dwelling with God in your own life?
Letting Go of Ego: Fr. Mauritius speaks about the importance of letting go of ego to allow God to enter our hearts. How can you actively let go of ego and open yourself more fully to God’s presence?
Role of Grace: Discuss the role of grace in spiritual growth. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God’s grace in your life?
False Humility: Reflect on the concept of false humility. How can you ensure that your humility is genuine and not merely a facade?
Techniques vs. Grace: Consider the balance between spiritual techniques and reliance on God’s grace. How can you integrate both in your spiritual practice?
Goal of Dwelling with God: Reflect on the ultimate goal of dwelling with God both in this life and in eternity. How does this perspective shape your spiritual aspirations and priorities?

From the Life of Our Most Holy Father St. Benedict by St. Gregory the Great:

CHAPTER III.

“This said, he forthwith returned to the solitude he loved so well, and lived there with himself, in the sight of Him who seeth all things.”

Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, NE

BTP5 Heaven In Faith Day 3 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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**Episode 5 “Heaven in Faith” Day 3 Prayer 1 – “We will come to him and make our home in him“**

This episode with Dr. Anthony Lillis and Kris McGregor unpacks the nuances of Saint Elizabeth’s call to deep, transformative prayer and how it aims to bring individuals closer to God. They explore Elizabeth’s profound connection with scripture, despite her limited access to full texts, showcasing her deep spiritual insight and understanding, particularly of Saint Paul’s writings and the Gospel of John. It highlights her emphasis on mature, sacrificial love as the essence of a deep relationship with God, contrasting this with more superficial, emotional attachments. Catholic Devotional Prayers and Novenas - Mp3 Audio Downloads and Text 8

Dr. Lilles further illustrates Elizabeth’s theology of love, explaining how true love for God transcends mere feelings, drawing on examples of self-giving and sacrifice that lead to a deeper divine intimacy. The narrative is enriched by the story of Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, whose experience in prison exemplifies how love can transform even the most dire circumstances into profound encounters with God.

Throughout the conversation, the focus remains on the transformative power of love and prayer, urging listeners to deepen their own spiritual lives by embracing these principles. The podcast serves as a guide for those seeking to cultivate a more profound prayer life and relationship with God, inspired by Saint Elizabeth’s enduring spiritual legacy.

Day 3 First Prayer

9. “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home in him.” The Master once more expresses His desire to dwell in us. “If anyone loves Me”! It is love that attracts, that draws God to His creatures: not a sensible love but that love “strong as death that deep waters cannot quench.”

10. “Because I love My Father, I do always the things that are pleasing to Him.” Thus spoke our holy Master, and every soul who wants to live close to Him must also live this maxim. The divine good pleasure33 must be its food, its daily bread; it must let itself be immolated by all the Father’s wishes in the likeness of His adored Christ. Each incident, each event, each suffering, as well as each joy, is a sacrament which gives God to it; so it no longer makes a distinction between these things; it surmounts them, goes beyond them to rest in its Master, above all things. It “exalts” Him high on the “mountain of its heart,” yes, “higher than His gifts, His consolation, higher than the sweetness that descends from Him.” “The property of love is never to seek self, to keep back nothing, but to give everything to the one it loves.” “Blessed the soul that loves” in truth; “the Lord has become its captive through love”!

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Sacrificial Love: How do you understand the difference between “sensible love” and “sacrificial love” in your own spiritual journey? Reflect on instances where you may have experienced each type of love.
Scriptural Engagement: Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity had a profound connection with Scripture despite limited access. Reflect on your own approach to the Bible. How can you deepen your engagement with God’s word, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process for you?
Love Attracting God: The podcast discusses the idea that our love attracts God to dwell within us. Reflect on your personal prayer life. How do you cultivate a love that draws God closer, and how do you perceive His presence in response?
Transformative Suffering: Considering the story of Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, reflect on how suffering or hardship has transformed your relationship with God. Can you identify any “sacraments” in your sufferings that have brought you closer to God?
Prayer and Relationship with God: Saint Elizabeth emphasizes deep prayer as a means to foster a profound relationship with God. Reflect on your prayer life: Is it more about speaking to God, or do you also cultivate silence to listen to Him? How can you incorporate elements of Saint Elizabeth’s approach to deepen your relationship with God?
Love and Truth: The concept of loving in truth is highlighted as crucial for genuine spiritual growth. Reflect on your relationships and your love for God. Are there areas where you need to be more honest or authentic, both with God and with others?
Living Love in Daily Life: Reflect on how you can live out the call to love sacrificially in everyday life. Are there specific actions or changes you can make to better embody this kind of love in your family, community, or workplace?

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

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

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

Integration of Faith: How can we ensure that our faith is not compartmentalized but integrated into every aspect of our daily lives?
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?
Lenten Practices: In what ways can Lenten practices such as reconciliation and stations of the cross deepen our relationship with God?
Decline of Shame: What are the implications of the decline of shame and public judgment in contemporary society for moral behavior and community life?
Role of Community: How can communities uphold moral truth while respecting individual conscience and freedom?
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

BTP4 Heaven In Faith: Day 2 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:08 — 19.4MB) | Embed

Episode 4 “Heaven in Faith” Day 2 Prayer 2 – “Hurry and Come Down”

This episode with Dr. Anthony Lillis and Kris McGregor discussing the second prayer of the second day from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s retreat, “Heaven in Faith.” Dr. Lillis, an expert on Carmelite spirituality, emphasizes the importance of silence and contemplative prayer, drawing insights from St. Elizabeth’s reflections to guide listeners into a deeper spiritual journey.

Dr. Lillis explains that the retreat encourages participants to find a phrase or sentence in the reflections that resonates with them, suggesting that this is a way God communicates personally. He emphasizes the need for solitude and interior reflection, moving away from external distractions to focus on God’s presence within the soul.

The discussion delves into the concept of humility and self-acceptance in the context of spiritual growth, highlighting the need to confront and surrender one’s inner brokenness and resistance to God. Dr. Lillis underscores the transformative power of God’s love, which purifies and refines the soul, likening this process to fire that burns away all impurities.

Moreover, Dr. Lillis connects this inner transformation with the sacramental life of the Church, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation, which provide grace and strength to overcome spiritual obstacles. He also highlights the importance of encountering Christ in various aspects of life, including the marginalized and the poor, as a means of deepening one’s relationship with God.

Overall, the episode offers a profound exploration of Carmelite spirituality, emphasizing the journey toward deeper union with God through prayer, self-examination, and the embrace of divine love.

Day 2 Second Prayer

7. “Hurry and come down, for I must stay in your house today.” The Master unceasingly repeats this word to our soul which He once addressed to Zacchaeus. “Hurry and come down.” But what is this descent that He demands of us except an entering more deeply into our interior abyss? This act is not “an external separation from external things,” but a “solitude of spirit,” a detachment from all that is not God.

8. “As long as our will has fancies that are foreign to divine union, whims that are now yes, now no, we are like children; we do not advance with giant steps in love for fire has not yet burnt up all the alloy; the gold is not pure; we are still seeking ourselves; God has not consumed” all our hostility to Him. But when the boiling cauldron has consumed “every imperfect love, every imperfect sorrow, every imperfect fear,” “then love is perfect and the golden ring of our alliance is larger than Heaven and earth. This is the secret cellar in which love places his elect,” this “love leads us by ways and paths known to him alone; and he leads us with no turning back, for we will not retrace our steps.”

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Personal Encounter with God: In what ways do I consciously make space to encounter God in my daily life? How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence within me?
Silence and Solitude: How do I integrate silence and solitude into my spiritual practice? What challenges do I face in doing so, and how can I overcome them?
Contemplative Prayer: Reflect on your experience with contemplative prayer. How does it differ from your other prayer experiences? What fruits have you noticed from engaging in contemplative prayer?
Self-acceptance and Humility: How do I deal with my own brokenness and limitations in my spiritual journey? In what ways can I practice true humility, acknowledging my dependence on God’s grace?
Divine Love: Reflect on the concept of God’s purifying love as fire. How have you experienced this transformative love in your life? Are there areas in your life that you are hesitant to surrender to this purifying love?
Sacramental Life: How do the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, influence my spiritual life? What graces have I received from regular participation in these sacraments?
Scriptural Engagement: How does Scripture inform and nourish my spiritual life? Can I identify a passage or story that has particularly moved me or challenged me recently?
Love in Action: How am I called to see Christ in others, especially the marginalized or those in need? What concrete actions can I take to respond to this call?
Interior Examination: In the context of an ‘examine’ of consciousness, what interior movements or inclinations have I noticed in myself? How do they align or conflict with my desire to grow closer to God?
Spiritual Companionship: Who are my spiritual companions on this journey, and how do they support my growth? How can I be a better companion to others in their spiritual journey?

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