BTP3 Heaven In Faith: Day 2 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Episode 3 “Heaven in Faith”  Day 2 Prayer 1  – “The Kingdom of God is Within You”

This episode with Dr. Anthony Lillis and Kris McGregor delves into the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, focusing on Retreat 2, Prayer 1 of her “Heaven in Faith” retreat. Dr. Lillis, an expert in Carmelite spirituality and theological contemplation, emphasizes the central theme that our hearts are meant to be a heaven where God resides, a reality made possible by grace and baptism. This retreat, initially penned for St. Elizabeth’s sister, invites believers to recognize and nurture God’s dwelling presence within, transforming it into the guiding force of their lives through faith renewal and the sacraments.

Catholic Devotional Prayers and Novenas - Mp3 Audio Downloads and Text 8St. Elizabeth’s writings illuminate the concept that the Kingdom of God is internal, a profound insight shared with St. John of the Cross, who believed that in the soul’s substance, where worldly and evil influences cannot reach, God imparts Himself, making every movement divine. This inner sanctuary, untouched by external forces, becomes the focal point for spiritual growth and intimacy with God, achievable through love, which binds the soul to its Creator. The more intense this love, the deeper the soul’s entry into God, culminating in a unity that transforms the individual into a reflection of the divine.

Dr. Lillis further explores the barriers modern individuals face in accessing this inner realm, notably the distractions and superficialities fueled by technology and material pursuits. He argues that neglecting the soul’s deeper needs can lead to spiritual emptiness or the pursuit of harmful or superficial remedies. Drawing parallels with the experiences of Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, he stresses the primacy of grace and the transformative power of prayer in attaining spiritual fulfillment. Christian contemplation, unlike other forms of mysticism, is characterized by its interpersonal nature, focusing on a relationship with Jesus Christ rather than seeking emotional or intellectual experiences.

This episode not only revisits the timeless wisdom of Carmelite saints but also addresses contemporary spiritual challenges, advocating for a deeper, love-filled pursuit of God within the soul’s sanctuary.


Day 3 First Prayer

5. “The kingdom of God is within you.” Awhile ago God invited us to “remain in Him,” to live spiritually in His glorious heritage, and now He reveals to us that we do not have to go out of ourselves to find Him: “The kingdom of God is within”! . . . St. John of the Cross says that “it is in the substance of the soul where neither the devil nor the world can reach” that God gives Himself to it; then “all its movements are divine, and although they are from God they also belong to the soul, because God works them in it and with it.”

6. The same saint also says that “God is the center of the soul. So when the soul with all” its “strength will know God perfectly, love and enjoy Him fully, then it will have reached the deepest center that can be attained in Him.” Before attaining this, the soul is already “in God who is its center,” “but it is not yet in its deepest center, for it can still go further. Since love is what unites us to God, the more intense this love is, the more deeply the soul enters into God and the more it is centered in Him. When it “possesses even one degree of love it is already in its center”; but when this love has attained its perfection, the soul will have penetrated into its deepest center. There it will be transformed to the point of becoming very like God.” To this soul living within can be addressed the words of Père Lacordaire to St. Mary Magdalene: “No longer ask for the Master among those on earth or in Heaven, for He is your soul and your soul is He.”

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. 95-96). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Understanding the Presence of God Within: How do you perceive the idea that our hearts are meant to be a heaven where God dwells? Reflect on your personal experiences of recognizing God’s presence within you.
  2. The Role of Grace in Spiritual Growth: Dr. Lillis emphasizes the primacy of grace over personal effort in growing closer to God. How have you experienced the role of grace in your spiritual journey? Can you identify moments when grace, rather than your own efforts, led to spiritual growth or transformation?
  3. Barriers to Interiority: The modern world presents numerous distractions that can lead us away from exploring our interior life. What are some barriers you face in seeking interiority and a deeper relationship with God? How can you address these barriers in your daily life?
  4. The Impact of Love on Spiritual Depth: St. Elizabeth and St. John of the Cross highlight love as the force that unites us with God, deepening our entry into Him. Reflect on how love has been a pathway to encountering God more deeply within your soul. What practices help you to grow in love for God and others?
  5. Contemplative Prayer vs. New Age Mysticism: The episode makes a distinction between Christian contemplation, which is interpersonal and focused on Jesus, and other forms of mysticism that seek emotional or intellectual experiences. How does this distinction influence your understanding of prayer and spiritual life?
  6. The Call to Interior Prayer: Reflect on the statement that the kingdom of God is within you. How does this truth affect your approach to prayer and daily living? Do you find it challenging to turn inward to meet Jesus in prayer? Why or why not?
  7. Overcoming Spiritual Distractions: In an age of technology and constant activity, how can you cultivate silence and stillness to listen to God’s voice within? What practical steps can you take to minimize distractions in your prayer life?
  8. Encountering Jesus in the Depths of the Soul: Dr. Lillis discusses encountering Jesus even in the absence of emotional or intellectual consolations. Have you ever experienced a sense of God’s presence that transcended feelings or thoughts? How does this experience influence your faith and prayer life?
  9. The Journey to the Deepest Center: St. Elizabeth speaks of penetrating into the deepest center of the soul through perfect love. What do you think this journey entails for you personally? How can you more fully open your heart to God’s love?
  10. Faith and the Interior Life: Finally, consider the role of faith in accessing the realities of God’s love and presence within us, as mentioned by Dr. Lillis. How does faith guide you to seek and find Jesus in the depths of your soul, beyond what is felt or seen?

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 .

LSB6 – Dealing with Serious Temptation – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Dealing with Serious Temptation – 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 struggle with sexual temptation, where he chose to endure pain rather than indulge in harmful behaviors. It contrasts this with modern society’s tendency to avoid pain through self-medication.

Fr. Mauritius also stresses the importance of facing suffering for spiritual growth, emphasizing detachment’s role in achieving true fulfillment and fruitfulness in life.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

  1. Engaging with Temptation: How does St. Benedict’s encounter with temptation challenge us to confront our own temptations in life?
  2. Detachment and Self-Medication: How does the podcast critique modern society’s tendency to self-medicate instead of confronting pain and reality?
  3. Embracing Suffering: What insights can we gain from St. Benedict’s willingness to endure suffering as a means of spiritual growth and detachment?
  4. Fruitfulness Through Detachment: Reflect on how St. Benedict’s detachment ultimately led to fruitfulness in his life. How can we apply this principle to our own lives?
  5. Value of Longing: Consider the hosts’ discussion on embracing longing and desire. How might viewing these yearnings positively impact our spiritual journey?

St.-Benedict-9

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

 CHAPTER I.

“The holy man being on a certain day alone, the tempter was at hand; for a little black bird, commonly called an ousel, began to fly about his face, and that so near as the holy man, if he would. might have taken it with his hand; but no sooner had he made the sign of the cross than the bird vanished. When presently so great a carnal temptation assailed him, that before the holy man had never felt the like. For the remembrance of a woman which some time he had seen, was so lively represented to his fancy by the wicked spirit, and so vehemently did her image inflame his breast with lustful desires, that almost overcome by pleasure, he was determining to leave the wilderness. But suddenly assisted with divine
grace he came to himself, and, seeing near him a thicket full of nettles and briars, he threw off his garments and cast himself naked into the midst of those sharp thorns and nettles, where he rolled himself so long, that, when he rose up, all his body was pitifully rent; thus by the wounds of his flesh he cured those of his soul, by turning pleasure into pain; and by the vehemence of outward torments he extinguished the unlawful flame which burnt within overcoming sin by changing the fire. After which time, as he himself related to his disciples, he was so free from the like temptation, that he never felt any such motion.”


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

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


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

LSB5 – Holiness Beyond Appearance – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Holiness Beyond Appearance – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, O.S.B.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor continue their discussion of the life of St. Benedict. In this episode, they highlight his journey of detachment from cultural norms and societal expectations to deepen his relationship with God.

They explore how Benedict’s appearance in the wilderness led shepherds to mistake him for a wild animal initially, symbolizing his detachment from cultural conventions. Despite his unconventional appearance, Benedict’s holiness was recognized by the shepherds, highlighting the idea that true holiness transcends outward appearances.

Fr. Mauritius extends to the broader theme of detachment from cultural biases in spiritual growth, drawing parallels with missionaries and the need to embrace others. He notes the importance of being vulnerable before God, shedding societal masks to reveal our true selves. Fr. Mauritius encourages listeners to examine their cultural biases, appreciate different perspectives, and embrace vulnerability in their spiritual journeys.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

  1. Recognition of Holiness: How does St. Benedict’s story challenge our perceptions of holiness, particularly in recognizing it beyond outward appearances?
  2. Detachment from Cultural Norms: What lessons can we learn from Benedict’s detachment from societal expectations, and how might this apply to our own cultural biases?
  3. Embracing Perspectives: In what ways can we emulate Benedict’s openness to different perspectives and cultures in our interactions with others?
  4. Authenticity in Prayer: How does Benedict’s journey encourage us to be authentic and vulnerable before God, especially in moments of prayer and reflection?
  5. Cultural Critique and Improvement: Reflecting on our own culture, what aspects do we appreciate, and what areas do we see as needing improvement or correction?
  6. Embracing Otherness: How do we view immigrants or unfamiliar cultures, and are we open to learning from them as God-inspired expressions of diversity?

St.-Benedict-9

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

 CHAPTER I.

“About the same time certain shepherds found him hid in a cave; who, at the first, spying him among the bushes, clothed in the skins of beasts, took him for some wild beast, but afterwards knowing him to be a servant of God, many of them were converted from their savage life to virtue. By this means his name began to be famous in the country, and many did resort unto him, bringing with them necessaries for his body, while they received from his lips the food of life.”


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

LSB4 – Call From Seclusion – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Call From Seclusion- The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, O.S.B.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor continue their discussion about the life of St. Benedict. They delve into his journey of detachment from earthly ties, including his parents and his immersion into solitude.

Fr. Mauritius also highlights a significant encounter where Benedict forgets the date of Easter, suggesting a detachment even from the Church’s calendar, leading to a deeper understanding of the Easter mystery. This experience is likened to an analog versus original experience, where Benedict transitions from outward knowing to inward experiencing.

The discussion expands to the broader significance of Easter and the importance of active participation and interior understanding within the Church. It concludes with reflections on gratitude towards the Church, personal contribution to its vitality, addressing problems respectfully, and continuing prayer.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

  1. Gratitude for Church Gifts: Reflect on the aspects of the Church that you’re thankful for and how you’ve benefited from them.
  2. Personal Contribution to Church Life: Contemplate how you can actively contribute to making the Church more vibrant and alive in your community.
  3. Addressing Church Challenges: Consider any issues or problems within the Church and how you can respectfully and constructively engage with them.
  4. Deepening Prayer with the Church: Reflect on how you can deepen your prayer life in alignment with the Church’s teachings and traditions.
  5. Living the Mystery of Easter: How can you live out the mystery of Easter in your daily life beyond just celebrating it as a yearly ritual?
  6. Active Participation in Church Life: How can you actively participate in the life of the Church, both spiritually and practically, to foster its growth and renewal?

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

St.-Benedict-9

 CHAPTER I.

“Now when it pleased Almighty God that Romanus should rest from his labours, and that the life of Benedict should be manifest to the world for an example to all men, that the candle set upon a candlestick might shine and give light to the whole Church of God, our Lord vouchsafed to appear to a certain Priest living far off, who had make ready his dinner for Easter Day, saying to him: “Thou hast prepared good cheer for thyself, and My servant in such a place is famished for hunger.” Who presently rose up, and on the solemn day of Easter went towards the place with such meat as he had provided for himself, where seeking the man of God, amongst craggy rocks, winding valleys and hollow pits he found him hid in a cave. Then after prayers, and blessing the Almighty Lord, they sat down, and after some spiritual discourse the Priest said: “Rise, and let us take our refection, for this is Easter Day.” To whom the man of God answered: “I know it is Easter, because I have found so much favour as to see thee.” (For not having a long time conversed with men, he did not know it was Easter Day.) The good Priest did therefore again affirm it, saying: “Truly this is the day of our Lord’s Resurrection, and therefore it is not fit that you should keep abstinence, and for this cause I am sent that we may eat together that which Almighty God hath bestowed on us.” Whereupon blessing God, they fell to their meat. Their discourse and dinner ended, the Priest returned to his Church.”


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

Sloth Can Separate Us from God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts


Sloth Can Separate Us from God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. Esseff

Msgr. Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the impact of sloth (self-reliance) on one’s relationship with God, drawing parallels with King David’s disobedience. Msgr. Esseff particularly critiques societal laziness, self-centeredness, and moral decay, urging a shift towards Jesus’ humble and sacrificial leadership. He also touches on global wealth disparity and emphasizes the responsibility to share with those in need.

Msgr. Esseff encourages prayer, repentance, and adopting a servant’s attitude, exemplified by Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, as a means to foster compassion and justice in society.


Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

  1. Self-Reflection on Sloth: How does the concept of sloth, characterized by self-reliance and disobedience, resonate with your own life and actions?
  2. Learning from King David: In what ways can King David’s experience, where self-reliance led to disobedience, serve as a lesson for individuals today, especially in positions of authority?
  3. Leadership in Society: Reflect on the prevalent laziness and self-centeredness in various leadership roles today. How can adopting Jesus’ humble and sacrificial leadership style bring about positive change?
  4. Wealth Disparity: Consider global wealth distribution and the responsibility to share with those in need. How can you contribute to addressing the disparities and recognizing Jesus in the poorest of the poor?
  5. Prayer and Repentance: In response to the discussion, how can Psalm 51 (“Have mercy on me, O God, for I have sinned”) guide your prayer and reflection on personal change and repentance?
  6. Humility and Service: Reflect on the symbolic act of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. How can adopting a similar attitude of humility and service positively impact your relationships within your family, church, and community?
  7. Recognizing Jesus in Others: How can the recognition of Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor influence your perspective on those less fortunate?
  8. Shifting Societal Attitudes: Consider how fostering an attitude of care and service to others, rooted in humility, can contribute to positive societal change. How can you embody these principles in your daily life?

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

LSB3 – Who Broke The Bell? – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B. – Discerning Heart Podcast

The Life of St. Benedict pt 3 – Who Broke The Bell?

In this episode of “The Holy Rule of St. Benedict: A Spiritual Path for Today’s World,” hosted by Kris McGregor and featuring Father Mauritius Wilde O.S.B., listeners are invited to explore the life and spiritual journey of St. Benedict.

The podcast highlights a pivotal moment in St. Benedict’s life when disgusted by his surroundings in Rome, he chooses to follow God’s call over his father’s wishes. This journey leads him to live in a cave for three years, where he is sustained by the monk Romanus, who discreetly delivers food to him. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when St. Benedict, in his quest for total solitude and detachment from worldly needs, mistakenly believes he no longer needs Romanus’s help. This leads to a deeper exploration of the themes of solitude, the dangers of spiritual extremism, and the necessity of community and moderation in spiritual life.

Father Mauritius skillfully connects St. Benedict’s experiences to broader spiritual lessons, emphasizing the importance of humility, community, and the balance between spiritual devotion and practical needs. The episode concludes with a reflection on St. Benedict’s realization that he had gone too far in his detachment, leading to an understanding of the need for balance between solitude and community.

Listeners are encouraged to learn from St. Benedict’s journey, understanding that while solitude and detachment are valuable, they must be balanced with community and humility. The podcast serves as a reminder that in the spiritual journey, extremism can be as dangerous as apathy, and that true holiness lies in recognizing our human limits and the grace of God in all aspects of life.


Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts:

  1. Balancing Solitude and Relationships: Reflect on your ability to balance the call to solitude and contemplation with the responsibilities and relationships in your daily life, and consider how you can create a harmonious balance between these aspects.
  2. Guarding Against Spiritual Extremism: In light of St. Benedict’s story, which highlights the dangers of spiritual extremism, think about ways you can guard against going to extremes in your own spiritual practices and beliefs.
  3. Practicing Detachment: The concept of detachment is a key theme in the episode. Contemplate how you understand and practice detachment in your own life and how this brings you closer to God.
  4. The Role of Community: Consider the role of community in your spiritual life. Reflect on how your faith community supports your spiritual growth and how you contribute to the spiritual well-being of others in your community.
  5. Cultivating Spiritual Humility: Think about the idea of spiritual humility as discussed in the podcast. Explore ways in which you can cultivate a more humble approach to your spiritual life and your relationship with God.
  6. Embracing Moderation: Given St. Benedict’s realization of the importance of moderation in his spiritual journey, identify how you can apply the principle of moderation to your own practices of prayer, fasting, work, and leisure.
  7. Supporting and Being Supported: The story of St. Benedict and Romanus underscores the importance of mutual support in our spiritual journeys. Reflect on how you experience this mutual support in your life and how you can be more open to both giving and receiving spiritual support.
  8. Responding to Disruption: Recall the moment when the bell, signaling Romanus’s delivery of food to St. Benedict, was broken. Think about moments in your spiritual journey where your ‘bell’ – a symbol of guidance or support – was broken, how you responded to this disruption, and what it taught you about reliance on God and others in your faith journey.
  9. Integrating Lessons into Daily Life: Lastly, ponder how you can integrate the lessons from St. Benedict’s life into your daily actions, decisions, and relationships, keeping in mind the central message of finding balance between solitude, community, and service in your walk with God.

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

 CHAPTER I.

As he was travelling to this place, a certain monk called Romanus met him and asked whither he was going. Having understood his intention, he both kept it secret and afforded him help, moreover he gave him a religious habit and assisted him in all things. The man of God being come to this place lived for the space of three years in an obscure cave, unknown to any man except Romanus the Monk, who lived not far off in a Monastery governed by Father Deodatus. But he would piously steal forth, and on certain days bring to Benedict a loaf of bread which he had spared from his own allowance. But there being no way to the cave from Romanus his cell by reason of a steep and high rock which hung over it, Romanus used to let down the loaf by a long cord to which also he fastened a little bell, that by the sound of it, the man of God might know when Romanus brought him the bread, and going out may receive it. But the old enemy, envying the charity of the one and the refection of the other, when on a certain day he beheld the bread let down in this manner, threw a stone and brake the bell. Notwithstanding, Romanus afterwards failed not to assist him in the best manner he was able.

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 the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Nebraska 

SD2 – The Practical Guidance of Rules 5-9 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

BA6 - "Refuse to Accept Discouragement" - Begin Again: The Spiritual Legacy of Ven. Bruno Lanteri with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

The Practical Guidance of Rules 5-9 – Spiritual Desolation: Be Aware, Understand, Take Action with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss St. Ignatius’ rules on spiritual desolation and distinguishing between the actions of the good spirit and the enemy during the discernment process.

In particular, Rules 5 through 9 provide practical guidance, advising against changes during desolation, promoting active spiritual tools, and addressing the causes and purposes of desolation. Fr. Gallagher makes note of the trial aspect, encouraging patience, and stresses the humility of recognizing spiritual consolation as a gift from God.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

  1. Understanding Discernment: How does Ignatius define discernment of spirits, and what is its purpose in our spiritual lives?
  2. Two Fundamental Spiritual Situations: Explore the actions of the good spirit and the enemy in different spiritual situations, such as moving away from God or striving to grow closer to Him.
  3. Biting of the Good Spirit: How does the good spirit’s biting and stinging impact a person going away from God, and what role does discomfort play in leading them back to God?
  4. Biting of the Enemy: In contrast, how does the enemy attempt to hinder a person growing toward God, and what tactics does Ignatius describe in this scenario?
  5. Rules 5-9 Overview: Summarize the key points from Rules 5 to 9, focusing on the importance of not making changes during desolation, active use of spiritual tools, and understanding the causes and purposes of desolation.
  6. Rule 7 – Trial and Growth: How does Ignatius present desolation as a trial, and what opportunities for growth does it offer to individuals experiencing it?
  7. Rule 8 – Patience in Desolation: Explore the significance of working to be patient during spiritual desolation and the encouragement to stay the course.
  8. Rule 9 – Causes of Desolation: What are the three principal causes Ignatius highlights for spiritual desolation, and how does understanding these causes contribute to spiritual growth?
  9. Recognizing God’s Grace: Reflect on the concept that all spiritual consolation is a gift from God, and how recognizing this truth fosters humility and spiritual maturity.

You can find this book here

From  Setting the Captives Free: Personal Reflections on Ignatian Discernment of Spirits:

“First Rule. The first rule: In persons who are going from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is ordinarily accustomed to propose apparent pleasures to them, leading them to imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses a contrary method, stinging and biting their consciences through their rational power of moral judgment.

Second Rule. The second: In persons who are going on intensely purifying their sins and rising from good to better in the service of God our Lord, the method is contrary to that in the first rule. For then it is proper to the evil spirit to bite, sadden, and place obstacles, disquieting with false reasons, so
that the person may not go forward. And it is proper to the good spirit to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and quiet, easing and taking away all obstacles, so that the person may go forward in doing good.

Third Rule. The third is of spiritual consolation. I call it consolation when some interior movement is caused in the soul, through which the soul comes to be inflamed with love of its Creator and Lord, and, consequently when it can love no created thing on the face of the earth in itself, but only in the Creator of them all. Likewise when it sheds tears that move to love of its Lord, whether out of sorrow for one’s sins, or for the passion of Christ our Lord, or because of other things directly ordered to his service and praise. Finally, I call consolation every increase of hope, faith and charity, and all interior
joy that calls and attracts to heavenly things and to the salvation of one’s soul, quieting it and giving it peace in its Creator and Lord.

Fourth Rule. The fourth is of spiritual desolation. I call desolation all the contrary of the third rule, such as darkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to low and earthly things, disquiet from various agitations and temptations, moving to lack of confidence, without hope, without love, finding oneself totally slothful, tepid, sad and, as if separated from one’s Creator and Lord. For just as consolation is contrary to desolation, in the same way the thoughts that come from consolation are contrary to the thoughts that come from desolation.

Fifth Rule. The fifth: In time of desolation never make a change, but be firm and constant in the proposals and determination in which one was the day preceding such desolation, or in the determination in which one was in the preceding consolation. Because, as in consolation the good spirit guides and counsels us more, so in desolation the bad spirit, with whose counsels we cannot find the way to a right decision.

Sixth Rule. The sixth: Although in desolation we should not change our first proposals, it is very advantageous to change ourselves intensely against the desolation itself, as by insisting more upon prayer, meditation, upon much examination, and upon extending ourselves in some suitable way of doing penance.

Seventh Rule. The seventh: Let one who is in desolation consider how the Lord has left him in trial in his natural powers, so that he may resist the various agitations and temptations of the enemy; since he can resist with the divine help, which always remains with him, though he does not clearly feel it; for the Lord has taken away from him his great fervor, abundant love and intense grace, leaving him, however, sufficient grace for eternal salvation.

Eighth Rule. The eighth: Let one who is in desolation work to be in patience, which is contrary to the vexations which come to him, and let him think that he will soon be consoled, diligently using the means against such desolation, as is said in the sixth rule.

Ninth Rule. The ninth: There are three principal causes for which we find ourselves desolate. The first is because we are tepid, slothful or negligent in our spiritual exercises, and so through our faults spiritual consolation withdraws from us. The second, to try us and see how much we are and how
much we extend ourselves in his service and praise without so much payment of consolations and increased graces. The third, to give us true recognition and understanding so that we may interiorly feel that it is not ours to attain or maintain increased devotion, intense love, tears or any other spiritual
consolation, but that all is the gift and grace of God our Lord, and so that we may not build a nest in something belonging to another, raising our mind in some pride or vainglory attributing to ourselves the devotion or the other parts of the spiritual consolation.”


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

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

St. Hilary of Poitiers – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

  • Born: 310 AD,
  • Died: May 2, 367 AD

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss St. Hillary of Poitier’s life, conversion, and role in combating Arianism. Despite being the “Hammer of the Aryans,” his gentleness and charity emphasized Christ-like love in defending the faith.


From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI  General Audience 2007:

“To sum up the essentials of his doctrine, I would like to say that Hilary found the starting point for his theological reflection in baptismal faith. In De Trinitate, Hilary writes: Jesus St.-Hilary-1“has commanded us to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (cf. Mt 28: 19), that is, in the confession of the Author, of the Only-Begotten One and of the Gift. The Author of all things is one alone, for one alone is God the Father, from whom all things proceed. And one alone is Our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things exist (cf. I Cor 8: 6), and one alone is the Spirit (cf. Eph 4: 4), a gift in all…. In nothing can be found to be lacking so great a fullness, in which the immensity in the Eternal One, the revelation in the Image, joy in the Gift, converge in the Father, in the Son and in the Holy Spirit” (De Trinitate 2, 1). God the Father, being wholly love, is able to communicate his divinity to his Son in its fullness. I find particularly beautiful the following formula of St Hilary: “God knows not how to be anything other than love, he knows not how to be anyone other than the Father. Those who love are not envious and the one who is the Father is so in his totality. This name admits no compromise, as if God were father in some aspects and not in others” (ibid., 9, 61).

For this reason the Son is fully God without any gaps or diminishment. “The One who comes from the perfect is perfect because he has all, he has given all” (ibid., 2, 8). Humanity finds salvation in Christ alone, Son of God and Son of man. In assuming our human nature, he has united himself with every man, “he has become the flesh of us all” (Tractatus super Psalmos 54, 9); “he took on himself the nature of all flesh and through it became true life, he has in himself the root of every vine shoot” (ibid., 51, 16). For this very reason the way to Christ is open to all – because he has drawn all into his being as a man -, even if personal conversion is always required: “Through the relationship with his flesh, access to Christ is open to all, on condition that they divest themselves of their former self (cf. Eph 4: 22), nailing it to the Cross (cf. Col 2: 14); provided we give up our former way of life and convert in order to be buried with him in his baptism, in view of life (cf. Col1: 12; Rom 6: 4)” (ibid., 91, 9).

Fidelity to God is a gift of his grace. Therefore, St Hilary asks, at the end of his Treatise on the Trinity, to be able to remain ever faithful to the baptismal faith. It is a feature of this book: reflection is transformed into prayer and prayer returns to reflection. The whole book is a dialogue with God.
I would like to end today’s Catechesis with one of these prayers, which thus becomes our prayer:
“Obtain, O Lord”, St Hilary recites with inspiration, “that I may keep ever faithful to what I have professed in the symbol of my regeneration, when I was baptized in the Father, in the Son and in the Holy Spirit. That I may worship you, our Father, and with you, your Son; that I may deserve your Holy Spirit, who proceeds from you through your Only Begotten Son… Amen” (De Trinitate 12, 57).”

For more visit Vatican.va


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

  1. How can I deepen my personal relationship with God through prayer and scripture study?
  2. In what ways do I demonstrate charity and Christ-like love in my interactions with others?
  3. Reflect on a challenging situation and consider how St. Hillary’s approach of gentleness and diplomacy could be applied.
  4. How can I contribute to promoting unity within the Church and combatting contemporary heresies or misconceptions?
  5. In my faith journey, am I open to the transformative power of scripture, as St. Hillary was in his commentary on the Gospel of Matthew?
  6. How can I balance being a fierce defender of the faith with embodying the virtues of gentleness and charity, following St. Hillary’s example?

For more on St. Hilary of Poitiers and his teachings:

Hilary of Poitiers
– On the Councils, or the Faith of the Easterns
– On the Trinity
– Homilies on the Psalms

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


Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and 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.

LSB1 – The Reception of the First Grace – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict w/ Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B

The Reception of the First Grace – The Life of St. Benedict – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B

The podcast takes a closer look at St. Benedict, a fascinating historical figure, through the lens of his Rule. Father Mauritius emphasizes St. Benedict’s timeless wisdom, exploring how the Rule serves as a spiritual guide even in today’s world. The discussion touches upon St. Benedict’s biography, written by Pope Gregory, offering unique insights into the saint’s life and miracles.

The conversation unfolds with an exploration of St. Benedict’s early life, born to distinguished parents in Nor, Italy. The narrative highlights his journey to Rome for education, where he experienced a profound shift in perspective, leading him to turn away from worldly pleasures and embrace religious life. Father Mauritius underscores the courage and wisdom displayed by St. Benedict in defying his father’s expectations and choosing a different path, guided by a higher calling.

Much of the conversation reflects on the grace of detachment in St. Benedict’s life. The narrative unfolds how St. Benedict’s detachment from his father was not a rejection but a freeing process, aligning with the broader spiritual principles discussed in the Rule. Father Mauritius draws parallels between St. Benedict’s journey and the challenges individuals face in detaching from earthly expectations, fostering a deeper connection with God.

The podcast also addresses the role of prayer and experience in St. Benedict’s discernment process. Father Mauritius emphasizes the importance of integrating personal experiences with a prayerful perspective, mirroring St. Benedict’s own journey of discovery and transformation.

Overall, the episode provides a rich exploration of St. Benedict’s life and teachings, offering valuable insights into applying his spiritual principles in contemporary contexts. The engaging dialogue between Kris McGregor and Father Mauritius Wilde OSB makes for a thought-provoking and enlightening listening experience for anyone interested in spiritual growth and the enduring relevance of St. Benedict’s Rule.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

    1. St. Benedict’s Detachment: Explore the parallels between St. Benedict’s journey of detachment and your own spiritual path.
    2. Fatherly Influences: Reflect on the impact of earthly fathers on life choices, considering expectations, conflicts, and navigated detours.
    3. Prayer and Detachment: Examine how prayer has played a role in discerning God’s will and detaching from worldly expectations.
    4. Integration of Prayer and Experience: Delve into the relationship between prayer and personal experiences in making major life decisions.
    5. Detachment and True Freedom: Reflect on detachment not as a breaking away but as a journey toward genuine freedom in various aspects of life.
    6. Reflecting on Emotions: Consider elements that made St. Benedict thankful, angry, or sad regarding his father, and apply this reflection to your own experiences.
    7. Detachment and Absent Fathers: For those who lacked a strong relationship with earthly fathers, explore how St. Benedict’s detachment might inspire a deeper connection with the heavenly Father.
    8. Healing Wounds from Absence: Reflect on the impact of absent or deceased fathers, and consider how prayer and spiritual reflection can aid in healing.
    9. Applying Spiritual Law: Contemplate the spiritual law mentioned by Father Mauritius, understanding its application in daily life.
    10. Sharing Reflections: Consider sharing your reflections with a friend or mentor, fostering a deeper understanding of St. Benedict’s teachings in your faith journey.

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

INTRODUCTION.
THERE was a man of venerable life, Benedict by name and grace, who from the time of his very childhood carried the heart of an old man. His demeanour indeed surpassing his age, he gave himself no disport or pleasure, but living here upon earth he despised the world with all the glory thereof, at such time as he might have most freely enjoyed it. He was born in the province of Nursia of honourable parentage and sent to Rome to study the liberal sciences. But when he saw there many through the uneven paths of vice run headlong
to their own ruin, he drew back his foot, but new-set in the world, lest, in the search of human knowledge, he might also fall into the same dangerous precipice. Contemning therefore learning and studies and abandoning his father’s house and goods, he desired only to please God in a virtuous life. Therefore he departed skilfully ignorant and wisely unlearned.

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