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St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Pt. 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Anthony of Padua Doctor of Church Matthew Bunson Podcast

St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Pt. 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

  • Born: 1090, Fontaine-lès-Dijon, France
  • Died: August 20, 1153, Clairvaux Abbey, France
  • Books: Two-Fold Knowledge

Dr. Matthew Bunsen and Kris McGregor discuss the life and influence of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. St. Bernard, a Doctor of the Church, is celebrated for his deep spirituality, theological brilliance, and reformative impact on monastic life. He was instrumental in building the Cistercian order and defending Church teachings. Bernard’s upbringing in a noble family provided him with a strong education and a profound devotion to Scripture and the Blessed Mother. After resisting worldly temptations, he entered the Benedictine order and helped restore the vigor of the original Rule of St. Benedict at the Abbey of Clairvaux. His leadership and dedication attracted many followers, and Clairvaux flourished under his guidance.

Bernard’s teachings, particularly on the Song of Songs, reflect his eloquent and elegant theology. Despite his desire for a contemplative life, he was frequently called upon by the Church to mediate conflicts, reform ecclesiastical practices, and support the papacy. His work, including his involvement in the Second Crusade, came at a great personal cost, but he remained committed to serving Christ and the Church.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. The Significance of Spiritual Healing: How does St. Bernard’s title as a healer and miracle worker influence your understanding of spiritual healing in your own life?
  2. Embracing Austerity: What lessons can you learn from St. Bernard’s severe austerity and self-discipline in pursuing a life dedicated to Christ?
  3. The Role of Scripture: How can St. Bernard’s love for Scripture, particularly the Song of Songs, deepen your own relationship with the Bible?
  4. Responding to God’s Call: How does St. Bernard’s choice to join the Benedictine order inspire you to respond to God’s call in your life, even when it requires sacrifice?
  5. The Power of Prayer and Work: How can you incorporate the balance of prayer and work, as emphasized by the Rule of St. Benedict, into your daily routine?
  6. Humility in Service: What can you learn from St. Bernard’s humility and willingness to serve the Church, despite his personal preference for a contemplative life?
  7. Enduring Faithfulness: How does St. Bernard’s lifelong dedication to serving the Church challenge you to remain faithful to your commitments, regardless of personal cost?

From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2009

“Today I would like to talk about St Bernard of Clairvaux, called “the last of the Fathers” of the Church because once again in the 12th century he renewed and brought to the fore the important theology of the Fathers. We do not know in any detail about the years of his childhood; however, we know that he was born in 1090 in Fontaines, France, into a large and fairly well-to-do family. As a very young man he devoted himself to the study of the so-called liberal arts especially grammar, rhetoric and dialectics at the school of the canons of the Church of Saint-Vorles at Châtillon-sur-Seine; and the decision to enter religious life slowly matured within him. At the age of about 20, he entered Cîteaux, a new monastic foundation that was more flexible in comparison with the ancient and venerable monasteries of the period while at the same time stricter in the practice of the evangelical counsels. A few years later, in 1115, Bernard was sent by Stephen Harding, the third Abbot of Cîteaux, to found the monastery of Clairvaux. Here the young Abbot he was only 25 years old was able to define his conception of monastic life and set about putting it into practice. In looking at the discipline of other monasteries, Bernard firmly recalled the need for a sober and measured life, at table as in clothing and monastic buildings, and recommended the support and care of the poor. In the meantime the community of Clairvaux became ever more numerous and its foundations multiplied.

In those same years before 1130 Bernard started a prolific correspondence with many people of both important and modest social status. To the many Epistolae of this period must be added numerous Sermones, as well as Sententiae and Tractatus. Bernard’s great friendship with William, Abbot of Saint-Thierry, and with William of Champeaux, among the most important figures of the 12th century, also date to this period. As from 1130, Bernard began to concern himself with many serious matters of the Holy See and of the Church. For this reason he was obliged to leave his monastery ever more frequently and he sometimes also travelled outside France. He founded several women’s monasteries and was the protagonist of a lively correspondence with Peter the Venerable, Abbot of Cluny, of whom I spoke last Wednesday. In his polemical writings he targeted in particular Abelard, a great thinker who had conceived of a new approach to theology, introducing above all the dialectic and philosophical method in the constructi0n of theological thought. On another front Bernard combated the heresy of the Cathars, who despised matter and the human body and consequently despised the Creator. On the other hand, he felt it was his duty to defend the Jews, and condemned the ever more widespread outbursts of anti-Semitism. With regard to this aspect of his apostolic action, several decades later Rabbi Ephraim of Bonn addressed a vibrant tribute to Bernard. In the same period the holy Abbot wrote his most famous works such as the celebrated Sermons on the Song of Songs [In Canticum Sermones]. In the last years of his life he died in 1153 Bernard was obliged to curtail his journeys but did not entirely stop travelling. He made the most of this time to review definitively the whole collection of his Letters, Sermons and Treatises. Worthy of mention is a quite unusual book that he completed in this same period, in 1145, when Bernardo Pignatelli, a pupil of his, was elected Pope with the name of Eugene III. On this occasion, Bernard as his spiritual father, dedicated to his spiritual son the text De Consideratione [Five Books on Consideration] which contains teachings on how to be a good Pope. In this book, which is still appropriate reading for the Popes of all times, Bernard did not only suggest how to be a good Pope, but also expressed a profound vision of the Mystery of the Church and of the Mystery of Christ which is ultimately resolved in contemplation of the mystery of the Triune God. “The search for this God who is not yet sufficiently sought must be continued”, the holy Abbot wrote, “yet it may be easier to search for him and find him in prayer rather than in discussion. So let us end the book here, but not the search” (XIV, 32: PL 182, 808) and in journeying on towards God.”

For more visit Vatican.va

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

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

St. Bernard and the 12 Steps to Humility and Pride – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Bernard and the 12 Steps to Humility and Pride – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor have a discussion about St. Bernard of Clairvaux. They begin by discussing St. Bernard’s deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his belief that Mary serves as the “neck” of the Mystical Body of Christ, through whom all grace from Christ is mediated to humanity.

Dr. Lilles outlines the historical context in which St. Bernard lived (1090-1153), highlighting his role in the Crusades, monastic reform, and his influence on other saints and mystics. Bernard’s central mission was to promote ongoing conversion to Christ, seeing it as the path to renewing the Church.

They go into St. Bernard’s teachings on humility and pride, as found in his writings. Dr. Lilles explains that for Bernard, truth is not just factual or feasible but relational and rooted in a deeper reality—a truth that is discovered through contemplation and faith. He contrasts this with modern views of truth, which often focus on what is feasible or factual, leading to a superficial understanding of reality.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Understanding Marian Devotion: How does St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s view of Mary as the “neck of the mystical body” deepen your understanding of Marian devotion and its role in leading us closer to Christ?
  2. Personal Conversion: In what areas of your life do you feel called to deeper conversion, following St. Bernard’s emphasis on ongoing transformation to strengthen the Church?
  3. Contemplation of Truth: Reflect on how you perceive truth—do you view it primarily as facts and feasibility, or are you open to the deeper, saving truth that St. Bernard speaks of, which comes through faith and contemplation?
  4. Facing Pain with Humility: How can embracing humility and recognizing your own sinfulness help you to confront personal pain and suffering without transferring it onto others, as discussed in the context of marriage and family?
  5. Pursuit of Salvation: How does acknowledging your need for salvation as a sinner change the way you approach your relationship with God and others, and how might it influence your journey toward spiritual growth?

THE TWELVE DEGREES OF HUMILITY

XII. A permanent attitude of bodily; and spiritual prostration.
XI. The speech of a monk should be short, sensible and in a subdued tone.
X. Abstinence from frequent and light laughter.
IX. Reticence, until asked for his opinion.
VIII. Observance of the general rule of the monastery.
VII. Belief in and declaration of one’s inferiority to others.
VI. Admission and acknowledgment of one’s own unworthiness and uselessness.
V. Confession of sins.
IV. Patient endurance of hardship and severity in a spirit of obedience.
III. Obedient submission to superiors.
II. Forbearance to press personal desire.
I. Constant abstinence from sin for fear of God.

 

THE TWELVE DEGREES OF PRIDE TAKEN DOWNWARDS

I. Curiosity, when a man allows His sight and other senses to stray after things which do not concern him.
II. An unbalanced state of mind, showing itself in talk unseasonably joyous and sad.
III. Silly merriment exhibited in too frequent laughter.
IV. Conceit expressed in much talking.
V. Eccentricity attaching exaggerated importance to one’s own conduct.
VI. Self-assertion holding oneself to be more pious than others.
VII. Presumption readiness to undertake anything.
VIII. Defense of wrong-doing.
IX. Unreal confession detected when severe penance is imposed.
X. Rebellion against the rules and the brethren.
XI. Liberty to sin.
XII. Habitual transgression.

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 .

SISL2 – I Just Can’t Pray – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts


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I Just Can’t Pray – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the spiritual struggles many face, particularly when prayer feels burdensome or difficult to maintain. Framed through the story of “John,” a man with a solid prayer life who experiences a period of spiritual dryness, struggling to maintain his usual practices of prayer, daily Mass, and spiritual reading; Fr. Gallagher tells us of the importance of recognizing the role of physical health in spiritual life.

John’s challenges are linked to his fatigue and poor self-care, especially his lack of sleep, which leads to diminished energy and motivation for prayer. Fr. Gallagher highlights that sometimes, what may seem like a spiritual problem is actually rooted in the body’s needs. He advises that taking care of the body—getting enough sleep, eating well, and managing stress—is crucial for maintaining a healthy spiritual life.

You can pick up a copy of the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Awareness of Spiritual Dryness: Are you currently experiencing a lack of desire to pray or engage in spiritual practices?
  2. Impact of Physical Well-being on Prayer: How are your sleep patterns, diet, and physical energy levels affecting your spiritual life?
  3. Self-Care and Prayer Life: Are you taking proper care of your body as a way to support your relationship with God?
  4. Evaluating Spiritual Routine: Is your current prayer routine realistic and sustainable given the demands of your life?
  5. Seeking Guidance and Support: Do you have a spiritual director or someone you can talk to about your struggles in prayer?
  6. Adaptation to Life’s Circumstances: How does your prayer life adjust to changes in your health, responsibilities, or life circumstances?
  7. Perseverance in Spiritual Practices: Are you willing to begin again and persevere in prayer despite challenges and setbacks?

An excerpt from the book:

“Yes, the spiritual life is easier when we take wise care of the body. If you struggle in the spiritual life, ask first: How is my physical energy? Do I get enough sleep? Do I exercise sufficiently? Does my diet sustain my energy? If the answers are positive, you may presume that spiritual struggles, should you experience them, arise from a different cause. But it is wise to ask these questions before you presume this.

Sometimes, life simply makes demands on our energy. If John’s pace at work increases still more, if his wife’s illness grows more serious and long-lasting, if he himself faces physical issues, if the children’s needs increase, and the like, then his energy for prayer will be less. God never asks the impossible! John, or any one of us in similar circumstances, can only do our best to care for our energy. Such expenditures of energy, accepted out of love for our vocation — in this case, marriage and fatherhood — bring us closer to God, though our prayer may be more tired. Even in such situations, however, God asks us to care for the body as best we can. And this will bless our prayer.”

Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (p. 17). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition.

To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast

From the book’s description: “Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It’s a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth.

All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness.

With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You’ll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you’ll be given the remedy for the struggle. You’ll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them.

In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You’ll gain confidence as you journey through desolation, and you’ll learn to reject the enemy’s ploys to infect you with a sense of hopelessness.”

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

 

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


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The Eucharist and the Hope of Conversion

with Deacon James Keating Ph.D.

In “The Eucharist and Hope for Conversion,” Deacon James Keating discusses the deep spiritual significance of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation as central to the Catholic faith. He emphasizes the importance of participating in the Mass not merely as an external ritual but as an intimate involvement in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Dcn. Keating challenges the modern cultural inclination toward self-involvement and immediate gratification, advocating instead for a spiritual life that transcends these tendencies through a sincere focus on Christ. He explores the transformative power of the Eucharist in helping believers move away from self-centeredness to a life centered on God, ultimately leading to true freedom and peace. Dcn. Keating also discusses the sacrament of Reconciliation as a vital means of returning to reality, aligning oneself with God’s mercy, and breaking free from the isolation caused by sin.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

  1. How does my participation in the Mass reflect my relationship with Christ, and in what ways can I deepen this connection?
  2. In what areas of my life am I still holding onto self-centeredness, and how can I surrender these to God?
  3. How do I understand the role of the Eucharist in my spiritual journey, particularly in overcoming the temptation of immediate gratification?
  4. When was the last time I received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and how can I more regularly incorporate this practice into my spiritual life?
  5. How can I support others in their journey toward a deeper participation in the Eucharist and a life centered on Christ?

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO. 

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

IP#505 Dr. Christopher Reed – Sacred Conversations on Inside the Pages w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Sacred Conversations by Dr. Christopher Reed on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of “Inside the Pages”, Kris McGregor interviews Dr. Christopher Reed about his book “Sacred Conversations.” Exploring the integration of faith into everyday interactions and emphasizes the importance of meaningful dialogue guided by agape love—selfless, Christ-like love. Dr. Reed shares how a pivotal conversation inspired him to write the book in just 21 days, offering a process involving invitation, intention, inquiry, illumination, and integration to guide faith-based conversations.

Using the transformative power of intentional, loving conversations, particularly during times of crisis or in the context of social media; Kris and Dr. Reed discuss the necessity of patience, kindness, and genuine listening to deepen understanding and compassion; and the benefits of sacred conversations across various settings, including family, marital relationships, and professional and community environments.

Dr. Reed also shares his personal faith journey, his parents’ support in his exploration and return to the Catholic Church. His experiences have shaped his dedication to helping others through sacred conversations. and to view each interaction as an opportunity to embody God’s love and grace, fostering personal and communal transformation through meaningful dialogue guided by the Holy Spirit.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

  1. Faith and Everyday Interactions How can we intentionally incorporate faith into our daily conversations and interactions with others?
  2. The Principles of Agape Love What are practical ways to demonstrate agape love in our communication with family, friends, and colleagues?
  3. Transformative Power of Conversations How can we ensure that our conversations are not only meaningful but also transformative for ourselves and those we interact with?
  4. Navigating Crises and Social Media In what ways can sacred conversations help us navigate challenging times, such as crises or the impact of social media on communication?
  5. Personal Faith Journeys How have your personal experiences and struggles shaped your approach to conversations about faith?
  6. Applying Sacred Conversations in Various Settings How can the principles of sacred conversations be applied differently in family, marital, professional, and community contexts?
  7. Listening with Compassion What strategies can we use to improve our ability to listen with patience, kindness, and genuine interest in others?
  8. Embodying God’s Love and Grace How can we view each interaction as an opportunity to be a vessel of God’s love and grace in our daily lives?

From the book’s description:

“Imagine the best conversation you’ve ever had–one that set your heart on fire, challenged your thinking, brought you closer to God, and inspired you to act. Recall how that conversation made you feel and how it changed your heart and your life. Such interactions rise to the level of the sacred–sacred conversations–dialogues that transform hearts, strengthen relationships, and make the world a better place by converting compassionate love into action.

Conversations like this are rare but accessible to all of us all the time, regardless of where we are on our spiritual journeys. Dr. Christopher Reed provides a divinely inspired, scientifically tested, step-by-step process for guiding interactions between “seekers” and “helpers.” We are all seekers, and we can all become helpers. This book will show you how to relate to others in their pain, frustration, hopes, and dreams. You will also learn:

  • The six components of peak communication
  • How you can invite, understand, and illuminate others through your conversations
  • Three historical and scriptural reasons we should study and use sacred conversations
  • How to stop, connect, reflect, and choose the best course of action in dialogue
  • Five ingredients in the anatomy of sacred conversations
  • Practical ways to build community, give thanks to God, and show gratitude for others
  • Using Scripture, real-world examples, key scientific studies, and stories from his own formation, Dr. Reed provides approachable, fun-filled, well-researched advice on how you can use sacred conversations to become your best self and build closer relationships with others and with the Lord.

This isn’t merely another Christian self-help book. It’s an inspired invitation to transform your life, and our world, one “sacred conversation” at a time.”

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Reed, a Catholic Christian and husband, integrates over 25 years of communication expertise with spiritual growth. His journey includes a master’s degree in interpersonal communication and a doctorate focusing on human and cultural communication studies. Following a postdoctoral role at the University of Michigan, he developed consultation methods and authored “Future-Ready Leadership.” In 2021, he answered a spiritual calling to promote Sacred Conversations, culminating in his book published by Sophia Institute Press. Dr. Reed continues to advocate for transformative dialogue across diverse sectors through speaking, writing, and workshops.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the theological significance of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Msgr. Esseff uses the Assumption as a sign of Mary’s unique role in salvation history, being free from sin and death, like her Son, Jesus Christ. He connects Mary’s Assumption to the broader Christian belief in the resurrection and eternal life; that death has no power over those united with Christ.

Msgr. Esseff shares personal reflections on the death of his family members, illustrating the hope and comfort that faith in the resurrection brings. He also discusses the importance of understanding suffering as a way to unite with Christ, echoing Mary’s own participation in the suffering of her Son.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Understanding the Assumption: How does the Assumption of Mary deepen your understanding of the resurrection and eternal life in Christ?
  2. Conquering Death: In what ways does your faith help you to see death not as an end, but as the beginning of eternal life?
  3. Role of Suffering: How can you embrace suffering as a path to unite more closely with Jesus, following the example of Mary?
  4. Mary as a Model: How does Mary’s sinlessness and Assumption inspire you to strive for holiness in your own life?
  5. The Power of the Rosary: How often do you pray the Rosary, and how do you see it as a tool for spiritual warfare and peace?
  6. Personal Reflection on Loss: How do you find comfort in the belief that your loved ones are with Mary and Jesus in heaven?
  7. Living with an Eternal Perspective: How can you cultivate a mindset that sees this life as a prelude to the eternal joy of heaven?

Reading 2  1 COR 15:20-27

Brothers and sisters:
Christ has been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since death came through man,
the resurrection of the dead came also through man.
For just as in Adam all die,
so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,
but each one in proper order:
Christ the firstfruits;
then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;
then comes the end,
when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father,
when he has destroyed every sovereignty
and every authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy to be destroyed is death,
for “he subjected everything under his feet.”

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. 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 and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders.

BTP-L14 – Letter 335 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Letter 335 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss one of St. Elizabeth’s final letters, written to Sister Marie-Odile on October 28th, 1906. This letter, known as Letter 335, holds a deep spiritual significance as it was penned just days before Elizabeth’s death.

Centering on the themes of spiritual communion, the transformative power of God’s love, and the mystical relationship between heaven and earth; Elizabeth, aware of her approaching death, speaks with profound love and joy, expressing her commitment to continue praying for and guiding Sister Marie-Odile, even after her passing. Describing her mission in heaven as helping souls detach from themselves and cling to God through simple, loving movements, she reminds us of the importance of entering into the silence where God can transform the soul.

Reflecting on Elizabeth’s message of embracing God’s love even in the face of death, drawing parallels to Pope Francis’ exhortation on holiness, and the eucharistic nature of spiritual transformation, they discuss the fear of death that many experience, contrasting it with the audacity of grace that allows believers to face death with courage. Elizabeth’s letters are seen as a testament to her deepening union with God, especially as she approached her final moments, turning her death into a powerful act of love and glorification of God.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Understanding Spiritual Friendship: How does the deep spiritual friendship between Elizabeth of the Trinity and Sister Marie O’Dell challenge our own approach to nurturing relationships rooted in faith?
  2. Embracing the Mystery of Death: How can Elizabeth’s peaceful acceptance of her impending death inspire us to confront our own fears about mortality with faith and trust in God?
  3. The Power of Prayer: In what ways can we deepen our prayer life to experience the same transformative union with God that Elizabeth describes in her letters?
  4. The Role of Silence in Spiritual Growth: How can we cultivate a fruitful silence in our lives that allows God to speak to and transform our hearts?
  5. Living a Eucharistic Life: How does Elizabeth’s understanding of transformation through the Eucharist challenge us to offer ourselves more fully to God in our daily lives?
  6. Holiness in Everyday Life: How can we apply Elizabeth’s example of living by love and embracing the cross to our own daily struggles and responsibilities?
  7. Intercession and Communion of Saints: How can we grow in our understanding of the communion of saints and the power of intercession in our spiritual journey?

Letter 335

To Sister Marie-Odile

[October 28, 1906]
Our God is a consuming Fire

Before flying away to Heaven, dear little Sister Marie-Odile, I want to send you a little note from my soul, for I am anxious for you to know that in the Father’s House I will pray especially for you. I am keeping a rendez-vous with you in the Furnace of love; my eternity will be spent there, and you can begin it already here on earth. Dear Sister, I will be jealous for the beauty of your soul, for, as you know, my little heart loves you very much, and when one loves, one desires the best for the beloved. I think that in Heaven my mission will be to draw souls by helping them go out of themselves to cling to God by a wholly simple and loving movement, and to keep them in this great silence within that will allow God to communicate Himself to them and transform them into Himself. Dear little sister of my soul, it seems to me I now see everything in God’s light, and if I started my life over again, oh, I would wish not to waste one instant! He does not allow us, His brides in Carmel, to devote ourselves to anything but love, but the divine, and if by chance, in the radiance of His Light, I see you leave that sole occupation, I will come very quickly to call you to order; you would want that, wouldn’t you?

Pray for me, help me prepare for the wedding feast of the Lamb. Death entails a great deal of suffering, and I am counting on you to help me. In return, I will come to help you at your death. My Master urges me on, He speaks to me of nothing but the eternity of love. It is so grave, so serious; I wish to live each moment fully. A Dieu, I don’t have the strength or the permission to write at length, but you know Saint Paul’s words: “Our conversation is in Heaven.” Beloved little sister, let us live by love so we may die of love and glorify the God Who is all Love.

“Laudem gloriae,”
October 28, 1906.

Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 360-361). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

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 .

PSM10 – The Inward then Outward, Upward then Downward Movement of Liturgy – Pathway to Sacred Mysteries with Dr. David Fagerberg – Discerning Hearts Podcast


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Dr. David Fagerberg

Episode 10 – The Inward then Outward, Upward then Downward Movement of Liturgy – Pathway to Sacred Mysteries with Dr. David Fagerberg Ph.D.

Dr. David Fagerberg and Kris McGregor discuss how marriage, as a sacrament, symbolizes the union between Christ and the Church, reflecting God’s original plan before the Fall. Discussing asceticism in the context of both Eden and our current spiritual practices; and how living in an upright manner aligns with God’s original justice, they delve into the concept of liturgy as a two-way movement, where the faithful ascend into the heavenly realms, and the Holy Spirit descends upon the assembly.

The mystery and beauty of sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and reconciliation, Dr. Fagerberg uses vivid metaphors to illustrate how sacraments reconnect believers with God, especially after sin has disrupted their relationship.

Mysticism is discussed as an integral part of Christian life, not a separate path but a deeper way of walking the path laid by Christ. With repetition in spiritual practices, it fosters a deep and steady communion with God, preparing the soul for the ultimate mystical union in heaven.

From the discussion with Dr. Fagerberg:

“This is from my theological diary once more. There are two movements in the liturgy and the Greek language identified them as anabatic and katabatic. Basis means to go. Anabatic is to go up. Katabatic is to go down. The anabatic movement in liturgy is our ascent into the heavenly realms. Lift up your hearts. The katabatic is the spirit’s descent upon the assembly and the sacrifice.

Oh, the dictionary includes a meteorological definition for Anabasis as well. It says pertaining to an uphill wind produced by the effects of local heating. No wait. That’s a Pentecostal definition. The dictionary also gives a spatial metaphor. Anabasis, it says, is a march from the coast to the interior, where in silence one will find the Holy Spirit waiting. While Catabasis is a march from the interior of a country to the coast, where in need one will find the world waiting.

Every liturgy is a two-way march inward then outward, or upward then downward. But here’s the paragraph that made me think of it now and this is just especially for you in your tornado. The prefix acro means aloft. The Holy Spirit restores Adam and Eve’s wings making us liturgical acrobats, acrobasis, tumbling twirling, doing barrel rolls with the angels above the altar. Liturgical aestheticism lightens one’s gravity and increases the measure of our liturgical capacity.

So I’ll open a summer camp for liturgical acrobats and the people who have a thin definition will think that I’m actually doing something like a clown liturgy, but will actually start with prayer fasting and alms giving. Try to overcome the passions, learn how to overcome the passions so that we could become lofty liturgists twirling aloft. Acrobasis. I told you I don’t know other languages. I mean, I’m just bad at it. I passed my language exams, but I do like single words and they just turn like a ruby. They don’t have all those other words cluttering up the sentence, those single words are just gems to me.”

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. The Sacramental Union in Marriage: How does your marriage (or relationships) reflect the union between Christ and the Church?
  2. Original Justice and Asceticism: In what ways can you practice asceticism in your life to align more closely with God’s original plan for humanity?
  3. Liturgy as Spiritual Ascent: How can you more consciously participate in the liturgical ascent and descent during Mass to deepen your connection with God?
  4. Reconciliation and Renewal: Do you view the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a “kickstart” for your spiritual life, and how can it help restore your relationship with God?
  5. The Role of Mysticism: How do you understand mysticism within your faith journey, and how can you begin to cultivate a mystical life grounded in the sacraments?
  6. The Power of Repetition: What spiritual practices in your life need more consistent repetition to build a deeper and more stable relationship with God?
  7. Communion with God in Everyday Life: How can you foster a continuous, habitual communion with God, even in the ordinary moments of daily life?

For more podcast episodes of this series visit the Pathways to Sacred Mysteries w/Dr. David Fagerberg page

David W. Fagerberg is Professor in the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. He holds masters degrees from Luther Northwestern Seminary, St. John’s University (Collegeville), Yale Divinity School, and Yale University. His Ph.D. is from Yale University in liturgical theology.

Fagerberg’s work has explored how the Church’s lex credendi (law of belief) is founded upon the Church’s lex orandi (law of prayer). This was expressed in Theologia Prima (Hillenbrand Books, 2003). He has integrated into this the Eastern Orthodox understanding of asceticism by considering its role in preparing the liturgical person. This was treated in On Liturgical Asceticism (Catholic University Press, 2013). And these two themes come together in Consecrating the World: On Mundane Liturgical Theology (Angelico Press, 2016).

He also has an avocation in G. K. Chesterton, having published Chesterton is Everywhere (Emmaus Press, 2013) and The Size of Chesterton’s Catholicism (University of Notre Dame, 1998).

Here are a few of Dr. Fagerberg’s books:
Liturgical Theology Liturgical Mysticism Liturgical Theology Theological Theology

SISL1 – Introduction – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcasts


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Introduction – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor begin a 20-part series on the various Struggles in the Spiritual Life. Spiritual struggles are not only common but can be a positive sign of a growing and alive spiritual life. Centering around recognizing and understanding these struggles, as well as the remedies to overcome them, Fr. Gallagher draws heavily on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Struggles, though challenging, are opportunities for spiritual growth. Fr. Gallagher shares that being aware of these struggles and knowing how to address them can lead to greater freedom and deeper spiritual maturity. The importance of focusing on one’s own spiritual life before effectively helping others and that a strong personal connection with God enables us to share our faith more joyfully and fruitfully.

Throughout the conversation, Fr. Gallagher uses examples from the lives of saints and other spiritual figures to illustrate how struggles can lead to profound spiritual experiences and growth. While struggles are part of the spiritual journey, they are secondary to the central truth of God’s love, which is the foundation of our spiritual life.

You can pick up a copy of the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Understanding Spiritual Struggles: What specific spiritual struggles have you encountered recently, and how might they indicate growth in your spiritual life?
  2. Awareness in the Spiritual Life: Are you actively aware of the spiritual movements within your heart, and how does this awareness influence your response to struggles?
  3. Embracing Spiritual Remedies: How have you applied remedies from the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius to overcome struggles, and what impact have they had?
  4. Learning from the Saints: Which saint’s experiences resonate with your own spiritual journey, and how can their example guide you through your struggles?
  5. Fostering Spiritual Growth: In what ways have your struggles led to significant spiritual growth, and how have you seen God’s providence in them?
  6. Prioritizing Personal Spirituality: How are you focusing on deepening your own spiritual life before trying to guide others in their spiritual journeys?
  7. Recognizing God’s Love: How does the knowledge of God’s love as the foundation of your spiritual life shape your perspective on the struggles you face?

An excerpt from the Prologue:

“All who walk the spiritual journey undergo, in their individual ways, such struggles. Our spiritual tradition knows these struggles, explains their causes, and supplies their remedies. Such struggles lie within God’s loving providence. Understood and faced well, they will not harm us. They will, on the contrary, lead to growth — the reason for which God permits them.

Struggles are not the heart of the spiritual life. God’s love is — His deep, warm, faithful, and personal love for you. That is the center. That is the source of your joy. Because you know this, you love the spiritual life. And because you love it, you have begun to read this book.

We turn now to a wisdom that will protect this center and guide us into its richness.”

Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (p. 11). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition.

 

To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast

From the book’s description: “Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It’s a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth.

All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness.

With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You’ll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you’ll be given the remedy for the struggle. You’ll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them.

In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You’ll gain confidence as you journey through desolation, and you’ll learn to reject the enemy’s ploys to infect you with a sense of hopelessness.”

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

 

Christ’s Healing Sacrament – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Christ’s Healing Sacrament – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the profound spiritual significance of the Eucharist and its transformative power in our lives. Using the Eucharist as the “food of life,” which grants divine life and eternal salvation to those who partake in it, Msgr. Esseff reflects on John 6, where Jesus teaches that His flesh and blood are true food and drink, essential for eternal life.

Msgr. Esseff connects this teaching to those struggling with various addictions, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and eating disorders, highlighting the Eucharist as a source of healing and strength. He discusses the importance of surrendering to Christ, especially in the context of the 12-step recovery program, where recognizing one’s powerlessness and turning to a higher power are crucial steps. He also touches on how the Eucharist can bring about healing and order in other areas of life, such as self-centeredness and compulsive behaviors.

The Eucharist is both a remedy for sinners and a source of spiritual nourishment, and to deepen their devotion to this sacrament is a means of experiencing Christ’s healing and love in our lives.

From John 6:41-51

The Jews murmured about Jesus because he said,
“I am the bread that came down from heaven, ”
and they said,
“Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph?
Do we not know his father and mother?
Then how can he say,
‘I have come down from heaven’?”
Jesus answered and said to them,
“Stop murmuring among yourselves.
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him,
and I will raise him on the last day.
It is written in the prophets:
They shall all be taught by God.
Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me.
Not that anyone has seen the Father
except the one who is from God;
he has seen the Father.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes has eternal life.
I am the bread of life.
Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died;
this is the bread that comes down from heaven
so that one may eat it and not die.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Understanding the Eucharist as the Bread of Life: How does the Eucharist deepen your understanding of Jesus as the source of eternal life?
  2. Applying Eucharistic Healing to Addictions: In what ways can receiving the Eucharist help you or others overcome personal struggles or addictions?
  3. Surrendering to Christ in Recovery: How can surrendering to Christ, especially in the Eucharist, aid in your journey towards spiritual and emotional healing?
  4. Recognizing the Eucharist as a Remedy for Sin: How does viewing the Eucharist as a medicine for sinners change your approach to receiving Holy Communion?
  5. Embracing the Eucharist for Daily Living: How can the Eucharist empower you to live a life of greater love, selflessness, and service to others?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30, 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical Missions, a Catholic organization established by St. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and serves as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.