Spiritual Formation Library Archives

SJC13 – The Incipient Signs of the Grace of Contemplation – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Dawning Light of the Gift of Contemplation – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty

Fr. Donald Haggerty discusses St. John of the Cross’s teachings on the incipient signs of contemplative grace and the initial challenges that arise in prayer, such as the inability to engage in meditative reflection, a lack of attraction to distractions, and a deep spiritual aridity. These experiences, though confusing and often mistaken for psychological depression, signal a profound purification by God, who invites the soul to a more will-oriented love. This aridity, unlike lukewarmness, fosters a more generous self-giving in one’s vocation, even when consolations are absent.

Fr. Haggerty also delves into the fourth sign: a painful self-questioning that emerges as one loses previous spiritual satisfactions, leading to potential scrupulosity if unguided. The fifth sign, however, marks a significant shift—a quiet inclination to remain in God’s presence without active meditation, signifying a deeper contemplative union. Drawing from his experience with the Missionaries of Charity, Fr. Haggerty reminds us to have proper spiritual guidance, particularly for seminarians and priests, to navigate these trials and foster a genuine contemplative life rooted in love and faith.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

The Role of Aridity in Contemplative Prayer: How can the experience of spiritual dryness be understood as a divine invitation to deeper love and reliance on God’s will?
Distinguishing Aridity from Lukewarmness: What behaviors and attitudes outside of prayer reveal whether our spiritual dryness is a sign of contemplative grace or a lapse in fervor?
The Challenge of Self-Questioning: How can persistent self-examination during times of spiritual desolation hinder our trust in God’s work within us?
The Importance of Spiritual Direction: Why is guidance from experienced spiritual directors crucial when navigating the early stages of contemplative prayer?
The Quiet Drawing to God’s Presence: How can the soul’s gentle inclination to remain silently in God’s presence signal a new depth in our prayer life?

An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation

“We turn our attention now to one of the most important contributions to spirituality in the writings of Saint John of the Cross. This concerns the signs that indicate a need to discontinue the practice of discursive meditation and shift to a prayer of contemplation. Two things might be stressed before providing an extensive treatment of these signs. One is that a soul’s practice of meditation as a daily method of prayer is presumed in this teaching. A person has a regular commitment to silent prayer and is employing some method of reflective consideration on the Gospels or other parts of Scripture, as spoken of previously. The signs that Saint John of the Cross will identify make no sense except as a trial and struggle that enter into the prayer of meditation.

There is no encouragement here to forgo the preliminary effort of meditation, as though one might simply enter into a more graced and intimate relationship with God by leaping ahead into contemplative prayer as a favored method of prayer. The preliminary stages must be observed. A propaedeutic period of learning to pray reflectively in silence is indispensable. We have to learn to think about our Lord and the mysteries of faith in order to enter into deeper love for our God. This effort in turn must be accompanied by a serious pursuit of virtue and of faithfulness to the will of God. A life without a clear sacrificial dimension should not expect graces of contemplation in the interior life of prayer.”

Haggerty, Donald. Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation (p. 175). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.

For more episodes in this series visit Fr. Haggerty’s Discerning Hearts page here

You find the book on which this series is based here.

SJC7 – Asceticism: Recovery of a Neglected Value – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Asceticism: Recovery of a Neglected Value – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty

Fr. Haggerty and Kris McGregor discuss the concept of asceticism in Christian spiritual life. Asceticism as a tradition rooted in the Desert Fathers and essential for tempering bodily indulgence to deepen one’s relationship with God. While often misunderstood as synonymous with penance, asceticism encompasses renunciations and disciplines that help individuals master their will and align their desires with God’s. The spiritual necessity of saying “no” to self-indulgence is a means of freeing the soul to say “yes” to God, fostering both interior freedom and deeper charity. Drawing insights from St. John of the Cross, he highlights the importance of mortification and detachment to clear the soul for divine union, a key principle explored in The Ascent of Mount Carmel.

The modern challenges to asceticism include the culture’s promotion of materialism and pleasure-seeking. Contrasting this with traditional religious practices, such as rigorous fasting and renunciation, with the current minimalistic approach; cautioning against the loss of spiritual discipline. Aceticism benefits all states of life, whether through fasting, simplifying family life, or engaging in acts of love for others. By placing God above created comforts, asceticism becomes a profound way to train the will, deepen faith, and live generously, echoing the Gospel’s call to store treasures in heaven. This spiritual focus invites believers to evaluate their motivations, detach from worldly attachments, and embrace a life centered on God.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Asceticism: How can you integrate ascetic practices into your daily life to foster spiritual discipline and a closer relationship with God?
Detachment from Comforts: In what ways might materialism or indulgence be hindering your spiritual growth, and how can you simplify your life to prioritize God?
Mastering the Will: What small daily choices can you make to strengthen your ability to say “no” to self-indulgence and “yes” to God’s will?
Sacrificial Love: How does practicing self-denial in your relationships, such as within your family or community, reflect the love and generosity of Christ?
Spiritual Motivation: When engaging in acts of discipline, are your motivations rooted in a desire to please God, or are they influenced by self-focused goals?
Teaching Children Detachment: How can you model and teach a spirit of detachment and generosity to your children or those in your care?
Aligning Desires with God: What steps can you take to examine and purify your desires so they align more fully with God’s purpose for your life?
Asceticism in Action: How can physical sacrifices, such as fasting or service, be offered as acts of love for God and others?
Prioritizing Spiritual Treasures: How can you focus your heart on storing treasures in heaven rather than becoming overly attached to earthly possessions?
Learning from the Saints: What lessons from the ascetical practices of the Desert Fathers or St. John of the Cross resonate with your spiritual journey today?

An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation

“In this chapter we take up a subject planted more firmly on the ground, namely, Saint John of the Cross’ instructions in book 1 of The Ascent of Mount Carmel on asceticism and self-denial. This teaching will make better sense now after we have seen his understanding of the great role of purification in the human faculties for the sake of union with God. Unfortunately, asceticism is a largely forgotten word in contemporary spirituality, despite its importance in the Catholic tradition. In truth, it has never been a treasured topic or a popular Catholic pursuit. It has always been subject to exaggerated notions that distort it and empty it of value. Today another reason may exist for its virtual disappearance from spiritual teaching, which is the excessive focus on the inward path of silent meditative practices that has lately preoccupied spirituality. Writings on the quest for God through methods of meditative mindfulness typically ignore self-denial or bodily discipline as a prerequisite for spiritual growth. This is not to say that these writings encourage moral laxity, but simply that a need for some commitment to asceticism and to real practices of self-denial is nowhere to be found in them. Frankly, this is not a good sign of their value as a teaching for souls seeking a closer relationship with God. The neglect of an ascetical element in the pursuit of God leaves unaddressed the retention of indulgent tendencies in a life. The effort of seeking God ends up then often as a self-absorbed quest, instead of a pure and sacrificial pursuit in response to Jesus’ own words in the Gospel and in imitation of saintly lives.”

Haggerty, Donald. Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation (p. 101). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.

For more episodes in this series visit Fr. Haggerty’s Discerning Hearts page here

You find the book on which this series is based here.

IP#503 Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes – Spiritual Masters on Inside the Pages w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Spiritual Masters: Living and Praying in the Catholic Tradition by Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Kris McGregor discusses with Archbishop Hughes his recently published book, “Spiritual Masters: Living and Praying in the Catholic Tradition.” Archbishop Hughes explains that the book was inspired by a widespread desire for deeper spiritual engagement and a lack of knowledge on how to pursue it more meaningfully, in addition to the importance of moving beyond mere factual knowledge to gaining wisdom through reflection and divine guidance, advocating for an intellectual and spiritual conversion to deepen one’s faith and understanding.

They touch on the challenges posed by the digital age, which tends to keep people engaged only on a superficial level, and the necessity of creating reflective spaces to cultivate a deeper spiritual life. They also go into the significance of entering into solitude, as exemplified by St. Anthony of the Desert, and the role of spiritual direction in Christian life, a practice notably advanced by St. Anthony’s life and work.

Reflecting on the importance of not skipping the introductory sections of spiritual texts, as these often contain essential wisdom and guidance for reading the rest of the work; shifting from a student’s mindset to that of a disciple, seeking to learn and live out the teachings and wisdom found in spiritual writings.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Spiritual Exercises vs. Spiritual Understanding: Discuss how Archbishop Hughes’ book shifts from a typical biographical approach to a format that engages the reader in spiritual exercises. How does this approach challenge your understanding of spiritual reading?
Consequences of the Digital Age: Reflect on the Archbishop’s view that the digital age keeps us at the surface of life. How has technology affected your personal prayer life or your ability to engage deeply with your faith?
Knowledge versus Wisdom: The Archbishop differentiates between gathering knowledge and cultivating wisdom. Can you share an instance where you felt your spiritual knowledge transitioned into deeper wisdom? How did this impact your faith practices?
The Importance of Solitude: Why do you think solitude is emphasized as the starting point for spiritual growth in the podcast? Share your thoughts on how solitude can lead to a deeper spiritual life.
Spiritual Direction and Guidance: How important is spiritual direction in your life? Discuss the benefits and challenges of seeking and maintaining a relationship with a spiritual director.
Reflective Time and Intellectual Conversion: Archbishop Hughes stresses the need for reflective time as essential for wisdom and spiritual conversion. How can you implement or improve reflective practices in your daily routine?
Learning from Saints and Spiritual Masters: Which saint or spiritual master do you feel most connected to, and what have they taught you about living a faithful Christian life? Discuss how their example can be applied in today’s world.
The Role of Desire in Spiritual Life: Reflect on the role of desire in your spiritual journey. How does understanding and nurturing your spiritual desires influence your relationship with God?
Scripture as a Living Word: Discuss the concept of Scripture as a ‘love letter from God’. How does this perspective change the way you read and interact with the Bible?
The Impact of Spiritual Writings on Modern Life: Considering the diverse teachings and lives of the spiritual masters mentioned, how can their wisdom be effectively applied to address the challenges of modern Christian living?

From the book’s description:

“This book introduces the reader to thirteen Christian spiritual classics that illustrate the ordinary steps we can take toward living the Gospel life more fully.

Drawing on the rich teaching of a particular saint or mystic, each chapter helps us grow in a different aspect of holiness, of intimacy with God. Archbishop Hughes offers an itinerary for becoming a good disciple of the Lord, giving the reader access to an impressive spiritual library that can support and strengthen progress in discipleship throughout one’s life.

Among the great saints and spiritual writers whose writings are included in this book are Augustine, Anthony of the Desert, Aelred, Teresa of Avila, Benedict, Guigo, Catherine of Siena, Walter Hilton, Francis de Sales, Ignatius of Loyola, Jean-Pierre de Caussade, Thomas à Kempis, and John of the Cross.”

About the Author

Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes, a native of Boston, was ordained a priest in 1957. Having secured a doctorate in Spiritual Theology at the Gregorian University, he served in parish, seminary and administrative roles in Boston. Pope St. John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Baton Rouge in 1993 and Archbishop of New Orleans in 2002. As Emeritus, he now serves at Notre Dame Seminary.

SJC5 – Mystery of Believing – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Mystery of Believing – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty

Using the teachings of St. John of the Cross, Fr. Donald Haggerty and Kris McGregor discuss how the goal of prayer is union with God, not the pursuit of mystical experiences. St. John cautions against seeking extraordinary spiritual phenomena, such as visions or locutions, as these can lead to spiritual pride or self-deception. True spiritual growth often occurs in dryness and trials, where one learns to surrender completely to God in faith and trust, mirroring the Marian disposition of “Let it be done unto me according to Your word.” Holiness lies in seeking God Himself and embracing His will, not in clinging to consolations or perceived gifts.

Discernment in prayer is necessary, as our imagination, desires, and emotions can cloud what we perceive as divine communication. We shouldn’t become attached to spiritual gifts rather than the Giver, a temptation that can stall one’s progress toward deeper union with God. According to St. John of the Cross, authentic prayer leads to humility, self-surrender, and greater love for God and others, whether in joy or aridity. True holiness is not measured by extraordinary experiences but by a life fully offered to God in trust and love.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Seeking Union with God: How can I focus on desiring God alone in my prayer life, rather than seeking spiritual consolations or extraordinary experiences?
Avoiding Spiritual Pride: Do I ever take pride in perceived spiritual gifts or experiences, and how can I cultivate humility in my relationship with God?
Persevering in Dryness: How do I respond when prayer feels dry or difficult, and can I trust that God is still working in those moments?
Discernment in Prayer: Am I carefully discerning my inspirations in prayer to ensure they align with God’s will and not my own desires or imagination?
Surrendering to God’s Will: How can I adopt a Marian disposition of surrender, echoing “Let it be done unto me according to Your word” in my daily life and prayer?
Embracing Trials as Gifts: Do I recognize that challenges and trials can be God’s way of leading me to greater spiritual maturity and trust in Him?
Loving the Giver, Not the Gifts: In what ways can I shift my focus from God’s gifts to loving and seeking the Giver Himself more deeply?

An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation

The urgent need of the soul in prayer must be, as such, to adopt a radical exercise of pure faith in its approach to God. At the point in the spiritual life when contemplative graces are beginning to stir, it is time to lift anchor, as it were, and plunge into deeper waters of faith: “Those who want to reach union with God should advance neither by understanding, nor by the support of their own experience, nor by feeling or imagination, but by belief in God’s being” (AMC 2.4.4). The last phrase “belief in God’s being” may seem ordinary enough. Is that not simply what faith is—to believe in God? But quickly we should recall the real demand in the deeper act of faith—a pure faith—that must take place in contemplative prayer. We must believe in God precisely as One who is beyond our measure or grasp or comprehension. We must adhere to him, search and seek for him, as infinite mystery and as a personal presence of love immediately engaged with us in the current hour of silent prayer. In short, we must enter into faith itself, into the mystery of believing, to approach the personal mystery of God. We believe in him in the prayer of contemplation as we surrender our being into him. We give way to him and allow him to abide in us: “For God’s being cannot be grasped by the intellect, appetite, imagination, or any other sense; nor can it be known in this life. The most that can be felt and tasted of God in this life is infinitely distant from God and the pure possession of him” (AMC 2.4.4).

Haggerty, Donald. Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation (p. 76). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.

For more episodes in this series visit Fr. Haggerty’s Discerning Hearts page here

You find the book on which this series is based here.

SJC2 – Caverns of Longing within the Soul – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Caverns of Longing within the Soul – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty

Fr. Donald Haggerty and Kris McGregor discuss how St. John of the Cross’ writings arose in response to requests for guidance and making his teachings accessible not only to Carmelites but to all who seek a deeper union with God. St. John’s works, including his aphorisms and treatises, provide a roadmap for spiritual growth, focusing on self-denial, the theological virtues, and contemplative prayer.

St. John’s insights on faith, hope, and charity transcend academic theology, revealing how these virtues open “caverns” within the soul for God’s indwelling presence. This process leads to a transformation where one’s love for God becomes the central axis of their life. There is a universal nature to St. John’s spirituality, which addresses modern challenges of distraction and misplaced desires.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

St. John’s Universal Call to Holiness
How can you apply St. John of the Cross’s teachings on the universal call to holiness in your own daily life and prayer?
Theological Virtues and Union with God
In what ways can you nurture faith, hope, and charity to deepen your union with God?
Caverns of Longing in the Soul
What steps can you take to empty yourself of attachments that hinder God’s presence in your life?
God’s Initiative in Prayer
How can you become more receptive to God’s action and presence in your prayer life instead of relying solely on your own efforts?
Love and Detachment
How does loving God as your primary relationship transform your other affections and priorities?
Scriptural Reflection
How do the Last Supper discourses in the Gospel of John inspire you to trust in Jesus’ promise of indwelling love and presence?
Poetry and Mysticism
How might reading St. John’s poetry or aphorisms inspire you to explore the mystery of God’s love more deeply?
Spiritual Direction and Guidance
What role does spiritual direction or the writings of the saints play in helping you navigate challenges in your spiritual journey?
Courage in Faith
What aspects of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea’s faith journey resonate with your own struggles to trust God in new ways?
Contemplative Prayer for Modern Life
How can you create space in your life for contemplative prayer amid the distractions and demands of the modern world?

“We encounter the importance of seeking a contentment with nothing other than God in many places in Saint John of the Cross’ writings. Shortly after introducing the image of the faculties as “deep caverns of feeling” in The Living Flame of Love, for instance, he affirms that a primary impediment to contemplation occurs when attachments cling to us and are repeatedly sought instead of our seeking God himself. These attachments are always contrary to accepting a contentment with having nothing: “Any little thing that adheres to them in this life is sufficient to so burden and bewitch them that they do not perceive the harm or note the lack of their immense goods, or know their own capacity” (LF 3.18). The words are a strong admonition. It takes very little to upset and block the proper dynamism of a holy pursuit of God in or out of the life of prayer. We can end up living unaware of the harm inflicted by very common tendencies that, in effect, keep us from being content with having nothing, that is, nothing but God. We have a capacity for greatness, for being filled with the love of God in our prayer. Yet we may live our hours of prayer like restless marauders in a search for prizes or enjoyments worth very little, seeking for delights that satisfy us only in negligible and fleeting ways. Without an awakening by which God becomes a passionate pursuit engaging our life’s entire intensity, our soul can descend easily to a dull caricature of its actual potency. As Saint John of the Cross writes:
It is an amazing thing that the least of these goods is enough so to encumber these faculties, capable of infinite goods, that they cannot receive these infinite goods until they are completely empty, as we shall see. Yet when these caverns are empty and pure, the thirst, hunger, and yearning of the spiritual feeling is intolerable. Since these caverns have deep stomachs, they suffer profoundly; for the food they lack, which as I say is God, is also profound. (LF 3.18)”

Haggerty, Donald. Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation (pp. 48-49). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.

For more episodes in this series visit Fr. Haggerty’s Discerning Hearts page here

You find the book on which this series is based here.

IP#506 Fr. James Kubicki, S.J. – A Year of Daily Offerings on Inside the Pages w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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A Year of Daily Offerings by Fr. James Kubicki, S.J. on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of “Inside the Pages”, Fr. James Kubicki discusses his book, A Year of Daily Offerings: Giving Your Life to God One Day at a Time, which encourages believers to begin each day with a prayer of offering and reflect on how to live out the Eucharist in daily life.

Prayer is a response to God’s love and presence, which always comes first. Through brief reflections inspired by saints’ lives and writings, the book helps individuals integrate spiritual practices like discernment and examination, fostering a deeper relationship with Christ.

With challenges posed by modern distractions like technology, we must use discipline to prioritize spiritual growth, sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession, and the communal aspect of faith; rooted in the “communion of saints.”

This book provides practical, concise reflections to fit into busy schedules, serving as both a standalone spiritual tool and a complement to other devotions.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Daily Offering Practice
How can I incorporate a daily offering prayer into my routine to dedicate my actions to God?
Responding to God’s Love
In what ways can I better recognize and respond to God’s love in my life?
Learning from the Saints
What aspects of a particular saint’s life inspire me to deepen my relationship with God?
Evening Reflection
How can I review my day to see where I encountered God and how I responded to His presence?
Discerning God’s Presence
Am I attentive to the movements of the Holy Spirit and the challenges God places before me throughout the day?
Managing Modern Distractions
What steps can I take to reduce distractions from technology and create more space for prayer?
Living the Eucharist
How can I make my daily life a reflection of the love and sacrifice I celebrate in the Eucharist?
Sacramental Life
How do regular participation in the sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, shape my spiritual journey?
Building Spiritual Discipline
What practical changes can I make to develop a more disciplined and consistent prayer life?
Communion and Community
How can I better embrace the communal aspect of my faith, both in the Church and in my personal relationships?

From the book’s description:

“A daily offering of one’s life to God is an indispensable practice for every serious Catholic. In this book, Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., a longtime spiritual guide on Relevant Radio, presents a 366-day experience of morning offerings for busy laypeople. This rich array of reflections, based on the liturgical calendar and inspired by Ignatian spirituality, will help you develop—or reinvigorate—the habit of beginning each day by sincerely offering it to Christ.

For each day of the year, Fr. Kubicki offers a meditation based on the saint of the day or liturgical calendar, an offering prayer, and a “Daily Word” to help you recall the offering throughout the day. Each day concludes with a review question, based on the daily theme, inviting you to make an Examen.

Making and living a daily offering, uniting our everyday experience with the life of Christ—in imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary—can help strengthen each of us to take up his daily cross and live a Eucharistic life.”

About the Author

Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1983. He was the national director of the Apostleship of Prayer from 2003 to 2017. He currently leads retreats and parish missions while serving as a spiritual director at St. Francis de Sales Seminary in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

The Poor/Holy Souls and Purgatory – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Poor/Holy Souls and Purgatory – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the significance of All Souls’ Day and the theology of purgatory. The deep connection Catholics share with the souls in purgatory, who are part of the larger body of Christ. He describes his personal practice of praying for those he’s known who have passed, recalling their names and lifting them in prayer during Mass. The Church provides special graces on All Souls’ Day to pray for these “holy souls,” who yearn to be with God but require purification.

The process of purgation as a cleansing fire, likening it to the Sacred Heart’s fire that purifies the soul’s imperfections, drawing it closer to God’s perfect love. This fire is not only for the souls in purgatory but is present throughout the Christian life, in trials and sufferings that refine believers. He reflects on Jesus as an anchor for the souls, grounding them in hope and drawing them closer to heaven. Msgr. Esseff invites listeners to pray for the dead, encouraging them to recall and “remember” those they love, trusting in God’s mercy and the promise of eternal life.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Union with the Holy Souls: How can I deepen my relationship with the souls in purgatory through prayer and remembrance?
Understanding Purgation as Divine Love: In what ways do I see God’s purifying love working in my own life?
Embracing the Fire of the Sacred Heart: How can I open myself more fully to God’s love that refines and transforms?
Contemplating Life after Death: What beliefs do I hold about purgatory, and how do they shape my prayers for the deceased?
Reflecting on Baptism and Eternal Life: How does my baptismal identity anchor my hope in the resurrection and eternal life?
Offering Prayers and Sacrifices: What specific actions can I take today to pray for the souls in purgatory and support their journey to heaven?
Facing Death without Fear: How can I grow in trust and confidence in God’s love, freeing myself from fear of death?
Interceding for Family and Friends: Who in my life, living or deceased, needs my prayers, and how can I actively remember them today?
Living the Paschal Mystery: How am I experiencing the cycles of suffering, death, and resurrection in my spiritual journey?
Recognizing God’s Mercy for All Souls: How does God’s desire for everyone’s salvation influence the way I pray and hope for others, even those who struggled in life?

Reading 1 Wis 3:1-9

“The souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace.
For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them,
and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
they shall judge nations and rule over peoples,
and the LORD shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
and his care is with his elect.”

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity 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. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.

IP#338 – Julia Marie Hogan – It’s OK To Start With You on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Julia Marie Hogan – It’s OK To Start With You on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Kris McGregor speaks with Julia Marie Hogan, a licensed clinical professional counselor, about her book It’s Okay to Start with You, which encourages readers to prioritize their well-being so they can fully participate in God’s calling for their lives. Hogan uses the metaphor of the airplane oxygen mask, emphasizing that taking care of oneself is essential before helping others, a principle rooted in understanding God’s love and seeing self-care as a discipline rather than an indulgence.

Critiquing superficial self-care trends and explores deeper self-care that incorporates mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects; she explains that authentic self-care is about maintaining a balanced life through practices like sleep, nutrition, and stress management. This is especially important in a society that values busyness, which can lead to burnout and detachment from self-awareness.

The book offers a structured approach, including reflection and discussion questions, making it versatile for individual or group settings. Self-care is a continual process of recalibration based on life’s seasons. For example, a person going through grief may focus on simple actions like sleep, nourishment, and prayer to help process their emotions. The book’s action plans encourage small, achievable goals, tailored to different aspects of self-care, helping readers gradually build sustainable habits.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Self-Care as a Discipline: How can you reframe self-care in your life as a necessary discipline rather than an act of indulgence?
Embracing God’s Love Through Self-Care: In what ways can recognizing God’s love for you inspire a more authentic approach to caring for yourself?
Identifying Inner Criticism: What negative messages do you frequently tell yourself, and how can you begin to replace them with the truth of your worth in God’s eyes?
Balancing Service with Self-Care: How can you ensure that taking care of yourself strengthens rather than detracts from your ability to serve others?
Assessing Your Current Season of Life: What specific self-care practices are most essential for you in this season of life, given your current responsibilities and challenges?
Exploring the Role of Leisure: How can you incorporate leisure activities into your routine that truly restore you rather than simply distract you?
Cultivating Self-Compassion: How can understanding self-care as part of your spiritual journey help you to be gentler with yourself when you face challenges or shortcomings?
Revisiting Self-Care Practices Regularly: How might regular self-assessments help you adjust your self-care practices to better reflect changes in your life and spiritual needs?
Self-Care as Preparation for God’s Call: In what ways can caring for your mental, emotional, and physical health make you more open and responsive to God’s guidance?
Encouraging Self-Care in Others: How can you support and encourage those around you, especially family and friends, to embrace self-care as a reflection of their God-given dignity?

From the book description:

“Self-care is often misunderstood in our society. Far too many of us dismiss it as selfish pampering, and the results can be devastating for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Real self-care is anything but self-indulgent. It’s an essential discipline, rooted in the reality of who we are as God’s beloved children.

In It’s OK to Start with You, therapist Julia Marie Hogan, LCPC, makes the case for making self-care a priority beginning with reclaiming your own worth. Based on her practice as a therapist, she offers deep insights into the reasons why we neglect to take care of ourselves and provides needed tools to change our habits of thinking and acting so we can show up fully in our lives and relationships. With step-by-step instructions for building a tailored self-care plan, reflection questions, and note-taking space, this book is the ultimate guide to becoming the most authentic version of yourself.”

About the Author

Julia Marie Hogan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago. In addition to her work as a psychotherapist, she leads workshops and writes on topics related to self-care, relationships, and mental health. She is passionate about empowering individuals to be their most authentic selves. You can find more of her writing online at Verily. She completed her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia.

The Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Then one ‘Our Father’ and three ‘Hail Marys’ are to be prayed after each of the following nine salutations

1. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.

2. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.

3. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.

4. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions. Amen.

5. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.

6. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues may the Lord preserve us from evil and falling into temptation. Amen.

7. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.

8. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works in order that we may attain the glory of Heaven. Amen.

9. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted in the life to come to Heaven. Amen.

Next, one Our Father is to be said in honour of each of the following leading Angels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael and our Guardian Angel.

Concluding prayers

A Saint Michael rosary.O glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable conductor, thou who dost shine with excellence and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil, who turn to thee with confidence and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.

Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.

Almighty and Everlasting God, Who, by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most glorious Archangel St. Michael Prince of Thy Church, make us worthy, we beseech Thee, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into the August Presence of Thy Divine Majesty. This we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer to St. Michael

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May GOD rebuke him we humbly pray, and do thou o’ prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of GOD cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
A St. Michael Website

Prayer to the Archangel St. Gabriel

O God, who from among all your angels chose the Archangel Gabriel to announce the mystery of the Incarnation, mercifully grant that we who solemnly remember him on earth may feel the benefit of his patronage in heaven, with Jesus who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to the Archangel Raphael

Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, your are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the “medicine of God”, I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor
(name it) and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A St. Raphael Website

IP#364 Fr. John Bartunek – The Better Part: The Gospels pt. 2 – Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. John Bartunek – The Better Part: The Gospels pt. 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In part 2 of their conversation, Fr. John Bartunek and Kris McGregor discuss deepening one’s relationship with God through prayer, using Fr. Bartunek’s book, The Better Part, as a central resource. They explore the importance of the fourth step of prayer, “commit,” which is about renewing one’s commitment to the relationship with God after a time of prayer, much like a mother responds to her child’s needs in a relationship.

Prayer is not about seeking spiritual consolations but about faith and deepening friendship with God. Warning against using prayer merely to seek internal experiences rather than genuine contact with God, Fr. Bartunek compares some non-Christian meditation practices as potentially distracting from true prayer.

Highlighting the unique role of the Gospels as a direct encounter with Jesus, meant to be rediscovered continually with a sense of wonder, Fr. Bartunek’s work is praised for helping believers engage deeply with the Gospels, not just as sacred texts, but as an ongoing dialogue with Christ. The discussion also touches on the significance of spiritual companionship, community, and sharing one’s spiritual journey with others, as well as the necessity of a spiritual director or good spiritual friends to help navigate the challenges of prayer and spiritual growth.

You can find the set here.

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

Commitment in Prayer: How can you actively renew your commitment to your relationship with God after each time of prayer?
Seeking Consolation: Do you find yourself more focused on seeking spiritual consolations rather than deepening your friendship with God?
Scripture Engagement: How do you ensure that your reading of the Gospels is a personal encounter with Christ rather than just a routine task?
Overcoming Familiarity: What steps can you take to rediscover the wonder and richness of the Gospels in your daily life?
Spiritual Companionship: How can you cultivate spiritual friendships or find a spiritual director to support your journey of faith?
Sharing Spiritual Goods: In what ways can you share your experiences of Christ with others to enrich your community?
Trust in God’s Providence: How do you remind yourself that everything in your life, even challenges, is under God’s providence and part of His plan for your growth?

From the book description:

“Every saint and renowned spiritual director through the ages has said the same thing: if we desire to become saints, we must spend time daily in meditation. With this set, Fr. John Bartunek has created an extensive, Christ-centered resource to serve as your daily meditation companion. The Better Part offers a practical explanation of Christian meditation, as well as material to draw from during your meditations, including a Bible study on the Gospels, a survey of saints writings, and a handy guide to prayer.

As you learn to read, meditate upon, absorb, and apply the Gospels to your life, you’ll also find ways to personalize your times of prayer, allowing you to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead along the path of holiness. Open these pages to discover the methods of meditation that best suit you, develop your friendship with Christ, and experience the true Christian joy of a deep, fruitful life of prayer.”