DOS3- La Primera Regla- Discernimiento de Espíritus con el Padre Timothy Gallagher – Podcasts de Corazones Discernientes

Episodio 3 -La Primera Regla

La Primera Regla:

En las personas que van de pecado mortal en pecado mortal, el enemigo se sirve comúnmente de proponerles placeres aparentes, haciéndoles imaginar delicias y placeres sensuales para retenerlas más y hacerlas crecer en sus vicios y pecados. En estas personas el buen espíritu usa el método contrario, aguijoneándoles y mordiendo sus conciencias por medio del proceso de la razón.

El Padre Timothy Gallagher destaca el itinerario espiritual de San Agustín como ejemplo de la primera regla de los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio. La historia de Agustín ilustra la batalla entre las tentaciones sensuales y la conciencia moral. De joven, Agustín se entregó a los placeres sensuales, llevando una vida alejada de Dios. Este periodo estuvo marcado por la inquietud y el conflicto moral. El padre Gallagher señala que el “enemigo” tienta con placeres aparentes, mientras que el “buen espíritu” contraataca removiendo la conciencia. El momento de conversión de Agustín en un jardín, influido por el Espíritu Santo y las palabras de las Escrituras, ejemplifica esta lucha y transformación. El padre Gallagher subraya que comprender esta dinámica espiritual es esencial para reconocer y superar las tentaciones, lo que conduce a una comunión más profunda con Dios. El diálogo subraya la importancia de la conciencia y la acción en la vida espiritual, especialmente en la cultura actual, saturada de medios de comunicación.


Preguntas de reflexión de Discerning Hearts para este episodio:

  1. Contrastando Tentaciones y Conciencia: Reflexiona sobre tus experiencias con la tentación. ¿Cómo reconoces cuando te sientes atraído por los “placeres terrenales”? ¿Cómo responde a estas tentaciones tu conciencia informada por la fe?
  2. La transformación de san Agustín: Considera el viaje espiritual de San Agustín. ¿Qué aspectos de su historia resuenan con tus propias experiencias espirituales? ¿Ha habido momentos en tu vida en los que hayas sentido un cambio significativo en tu fe o en tu comprensión moral?
  3. El papel de los medios de comunicación y las influencias modernas: En el mundo actual, lleno de medios de comunicación, ¿cómo disciernes qué influencias te acercan a Dios y cuáles te alejan? ¿Qué pasos puedes dar para alinear tu compromiso diario con los medios con tus valores católicos?
  4. Reconocer el “buen espíritu”: ¿Cómo identificas la acción del “buen espíritu” en tu vida? ¿Puedes recordar casos en los que sentiste que tu conciencia te guiaba activamente por el buen camino?
  5. Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio: ¿Conoces bien los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio? Teniendo en cuenta las ideas de la discusión, ¿cómo podrían estos ejercicios beneficiar a tu propio crecimiento espiritual, especialmente en la comprensión de la interacción entre la tentación y la conciencia?

Para ver más episodios de la serie, visite: El Discernimiento de los Espíritus: Liberar a los cautivos con el Padre Timothy Gallagher; Podcast de Discernimiento de Corazones


El Padre Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., fue ordenado en 1979 como miembro de los Oblatos de la Virgen María, una comunidad religiosa dedicada a los retiros y a la formación espiritual según los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio. El P. Gallagher aparece en la serie de EWTN “Living the Discerning Life: Las enseñanzas espirituales de San Ignacio de Loyola”.

Para más información sobre cómo obtener copias de los diversos libros y audios del P. Gallaghers que están disponibles para su compra, por favor visite su  website: www.frtimothygallagher.org



BTP-LOT10 – Into the Heart of Conversion – The Life of St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Into the Heart of Conversion – The Life of St. Teresa of Avila – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore Chapter 8 of St. Teresa of Avila’s autobiography, delving into her struggles with prayer and sin. The conversation emphasizes the courage required to persevere in prayer despite personal sinfulness, with St. Teresa stressing the transformative power of trusting in the Lord’s mercy for a profound conversion.

Dr. Lilles notes St. Teresa’s early articulation of themes found in later works, praising her unique writing style. They discuss the intrinsic link between prayer and sin, the significance of facing sins in God’s presence, and conclude by highlighting the transformative power of contemplative prayer amid life’s challenges.


St. Teresa of Avila Interior Castle Podcast Anthony Lilles Kris McGregor

For more episodes in this series: The Life of St. Teresa of Avila; with Dr. Anthony Lilles 

For an audio version of the book  “The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus” by St. Teresa of Avila 

For other audio recordings of various spiritual classics, you can visit the Discerning Hearts Spiritual Classics page.


Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

 

  1. Prayer and Transformation: Reflect on how your personal prayer life has led to transformation in your own life, similar to St. Teresa of Avila’s experience.
  2. Sin and Prayer: How do you balance the awareness of your sinfulness with the call to deeper prayer, as St. Teresa did?
  3. Fear in Prayer: Have you experienced fear or reluctance in approaching prayer, and how have you overcome it?
  4. The Role of Silence: Consider the role of silence in your prayer life. How does silence help you connect more deeply with God?
  5. Friendship with Jesus: Reflect on the concept of mental prayer as “friendly intercourse” with Jesus. How does this perspective change your approach to prayer?
  6. Perseverance in Prayer: Reflect on times when you found it challenging to persevere in prayer. What motivated you to continue?
  7. Eucharistic Adoration: How does Eucharistic adoration fit into your spiritual life, and what fruits have you experienced from this devotion?
  8. Confronting Sin through Prayer: How does prayer help you confront and deal with sin in your life?
  9. The Impact of Homilies: Consider how homilies and teachings at Mass have influenced your prayer life and spiritual growth.
  10. Seeing Jesus in Need: Reflect on the practice of visualizing Jesus in poverty and need, as suggested by St. Teresa. How does this affect your relationship with Him?

An excerpt from Chapter 8, discussed in this episode:

“It is not without reason that I have dwelt so long on this portion of my life. I see clearly that it will give no one pleasure to see anything so base; and certainly I wish those who may read this to have me in abhorrence, as a soul so obstinate and so ungrateful to Him Who did so much for me. I could wish, too, I had permission to say how often at this time I failed in my duty to God, because I was not leaning on the strong pillar of prayer. I passed nearly twenty years on this stormy sea, falling and rising, but rising to no good purpose, seeing that I went and fell again. My life was one of perfection; but it was so mean, that I scarcely made any account whatever of venial sins; and though of mortal sins I was afraid, I was not so afraid of them as I ought to have been, because I did not avoid the perilous occasions of them. I may say that it was the most painful life that can be imagined, because I had no sweetness in God, and no pleasure in the world.

When I was in the midst of the pleasures of the world, the remembrance of what I owed to God made me sad; and when I was praying to God, my worldly affections disturbed me. This is so painful a struggle, that I know not how I could have borne it for a month, let alone for so many years. Nevertheless, I can trace distinctly the great mercy of our Lord to me, while thus immersed in the world, in that I had still the courage to pray. I say courage, because I know of nothing in the whole world which requires greater courage than plotting treason against the King, knowing that He knows it, and yet never withdrawing from His presence; for, granting that we are always in the presence of God, yet it seems to me that those who pray arc in His presence in a very different sense; for they, as it were, see that He is looking upon them; while others may be for days together without even once recollecting that God sees them.”

Excerpt from Chapter 8 from “The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus of The Order of Our Lady of Carmel”


Anthony Lilles, S.T.D. is an associate professor and the academic dean of Saint John’s Seminary in Camarillo as well as the academic advisor for Juan Diego House of Priestly Formation for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. For over twenty years he served the Church in Northern Colorado where he joined and eventually served as dean of the founding faculty of Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. Through the years, clergy, seminarians, religious and lay faithful have benefited from his lectures and retreat conferences on the Carmelite Doctors of the Church and the writings of St. Elisabeth of the Trinity.


 

The Third Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast


“On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Three French Hens …” symbolic of the gifts of the Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts symbolize the three theological values of faith, hope, and charity or sacrificial love and foretells of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Father, we give thanks for family and the sacrificial love that is the glue that holds families together. We give thanks regardless of the situation and know You will bless us in our rejoicing. Jesus, we give thanks for Your exquisite, exemplary life and the model that it provides for our family and all others. We pray we can share faith, hope, and love this holiday season. Holy Spirit, we thank You for your presence in our life at all times. Amen.


Text gratefully found at
Via Rosa Rosaries, Devotional Chaplets, Rosary Beads, and Catholic Gifts
entitled A Christian meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas
Copyright © 2005-2006 

The Feast of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist – A Christmas Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart


The Feast of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist – A Christmas Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel of St. John 20:2-8

On the first day of the week Mary of Magdala came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’

So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed.

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

On the first day of the week Mary of Magdala came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’

So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed.

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

On the first day of the week Mary of Magdala came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’

So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed.

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?


Our Father, who art in heaven,

  hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

 Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

 and forgive us our trespasses,

 as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

 

IP#498 Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts podcasts

Fr. Basil Nortz on Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God, Part 2

Join Kris McGregor as she continues her discussion on the book Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God with Fr. Basil Nortz in the conclusion of this two-part interview.

For part 1 of our conversation visit:
IP#497 Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence, Part 1 on Inside the Pages w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts podcasts

You can find the book here.

From the book description:

“Fr. Basil Nortz masterfully builds upon the classic reflections of Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus, a nineteenth-century spiritual mystic and Carmelite nun, on the twelve degrees of silence. By cultivating these types of silence, you will find out how you can — even amid your busy days filled with chatter, commotion, and noise — listen to the voice of God.

In these profound pages you will find ways to overcome your fear of silence and discover:

    • Keys to obeying God’s will
    • Kinds of silence that are holy and kinds that are unholy
    • Ten tips on what to do — and what to avoid — to bridle your senses
    • Seven ways to guard your imagination and foster recollection
    • How to direct your emotions with reason and foster silence of the heart
    • Effective ways of responding to injustice

You will learn the one sinful attitude that cuts us off from the merciful forgiveness of God and will acquire ways to stop passing judgment against others. Additionally, you will learn the most important attitude that disposes us to God’s plans and allows us to enter into His love and converse with Him affectionately throughout the day. Moreover, you will find practical techniques for overcoming distractions in prayer and advice from the saints on methods of meditation to develop silence of the spirit.

Above all, you will glean how to maintain peace of soul and live free from anxiety and despair, regardless of temptations or life’s battles. By relying totally on God, you will fearlessly rise after falls and begin again. You will begin to see the loving hand of God in all things, contemplate the light of His presence, and “be still” in the silence of His love.

“Holy silence is what helps the soul acquire the strength necessary to bear the presence of the all-pure God, who is ipsum esse subsistens (subsistent being itself),” explains Fr. Nortz. “The intensity of that fullness, far from inspiring languid inaction, produces a vibrant joyfulness that St. John expresses in the book of Revelation in terms of the saints singing with full voice.”


About the Author: Reverend Basil Nortz, O.R.C., is a priest in the Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross. He graduated from Christendom College in 1986 with a B.A. in theology. His seminary studies were at the Insitutum Sapientiae in Anapolis, Brazil.

LORT7 – Samwise’s Journey of Discipleship and Sacrifice – A Lord of the Rings Spiritual Retreat w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Episode 7 – Samwise’s Journey of Discipleship and Sacrifice – A Lord of the Rings Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

BA6 - "Refuse to Accept Discouragement" - Begin Again: The Spiritual Legacy of Ven. Bruno Lanteri with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher examines spiritual themes from “The Lord of the Rings,” with a focus on Samwise Gamgee. The episode delves into the Christian concepts of sacrifice, loyalty, and faithfulness, paralleling Sam’s fictional journey with real-life spiritual experiences. Fr. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of steadfast commitment to one’s vocation, whether in marriage, priesthood, or other life paths, using Tolkien’s story as a metaphor for the spiritual life’s challenges and triumphs.

‘I don’t like anything here at all,’ said Frodo, ‘step or stone, breath or bone. Earth, air and water all seem accursed. But so our path is laid.’ ‘Yes, that’s so,’ said Sam. ‘And we shouldn’t be here at all, if we’d known more about it before we started. But I suppose it’s often that way. The brave things in the old tales and songs, Mr. Frodo: adventures, as I used to call them. I used to think that they were things the wonderful folk of the stories went out and looked for, because they wanted them, because they were exciting and life was a bit dull, a kind of a sport, as you might say. But that’s not the way of it with the tales that really mattered, or the ones that stay in the mind. Folk seem to have been just landed in them, usually – their paths were laid that way, as you put it. But I expect they had lots of chances, like us, of turning back, only they didn’t. And if they had, we shouldn’t know, because they’d have been forgotten. We hear about those as just went on – and not all to a good end, mind you; at least not to what folk inside a story and not outside it call a good end. You know, coming home, and finding things all right, though not quite the same – like old Mr. Bilbo. But those aren’t always the best tales to hear, though they may be the best tales to get landed in! I wonder what sort of a tale we’ve fallen into?’

‘I wonder,’ said Frodo. ‘But I don’t know. And that’s the way of a real tale. Take any one that you’re fond of. You may know, or guess, what kind of a tale it is, happy-ending or sad-ending, but the people in it don’t know. And you don’t want them to.’

 

Tolkien, J.R.R.. The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of The Lord of the Rings (Kindle Locations 6286-6299). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Kindle Edition.

For more episodes in this series:  A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

 

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”.

For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page


Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Focusing on Samwise Gamgee, here are some reflection questions that can deepen understanding and personal application of the themes discussed:

  1. Discernment of Vocation: Father Gallagher discusses the various vocations (marriage, priesthood, religious life, single life, and service) and the call to fidelity in each. Reflect on your own vocation. How do you experience God’s call in your life, and how do you remain faithful to it amidst challenges?
  2. Sacrifice and Letting Go: In the story, Sam has to leave behind Bill the pony and later his cooking gear. Reflect on your own life. Are there things, relationships, or habits that you need to let go of to better follow God’s call? How do you discern what to keep and what to leave behind?
  3. Temptation and Choice: Galadriel’s gaze offers the characters a choice to abandon their quest. Reflect on a time when you faced a similar choice between an easy path and a difficult but right one. How did you make your decision, and what role did prayer or spiritual guidance play?
  4. The Role of Providence: Sam and Frodo acknowledge that their path is laid by a higher power. Reflect on how you see God’s providence in your life. How do you trust in God’s plan, especially when the path is difficult or unclear?
  5. Embracing the Journey: Father Gallagher talks about embracing our life’s journey, even when it’s not what we expected. Reflect on your life’s journey. How have unexpected events or challenges shaped your faith? How do you find peace and purpose in the midst of uncertainty?
  6. The Greatness in Ordinary Faithfulness: Sam’s fidelity to Frodo and the quest is highlighted. Reflect on the importance of fidelity in small, everyday actions. How do you find significance in the ordinary moments of your life?
  7. The Continuity of Salvation History: Father Gallagher connects the story of “The Lord of the Rings” to the broader narrative of salvation history. Reflect on your place in this ongoing story. How do you contribute to the unfolding of God’s plan in the world?
  8. Personal Calling and Joy: Father Gallagher concludes with the joy and fruitfulness that come from fidelity to our calling. Reflect on how following God’s call has brought joy and fruitfulness into your life. What inspires you to continue on this path?

 

IP#497 Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence Part 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts podcasts

Fr. Basil Nortz on Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God, Part 1

Join Kris McGregor as she discusses the book Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God with Fr. Basil Nortz in part one of this two-part interview.

To listen to part 2 of our conversation visit here: Fr. Basil North – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor -Discerning Hearts podcasts

You can find the book here.

From the book description:

“Fr. Basil Nortz masterfully builds upon the classic reflections of Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus, a nineteenth-century spiritual mystic and Carmelite nun, on the twelve degrees of silence. By cultivating these types of silence, you will find out how you can — even amid your busy days filled with chatter, commotion, and noise — listen to the voice of God.

In these profound pages you will find ways to overcome your fear of silence and discover:

    • Keys to obeying God’s will
    • Kinds of silence that are holy and kinds that are unholy
    • Ten tips on what to do — and what to avoid — to bridle your senses
    • Seven ways to guard your imagination and foster recollection
    • How to direct your emotions with reason and foster silence of the heart
    • Effective ways of responding to injustice

You will learn the one sinful attitude that cuts us off from the merciful forgiveness of God and will acquire ways to stop passing judgment against others. Additionally, you will learn the most important attitude that disposes us to God’s plans and allows us to enter into His love and converse with Him affectionately throughout the day. Moreover, you will find practical techniques for overcoming distractions in prayer and advice from the saints on methods of meditation to develop silence of the spirit.

Above all, you will glean how to maintain peace of soul and live free from anxiety and despair, regardless of temptations or life’s battles. By relying totally on God, you will fearlessly rise after falls and begin again. You will begin to see the loving hand of God in all things, contemplate the light of His presence, and “be still” in the silence of His love.

“Holy silence is what helps the soul acquire the strength necessary to bear the presence of the all-pure God, who is ipsum esse subsistens (subsistent being itself),” explains Fr. Nortz. “The intensity of that fullness, far from inspiring languid inaction, produces a vibrant joyfulness that St. John expresses in the book of Revelation in terms of the saints singing with full voice.” “


About the Author: Reverend Basil Nortz, O.R.C., is a priest in the Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross. He graduated from Christendom College in 1986 with a B.A. in theology. His seminary studies were at the Insitutum Sapientiae in Anapolis, Brazil.

The Second Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast


“On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Two Turtle Doves …” which represent the Old and New Testaments, which bear witness to God’s relationship with all mankind. God’s relationship is begun in the New Testament in His covenant with Abraham and his Descendants and is fulfilled in the New Testament by the new covenant of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, who came to earth through Your Son Jesus Christ we thank You for the gift of your Son, Your new covenant that we may have an intimate relationship with You, and the gift of Your Word. As we exchange gifts, Father, let us recognize and bear witness to the fact that You have given the greatest gifts of all. Amen. 


Text gratefully found at
Via Rosa Rosaries, Devotional Chaplets, Rosary Beads, and Catholic Gifts
entitled A Christian meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas
Copyright © 2005-2006 

The Feast of St. Stephen the Martyr – A Christmas Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

The Feast of St. Stephen the Martyr – A Christmas Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.
‘Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.
‘Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.
‘Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.’

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?


Our Father, who art in heaven,

  hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

 Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

 and forgive us our trespasses,

 as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

 

Christmas Day – A Christmas Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart


Christmas Day – A Christmas Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel of St. John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word:
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things came to be,
not one thing had its being but through him.
All that came to be had life in him
and that life was the light of men,
a light that shines in the dark,
a light that darkness could not overpower.
A man came, sent by God.
His name was John.
He came as a witness,
as a witness to speak for the light,
so that everyone might believe through him.
He was not the light,
only a witness to speak for the light.
The Word was the true light
that enlightens all men;
and he was coming into the world.
He was in the world
that had its being through him,
and the world did not know him.
He came to his own domain
and his own people did not accept him.
But to all who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to all who believe in the name of him
who was born not out of human stock
or urge of the flesh
or will of man
but of God himself.
The Word was made flesh,
he lived among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father,
full of grace and truth.
John appears as his witness. He proclaims:
‘This is the one of whom I said:
He who comes after me ranks before me
because he existed before me.’
Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received –
yes, grace in return for grace,
since, though the Law was given through Moses,
grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God;
it is the only Son, who is nearest to the Father’s heart,
who has made him known.

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

In the beginning was the Word:
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things came to be,
not one thing had its being but through him.
All that came to be had life in him
and that life was the light of men,
a light that shines in the dark,
a light that darkness could not overpower.
A man came, sent by God.
His name was John.
He came as a witness,
as a witness to speak for the light,
so that everyone might believe through him.
He was not the light,
only a witness to speak for the light.
The Word was the true light
that enlightens all men;
and he was coming into the world.
He was in the world
that had its being through him,
and the world did not know him.
He came to his own domain
and his own people did not accept him.
But to all who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to all who believe in the name of him
who was born not out of human stock
or urge of the flesh
or will of man
but of God himself.
The Word was made flesh,
he lived among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father,
full of grace and truth.
John appears as his witness. He proclaims:
‘This is the one of whom I said:
He who comes after me ranks before me
because he existed before me.’
Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received –
yes, grace in return for grace,
since, though the Law was given through Moses,
grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God;
it is the only Son, who is nearest to the Father’s heart,
who has made him known.

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

In the beginning was the Word:
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things came to be,
not one thing had its being but through him.
All that came to be had life in him
and that life was the light of men,
a light that shines in the dark,
a light that darkness could not overpower.
A man came, sent by God.
His name was John.
He came as a witness,
as a witness to speak for the light,
so that everyone might believe through him.
He was not the light,
only a witness to speak for the light.
The Word was the true light
that enlightens all men;
and he was coming into the world.
He was in the world
that had its being through him,
and the world did not know him.
He came to his own domain
and his own people did not accept him.
But to all who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to all who believe in the name of him
who was born not out of human stock
or urge of the flesh
or will of man
but of God himself.
The Word was made flesh,
he lived among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father,
full of grace and truth.
John appears as his witness. He proclaims:
‘This is the one of whom I said:
He who comes after me ranks before me
because he existed before me.’
Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received –
yes, grace in return for grace,
since, though the Law was given through Moses,
grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God;
it is the only Son, who is nearest to the Father’s heart,
who has made him known.

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?


Our Father, who art in heaven,

  hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

 Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

 and forgive us our trespasses,

 as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.