SCS7 – “Stages” in the Spiritual Life – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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 “Stages” in the Spiritual Life – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Fr. Thomas McDermott and Kris McGregor explore the stages of spiritual development as an upward spiral rather than linear progression. Fr. McDermott tells us of St. Catherine’s focus on love for God and neighbor, cautioning against becoming attached to spiritual consolations.

Perseverance through dark nights of the soul highlights the importance of pure love for God. The significance of tears in spiritual experience and the imagery of the heart of Christ are described as as a window to divine love. St. Catherine sees friendship as essential for spiritual growth, emphasizing the interconnectedness of believers.

Fr. McDermott explains St. Catherine’s interpretation of the open side of Christ’s heart as a symbol of divine love and the importance of participation in that love. He encourages listeners not to feel discouraged if they don’t fully understand St. Catherine’s teachings, but to seek spiritual guidance and persevere in their journey. They also warn against spiritual gluttony and pride, advocating for humility and seeking spiritual direction within the Church.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. Understanding Spiritual Development: How does Fr. McDermott describe the stages of spiritual development as an upward spiral rather than a linear progression?
2. Love for God and Neighbor: What caution does Fr. McDermott give regarding becoming attached to spiritual consolations, and what does he emphasize as the true focus of spiritual growth?
3. Perseverance through Dark Nights: What is the significance of persevering through dark nights of the soul in Catherine’s teaching, and what does it reveal about the nature of love for God?
4. Importance of Tears: How does Catherine’s teaching on tears reflect different stages of spiritual experience, and what is their significance in spiritual growth?
5. Imagery of the Heart of Christ: What does the imagery of the heart of Christ represent, and how does it serve as a window to divine love according to Fr. McDermott?
6. Emphasis on Friendship: Why does Catherine emphasize the importance of friendship in spiritual growth, and how does it relate to our relationship with God?
7. Participation in Divine Love: How does Catherine’s teaching emphasize the concept of participation in divine love, and what significance does this hold for believers?
8. Seeking Spiritual Guidance: What advice does Fr. McDermott give to listeners who may feel discouraged or confused by Catherine’s teachings, and what is the importance of spiritual direction within the Church?

For the entire Discerning Hearts series “The Life and Teachings of St. Catherine of Siena” visit here

Fr. Thomas McDermott, OP is Regent of Studies for the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great and is the author of “Catherine of Siena: Spiritual Development in Her Life and Teaching” (Paulist, 2008) and “Filled with all the Fullness of God: An Introduction to Catholic Spirituality”. He obtained a doctorate in spiritual theology from the Angelicum and taught for several years at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. He crrently serves as pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer, in Chicago, IL.