The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor Prayerful Reflection Prayerful reflection is the fifth attitude of a discerning heart. In Catholic discernment, it means pausing to notice God’s presence in daily life. The psalmist reminds us, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me,” and saints like Francis de Sales encouraged ... Read more The post Prayerful Reflection – The Seven Attitudes of a Discerning Heart w/Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
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. The post IP#497 Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence, Part 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI 7. Hildegard’s eminent doctrine echoes the teaching of the Apostles, the Fathers and writings of her own day, while it finds a constant point of reference in the Rule of Saint Benedict. The monastic liturgy and the interiorization of sacred Scripture are central to her thought which, focusing on the mystery of the Incarnation, is expressed in a profound unity of style and inner content that runs through all her writings. The teaching of the holy Benedictine nun stands as a beacon for homo viator. Her message appears extraordinarily timely in today’s world, which is especially sensitive to the values that she proposed and lived. For example, we think of Hildegard’s charismatic and speculative capacity, which offers a lively incentive to theological research; her reflection on the mystery of Christ, considered in its beauty; the dialogue of the Church and theology with culture, science and contemporary art; the ideal of the consecrated life as a possibility for human fulfilment; her appreciation of the liturgy as a celebration of life; her understanding of the reform of the Church, not as an empty change of structure but as conversion of heart; her sensitivity to nature, whose laws are to be safeguarded and not violated. For these reasons the attribution of the title of Doctor of the Universal Church to Hildegard of Bingen has great significance for today’s world and an extraordinary importance for women. In Hildegard are expressed the most noble values of womanhood: hence the presence of women in the Church and in society is also illumined by her presence, both from the perspective of scientific research and that of pastoral activity. Her ability to speak to those who were far from the faith and from the Church make Hildegard a credible witness of the new evangelization. The post St. Hildegard von Bingen, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
An excerpt from a teaching by Pope Benedict XVI on St. Hildegard: 1. A “light for her people and her time”: in these words Blessed John Paul II, my Venerable Predecessor, described Saint Hildegard of Bingen in 1979, on the occasion of the eight-hundredth anniversary of the death of this German mystic. This great woman truly stands out crystal clear against the horizon of history for her holiness of life and the originality of her teaching. And, as with every authentic human and theological experience, her authority reaches far beyond the confines of a single epoch or society; despite the distance of time and culture, her thought has proven to be of lasting relevance. The post St. Hildegard von Bingen, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Dr. Matthew Bunson discusses the life, times and teachings of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Born: 1090, Fontaine-lès-Dijon, France Died: August 20, 1153, Clairvaux Abbey, France Books: Two-Fold Knowledge For more on St. Bernard of Clairvaux and his teachings 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. The post St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Pt. 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Kris McGregor introduces the breadth of spiritual formation resources offered by the apostolate. The post An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part Three: Guide to Spiritual Formation – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In this episode of Inside the Pages, Kris McGregor speaks with Leila Lawler about the beautifully illustrated book Hildegard’s Garden by French author Paul Frees. The conversation centers on the multifaceted life and legacy of St. Hildegard of Bingen, a twelfth-century Benedictine abbess, mystic, and Doctor of the Church. Lawler shares how her appreciation for ... Read more The post ITP#513 – Leila Lawler – St. Hildegard’s Garden on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
In this introductory episode, Kris McGregor welcomes listeners to Discerning Hearts and offers a guided overview of the rich spiritual resources available through the platform. From deep spiritual formation with renowned teachers like Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Dr. Anthony Lilles, to practical tools like the Daily Lectio Divina and Examen Prayer, Kris highlights how Discerning Hearts supports daily growth in prayer, scripture, and Catholic teaching. We are introduced to major categories including prayer and devotionals, scripture study, Church history, apologetics, Catholic social teaching, and more—all accessible for free through the website, mobile app, podcast platforms, and 24/7 streaming. The post An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part One: Formation, Prayer, and More – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Hospitality of the Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love, Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the readings from Genesis and Luke, inviting listeners to rediscover the gift of hospitality and the presence of God in daily life. He begins with Abraham’s encounter ... Read more The post Hospitality of the Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Deacon Omar Gutiérrez and Kris McGregor take a look at the remarkable legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who inspired Pope Leo XIV's chosen name, and his major contributions to modern Catholic thought and life and his wide-ranging influence. The post Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum, Pt. 2 – In Conversation with Dcn. Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Born: 1033, Aosta, Italy Died: April 21, 1109, Canterbury, United Kingdom Full name: Anselmo d'Aosta Books: Proslogion, More The post St. Anselm, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 30: Hearts Open to the Word Scripture Reading: John 5:31–47 (Jerusalem Bible) Jesus said: “Were I to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid; but there is another witness who can speak on my behalf, ... Read more The post Day 30: Hearts Open to the Word – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 23: “The Battle Within” Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):Luke 11:14–23Jesus was casting out a devil and it was dumb; but when the devil had gone out the dumb man spoke, and the people were amazed. But some of them said, ... Read more The post Day 23: “The Battle Within” – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Dr. Matthew Bunson discusses the life, times and teachings of St. Peter Damian Born: 1007, Ravenna, Italy Died: February 23, 1072, Faenza, Italy The post St. Peter Damian – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Using the Holy Rule of St. Benedict, Fr. Mauritius Wilde defines soberness not merely as abstinence but as living with balance and attentiveness to one's true needs, avoiding unhealthy compensations such as overeating, excessive internet use, or addictive behaviors. The post HRS4 – Finding Balance – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
A leader who is not sober can do a great deal of damage to those for whom he is responsible and, of course, harm the cause he is meant to serve. If you allow yourself to be seized with emotions, such as anger, vindictiveness, sadness, pride or envy - whatever "demons" you want to call them here - then you are not in contact with yourself and not in contact with your people. One is identified with the feeling and has no clear view of the truths. The task of the manager is to decide. However, to make the right decision requires a sober consideration of the alternatives that are given. The leader may need a break to make the right choice. The "discernment of spirits", like those taught by St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) is only possible if we can be completely free and open inside, sober and not driven by emotions. One might follow this rule: When I am very upset, frustrated, angry, fearful, sad, whatever mood you might feel, make no decisions and do not respond immediately to those you lead. Give yourself one night to think about it and pray. It often happens that after this break, which does not have to be long, you will find a completely different perspective and have time to assess alternatives. If you do not spontaneously act out of feeling, step back until you are sober and compassionate enough to respond appropriately. The post HRS3 – Leadership and Soberness – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The origin of the virtue of soberness is attributed to the monastic tradition. The German term "nüchtern" (sober in English) is borrowed from the Latin "nocturnus" and describes the state of the monk at night (see Friedrich Kluge, etymological dictionary of the German language). So, to gain access to what "soberness" really means, Fr. Mauritius discusses what role the night plays for the monks and how they spend it. Saint Benedict of Nursia, the founder of the Benedictine order, has much to say. His observations can also help us to reflect on how we spend the night. The post HRS2 – Winding Down With God – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Are you being caught up in the swirl and chaos of fear, violence, and anger assaulting our world today? Father Mauritius Wilde invites us to contemplate the Benedictine understanding of sobriety. He does not advocate for the renunciation of enjoyment, but rather to accept what God has in store for us. This series will shed light on the facets of this ancient and yet up-to-date concept and shows the spiritual and practical significance it can have for us in the current social situation. The post HRS1 – The Nature of Our Need – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde OSB – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
The Iron Mountain of Stability – From the writings of St. Hildegard von Bingen – Discerning Hearts Podcasts Quote: “I saw a great mountain the color of iron, and enthroned on it One of such great glory that it blinded my sight. On each side of him there extended a soft shadow, like a wing of ... Read more The post Day 1 – The Iron Mountain of Stability – From the writings of St. Hildegard von Bingen – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
What a delight to discuss with Fr. Cassian Koenemann O.S.B. The Grace of “Nothingness” - Navigating the Spiritual Life with Blessed Columba Marmion. Many today are unaware of the teachings of this great 20th-century spiritual master, but his influence can be seen in the lives of today's beloved saints, including St. Teresa of Calcutta. Thanks to Fr. Cassain, we can all better benefit from Bl. Columba's great spiritual legacy. We HIGHLY recommend this book for the spiritual library. Don't miss the opportunity to grow in "nothingness", your life will richer for it. The post IP#485 Fr. Cassian Koenemann – The Grace of Nothingness on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.