Transformation – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating

Deacon Keating and Kris McGregor discuss how scandals within the Church, particularly clergy abuse, have damaged trust but do not negate the truth that Christ continues to teach through the Church’s magisterium. Deacon Keating distinguishes between the unchanging fidelity of Christ’s promise to guide the Church in matters of doctrine and the personal failures of individual bishops and priests. Some people use these failures as a pretext to disregard Church teaching and remain entrenched in their own patterns of sin. It frames this dynamic as a moment when confusion and resentment can open the door to deeper spiritual distortion, leading people to disconnect from the very spiritual authority meant to help them heal.

The Eucharist is the privileged place where Christ reshapes the mind and heart. Mass—especially the silence after receiving Communion—becomes a space to bring doubts, disagreements, and personal wounds before Christ, allowing Him to purify motivations and lead one into clearer moral understanding. Even those in grave sin, who cannot receive sacramental Communion, still receive graces simply by remaining present at Mass, praying honestly, and remaining within the community rather than isolating themselves. Christ always offers Himself, always calls people toward conversion, and that authentic love sometimes includes hearing difficult truths about one’s life.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. How do I respond interiorly when I witness failures in Church leadership, and do those reactions draw me closer to Christ or farther from Him?


2. In what ways might I use the sins of others—especially clergy—as a shield to avoid confronting my own need for conversion?


3. Do I bring my doubts or disagreements with Church teaching honestly before Christ in prayer, especially after receiving or attending the Eucharist?


4. What self-interests, fears, or wounds might influence my resistance to particular moral teachings?


5. How consistently do I remain within the worshiping community even when I feel unworthy, embarrassed, or spiritually conflicted?


6. When I refrain from Communion because of grave sin, do I still approach Mass as a place where Christ seeks to heal and guide me?


7. Do I listen attentively to preaching—especially difficult preaching—as a possible act of Christ’s love for my soul?


8. How aware am I of the real impact my freely chosen actions have on my relationship with Jesus and others?


9. What areas of my life need deeper repentance before I can authentically celebrate Communion with Christ?


10. How might I allow Christ to purify my motives so that my desire for truth becomes stronger than my attachment to comfort or personal preference?

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

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

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