Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts podcast

#Catholic #Philosophy #Society #Religion #St John #Christianity #Discerning Hearts Catholic

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We are here at eTail Palm Springs and seeing and hearing the latest and greatest in e-commerce and retail. Question: Do you need to choose between AI and human recommendations as a customer? Why not have both? After all, don’t each have their strengths? AI in the retail experience is all the rage these days, but today I’m talking with someone from a brand that has been incorporating AI-personalized experiences and shopping combined with expert human recommendations for over 14 years, and continues to innovate today. Today we’re going to talk about how AI-based personalization plus human creativity and input makes an amazing customer experience at Stitch Fix. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Noah Zamansky, Vice President of Product and Client Experience at Stitch Fix. About Noah Zamansky Noah Zamansky serves as the Vice President of Product and Client Experience at Stitch Fix, where he leads cross-functional teams spanning Product, Design, Engineering, Algorithms, and Platform Development. A seasoned leader, Noah has a proven track record of shaping product vision and strategy, designing exceptional user experiences, and spearheading the launch of new business ventures. Before joining Stitch Fix, Noah held the role of Senior Director of Product Management at eBay, overseeing Fashion and Vertical Experiences. Resources Stitch Fix: https://www.stitchfix.com eTail Palm Springs: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

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Catholic podcasts dedicated to those on the spiritual journey! Offering the best teachings from the rich Catholic Spiritual/Discernment tradition.

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Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

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Series home•Feed

Catholic podcasts dedicated to those on the spiritual journey! Offering the best teachings from the rich Catholic Spiritual/Discernment tradition.

1802 episodes

#Catholic #Philosophy #Society #Religion #St John #Christianity #Discerning Hearts Catholic

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Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

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Day 2: The Call to Conversion – “Turning Toward the Light” – Discerning Hearts Podcast 4:57

3 hours ago4:57

4:57

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 2: The Call to Conversion – “Turning Toward the Light” Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible): Matthew 4:17 “From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'” Host Reflection: Today’s scripture reminds us of Jesus’ central message as He begins His public ministry: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins. It is about turning—turning away from darkness and sin and toward the light of God’s grace. It is a reorientation of our hearts, minds, and lives toward God. This turning can feel daunting. We may be hesitant to confront our weaknesses, our failures, and the ways we have strayed from God. Yet, Jesus’ call to repentance is not harsh or condemning. It is an invitation to healing and renewal. The kingdom of heaven is near because Jesus Himself has drawn near. He does not call us to change on our own but to open our hearts to His transforming love. The Desert Fathers often spoke of repentance as a daily turning of the heart. Abba Poemen said: “Do not give your heart to that which does not satisfy the heart.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Poemen 15) His words challenge us to examine our lives honestly. What are the things we cling to that cannot satisfy the deeper longing of our hearts? What are the distractions or attachments that keep us from fully turning to God? St. John Chrysostom, reflecting on repentance, said: “Be ashamed when you sin, not when you repent. Repentance is medicine, sin is the wound.” This image of repentance as medicine invites us to see it not as a burden but as a gift. It is the means by which God heals the wounds of our sin and restores us to wholeness. St. Teresa of Ávila reminds us that this turning toward God must also come from a place of humility: “Do not let us deceive ourselves into thinking that because we confess our sins, we have repented. True repentance is shown in the amendment of life, in surrendering our will to God’s will.” Lent is an opportunity to not only ask for forgiveness but to commit to a renewed way of living in alignment with God’s grace. As we reflect on Jesus’ call to repentance, let us take a moment to examine our own lives. Repentance is not a one-time event. It is a daily practice, a continual turning of the heart toward God. Each day of Lent is an opportunity to take another step on this journey of conversion, trusting that God’s grace will meet us every step of the way. Reflection Questions: What are the areas in your life where God is calling you to repentance and renewal? How can you let go of distractions or attachments that do not satisfy your heart? What practical steps can you take today to turn more fully toward God? Closing Prayer: Let us conclude with a prayer of repentance and trust in God’s mercy: Lord Jesus, You call us to repent and turn toward the light of Your kingdom. Help us to recognize the ways we have strayed from You and to trust in Your mercy. Heal the wounds of our sin and renew our hearts by Your grace. May this day be a step closer to You, as we open ourselves to Your transforming love. Strengthen us to let go of what does not satisfy and to turn wholeheartedly to You. Amen. This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent. The post Day 2: The Call to Conversion – “Turning Toward the Light” – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

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The Redeemer and the Gift of Lent – Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast 7:47

6 hours ago7:47

7:47

The Redeemer and the Gift of Lent From Beginning to Pray Each of us has a great task … that of becoming who God made us to be. Were we without sin, this task would still be impossible for us, left to our own resources and abilities. For indeed, the Lord created us in His Image and Likeness. This means that we are made to be the praise of God’s glory, living icons of His hidden life and love in His visible creation. What creature could ever attain to such holiness and splendor? Yet, we are made, though a little less than the angels, the very crown of God’s creative action. The great purpose entrusted to each one of us was long ago made subject to futility because of the mystery of sin. From the very origins of humanity, the envy of Satan and the sin of our first parents has threatened our existence. Though we want to do what is good, noble, and true, without Divine help, we are inclined to fall into an abyss of self-contradictions. Our desire to praise God, to make known His glory, never leaves us, even if it is utterly forgotten or resisted. Our restlessness and death remind us of our downfall and pride, but sin and its consequences are not the last word about humanity. Something more beautiful defines the mystery of our humanity, and every man and woman is invited to freely accept this calling if they will listen to the voice of God. The Father, whose thought of us delighted Him so much that He summoned us into existence, could not bear that we should perish without hope. As He promised, He sent us a Redeemer who would enter into our plight and rescue us from sin and death. This Good Shepherd did not fear the wolves that threaten our existence and he did not allow the distance that we had strayed to discourage Him in His search for us. A physician of the body and spirit, His words of truth are the remedy for the wounds we bear and the mistaken judgments that have driven us into myths and alienation. He does this moreover by entering into our misery so deep that in the face of our hostility, He patiently remains and will not forsake us, anxious that we should not suffer alone. Call to Him. He actively works, holding nothing back, until our dignity is restored and our every humiliation redressed. Indeed, all that is most precious to Him – His obedience to the Father and His own devotion to His Mother, He freely offers as a gift to all those who ask. Most of all, by his passion and Crucifixion, He merited for our sake that Divine Gift whose presence not only remits our sins and consecrates us in holiness, but infuses us with the love that the Father has yearned for us to know. An inexhaustible fountain, this sanctifying Gift infuses every moment with treasures too precious for this present life to hold, but imperfectly, for a time, if only we ask and accept what He offers us. Because even the most imperfect beginnings of this New Life offer so much hope to the world, we must also welcome Lent as a gift won for us by the Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. Lenten observance is no more than a participation in the graces already won for us — and they point somewhere beyond the here and now, to mysteries so sacred and tender, even the greatest joys of this life are as nothing in comparison. We step into an arena because the life of the Risen Lord in us enables us to be contestants in the battle for all that is good, noble and true. We fight with confidence against all that threatens not only our own integrity but that of our brothers and sisters too because Christ gives us a sharing in His confidence. We do not fear our weaknesses but surrender them in prayer and repentance as occasions for the power of God to be made perfect. We run the race because the Spirit of the Lord quickens us on our way until nothing can hold us back from the prize. The Lenten Discipline invites us to embrace in our own lives the victory won for us at such a great price. If we practice self-denial, it is because in the blood and water that flowed from His sacrifice we have already received all we really need. If we fast, it is because we already feast on the Bread of Life who sustains us with truth that no earthly bread can provide. If we are merciful to those to whom the Lord sends us, it is only because it is His mercy in us that compels us. If we sorrow over our sins and imperfections, we are also compelled by Christ to share our joy with others at any cost. We die to our earthly dreams so that Christ’s dream for us might unfold in our heart and our spirit might finally awaken to love. In hours spent silently listening to the Word of the Father, we anticipate a reality too great for this world to contain, a fulfillment long ago yearned for by God and whose shadow calls to our existence even now. We offer our bodily existence in spiritual sacrifice because united to Christ in the Holy Spirit, our whole being finally begins to become what the Father predestined us to be: the praise of the Trinity’s glorious grace. Anthony Lilles, S.T.D. is an associate professor and the academic dean of Saint Patrick’s Seminary & University in Menlo Park, California. 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 post The Redeemer and the Gift of Lent – Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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PoC-2 Thursday after Ash Wednesday: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation 3:12

7 hours ago3:12

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Thursday after Ash Wednesday THE INVITATION OF JESUS Steps to Take as You Follow Christ Ask —Do I fear the cross of Christ or do I embrace it? Seek —Place a crucifix in a prominent place in your home. Look upon this sign of our salvation upon rising and before you retire for the night, asking Christ to help you to “take up your cross” and follow him. Knock —Meditate on Philippians 3:18-21 I have told you often, and I repeat it today with tears, there are many who are behaving as the enemies of the cross of Christ. They are destined to be lost. They make foods into their god and they are proudest of something they ought to think shameful; the things they think important are earthly things. For us, our homeland is in heaven, and from heaven comes the saviour we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body. He will do that by the same power with which he can subdue the whole universe. What are you living for? Do you see the saving power of the cross or are you an enemy of the cross? Do you believe in the power of Christ? Transform Your Life — Believe in the gospel and experience the liberating effects of taking up your cross and following Jesus. Make your life one that will not be spent looking backward in regret for all the good that you did not do—focus on the good that you can do right now! The author of The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ in Your Life , Michael Dubriuel, passed away in 2009. His wife, author Amy Welborn, has made his book available as a free e-book We HIGHLY encourage you to download this exceptional work. The Power of the Cross is now available as a free e-book, check out more information by going here Check out more at the Discerning Hearts’ Michael Dubruiel page 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. The post PoC-2 Thursday after Ash Wednesday: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

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Thursday after Ash Wednesday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 9:02

9 hours ago9:02

9:02

Thursday after Ash Wednesday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 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. Luke 9:22-25 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.’ Then to all he said: ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it. What gain, then, is it for a man to have won the whole world and to have lost or ruined his very self?’ 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: ‘The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.’ Then to all he said: ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it. What gain, then, is it for a man to have won the whole world and to have lost or ruined his very self?’ 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: ‘The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.’ Then to all he said: ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it. What gain, then, is it for a man to have won the whole world and to have lost or ruined his very self?’ What touched your heart in this time of prayer? 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. 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. The post Thursday after Ash Wednesday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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Preparing for Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast 27:56

21 hours ago27:56

27:56

Preparing for Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the significance of Lent and its deep spiritual purpose rooted in Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. The ashes of Ash Wednesday remind us of our mortality and call us to repentance, marking the beginning of 40 days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Even though Lent is a penitential season, Sundays remain celebrations of the Resurrection. He shares his personal experience with fasting in the Peruvian desert, explaining how physical deprivation heightened his spiritual clarity and deepened his prayer life. Fasting should not be about mere dieting but about uniting our sacrifices with Christ’s. For those unable to fast physically, he suggests fasting from judgment or envy while feasting on recognizing Christ in others. Almsgiving is closely tied to fasting, as seen in St. Teresa of Calcutta’s example, where the food her sisters gave up directly fed the poor. Lent is meant to transform us so that by Easter, we are more fully conformed to Christ, carrying the spiritual fruits beyond the season itself. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions How does Jesus’ 40 days in the desert relate to your own Lenten journey and struggles with temptation? What does receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday mean to you personally, and how does it shape your perspective on repentance? How can fasting become a more intentional spiritual practice rather than just a physical challenge? In what ways can you incorporate prayer more deeply into your Lenten observance this year? What is one area of your life where you need to “fast” from a negative habit or attitude and “feast” on virtue instead? How does the connection between fasting and almsgiving challenge your approach to generosity? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Liturgy of the Hours or daily Mass during Lent? How can reflecting on your mortality help you live more intentionally as a disciple of Christ? What specific sacrifices can you make this Lent to grow closer to God and imitate Christ more fully? How can your Lenten practices lead to a lasting transformation beyond Easter? Pray the Liturgy of Hours Morning Prayer Mid-morningPrayer Mid-dayPrayer Afternoon Prayer Evening Prayer Night Prayer Office of Readings Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30, 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served 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 St. Pope 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. The post Preparing for Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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CTD1 – The Desert of Consumerism – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts 28:08

1 day ago28:08

28:08

The Desert of Consumerism – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss Lent as a spiritual oasis in life’s desert, where distractions of consumerism often obscure our deeper needs. Deacon Keating reminds us of Lent’s call to surrender to God’s providence, confront loneliness, and find simplicity. He highlights how modern culture fosters busyness to avoid facing inner realities. Lent offers a chance to deepen relationships, encounter God, and break free from the cycle of distraction and emptiness. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Understanding Lent’s Purpose : How does Deacon Keating describe Lent’s intended purpose as an oasis in life’s desert of consumerism and routine? Reflection on Cultural Distractions : What insight does Deacon Keating provide regarding the distractions of modern culture and their impact on spiritual awareness during Lent? The Paradox of Surrender : Explain Deacon Keating’s perspective on the fear of surrendering to God’s providence and the discomfort it may bring. Embracing Simplicity : How does Deacon Keating propose embracing simplicity during Lent can lead to a deeper encounter with God and transformation? Confronting Loneliness and Pain : Discuss Deacon Keating’s view on the avoidance of loneliness and pain in modern society, and how Lent offers an opportunity to confront these realities. The Invitation to Deepen Relationships : According to Deacon Keating, how does Lent invite individuals to deepen relationships within the Catholic community and experience God’s healing presence? Breaking Free from Distraction : Summarize Deacon Keating’s message regarding Lent’s role in breaking free from the cycle of distraction and emptiness perpetuated by consumer culture. An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion” : “Lent wants to remind us of our real identity. At first appearance a seeming “obligation,” Lent is actually a great gift. Are we brave enough to enter this desert, and then let it affect us so deeply as to turn us away from sin and false identities, turn us toward communion with the living God? The Church presents this season to us every year because it is hoped that this year will be our year to say “Yes” to Lent’s call to repentance. Lent should not be something we go through alone, but together. As the Hebrews wandered the desert for forty years, so we should enter Lent through the ecclesial community and share its challenges with brothers and sisters in Christ. Lent should not be what the elderly man in the barbershop characterized as “life as usual.” With our goal being moral conversion, let us now turn to see how God can facilitate that conversion when we take on a “lenten mind.” Keating, James (2012-07-20). Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion (Kindle Locations 200-207). Liguori Publications. Kindle Edition. 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 The post CTD1 – The Desert of Consumerism – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

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PoC-1 Ash Wednesday: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation 2:33

1 day ago2:33

2:33

Ash Wednesday ETERNAL LIFE OR DEATH? Steps to Take as You Follow Christ Ask —Am I living my life in fear of death or in anticipation of eternal life in Christ? Seek — Try to focus on Christ as the motivation for all of your actions throughout the day. Be conscious of whom you are trying to please in all that you do. Knock — Meditate on Genesis 3:19. “You are dust and to dust, you shall return” How does Baptism wash away original sin? What is the purpose of recalling that without Christ we are all living to die? How does the cross of Christ defeat death? Transform Your Life —Make the cross of Christ your banner of hope. See in the victory of Jesus’ cross a life-changing invitation to overcome all the evil forces that try to keep you from being who God has created you to be and to drive you away from your true purpose in life. The author of The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ in Your Life, Michael Dubriuel, died in 2009. His wife, author Amy Welborn, has graciously made his book available as a free e-book . We HIGHLY encourage you to download this exceptional work. “ The Power of the Cross” is available as a free e-book, for more information visit here Check out more at the Discerning Hearts’ Michael Dubruiel page The post PoC-1 Ash Wednesday: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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Day 1: Ash Wednesday – “Return to Me with Your Whole Heart” – Discerning Hearts Podcast 7:33

1 day ago7:33

7:33

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 1: Ash Wednesday – “Return to Me with Your Whole Heart” Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible): Joel 2:12-13 “But now—it is the Lord who speaks—come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, mourning. Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to the Lord your God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and ready to relent.” Reflection: As we begin this Lenten journey, we hear the words of the prophet Joel: “Come back to me with all your heart.” It’s a call to step away from the noise and distractions of life and return to God with our whole being. Lent invites us to reflect, to fast, and to pray so that our hearts may be renewed by grace. This return is not easy. Our lives are busy. Responsibilities press upon us. Distractions draw our attention away from the still, small voice of God. The world urges us to strive and achieve, but God simply asks: “Come back to me.” He does not demand perfection but longs for our hearts—even in their brokenness. The prophet Joel’s words echo this tenderness: “Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn.” External acts of repentance are not enough; God desires an interior transformation, one that reaches the depths of who we are. To return to God means to acknowledge our need for Him, to trust in His mercy, and to allow Him to heal what is wounded within us. The Desert Fathers understood this deep need for silence and prayer. Abba Arsenius, who left a life of luxury to seek God in solitude, prayed: “Lord, teach me to be silent, that I may discern Your will. In silence, the soul finds rest, and the heart is purified. Words often scatter, but silence gathers the heart in prayer, lifting it to You.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Arsenius 5) This silence is not a void; it is a space where God’s voice can echo in our hearts. It is a silence that allows us to recognize His presence in the midst of our struggles. Similarly, St. Augustine speaks to the restlessness we feel when we stray from God: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” (Confessions, Book 1, Chapter 1) Augustine reminds us that our longing for peace, fulfillment, and meaning is ultimately a longing for God. Lent is an opportunity to bring this restlessness to Him, to find our true rest in His love and grace. As you receive the ashes today, let them remind you of this invitation: to turn back to God with all your heart. Let them speak of His tenderness and compassion. And let them be a sign of hope, for even in our brokenness, God is ready to renew and restore us. Take this moment to consider the journey ahead. Lent is not about achieving perfection; it is about opening your heart, one step at a time, to the transforming power of God’s grace. Trust in His invitation to come back to Him, and let this journey be one of deep renewal. Reflection Questions: Take a moment to reflect on these questions and allow them to guide your prayer today: What distractions keep us from returning to God with our whole hearts? How can silence and prayer help us hear God’s invitation more clearly? What small steps can we take today to draw closer to God during this Lenten season? Closing Prayer: Let us now bring our time of reflection to God in prayer, asking for the grace to return to Him fully: Lord, You call us to come back to You with all our hearts. Yet we confess that life often feels too busy and overwhelming. Teach us to seek silence and prayer so that we may hear Your voice. Break our hearts in love and transform them by Your grace. May this Lent be a journey of renewal and deeper communion with You. Amen This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent. The post Day 1: Ash Wednesday – “Return to Me with Your Whole Heart” – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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Day 9 – Stepping into Lent – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts 2:50

1 day ago2:50

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A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection) Heavenly Father, as I prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, I open my heart to You. Let this be a time of renewal, where I grow in love, sacrifice, and prayer. Help me remove distractions and embrace this season with purpose. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may my soul be ready to walk with Christ. Amen. Day 9 – Stepping into Lent Scripture: “Even now, return to Me with your whole heart.” (Joel 2:12) Reflection: Today, Lent begins. With the mark of ashes, we acknowledge our need for God’s mercy and commit to this season of renewal. Pause. Let these words echo in your heart: Return to Me with your whole heart. Practical Step: Attend Ash Wednesday Mass. Choose a time that allows you to fully enter into the liturgy. Receive the ashes with intention. As the priest marks your forehead, make a silent prayer of commitment to walk closely with God this Lent. Begin Lent with a moment of stillness. Stay after Mass for a few minutes and offer this season to the Lord. Closing Prayer: Lord, today I step into Lent with purpose. I offer You my sacrifices, my prayers, and my heart. May this season bear fruit in my soul. Amen. Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart. When Lent begins this Ash Wednesday, we’ll invite you to continue your journey with our series A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory, exclusively on Discerning Hearts. May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ. The post Day 9 – Stepping into Lent – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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Ash Wednesday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 12:04

1 day ago12:04

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Ash Wednesday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 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 6:1-6,16-18 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. ‘And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them; I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. ‘When you fast do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’ 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: ‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. ‘And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them; I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. ‘When you fast do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’ 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: ‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. ‘And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them; I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. ‘When you fast do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’ What touched your heart in this time of prayer? 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. 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. The post Ash Wednesday – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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Day 8 – Preparing a Space for Prayer – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts 2:34

2 days ago2:34

2:34

A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection) Heavenly Father, as I prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, I open my heart to You. Let this be a time of renewal, where I grow in love, sacrifice, and prayer. Help me remove distractions and embrace this season with purpose. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may my soul be ready to walk with Christ. Amen. Day 8 – Preparing a Space for Prayer Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Reflection: Where do you encounter God in your daily life? A quiet space for prayer allows your heart to focus on Him, free from distractions. Practical Step: Create a prayer space. Find a quiet place at home where you can pray—whether it’s a chair, a small table, or a dedicated room. Set up meaningful objects —your Bible, a crucifix, an icon, a candle, or a rosary—to remind you of God’s presence. If your home is too busy, plan an alternative space. Arriving early for Mass, visiting a chapel, or taking a walk can be powerful moments of stillness with God. Closing Prayer: Lord, help me create a sacred space where I can meet You each day. Amen. Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart. When Lent begins this Ash Wednesday, we’ll invite you to continue your journey with our series A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory, exclusively on Discerning Hearts. May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ. The post Day 8 – Preparing a Space for Prayer – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 8:48

2 days ago8:48

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Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 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. Mark 10:28-31 At that time Peter began to tell Jesus, ‘What about us? We have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not be repaid a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land – not without persecutions – now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life. ‘Many who are first will be last, and the last first.’ 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: At that time Peter began to tell Jesus, ‘What about us? We have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not be repaid a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land – not without persecutions – now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life. ‘Many who are first will be last, and the last first.’ 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: At that time Peter began to tell Jesus, ‘What about us? We have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not be repaid a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land – not without persecutions – now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life. ‘Many who are first will be last, and the last first.’ What touched your heart in this time of prayer? 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. 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. The post Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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SJC15 – Receptivity to God’s Presence – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast 29:52

3 days ago29:52

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Receptivity to God’s Presence – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty Fr. Donald Haggerty discusses St. John of the Cross’s teachings on contemplation and how it is a universal call for all Christians, regardless of vocation. Drawing from the example of St. Joseph, he illustrates how a life of silent receptivity to God’s will fosters spiritual depth. He also touches on the role of surrender in prayer, explaining that even great saints like Mary and Joseph experienced moments of not fully understanding God’s ways, yet remained open to His divine plan. Contemplation transforms one’s entire life, moving from structured prayer activities to an interior disposition of continual awareness of God’s presence. The concept of spiritual darkness in St. John’s writings states that as faith deepens, one’s intellect encounters the mystery of God in a way that surpasses human understanding. Rather than signifying God’s absence, this darkness reflects the soul’s movement into deeper communion with Him. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions How does St. John of the Cross’s teaching challenge your understanding of contemplation as a universal call for all Christians? In what ways can you cultivate a deeper desire for God in your daily prayer life? How does St. Joseph’s silent and active faith inspire your approach to prayer and trust in God? When have you experienced moments of spiritual darkness or uncertainty, and how did you respond? What does it mean to surrender even your understanding to God, as Mary and Joseph did? How can you incorporate small pauses throughout your day to turn your heart toward God? What role does faith play in leading you closer to God, even when His presence feels hidden? How can contemplating the mystery of the Eucharist deepen your relationship with Christ? In what ways do you see prayer moving from structured activities to an ongoing disposition of receptivity? How can you grow in trust that God is guiding you even when His ways remain beyond your understanding? An excerpt from St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation The whole matter is nonetheless very delicate in description. The beginning of contemplation is not just a passive drifting with an interior current of grace that carries the soul away easily into the presence of God. A soul must learn to give itself to a quiet, loving attentiveness and discover that in the silence itself the mystery of God is hidden. There is a need to learn that nothing is lost in relinquishing active, reflective thought, as long as one’s attentiveness remains turned toward the mystery of the divine presence. Letting go in this way, so that God himself permeates the inner “activity” of prayer, requires a gradual adjustment to a new attraction felt inwardly in the soul. Receptivity is certainly the key word of advice. The soul must receive the inclination of quiet and respond to it with surrender, without seeking to grasp at an experience that it can claim as its own. It has to trust that God is mysteriously near and strive to be receptive to his hidden, drawing action. Saint John of the Cross offers this description: The proper advice for these individuals is that they must learn to abide in that quietude with a loving attentiveness to God and pay no heed to the imagination and its work. At this stage, as was said, the faculties are at rest and do not work actively but passively, by receiving what God is effecting in them. If at times the soul puts the faculties to work, it should not use excessive efforts or studied reasonings, but it should proceed with gentleness of love, moved more by God than by its own abilities. (AMC 2.12.8) The essential adjustment into this new stage of prayer is thus twofold in nature. The four earlier signs demonstrate a need to relinquish meditative prayer because it no longer works. If a soul perceives itself at fault for the inability to meditate, it tends to impede and block the desire it feels delicately for a silence alone with God. It has to fight off, if necessary, an anxious concern that it is failing in diligence if it no longer pursues meditative prayer. The advice to trust one’s heart and its deeper desire at this time is apt. The choice to leave behind meditation happens more easily to the degree a person is more docile to the deeper inclination. Nonetheless, there remains the dilemma what to do now in a quiet and solitary state, without giving thought and imagination to any subject. This is the second aspect of a necessary adjustment. A soul almost always finds itself initially in a transitional state of some confusion. It needs to cross a bridge not knowing what it means to be on the other side of a silence without thought. The recommendation to embrace a “loving knowledge” of God is not refined sufficiently in most lives to be identified clearly as a target of desire. The soul may be subject to gentle waves of intermittent desire and feel an inclination drawing it. When it abandons meditation and gives way to the desire “to remain alone in loving awareness of God” (AMC 2.13.4), forsaking considerations, it is possible that it may soon find a new satisfaction. “Interior peace and quiet and repose” (AMC 2.13.4) may now gradually permeate it, without any need to respond with acts and exercises. A preference to stay in that quiet and peace may be gently felt, without realizing so well that it is being drawn to a deeper love for God. At the same time, a lack of perception is often experienced because a painful aridity is also felt. The aridity can be strong despite the obscure desire to enter into a greater love for God. A passage from The Dark Night exposes some of the difficulty of this moment of adjustment. It also identifies benefits that accrue precisely from the difficulty. 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. The post SJC15 – Receptivity to God’s Presence – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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Day 7 – Opening Your Heart to Grace – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts 2:43

3 days ago2:43

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A Discerning Heart Prepared: 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent Opening Prayer (Pray each day before the daily reflection) Heavenly Father, as I prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, I open my heart to You. Let this be a time of renewal, where I grow in love, sacrifice, and prayer. Help me remove distractions and embrace this season with purpose. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may my soul be ready to walk with Christ. Amen. Day 7 – Opening Your Heart to Grace Scripture: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24) Reflection: Lent is not a journey we take alone. God places people in our lives—friends, family, priests, mentors—to walk with us, encourage us, and challenge us. Who in your life inspires you to grow closer to God? Practical Step: Plan a spiritual conversation. Reach out to a trusted friend, priest, or mentor and schedule time to talk about your faith journey during Lent. Encourage others in their Lenten commitments. Perhaps a simple text message or note of encouragement could help someone stay strong in their journey. Ask yourself: Who can I pray for in a special way this Lent? Write their names in your journal and lift them up in prayer. Closing Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of others who walk with me in faith. Help me to be a source of encouragement and strength to those around me. Amen. Take a moment now to sit in stillness. Let today’s prayer and reflection settle in your heart. When Lent begins this Ash Wednesday, we’ll invite you to continue your journey with our series A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory, exclusively on Discerning Hearts. May this season be one of deep grace and renewal and a deeper encounter with Christ. The post Day 7 – Opening Your Heart to Grace – 9 Days of Spiritual Preparation for Lent – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

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Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast 12:42

3 days ago12:42