Discerning Hearts

Sixth Day – True Love is Surrender(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Mother-Teresa-7-300x236.jpg) Thought for the day: “Allow God to use you without consulting you.” Ask for the grace to surrender your whole life to God. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the Heart of Jesus (here make your request). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. text © Missionaries of Charity

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Mother-Teresa-6.jpg)Fifth Day – Trust Jesus Blindly Thought for the day: “Confidence in God can do all things. It is our emptiness and lowliness that God needs and not our plenitude’” Ask for the grace to have an unshakeable trust in  God’s power and love for you and for all. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the Heart of Jesus (here make your request). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. text © Missionaries of Charity

By tradition, the Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a certain devotion. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Seven-Sorrows.jpg)In September, it is Our Lady of Sorrows. The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows takes place on September 15, the day after the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. We remember the suffering of Mary as she stood at the foot of the Cross and witnessed the torture and death of her Son.   (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Seven-Sorrows-1-300x199.jpg)We also are reminded of Simeon's words to Mary (Luke 2:34-35) at the Presentation of the Lord—that a sword would pierce her soul. Some or all of the following prayers can be incorporated into our daily prayers during the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows. Here is a mediation on the Seven Sorrows of  Our Lady that you may wish to join in daily in honor of the Blessed Mother this month...featuring Fr. Mark Cyza and Kris McGregor Also here are other prayers: To the Mother of Sorrows(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Our-Lady-of-Sorrows.jpg) Most holy Virgin and Mother, whose soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the Passion of thy divine Son, and who in His glorious Resurrection wast filled with never-ending joy at His triumph; obtain for us who call upon thee, so to be partakers in the adversities of Holy Church and the sorrows of the Sovereign Pontiff, as to be found worthy to rejoice with them in the consolation for which we pray, in the charity and peace of the same Christ our Lord. Amen. To Our Lady of Sorrows O most holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ: by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins, in order that being disengaged from all undue affection for the passing joys of this earth, I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem, and that henceforward all my thoughts and all my actions may be directed towards this one most desirable object. Honor, glory, and love to our divine Lord Jesus, and to the holy and immaculate Mother of God. Amen. To the Queen of Martyrs Mary, most holy Virgin and Queen of Martyrs, accept the sincere homage of my filial affection. Into thy heart, pierced by so many swords, do thou welcome my poor soul. Receive it as the companion of thy sorrows at the foot of the Cross, on which Jesus died for the redemption of the world. With thee, O sorrowful Virgin, I will gladly suffer all the trials, contradictions, and infirmities which it shall please our Lord to send me. I offer them all to thee in memory of thy sorrows, so that every thought of my mind, and every beat of my heart may be an act of compassion and of love for thee. And do thou, sweet Mother, have pity on me, reconcile me to thy divine Son Jesus, keep me in His grace, and assist me in my last agony, so that I may be able to meet thee in heaven and sing thy glories. Amen.

"Exposed: Inexcusable Me... Irreplaceable Him" by Shannon Dietz is a compelling book which chronicles her experiences growing up (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Shannon-Dietz-200x300.jpg)in her devout Catholic home, dealing with realities of brokenness that  results from the assaults that come from the world, from the enemy and from our own negative choices, and the healing that comes from surrendering completely to the love of Jesus Christ.  Shannon shares her story of being raped, not once but twice, and the devastating effect it had on her life and self-image.  She would run from God and her Catholic faith for a time, which only led her to experience a greater period of isolation and despair.  Eventually she turned to Him and found the peace and strength she had been aching for in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  That moment would provide a powerful encounter of grace and mercy and would set her once again on the path home to the loving embrace of the God the Father.  Her story is one that speaks to the hearts of several generation of women.  A powerful story and witness that there is indeed a beautiful "light at the end of the tunnel". Shannon is the founder of "Hopeful Hearts Ministry (http://www.shannonmdeitz.com/)"...be sure to visit the website (http://www.shannonmdeitz.com/)! (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Exposed.jpg)You can find the book here (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0985250305/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0985250305&adid=0ZZDQX312PCXV0Q0ANMA) Patrice Fagnant–Macarthur, Sr. Editor of Catholic Lane, Author of "Letters to Mary from a Young Mother" "It took great courage for Shannon to share her story. It is an important one for young people who are struggling with addiction or abuse and those who question whether God still cares for them." C.A. Webb, President of Conversations Book Club, Host of Conversations Live! "A powerful book that helps us to live a life that is open to receive all that is meant for us." "Shannon's candid sharing will prove to be a blessing to victims and those that care about them." Fr. Gavin Vaverek, Maria Goretti Network  

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Mother-Teresa-4-178x300.jpg)Third Day – Hear Him Say to You: “I Thirst” Thought for the day: “Just think! God is thirsting for you and me to come forward to satiate His thirst.” Ask for the grace to understand Jesus’ cry of thirst. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the Heart of Jesus (here make your request). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. text © Missionaries of Charity

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Mother-Teresa-1-228x300.jpg)Second Day – Jesus Loves You Thought for the day: “Do not be afraid - you are precious to Jesus. He loves you.” Ask for the grace to be convinced of Jesus’ unconditional and personal love for you. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the Heart of Jesus (here make your request). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. text © Missionaries of Charity

Episode 18- Regnum Novum: Bringing forth the New Evangelization through Catholic Social Teaching with Omar Gutierrez(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Omar-Gutierrez-1.bmp) - Bl. John Paul II - Laborem Exercens (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_14091981_laborem-exercens_en.html) (1981), Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (1987), and the Centesimus Annus (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_01051991_centesimus-annus_en.html) (1991) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/procession_800x600.jpg) We live at a very special time. The confluence of many things has brought forth the clear need to be able to articulate the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church in a way that is accessible and applicable. This is not to be an effort where high-minded theories are to be bandied about. Rather, this is a time of opportunity wherein we can apply the Social Doctrine to the concrete so as to bring about a New Kingdom, a Revolution. - Omar G. (http://www.regnumnovum.com/socialdoctrine/) John Paul II , sometimes called John Paul the Great, born Karol Józef Wojtyła  (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/popejohnpaulii-300x284.jpg)18 May 1920, Wadowice, Republic of Poland – 2 April 2005, Vatican City), reigned as Pope of theCatholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was the second-longest serving Pope in history and the first non-Italian since 1523. In this episode we discuss  Laborem Exercens (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_14091981_laborem-exercens_en.html) (1981), Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (1987), and the Centesimus Annus (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_01051991_centesimus-annus_en.html) (1991), among other works Also visit Omar's "Discerning Hearts" page Catholic Social Teaching 101 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=40)

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the interior movement of St. Augustine that led to his conversion and witness. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Msgr.-John-Esseff8-256x300.jpg) He also shares a powerful story of a man in a prison and his conversion. The story takes a poignant twist at the end, one that exemplifies the power of conversion and forgiveness. When our hearts are united with the heart of Christ a (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/St.-Augustine-icon.jpg)death takes place...the old self dies so that Christ may live.

First Day – Know the Living Jesus Thought for the day: “Don’t search for Jesus in far lands; He is not there. He is close to you; He is in you.” Ask for the grace of an intimate knowledge of Jesus. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the Heart of Jesus (here make your request). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. text © Missionaries of Charity

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/mikeaquilina-for-web.jpg) The importance of his life and contribution to the Church cannot be overstated. St. Augustine, one of the greatest of the Church Fathers, has not only influenced the Church, but the thought of the world as we know it.  The story of his conversion as chronicled in his "Confessions", would be (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/St.-Augustine-177x300.jpg)enough, but then add the body of his theological work and you have nothing less than a glimpse of what is truly the power of  "grace and mercy". Mike Aquilina is one of the best at bringing this great saint's life into perspective. For a more detail accounting of St. Augustine's  life, you can visit  Lives of the Saints (http://www.catholic-saints.net/saints/st-augustine-of-hippo.php)     Spiritual Writings: - Confessions  (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/augustineconfess.pdf) - Letters (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1102.htm) - City of God (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1201.htm) - Christian Doctrine (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1202.htm) - On the Holy Trinity (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1301.htm) - The Enchiridion (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1302.htm) - On the Catechising of the Uninstructed (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1303.htm) - On Faith and the Creed (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1304.htm) - Concerning Faith of Things Not Seen (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1305.htm) - On the Profit of Believing (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1306.htm) - On the Creed: A Sermon to Catechumens (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1307.htm) - On Continence (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1308.htm) - On the Good of Marriage (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1309.htm) - On Holy Virginity (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1310.htm) - On the Good of Widowhood (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1311.htm) - On Lying (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1312.htm) - To Consentius: Against Lying (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1313.htm) - On the Work of Monks (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1314.htm) - On Patience (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1315.htm) - On Care to be Had For the Dead (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1316.htm) - On the Morals of the Catholic Church (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1401.htm) - On the Morals of the Manichaeans (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1402.htm) - On Two Souls, Against the Manichaeans (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1403.htm) - Acts or Disputation Against Fortunatus the Manichaean (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1404.htm) - Against the Epistle of Manichaeus Called Fundamental (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1405.htm) - Reply to Faustus the Manichaean (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1406.htm) - Concerning the Nature of Good, Against the Manichaeans (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1407.htm) - On Baptism, Against the Donatists (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1408.htm) - Answer to Letters of Petilian, Bishop of Cirta (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1409.htm) - Merits and Remission of Sin, and Infant Baptism (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1501.htm) - On the Spirit and the Letter (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1502.htm) - On Nature and Grace (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1503.htm) - On Man's Perfection in Righteousness (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1504.htm) - On the Proceedings of Pelagius (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1505.htm) - On the Grace of Christ, and on Original Sin (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1506.htm) - On Marriage and Concupiscence (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1507.htm) - On the Soul and its Origin (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1508.htm) - Against Two Letters of the Pelagians (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1509.htm) - On Grace and Free Will (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1510.htm)

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Keating-22-293x300.jpg)Episode 3 Salvation Begins Now: Last Things First -  Deacon Keating continues reflecting on the reality of Purgatory.  He discusses the teachings of the saints.  What do our current sufferings on earth compare to purgatory?  What does the sacrament of reconciliation offer us in this understanding? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Christ-300x198.jpg) Deacon James Keating, PhD, the director of Theological Formation for the Institute for Priestly Formation, located at Creighton University, in Omaha.     (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IPF_logo-small.jpg) For more information on the "Institute of Priestly (http://www.creighton.edu/ipf/)Formation" and for oth (http://www.creighton.edu/ipf/)er material available by Deacon Keating, just click here (http://www.creighton.edu/ipf/) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Communion-with-Christ.bmp) Don't forget to pickup a copy of "Communion with Christ" , it is on (https://secure.ipfpublications.com/Products.asp?CategoryList=AudioBooks)e of the best (https://secure.ipfpublications.com/Products.asp?CategoryList=AudioBooks) audio sets on prayer...ever! (https://secure.ipfpublications.com/Products.asp?CategoryList=AudioBooks) Check out Deacon Keating's "Discerning Heart" page (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=624)

USCCA19 Chapter 18 - The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Christian Life (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Archbisop-George-Lucas.jpg) Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 18: It is called the Sacrament of Conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus’ call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin. It is called the Sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner’s personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction. It is called the Sacrament of Confession since the disclosure or confession of sins is an essential element of this Sacrament. In a profound sense, it is also a called “confession” —acknowledgment and praise—of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man. It is called the Sacrament of Forgiveness, since by the priest’s sacramental absolution, God grants the penitent “pardon and peace.” It is called the Sacrament of Reconciliation because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: “Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). He who lives by God’s merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord’s call: “Go, first be reconciled to your brother.” (CCC, nos. 1423-1424, citing Mt 5:24) The Most Reverend George J. Lucas leads the Archdiocese of Omaha.  For other episodes in the visit our Archbishop George Luca (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=7136)s page This programs is based on: (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/United-States-Catechism-for.jpg) More information can be found here (http://www.usccbpublishing.org/productdetails.cfm?sku=5-450). We wish to thank the USCCB for the permissions granted for use of  relevant material used in this series. Also we wish to thank Bruce McGregor for his vocal talents in this episode.

"Holiness for Everyone: The Practical Spirituality of St. Josemaria Escriva" is fantastic book which offers a path(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Eric-Sammons1-260x300.jpg) to living out holiness in our everyday lives.  Eric Sammons breaks open St. Josemaria's teachings and presents useful steps at the end of each chapter to  foster incorporation of those daily disciplines into our spiritual practice.  Wonderful food for the journey. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Holiness-for-Everyone-197x300.jpg) You can find the book here (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1592769446/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1592769446&adid=1BB87QBXFGVBQ579DS74) From the description: Strive for your own personal holiness as you implement your daily plan to: --Be a Contemplative in the Midst of a Busy World --Live a Life of Prayer --Recognize the Presence of God --Make a Plan of Life --Make Your Work a Way to Heaven Holiness for Everyone will inspire you as it sets your feet on the path to sainthood. "Eric Sammons shows that St. Josemaria has recovered the most powerful truth of classic Christianity and restated it in a way that is compelling for men and women of our time." ---From the Foreword by Scott Hahn

Msgr. Esseff reflects so beautifully about the Queenship of Mary(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Msgr.-John-Esseff7-256x300.jpg)...Queen of Heaven. He talks about the joys and peace of the heavenly encounter with our Blessed Mother and with the Holy Trinity. It is a very special reflection...not to be missed! (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Queenship-of-Mary.jpg)Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton.  He was ordained on May 30th 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 Blessed Mother Teresa.    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 Bl. 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.      (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Building-A-Kingdom-of-Love-.jpg)   To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff's book byvisiting here (http://www.msgrjohnesseff.net/?page_id=736)   Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff's website "Building a Kingdom of  Love (http://msgrjohnesseff.net)"  

Episode 17- Regnum Novum: Bringing forth the New Evangelization through Catholic Social Teaching with Omar Gutierrez(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Omar-Gutierrez-1.bmp) - Pope Paul VI - Gaudium et Spes, Humane Vitae, and the Declaration on Religious Freedom (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/procession_800x600.jpg) We live at a very special time. The confluence of many things has brought forth the clear need to be able to articulate the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church in a way that is accessible and applicable. This is not to be an effort where high-minded theories are to be bandied about. Rather, this is a time of opportunity wherein we can apply the Social Doctrine to the concrete so as to bring about a New Kingdom, a Revolution. - Omar G. (http://www.regnumnovum.com/socialdoctrine/) Paul VI  born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini (26 September 1897 – 6 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Paul-VI.jpg)August 1978), reigned as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 21 June 1963 until his death on 6 August 1978. Succeeding Pope John XXIII, who had convened the Second Vatican Council, he decided to continue it. He fostered improved ecumenical relations with Orthodox and Protestants, which resulted in many historic meetings and agreements. In this episode we discuss  Gaudium et Spes (http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html), Humane Vitae (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae_en.html), and the Declaration on Religious Freedom (http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651207_dignitatis-humanae_en.html), among other works   Also visit Omar's "Discerning Hearts" page Catholic Social Teaching 101 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=40)