Discerning Hearts

Lord Jesus Christ, You have destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life in body and soul. You granted your Mother a special place in your glory, and did not allow decay to touch her body. As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary, give to us a renewed confidence in the victory of life over death. You live and reign forever and ever. Amen (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Assumption-51.jpg) Day 5 O merciful and loving Mother, may your glorious beauty fill our hearts with a distaste for earthly things and an ardent longing for the joys of Heaven. May your merciful eyes glance down upon our struggles and our weakness in this vale of tears. Hear then loving Mother, our request and plead to Jesus for us. (mention your request) Crown us with the pure robe of innocence and grace here, and with immortality and glory in Heaven. O Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Amen.

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Sr.-Joan.jpg)Enter into the life's story 0f St. Clare's life by listening to one of the best storytellers I know...Sr. Joan Mueller.  She is enthralling!!! St. Clare of Assisi...how I love her so.  Cofoundress of the Order of Poor Ladies, or Clares, and first (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/St_Claire_of_Assisi-244x300.jpg)Abbess of San Damiano; born at Assisi, 16 July, 1194; died there 11 August, 1253.  I can't even begin to describe the effect St. Clare has had on my life.  My relationship with her goes so deep that any words I could come up with would not honor her as I wish I could.   The best DVD I have ever seen on the life of Clare and Francis is (and I've seen them all) the newest distributed by Ignatius Press.  (http://www.ignatius.com/promotions/clare-and-francis-movie/)(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Clare-and-Francis.jpg)Clare is protrayed as a woman in love with Christ, not a starry-eyed hippy pining over Francis.  And she gets equal time...finally. This film is perfect! (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Peacemakers1.jpg)If you 'd like to see her life summed up in a quick read try here. (http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Catholic_Encyclopedia_(1913)/St._Clare_of_Assisi) - I should share this little story of my own.  In 2007, I had a chance to visit Assisi...I just wanted to be near St. Clare.  I didn't plan it, but my hotel ended up being right across the street from St. Clare's Basilica (it seems wrong to call it a street, it's width is so small).  Really early one morning, I just couldn't sleep so I got up and began walking around outside of the Basilica.  No one was out, all the shops closed, the sun was just coming up.  On a whim I thought I would see if the doors of the church were open (thinking to myself  of course they wouldn't be), but to my surprise they opened.  So I entered.  No one was around.  I saw steps leading down to a lower level.  I stepped over the rope blocking the entrance (boorish American that I am) and walked down.  The path led down to an area that had a display of relics, like clothing and other items (I assumed (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/St.-Clares-crypt-300x200.jpg)they were Clare's) and then I turned around and saw something incredible...the crypt of St. Clare.  It stopped me in my tracks, so much so that I had to remind myself to breath again.  I quietly walked over to the enclosure grates that blocked off getting any closer.  I knelt down, and I just started to weep...I just couldn't help it.  It was so quiet, it was such a gift.  I began to pray. I brought to St. Clare all the petitions I held so deeply in my heart.  And when that was done, silence filled the space. After about 10 minutes, out of nowhere, I could here the sound of the Poor Clare Sisters in the distance chanting their morning prayers.  I knelt at that spot, for a good 30 minutes or so, all alone with St. Clare.  I then got up, praised God for this special moment and left the basilica.  She's been with me, in a special way, ever since.  St. Clare, pray for us. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/St.-Clares-Basilica-300x200.jpg)   (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/8308-st-clare-with-the-scene-of-the-sieg-giuseppe-cesari-300x242.jpg)   (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/St.-Clares-interior-200x300.jpg)

Well we simply can't say that studying the Old Testament is intimidating anymore, not when there is the work of Dr. John (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Dr.-John-Bergsma-225x300.jpg)Bergsma to help us through the door. "Bible Basics for Catholics: A New Picture of Salvation History" is a wonderful guide to begin the journey, not only for the individual, but also for the entire family.  Many of us our visual learners, and bearing that in mind, Dr. Bergsma has transformed what has worked for his classroom into a book that can help us all.  It is indeed a unique approach, which seems like a simple presentation, but is so packed with important fundamental elements of Sacred Scripture that you hardly realize that you've mastered the "heavy" things.  Instead you come away more aware and deeply appreciative of the "family" history in which we've been given. His love for the Old Testament is apparent, and he passes on new insights to us all.  Having been twice voted Faculty of the Year by graduating classes at Franciscan University, he is a popular teacher whose love of scripture inspires his students....and now we can see why! Be sure to visit the fantastic "The Sacred Page (http://www.thesacredpage.com/)" blog he shares with Brant Pitre, and Michael Barber (what a trio!) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Bible-Basics-for-Catholics.jpg)You can find the book here (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1594712913/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1594712913&adid=0ZY4Q8FB6V7JWBFEMCP5) "John Bergsma is a very effective teacher of Scripture with a gift for clarity and depth." --Scott Hahn, Author of Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots "John Bergsma brings his biblical scholarship, pastoral heart, and gift for teaching together in this charming, easy-to-use overview of Salvation History. Catechists, teachers, and pastoral ministers will find this an inestimable resource, both for their own reference, and for shepherding those under their care. Highly recommended." --Edward Sri, STD, Chancellor and Professor of Scripture and Theology, Augustine Institute "We go by way of history and imagination to the Holy Land, and to times long past, and we meet the most fascinating people who ever lived: Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus. We can do all this because of John Bergsma's rare gifts. This book can change lives." --Mike Aquilina, Author of The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition

Deacon James Keating, of the Institute for Priestly Formation, speaks about "The Role of Deacon" and St. Lawrence(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Keating-2-293x300.jpg) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/St.-Lawrence.jpg)St. Lawrence of Rome was one of the seven deacons of ancient Rome who were martyred during the persecution of Valerian in 258. His story is so touching (click here for a thorough telling) (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09089a.htm). He models the charism of diakonia...genuine "ministry" of the gospel in the heart of the Church.  He witnessed to and lived out the command of Our Lord as found in Matthew 25 (http://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Matthew+25:31-46).  Oh...to truly know modern day deacons in the order of Lawrence... Often we see holy cards that depict Lawrence fully vested and holding what looks like a rack from a Weber kettle.  But his martyrdom was actually horrific and deserving of deeper reflection.  He could have avoided it, given the Roman official what he desired and spared his own life...but he didn't.  The grace he received to bear witness lives for the centuries as a tremendous testimony of faith speaking out in truth and love...no matter what.  The image below is by Titian, and is the one I hold in my heart for St. Lawrence.(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/St.-Lawerence-1.jpg)

Lord Jesus Christ, You have destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life in body and soul. You granted your Mother a special place in your glory, and did not allow decay to touch her body. As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary, give to us a renewed confidence in the victory of life over death. You live and reign forever and ever.(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Assumption-4.jpg)   Amen. Day 4 O Dearest Mother Mary, Assumed into Heaven, God placed you at His right hand that you may intercede for his little ones as the Mother of God. In the midst of all the Saints you stand as their Queen and ours – dearer to the Heart of God than any creation. You pray for your children and give to us every grace won by our loving Savior on the Cross. Please intercede for us in our needs and ask Jesus to grant our request if it be for the good of our souls. (mention your request) O Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Amen.

Msgr. Esseff powerfully reflects on the journey to the inner self guided by the Holy Spirit into the heart and(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Msgr.-John-Esseff2-256x300.jpg) St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein).  He examines the writings of the prophet Jeremiah and St. Matthew and what it means to have true union with God.  It is exemplified in the life and journey of Edith Stein.  It will all lead to the heart of Jesus.(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Edith-Stein1-244x300.jpg)

We are joined by the incredible Sr. Renee Mirkes, a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity, (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Sr.-Renee-252x300.jpg)who is director of the Center for NaProEthics, the ethics division of the Pope Paul VI Institute.  So many have already said so much about St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross'  life, but to really honor her is to explore (the best we can) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/St.-Teresa-Benedicta-of-the-248x300.jpg)her incredible work.  Sr. Renee is someone who has.    Sr. Renee offers to us just the tip of the iceberg of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross' tremendous legacy. Edith...brilliant.  Sr. Renee...brilliant.

Lord Jesus Christ, You have destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life in body and soul. You granted your Mother a special place in your glory, and did not allow decay to touch her body. As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary, give to us a renewed confidence in the victory of life over death. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Assumption-3-169x300.jpg)You live and reign forever and ever. Amen. Day 3 O Mother, Assumed into Heaven, because you shared in all the mysteries of our Redemption here below, Jesus has crowned you with glory. With your most glorious and powerful intercession, help us O loving Mother and present to Jesus our request. (mention your request) O Queen assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, You have destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life in body and soul. You granted your Mother a special place in your glory, and did not allow decay to touch her body. As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary, give to us a renewed confidence in the victory of life over death. You live and reign forever and ever. Amen. Day 2 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Our-Lady-of-the-Assumption--205x300.jpg)Mary, Assumed into Heaven, we venerate you as the Queen of Heaven and earth. As you tasted the bitterness of pain and sorrow with your Son on earth, you now enjoy eternal bliss with Him in Heaven. Loving Queen, intercede for us in our needs. (mention your request) We praise Jesus for giving us such a loving mother. O Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Amen.

Our conversation about St. Dominic with Bert Ghezzi.(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Bert-Ghezzi.jpg) Spain gives us yet another incredible saint...St. Dominic.  He is the founder of the Order of Preachers (so (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/st_dominicinprayerelgreco-225x300.jpg)when you see an  "O.P." behind the name, that's what's going on).  Most of us call them the Dominicans.   Born in 1170, he died on this date in 1221.  A lot of traveling took place between those years.  There is an interesting story that is told that before his birth his mother dreamed that a dog leapt from her womb carrying a torch in its mouth, and "seemed to set the earth on fire."  His name in latin is Dominicanus, which is essentially the "Lord's Hound"....fascinating.  (Parents out there, take note:  names matter.)  St. Dominic and his order have been responsible for setting the earth ablaze with the Gospel for over 800 years. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/rosarytodominic-235x300.jpg)Also, St. Dominic and the Order have contributed considerably to the spread of the devotion to Our Lady, and inparticular, to the Holy Rosary.  Another good reason to celebrate his life and legacy today! Also check out the Discerning Hearts St. Dominic Page (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=2140)  

Episode 15- 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) - Blessed John XXIII - Mater et Magistra (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_xxiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_j-xxiii_enc_15051961_mater_en.html) (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/)   Blessed Pope John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (25 November 1881 – 3 June (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Blessed-Pope-John-XXII.jpg)1963), headed theCatholic Church and ruled Vatican City from 1958 until his death. Pope John was elected on 28 October 1958. He called the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) but did not live to see it to completion. He died in 1963, only four-and-a-half years after his election, and two months after the completion of his final encyclical, Pacem in Terris. He was beatified, along with Pope Pius IX, on 3 September 2000.   Also visit Omar's "Discerning Hearts" page Catholic Social Teaching 101 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=40)

Lord Jesus Christ, You have destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life in body and soul. You granted your Mother a special place in your glory, and did not allow decay to touch her body. As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary, give to us a renewed confidence in the victory of life over death. You live and reign forever and ever. Amen. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Assumption-of-the-Blessed-V.jpg)Day 1   Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, we believe in your triumphant assumption into heaven where the angels and saints acclaim you as Queen of Heaven and earth. We join them in praising you and bless the Lord who raised you above all creatures. With them we honor you. We are confident that you watch over our daily lives and we ask that you intercede for us now. (mention your request) We are comforted by our faith in the coming Resurrection and we look to you for prayers and comfort. After this earthly life, show us Jesus, the blest fruit of your womb, O kind, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary. O Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Amen. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/51ZH9EM9RTL__SL110_.jpg) meditative music  provided by

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Keating-22-293x300.jpg)Episode 1 Salvation Begins Now: Last Things First - What are the "Last Things"?  Death, Purgatory, Heaven, Hell, the Last Judgement, Eternal Life will be explored in this series.  In this episode we begin the discussion on What is death?  What is resurrection? What is the connection between the body and the soul? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 994 (http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a11.htm) But there is more. Jesus links faith in the resurrection to his own person: "I am the Resurrection and the life."544 It is Jesus himself who on the last day will raise up those who have believed in him, who have eaten his body and drunk his blood.545 Already now in this present life he gives a sign and pledge of this by restoring some of the dead to life,546 announcing thereby his own Resurrection, though it was to be of another order. He speaks of this unique event as the "sign of Jonah,"547 the sign of the temple: he announces that he will be put to death but rise thereafter on the third day.548 (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)

USCCA17 part 1- Episode 17- 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 17: The Church draws her life from the Eucharist. This truth does not simply express a daily experience of faith, but recapitulates the heart of the mystery of the Church. In a variety of ways, she joyfully experiences the constant fulfillment of the promise, “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28:20), but in the Holy Eucharist, through the changing of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of the Lord, she rejoices in this presence with unique intensity. Ever since Pentecost, when the Church, the People of the New Covenant, began her pilgrim journey towards her heavenly homeland, the Divine Sacrament has continued to mark the passing of her days, filling them with confident hope 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 Fr. Ryan Lewis and Bruce McGregor  for their vocal talents in this episode.

By far, this book is the BEST on the subject of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that I have seen in a very long time.  So very (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Fr.-James-Kubicki-240x300.jpg)practical and deep in its spiritual appreciation of this beautifully essential devotion for our lives, Fr. James Kubicki helps all to rediscover  the devotion to the Sacred Heart.   He presents the history of this timely devotion, with help of the apostles, Church Fathers, the Saints and contemporary Catholics,  in an engaging and easily digestible way.  And the prayers...the incredibly deep and radiant prayers...Fr. Kubicki breaks them open a new for us all to appreciate, encouraging us not to "say the prayers", but to "pray the prayers".  Wonderful, simply wonderful!  I cannot recommended this work more highly.  Pick up more than one copy and become a missionary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by passing copies on to others (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Heart-on-Fire-195x300.jpg) You can find the book here (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1594712875/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1594712875&adid=0HN60F2Z4DJWQ48Y9CXW)   "At first communion I was taught to say first thing every morning, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee!' Reading Father Kubicki's splendid book has only made that prayer all the more sincere and meaningful." --Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York "A fresh and attractive reconsideration of this centuries-old devotion in the Catholic Church. Blessed Basile Moreau (1873), founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, who entrusted his priests to the Sacred (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Sacred-Heart-of-Jesus-8-209x300.jpg)Heart of Jesus, wrote: 'The primary purpose of the devotion to the Sacred Heart is to return love for love.' Fr. Kubicki develops this theme in a way that speaks well to today's generation of believers." --Rev. Peter D. Rocca, C.S.C., Rector, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame "I invite everyone to renew his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Christ in the month of June, making use of the traditional prayer of the offering of the day and keeping in mind the intentions that I have proposed to the whole Church." --Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus Address, June 1, 2008