Discerning Hearts

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen. O Mary, ever blessed Virgin,(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Immaculate-Conception.jpg) Mother of God, Queen of angels and of saints, we salute you with the most profound veneration and filial devotion as we contemplate your holy Immaculate Conception, We thank you for your maternal protection and for the many blessings that we have received through your wondrous mercy and most powerful intercession. In all our necessities we have recourse to you with unbounded confidence. O Mother of Mercy, we beseech you now to hear our prayer and to obtain for us of your Divine Son the favor that we so earnestly request in this novena... (State your intention here...) O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen.

Episode 4 Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making w/Fr. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Fr_Timothy.jpg)Timothy Gallagher. This episode offers a look at the importance of the disposition of heart, which like the Blessed Virgin Mary,  seeks the will of God in whatever He wants.  How do we gain that disposition and what are the means of obtaining that grace is what discussed in the next several episodes.  In this conversation the importance of the retreat and even more importantly the role of sacraments is discussed. For other episodes in the series visit The Discerning Hearts "Discerning the Will of God" page (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=9007) Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series "Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola".   (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Discerning-the-Will-of-God-185x300.jpg)"Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making"  is the book on which this series is based.  It is published by Crossroads Books. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0824524896/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0824524896&adid=1K1155F01YFVJNAP3576) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Oblates-of-the-Virgin-Mary.bmp) For more information on the “Oblates of the Virgin Mary" (http://www.omvusa.org/)   For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher's “Discerning Hearts” page (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=1146)  

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings given by the Church at this time of the year which brings us the teachings on the end (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Msgr.-John-Esseff5-256x300.jpg)times.   How are we to understand these readings?  What did it mean to the people of the Church 2000 years ago?  What does it mean for us today?  The Gospel and the words of the Jesus having meaning for the entire world today.  For those persecuted today, this message is for you! Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a (http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112912.cfm) I, John, saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth became illumined by his splendor. He cried out in a mighty voice:"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great. She has become a haunt for demons. She is a cage for every unclean spirit, a cage for every unclean bird, a cage for every unclean and disgusting beast."A mighty angel picked up a stone like a huge millstone and threw it into the sea and said:"With such force will Babylon the great city be thrown down, and will never be found again. No melodies of harpists and musicians, flutists and trumpeters, will ever be heard in you again. No craftsmen in any trade will ever be found in you again. No sound of the millstone will ever be heard in you again. No light from a lamp will ever be seen in you again. No voices of bride and groom will ever be heard in you again. Because your merchants were the great ones of the world, all nations were led astray by your magic potion." After this I heard what sounded like the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying: "Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her harlotry. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants." They said a second time: "Alleluia! Smoke will rise from her forever and ever." Then the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb." Gospel Lk 21:20-28 (http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112912.cfm) Jesus said to his disciples: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."

O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request...

Episode 25- 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) - We continue the study of the "Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html)"  Chapter 3 Section 3 & 4 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/procession_800x600.jpg) CHAPTER THREE (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#CHAPTER THREE) THE HUMAN PERSON AND HUMAN RIGHTS III. THE MANY ASPECTS OF THE HUMAN PERSON A. The unity of the person (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#THE UNITY OF THE PERSON) B. Openness to transcendence and uniqueness of the person (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#OPENNESS TO TRANSCENDENCE AND UNIQUENESS OF THE PERSON) a. Open to transcendence (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Open to transcendence) b. Unique and unrepeatable (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Unique and unrepeatable) c. Respect for human dignity (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Respect for human dignity) C. The freedom of the human person (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#THE FREEDOM OF THE HUMAN PERSON) a. The value and limits of freedom (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#The value and limits of freedom) b. The bond uniting freedom with truth and the natural law (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#The bond uniting freedom with truth and the natural law) D. The equal dignity of all people (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#THE EQUAL DIGNITY OF ALL PEOPLE) E. The social nature of human beings (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#THE SOCIAL NATURE OF HUMAN BEINGS) IV. HUMAN RIGHTS a. The value of human rights (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#The value of human rights) b. The specification of rights (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#The specification of rights) c. Rights and duties (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Rights and duties) d. Rights of peoples and nations (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Rights of peoples and nations) e. Filling in the gap between the letter and the spirit (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Filling in the gap between the letter and the spirit) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Compendium-195x300.jpg) We live at a very special time.

Episode 3 –  Confession: the history of mercy Roots of the Faith – From the Church Fathers to You with Mike Aquilina,(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/mikeaquilina-300x231.jpg)makes clear that just as an acorn grows into a tree and yet remains the same plant, so the Catholic Church is a living organism that has grown from the faith of the earliest Christians into the body of  Christ we know today. Hosted by Kris McGregor (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Roots-of-the-Faith.jpg) Pick up a copy of Mke’s book.  You’ll find so much more and invaluable references and resoources, as well (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0867169389/ref=nosim/disceheart-20) Also visit Mike’s “Discerning Hearts” page for more audio downloads and information! (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=48 )

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/book-cover-front-197x300.jpg) "Hidden Mountain Secret Garden: a theological contemplation of prayer" helps the reader discover the riches of mental prayer in the Catholic Tradition. In fact, the images of the "Hidden Mountain" and the "Secret Garden" are ancient metaphors for contemplative prayer, a kind of prayer that begins and ends in faith. This book is especially for those whose prayer is a search for the loving eyes of One who has conquered death. This kind of prayer beholds the wonder of Christ's living but hidden presence in one's highest thoughts and most noble aspirations as well as in one's instinctual urges and deepest longings. The ecstasy of this kind of prayer extends beyond even the vast unexplored horizons of the human heart and opens to an immensity of such excessive mercy that all else is forgotten -- and only love remains. The whole world needs this love: it is the secret garden, the hidden mountain, the inexhaustible riches only prayer knows and an excess of grace only prayer can make known. This is why Blessed John Paul II told the Church not to be afraid to open wide the doors of our hearts to Christ and it is why He told the young people of the world to be proud to proclaim the Gospel of the Lord. For those brave souls who have faithfully open their hearts to the Lord through this discipline of this kind of prayer, every Christian owes you a debt of gratitude. For those who want to join them, this work encourages you along the way -- for the journey you endeavor is at once the most perilous, the most heart-rending and the most wonderful adventure this world has ever known. Available at Amazon.com as an ebook (click here) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ABMKP20/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00ABMKP20&adid=0EEG9KC0R3T4NDS321MR), a paperback edition (click here). (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0988627000/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0988627000&adid=1KR0VJ8PH4BWS4ZW0MFQ)  You may also order a paperback edition at createspace.com (https://www.createspace.com/4002984). “Dr. Anthony Lilles has authored an introduction to prayer that is inspiring and encouraging. For those desiring to pray this is a resource that is full of practical advice – written simply and attractively. This book bears the mark of a man – husband, father and teacher – who is not only imbued with the wisdom of the Saints, but who has also, through his own prayer, learned how all of us can, through prayer, foster faith in and love for Jesus and his Gospel.” THOMAS G. WEINANDY, O.F.M., CAP. Executive Director for the Secretariat for Doctrine United States Conference of Catholic Bishops This is a wonderful book. I’ve taught spiritual theology many years and I wish I had had this text use. In fact, I wish I had written this book. It is scriptural, patristic, historical, theological, mystical, experiential and user friendly. Dr. Lilles takes us through the spiritual journey of prayer, citing Fathers and doctors, saints and even sinners to guide us on our Christian way toward contemplation. Weaving many themes into a harmonious whole, he opens up the life of contemplation for all Christians, our baptismal birthright in a way that is accessible and attractive. This is a book one will read more than once. FR. GILES DIMOCK, O.P., S.T.D University Parish of St. Thomas Aquinas At the University of Virginia In this book we find the real meat of the new evangelization. The church in America will not be renewed by “facts about Jesus” but only through one’s choice to let Christ reach the heart and change it from within. It is an ancient message received by only few: Do not be afraid of letting go of what now defines you. Let Christ tell you who you are. Dr. Lilles is one of the ablest guides to lead us through to such a choice.

Episode 9 -The Way of Mystery:  The Eucharist and Moral Living–  The Liturgy of the Eucharist part 1 : The offertory and the priesthood...what is the role of the priest in the sacrifice of the Mass and what are some of the challenges faced by the priest today.(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Keating-21-293x300.jpg) Deacon James Keating, PhD, the director of Theological Formation for the Institute for Priestly Formation, located at Creighton University, in Omaha, is making available to ”Discerning Hearts” and all who listen, his series of programs entitled “The Way of Mystery”. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Eucharist-190x300.jpg)The Vatican II documents remind us that the spiritual journey is not made in a vacuum, that God has chosen to save us, not individually, but as The People of God. The Eucharist must help Christians to make their choices by discerning out of Christ's paschal mystery. For this process to take place, however, Christians must first understand how the Eucharist puts them in touch with Christ's passion, death, and resurrection, and what concrete implications being in touch with this mystery has for their daily lives. (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)

USCCA27  Chapter 23  Life In Jesus part 2 (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 Chapter23: The Understanding of Moral Acts Another important foundation of Christian morality is the understanding of moral acts. Every moral act consists of three elements: the objective act (what we do), the subjective goal or intention (why we do the act), and the concrete situation or circumstances in which we perform the act (where, when, how, with whom, the consequences, etc.). For an individual act to be morally good, the object, or what we are doing, must be objectively good. Some acts, apart from the intention or reason for doing them, are always wrong because they go against a fundamental or basic human good that ought never to be compromised. Direct killing of the innocent, torture, and rape are examples of acts that are always wrong. Such acts are referred to as intrinsically evil acts, meaning that they are wrong in themselves, apart from the reason they are done or the circumstances surrounding them. The goal, end, or intention is the part of the moral act that lies within the person. For this reason, we say that the intention is the subjective element of the moral act. For an act to be morally good, one’s intention must be good. If we are motivated to do something by a bad intention—even something that is objectively good—our action is morally evil. It must also be recognized that a good intention cannot make a bad action (something intrinsically evil) good. We can never do something wrong or evil in order to bring about a good. This is the meaning of the saying, “the end does not justify the means” (cf. CCC, nos. 1749-1761). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) 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 Matt Wilkom  for his vocal talents in this episode.

Msgr. Esseff shares a recent encounter with a couple he met while traveling home after time with family.  Tom and Mary shared their important encounters with God over the course of their 36 years of marriage.  Each story speaks of our times and how relevant it is for our lives to allow Christ to be King of our hearts...that is how He will reign in this world.  Msgr. Esseff then reflects on how God answers prayers and why we say "Your will be done".(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Msgr.-John-Esseff2-256x300.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 3  Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making w/Fr. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Fr_Timothy.jpg)Timothy Gallagher. This episode offers a look at the importance of the "foundation" of our discernment. For other episodes in the series visit The Discerning Hearts "Discerning the Will of God" page (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=9007) Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series "Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola".   (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Discerning-the-Will-of-God-185x300.jpg)"Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making"  is the book on which this series is based.  It is published by Crossroads Books. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0824524896/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0824524896&adid=1K1155F01YFVJNAP3576) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Oblates-of-the-Virgin-Mary.bmp) For more information on the “Oblates of the Virgin Mary" (http://www.omvusa.org/)   For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher's “Discerning Hearts” page (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=1146)  

Episode 19 Beginning to Pray:  "Heaven in Faith"  Day 10 Prayer 1- "In what peace, in what recollection Mary lent herself to everything she did!" (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Anthony-Lilles-292x300.jpg) Dr. Anthony Lilles is a Catholic husband and father of three teaching Spiritual Theology at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. He  teaches spiritual theology and spiritual direction to transitional deacons, and the spiritual classics to the men who enter the Spirituality Year, a year of prayer in preparation for seminary formation.  He is the author of the "Beginning to Pray (http://beginningtopray.blogspot.com/)"  catholic blog spot. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Bl.-Elizabeth.jpg)From "Heaven in Faith: Day 10 Prayer 1" found in The Complete Works vol 1: (http://www.sistersofcarmel.com/blessed-elizabeth-of-the-trinity-catholic-books.php) 40.  "It seems to me that the attitude of the Virgin during the months that elapsed between the Annunciation and the Nativity is the model for interior souls, those whom God has chosen to live within, in the depths of the bottomless abyss.  In what peace, in what recollection Mary lent herself to everything she did!  How even the most trivial things were divinized by her!  For through it all the Virgin remained the adorer of the gift of God!  This did not prevent her from spending herself outwardly when it was a matter of charity" For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=6684) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Complete-Works.jpg) This the text we are using to discuss "Heaven in Faith" you can find it here and order from the Carmelite Sisters (http://www.sistersofcarmel.com/blessed-elizabeth-of-the-trinity-catholic-books.php)   We would like to offer heartfelt thanks to Miriam Gutierrez for providing for us "the voice" of Blessed Elizabeth for this series

Episode 24- 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) - We continue the study of the "Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html)"  Chapter 3 Section 3 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/procession_800x600.jpg) CHAPTER THREE (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#CHAPTER THREE) THE HUMAN PERSON AND HUMAN RIGHTS III. THE MANY ASPECTS OF THE HUMAN PERSON A. The unity of the person (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#THE UNITY OF THE PERSON) B. Openness to transcendence and uniqueness of the person (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#OPENNESS TO TRANSCENDENCE AND UNIQUENESS OF THE PERSON) a. Open to transcendence (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Open to transcendence) b. Unique and unrepeatable (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Unique and unrepeatable) c. Respect for human dignity (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Respect for human dignity) C. The freedom of the human person (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#THE FREEDOM OF THE HUMAN PERSON) a. The value and limits of freedom (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#The value and limits of freedom) b. The bond uniting freedom with truth and the natural law (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#The bond uniting freedom with truth and the natural law) D. The equal dignity of all people (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#THE EQUAL DIGNITY OF ALL PEOPLE) E. The social nature of human beings (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#THE SOCIAL NATURE OF HUMAN BEINGS) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Compendium-195x300.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/)   Also visit Omar's "Discerning Hearts" page Catholic Social Teaching 101 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=40)

Msgr. Esseff continues his reflection on the readings found in the readings of the Church's liturgy, with(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Msgr.-John-Esseff3.jpg) a particular emphasis on the Thanksgiving during these turbulent times. We need to remember that He is not a "tinsel" God...He has power which He passes on to us to draw upon. The power comes from PRAYER! Do you believe that? Jesus invites us to enter through the open door...the open door into His Sacred Heart. Have you entered? Like in the parable given by Jesus in the Gospel, what have done with the "golden coins" you have been given? Rv 4:1-11 (http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112212-mass-of-the-day.cfm) I, John, had a vision of an open door to heaven, and I heard the trumpetlike voice that had spoken to me before, saying, "Come up here and I will show you what must happen afterwards." At once I was caught up in spirit. A throne was there in heaven, and on the throne sat one whose appearance sparkled like jasper and carnelian. Around the throne was a halo as brilliant as an emerald. Surrounding the throne I saw twenty-four other thrones on which twenty-four elders sat, dressed in white garments and with gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. In front of the throne was something that resembled a sea of glass like crystal. In the center and around the throne, there were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back. The first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf, the third had a face like that of a man, and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight. The four living creatures, each of them with six wings, were covered with eyes inside and out. Day and night they do not stop exclaiming: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come." Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne and worship him, who lives forever and ever. They throw down their crowns before the throne, exclaiming: "Worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created." Gospel Lk 19:11-28 (http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112212-mass-of-the-day.cfm) While people were listening to Jesus speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately. So he said, "A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, 'Engage in trade with these until I return.' His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, 'We do not want this man to be our king.' But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, 'Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.' He replied, 'Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.' Then the second came and reported, 'Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.' And to this servant too he said, 'You, take charge of five cities.' Then the other servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.' He said to him, 'With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding man,

Episode 8 -The Way of Mystery:  The Eucharist and Moral Living– The Liturgy of the Word part 2 : The actual role of the reader (not performer), the role of the deacon, the role of those who hear the Word(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Keating-21-293x300.jpg) Deacon James Keating, PhD, the director of Theological Formation for the Institute for Priestly Formation, located at Creighton University, in Omaha, is making available to ”Discerning Hearts” and all who listen, his series of programs entitled “The Way of Mystery”. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Eucharist-190x300.jpg)The Vatican II documents remind us that the spiritual journey is not made in a vacuum, that God has chosen to save us, not individually, but as The People of God. The Eucharist must help Christians to make their choices by discerning out of Christ's paschal mystery. For this process to take place, however, Christians must first understand how the Eucharist puts them in touch with Christ's passion, death, and resurrection, and what concrete implications being in touch with this mystery has for their daily lives. (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)