Discerning Hearts

USCCA26  Chapter 23  Life In Jesus part 1 (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: Made in the Image of God The most basic principle of the Christian moral life is the awareness that every person bears the dignity of being made in the image of God. He has given us an immortal soul and through the gifts of intelligence and reason enables us to understand the order of things established in his creation. God has also given us a free will to seek and love what is true, good, and beautiful. Sadly, because of the Fall, we also suffer the impact of Original Sin, which darkens our minds, weakens our wills, and inclines us to sin. Baptism delivers us from Original Sin but not from its effects—especially the inclination to sin, concupiscence. Within us, then, is both the powerful surge toward the good because we are made in the image of God, and the darker impulses toward evil because of the effects of Original Sin. But we should always remember that Christ’s dying and rising offers us new life in the Spirit, whose saving grace delivers us from sin and heals sin’s damage within us. Thus we speak of the value, dignity, and goal of human life, even with its imperfections and struggles. Human life, as a profound unity of physical and spiritual dimensions, is sacred. It is distinct from all other forms of life, since it alone is imprinted with the very image of its Creator. 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 Denise Wharton  for her vocal talents in this episode.

 Msgr. Esseff reflects on our readiness for the return of the Son of Man.  What will that be like for us?  Maybe it will be different than what you may think.  How do you love?  That will be a key in our understanding.(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Msgr.-John-Esseff2-256x300.jpg) From the NAB  Mk 9:30-37 (http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092312.cfm) Jesus said to his disciples: "In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. "And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky. "Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."   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)"  

Once again, I am  joined by T. M. Doran, this time discussing "Terrapin".  A mystery novel, I found, different in nature than Tom's  first book adventure-(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/t-m-doran.jpg)mystery "Toward the Gleam", but still very engaging and wonderful to read.  This book is more "noir" in nature, being very reflective, you almost imagine the action happening in "black and white", like those fascinating films in the the same genre.  The influence of evil, the choices we make and the possibility of conversion and transformation provide the fuel for a very good mystery.  No simple answers here, but that's what makes it fun and more than just a toss aside mystery novel.  For those who love to think and be entertained You'll enjoy this book.  A knock out conclusion will have you feeling it was time worth spent. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/terrapin-196x300.jpg)You can find it here (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1586177214/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1586177214&adid=0N8ZAATMHFT4QNHCSSQS)  

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Msgr.-John-Kennedy.jpg)(Vatican Radio (http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2012/11/13/questions_of_faith:_catechism,_catechists,_catechumen/en1-638309)) In Vatican Radio’s new series “Questions of Faith”, accompanying Pope Benedict XVI’s catechesis on the Year of Faith, Monsignor John Kennedy an Official at the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith will be on hand to answer listener’s questions on everything from why we are baptised as infants to why priests don’t get married. This week the focus is on formation, starting with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. “Good Catechesis is essential for the New Evangelization” reads proposal 29 of the recent Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelisation. In their list submitted to Pope Benedict XVI, the bishops from across the globe all concurred that attention must be drawn to “the indispensable service that catechists provide” and renewed emphasis on the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” and its Compendium as a resource for teaching the faith and supporting adults in the Church in their evangelizing and catechizing mission. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/catechism-of-the-catholic-c.jpg)Mons. Kennedy starts at the very beginning: what is the Catechism? Where does it come from? How do we use it? Listen: In next week’s episode, we will be answering questions from Vatican Radio listeners from Korea, the USA and the United Kingdom, from why we pray to Saints to how often we should go to Confession. So if you have any questions, big or small, why not ask the official? You can do this by submitting them to Vatican Radio’s – English Section Facebook page as a post or private message and tuning in each Tuesday to find out the answers to your Questions of Faith.

Once again we are joined by the fantastic Dr. Matthew Bunson!  We discuss his new work which brings us the life of (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Matthew-Bunson-266x300.jpg)"St. Kateri: Lily of the Mohawks".  The humble daughter of a Mohawk chief and a Roman Catholic mother, Kateri (named after St. Catherine of Siena) Tekakwitha lived a short life (she died at the age of 24). But she was such a powerful witness, so much so, that even the famed "black robe" Jesuit missionaries were awed  "by her perfection of the virtues, her mystical prayer life, and her total love for Christ."  Her last words were: "Jesus, I love you."  No one tells a story like Dr. Bunson, and he doesn't fail to captivate this time when describing  the life of this remarkably holy woman. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/St.-Kateri-193x300.jpg) You can find the book here (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1592767915/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1592767915&adid=0AC0NRVNJ9V2RMA1C2QT) "Written by experienced and prolific authors Matthew and Margaret Bunson, St. Kateri: Lily of the Mohawks is the most definitive biography of Kateri Tekakwitha." Here is St. Kateri and Dr. Matthew Bunson featured on "Rome Reports"

Episode 23- 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 1 & 2 (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 I. SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE PERSONALIST PRINCIPLE (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#I. SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE PERSONALIST PRINCIPLE) II. THE HUMAN PERSON AS THE “IMAGO DEI” a. Creatures in the image of God (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Creatures in the image of God) b. The tragedy of sin (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#The tragedy of sin) c. The universality of sin and the universality of salvation (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#The universality of sin and the universality of salvation) (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)

Episode 7 -The Way of Mystery:  The Eucharist and Moral Living– The Liturgy of the Word part 1  Christ entering us through language.  The difference in our attitude of being an "audience" and being in an attitude of prayer.  How the Word sets us free.(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)

USCCA25 Chapter 22 Sacramentals and Popular Devotions (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 Chapter22: Sacramentals dispose believers to receive the chief effects of the Sacraments. They are sacred signs that resemble the Sacraments in the sense that they signify spiritual effects that are obtained through the intercession of the Church. Sacramentals include blessings, actions such as processions, prayers such as the Rosary, and objects such as holy water, palms, ashes, candles, and medals. The Church instituted sacramentals to sanctify certain ministries, states of life, and the variety of situations in which Christians are involved. Their use has been guided by bishops’ pastoral decisions in responding to specific needs that are particular to a given period of history or locality. They include a prayer, usually with a gesture such as the Sign of the Cross or the sprinkling of holy water.   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 Denise Wharton  for her vocal talents in this episode.

This episode offers a instruction on how important it is to allow God to guide us not only in the big discernments of life, but also the decisions we make everyday

(Vati (http://www.news.va/en/news/audience-rediscovering-a-taste-for-the-joys-of-lif)(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Pope-Benedict-XVI-w1-300x179.jpg)can Radio (http://www.news.va/en/news/audience-rediscovering-a-taste-for-the-joys-of-lif)) What really satisfies man’s deepest desire? Is the desire for God absurd, irrational in today’s secularised world? How do we reach out to people who have lost their faith? To people who do not believe in God? How do we accompany them on their search for true good? These were the questions Pope Benedict XVI posed to 30 thousand people in St Peter’s Square for the Wednesday general audience, the third in his series for the Year of Faith. Listen: The answer, Pope Benedict XVI said, lies in rediscovering the real meaning of human desire, ecstasy and love. In rediscovering our taste for the joys of life. “We must believe that even in our era, seemingly reluctant to the transcendent dimension, that it is possible to open a path toward an authentic religious meaning of life, showing how the gift of faith is not absurd, it is not irrational” Below please find a Vatican Radio translation of Pope Benedict XVI’s general Audience catechesis, the third in his series on the Year of Faith: Dear brothers and sisters, The journey of reflection that we are making together this Year of Faith leads us to meditate today on a fascinating aspect of the Human and Christian experience: man carries within himself a mysterious desire for God. In a very significant way, the Catechism of the Catholic Church opens with the following consideration: “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for"(No. 27). Such a statement, which even today in many cultural contexts seems quite acceptable, almost obvious, might instead appear as a provocation in the sphere of secularized Western culture. Many of our contemporaries could, in fact, argue that they do not feel such a desire for God at all. For large sectors of society He is no longer desired, expected, but rather a reality that leaves some indifferent and not even worth wasting one’s breath over. Actually, what we have defined as "desire for God” has not completely disappeared and still today, in many ways, appears in the heart of man. Human desire always tends towards certain tangible assets, which are often far from spiritual, and yet it is still faced with the question of what “the” good really is and as a result confront itself with something other than itself, something that man cannot create, but is called upon to recognize. What can really satisfy man’s desire?In my first encyclical, Deus caritas est, I tried to analyze how such dynamism is experienced in human love, an experience which in our era is more easily perceived as a moment of ecstasy, of going beyond oneself, as a place where man senses that he is being filled with a desire that is beyond him. Through love, men and women experience in a new way, thanks to one another, the grandeur and beauty of life and of reality. If what I experience is not a mere illusion, if I really want the good of the other as a path towards my own good, then I must be willing to de-centralize myself, to put myself at the service of the other to the point of surrendering myself. The answer to the question about the meaning of the experience of love thus passes through the cleansing and healing of the will, which is required by the very good we want for the other. We have to practise, train and even correct ourselves so that that good may be truly wanted. The initial ecstasy translates thus becomes a pilgrimage, «an ongoing exodus out of the closed inward-looking self towards its liberation through self-giving, and thus towards authentic self-discovery and indeed the discovery of God» (Enc.

Novena To Prayer St. Jude Thaddeus(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/St.-Jude.jpg) Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus,  the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult  cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is  almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive  the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and  sufferings, particularly - (make your request here) - and that I may praise  God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be  ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as  my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen PRAYER May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, and loved in all the  tabernacles until the end of time. Amen. May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised and glorified now and forever. Amen St. Jude pray for us and hear our prayers. Amen. Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus Blessed be the Immaculate Heart of Mary Blessed be St. Jude Thaddeus, in all the world and for all Eternity. (say this prayer, followed by the Our Father and the Hail Mary)

THE INTERIOR CASTLE(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/St.-Teresa-150x150.jpg) OR THE MANSIONS By St. Teresa of Avila The Sixth Mansions Chapter 6: For the pdf containing the complete text and footnotes click here (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/St.-Teresa-of-Avila-The-Interior-Castle-or-The-Mansions.pdf) 1. The soul longs for death. 2. The soul cannot help desiring these favours. 3. St. Teresa bewails her inability to serve God. 3. Fervour resulting from ecstasies. 5. Excessive desires to see God should be restrained. 6. They endanger health. 7. Tears often come from Physical causes. 8. St. Teresa’s own experience. 9. Works, not tears, are asked by God. 10. Confide entirely in God. 11. The jubilee of the soul. 12. Impossibility of concealing this joy. 13. The world’s judgment of this jubilee. 14. Which is often felt by the nuns of St. Joseph’s. 15. The Saint’s delight in this jubilee. Translated from the Autograph of St. Teresa of Jesus by The Benedictines of Stanbrook Thomas Baker, London [1921] Dom Michael Barrett, O.S.B.Censor Deputatuus Nihil Obstat:✠ Edward Apostolic Administrator Birmingham, Oscott. February 24, 1921

From Vatican Radio: It’s been 500 years since Michelangelo completed work on the celebrated frescos that adorn the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. On the Eve of the feast of All Saints, the reigning pontiff, Pope Julius II, solemnly dedicated the monumental work. Earlier this week, Pope Benedict XVI, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, celebrated Vespers in the Chapel to commemorate the occasion.(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Elizabeth-Lev-300x225.jpg) Vatican Radio’s Christopher Wells spoke with art historian and tour guide Dr. Elizabeth Lev about the significance of Michelangelo’s work. “In a world where people are always looking forward to the next new thing, and the next hot thing, and the next novelty, that there is still a place where people look backwards and they look in awe at a tradition and a manifestation of what is clearly faith and art, is really quite an amazing thing.” Dr. Lev speaks about the central focus of the ceiling, and its relevance for people today. “Michelangelo . . . reduced the story to the human figure. And you see God as an actor, God moving, God interested in that which He creates. He’s physically engaged in the act of creation. I think to begin with, to see a God that wants to be involved is already unbelievably hopeful to people.” The Sistine Chapel, she says, speaks to all people: “And then we see the centrality of the creation of man, and how important man is, and that, no matter who you are or where you come from, you can see yourself reflected in that ceiling . . . An innumerable number of people can look in that ceiling and see themselves reflected, and see themselves reflected as beautiful, as heroic, as extraordinary – which is what human beings are. And that makes the Sistine Chapel universal. But of course ‘universal,’ I believe, is the definition of Catholic . . .” Listen to the complete interview of Dr. Elizabeth Lev with Christopher Wells:  

Msgr. Esseff recounts some of his experiences as he directed retreats for the (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Msgr.-John-Esseff-256x300.jpg)Missionaries of Charity Sisters in Italy and Spain. He speaks of his time in Rome during the Synod for the New Evangelization and the Canonization of the Saints on October 21. Be he also shares his experience of hearing about Hurricane Sandy for the first time at the airport on the way home and the subsequent tragedy that has followed in its wake. Msgr. Esseff offers his insights on this moment and the hope that is found in the teachings of Christ. He guides us through a meditation that helps us to see deeply into the heart of the person next to us. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/hurricane-sandy.jpg)

I love this book...what a wonderful introduction on how the Communion of Saints can change our lives.  (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Colleen-Carroll-Campbell.jpg)Colleen Carroll Campbell writes a beautiful memoir that not only chronicles the  important passages of life she's traveled thus far, but she also shares the guidance and insight she has received from several "sister" saints she has met along the way...St. Teresa of Avila, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Faustina, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Bl. Teresa of Calcutta and, of course, the Queen and Mother of them all, The Blessed Virgin Mary.  This work is more than just a cataloging of the events of her life or facts about these incredible women, Colleen shares a compelling story that is truly a page turner.  It was a book that brought  great joy and peace to my heart; it helped me  to reflect on, and appreciate more fully, those wonderful members of the "Cloud of Witnesses" who have touched my life....what a true gift God has given us in the Communion of the Saints.  A  HIGHLY recommended book on all levels. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/My-Sisters-the-Saints.jpg)You can find the book here (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0770436498/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0770436498&adid=16RJ2T726PNJ0MP53C6Y)   “Colleen Carroll Campbell has encountered most of the challenges confronting young women today—balancing dating, courtship, and marriage with a successful career, caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s, dealing with infertility—but she hasn’t faced these challenges alone. In My Sisters the Saints, Campbell introduces us to the women who helped her along the way – women like Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, Edith Stein, and, of course, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Completely contemporary and totally timeless, My Sisters the Saints is an engaging spiritual memoir and the perfect guidebook for anyone who is looking for a companion to help her navigate life’s sometimes difficult and confusing journey.” – Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York “In this fascinating memoir, Colleen Carroll Campbell recounts her discovery of kinship with six great women saints at crucial junctures on her journey through life. My Sisters the Saints is the story of how a thoroughly modern woman drew inspiration and strength from her spiritual ‘sisters’ while struggling with the mysteries of life, love, illness, and death in today’s world. This lovely and highly readable book will touch many lives.”
- Mary Ann Glendon, former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, Harvard Law professor, and President of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences