Discerning Hearts

Episode 6 -The Way of Mystery:  The Eucharist and Moral Living– The Penitential Rite part 2  Are we afraid of silence, being alone with God, posture, and The domestic church.(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)

USCCA24 Chapter 21  The Sacrament of Marriage 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 Chapter21: The couple needs to remember they have entered a relationship between persons. They come to one another with two loves, the one commanded by Jesus and the one caused by their attraction to each other. They are challenged to unite their personal love with Christ’s love. Their human love will survive more effectively the cultural challenges they face, as well as the psychological and economic ones, when it is merged with the powerful love of Christ, who wants them to succeed and whose divine grace is ever at their service. 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 Willkomb for his vocal talents in this episode.

Episode 1  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 an overall introduction of the series by offering examples, both big and small, and the overall tools that will be used to come to the discernment of God's will in various situations.  In particular, what do we do when deciding between "a morally good option and another apparently good option"? 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)  

The Novena for Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 9(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/05-42th1-269x300.jpg) composed by by St. Alphonsus of Liguori My God! How was it possible that I, for so many years, have borne tranquilly the separation from Thee and Thy holy grace! O infinite Goodness, how long-suffering hast Thou shown Thyself to me! Henceforth, I shall love Thee above all things. I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee; I promise rather to die than to again offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance, and do not permit that I should ever again fall into sin. Have compassion on the holy souls in Purgatory. I pray Thee, moderate their sufferings; shorten the time of their misery; call them soon unto Thee in heaven, that they may behold Thee face to face, and forever love Thee. Mary, Mother of Mercy, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession, and pray for us also who are still in danger of eternal damnation. Say the following prayers: 1 Our Father… 1 Hail Mary… The Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory found below. Visit the Discerning Hearts “Holy Souls” page for the complete novena and text of the prayers (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=1166)

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Pope-Benedict-XVI-w-300x179.jpg)   From Vatican Radio: (http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2012/10/31/audience:_dwelling_in_the_church's_living_tradition/en1-634609) “In a world where individualism seems to regulate relationships between people, rendering them increasingly fragile, faith calls us to be people of God, to be Church, and bearers of God’s love and communion for all mankind", said Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday as he continued his general audience catechesis on the ‘Act of Faith’, more familiarly known as the ‘Creed’. Emer McCarthy reports: Despite foreboding skies and sharp temperatures, the audience was held in St Peter’s square. In off the cuff comments to the thousands who withstood the drizzle huddled under umbrellas to hear the Pope’s words, Benedict XVI noted ‘it could be worse’. Last week the Pope had spoken of how we have seen that faith is something intensely personal: a gift of God which transforms and enriches our life. But, he asked this Wednesday: “If faith is of a purely personal, individual character? Does it only affect me personally? Do I live my faith alone?” In comments in Italian Benedict XVI said : “The answer is found in Baptism, when the priest asks the person to be baptized if he believes in God the Father, Jesus His only Son and the Holy Spirit. The "I do" with which we answer "is not the result of my solitary reflection, it is not the product of my own thoughts, but it is the result of a relationship, a dialogue in which there is a listening, and receiving and response; it is communicating with Jesus that takes me out of the "I" that is enclosed in on myself to open up to the love of God the Father. It is like a rebirth in which I find myself united not only Jesus, but also all those who have walked and walk on the same path; and this new birth, which begins with Baptism, continues throughout the course of my existence. I can not build my personal faith in a private dialogue with Jesus, because faith is given to me by God through a community of believers, the Church, and I a become part of the multitude of believers in a community that is not only sociological, but rooted in the eternal love of God. " When we recite the Creed during the Mass "we express ourselves in the first person, but as a community we confess the one faith of the Church. That "I" individually pronounced is united to that of an immense choir in time and space, in which everyone contributes, so to speak, for a harmonious polyphony of faith". In fact since Pentecost, "when the journey of the Church began," the Church has been a "community" that brings the announcement of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ “to the ends of the world". The Church “is the People of God based on new covenant thanks to the blood of Christ, whose members do not belong to a particular social or ethnic group, but are men and women from every nation and culture. It is a ' Catholic' people, that is, one which speaks new languages, universally open to welcome all, beyond all boundaries, breaking down all barriers". Thus there is "an unbroken chain of life of the Church, of the proclamation of the Word of God, of the celebration of the sacraments – he underscored - that comes to us and which we call Tradition. It guarantees that what we believe is the original message of Christ, preached by the apostles. " Pope Benedict concluded: "The widespread contemporary tendency to relegate faith to the private sphere contradicts its very nature. We need the Church to confirm our faith and to experience together the gifts of God: His Word , the Sacraments, the sustenance of grace and witness of love. So our "I" in the "we" of the Church will be able to perceive that it is, simultaneously recipient and protagonist of an event that surpasses it: the experience of communion with God who establishes communion between people.

The Novena for Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 8(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/01-19th2-271x300.jpg) composed by by St. Alphonsus of Liguori Oh my God! I also am one of these ungrateful beings, having received so much grace, and yet despised Thy love and deserved to be cast by Thee into hell. But Thy infinite goodness has spared me until now. Therefore, I now love Thee above all things, and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I will rather die than ever offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Say the following prayers: 1 Our Father… 1 Hail Mary… The Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory found below. Visit the Discerning Hearts “Holy Souls” page for the complete novena and text of the prayers (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=1166)

The Novena for Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 7(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/18-87th2-276x300.jpg) composed by by St. Alphonsus of Liguori God, Father of Mercy, satisfy this their ardent desire! Send them Thy holy Angel to announce to them that Thou, their Father, are now reconciled with them through the suffering and death of Jesus, and that the moment of their deliverance has arrived. Say the following prayers: 1 Our Father… 1 Hail Mary… The Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory found below. Visit the Discerning Hearts “Holy Souls” page for the complete novena and text of the prayers (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=1166)

Episode 5 -The Way of Mystery:  The Eucharist and Moral Living– The penitential rite of the mass, while not the pivotal point(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Keating-21-293x300.jpg), it is one of the most important points of the mass, and key in our moral conversion...it's about the crucifixion to sin, meeting evil with love. 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)

USCCA23 Chapter 21  The Sacrament of Marriage 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 Chapter21: The first effect of the Sacrament of Matrimony is the gift of the bond between the spouses. “The consent by which the spouses mutually give and receive one another is sealed by God himself” (CCC, no. 1639). “The marriage bond has been established by God himself in such a way that a marriage concluded and consummated between baptized persons can never be dissolved” (CCC, no. 1640). 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 Willkomb for his vocal talents in this episode.

The Novena for Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 6(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/051129c_01611-236x300.jpg) composed by by St. Alphonsus of Liguori My Divine Redeemer, Thou didst die for me on the Cross, and hast so often united Thyself with me in Holy Communion, and I have repaid Thee only with ingratitude. Now, however, I love Thee above all things, O supreme God; and I am more grieved at my offences against Thee than at any other evil. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession Say the following prayers: 1 Our Father… 1 Hail Mary… The Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory found below. Visit the Discerning Hearts “Holy Souls” page for the complete novena and text of the prayers (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=1166)

"Christians as Political Animals: Taking the Measure of Modernity and Modern Democracy" (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mark-Guerra.jpg)as fascinating work that looks at faith, reason, virtue, and the limits of modern liberty. Dr. Marc Guerra, professor of the graduate program at Ave Maria University, brings forward Augstine and Aquinas, as well as 20th century theologians and political philosophers, to help us recognize that Christian thought must keep a proper prospective in viewing the political realm, and not to surrender our call and response as members of the body of Christ.  Is it heading stuff?  Not at all, faith and reason anchored in Truth, is for all of us to understand...it should be the true rudder we use to navigate the political landscape. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Christians-As-Political-Animals.jpg) You can find Dr. Guerra's book here (http://www.amazon.com/dp/193385992X?tag=disceheart-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=193385992X&adid=0MH9EE0T6N7X5HTKSTCZ)

The Novena for Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 5(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/07-21th1-272x300.jpg) composed by by St. Alphonsus of Liguori Woe to me, unhappy being, if Thou, O Lord, hadst cast me into hell; for from that dungeon of eternal pain there is no deliverance. I love Thee above all things, O infinite God and I am sincerely sorry for having offended Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession. Say the following prayers: 1 Our Father… 1 Hail Mary… The Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory found below. Visit the Discerning Hearts “Holy Souls” page for the complete novena and text of the prayers (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=1166)

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 5: 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 flight of the spirit. 2. Self-control completely lost. 3. Symbol of the two cisterns. 4. Obligations following the se favours. 5. Humility produced by them. 6. How our crucified Lord comforted such a soul. 7. A humble soul fears these favours. 8. Mysteries learnt during the flight of the spirit. 9. Imaginary visions sometimes accompany intellectual ones. 10. How the flight of the spirit takes place. 11. The soul fortified by it. 12. Three great graces left in the soul. 13. The third grace. 14. Fear caused by this favour. 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

The Novena for Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day 4(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/07-21th1-272x300.jpg) composed by by St. Alphonsus of Liguori My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I am sorry with my whole heart for having offended Thee. I promise to die rather than ever offend Thee more. Give me holy perseverance; have pity on me, and have pity on those holy souls that burn in the cleansing fire and love Thee with all their hearts. O Mary, Mother of God, assist them by thy powerful prayers. Say the following prayers: 1 Our Father… 1 Hail Mary… The Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory found below. Visit the Discerning Hearts “Holy Souls” page for the complete novena and text of the prayers (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=1166)

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 4: 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. Courage required by the soul for the divine espousals. 2. Raptures. 3. Rapture caused by the spark of love. 4. The powers and senses absorbed. 5. Mysteries revealed during ecstasies. 6. These mysteries are unspeakable. 7. Moses and the burning bush. 8. Simile of the museum. 9. St. Teresa’s visit to the Duchess of Alva. 10. Joy of the soul during raptures. 11. No imaginary vision. 12. True and false raptures. 13. Revelations of future bliss. 14. The soul’s preparation. 15. The soul blinded by its faults. 16. God ready to give these graces to all. 17. Faculties lost during ecstasy. 18. Spiritual inebriation. 19. Fervour and love of suffering left in the soul. 20. Scandal caused to spectators by such favours. 21. Our Lord’s predilection for such a soul. 22. Illusionary raptures 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