Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

A Brief Reflection on Prudence – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor reflect on St. Joseph as a model of prudence, describing him as a man whose prayerful reflection naturally led to decisive action. Prudence is often misunderstood as hesitation or fearfulness, when in fact it involves seeing reality clearly, seeking God’s perspective, and responding faithfully to circumstances. Through examples such as Joseph’s response to Mary’s pregnancy and the flight into Egypt, it presents Joseph as someone deeply rooted in faith, capable of making difficult decisions with humility, courage, and trust in God. They also exploresthe enduring devotion to St. Joseph throughout Christian history and in Aquilina’s own life. Aquilina recounts personal experiences of his family’s devotion to Joseph and discusses how reverence for him flourished particularly in Latin America and French Canada. Drawing connections between the Old Testament Joseph and St. Joseph of Nazareth, it shows Joseph’s role as protector, father, and faithful servant within salvation history. You can find the book on which this series is based here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions About the Book He is a man of many titles. Head of the Holy Family. Spouse of the Blessed Virgin. Guardian of Our Lord. Terror of Demons. Though he is only briefly mentioned in the Bible, and never once has a quote attributed to him. St. Joseph is likely the best-known “silent” character in all of history, but theologians have spent centuries contemplating him. In St. Joseph and His World, author Mike Aquilina skillfully paints a portrait of St. Joseph by contrasting him with someone who affected his life in many ways—King Herod the Great. Aquilina invites readers into the life of St. Joseph—an heir of David with quiet beginnings, anticipating the promised Messiah. Conversely, he reveals Herod for who he was–a sociopathic warlord, prone to wicked jealousy and paranoia. Drawing on modern and archaeological texts, Aquilina sheds light on a remarkable number of mysteries in the life of this revered saint. Was Joseph the decrepit old man he is often depicted as in art? Did the residents of Nazareth expect the Messiah to be one of their own? What did Joseph’s education and job training entail? Why would he contemplate divorcing Mary after the angel Gabriel’s visit? Was the flight to Egypt meticulously executed, or hastily carried out? What did the Holy Family do during the memorable trip to Jerusalem when Jesus was found in the Temple? Josephologists across the centuries have contemplated the life and character of the Angelic Man. In this definitive work, Mike Aquilina takes the brilliantly uncomplicated approach that, by familiarizing ourselves with St. Joseph’s world: his hometown, his trade, and his faith, we can draw closer to him and ultimately, draw closer to Christ. About the Author Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the Eternal Word Television Network and is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio. For more episodes in this series visit – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina page.

Introduction – The 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits – The First Week Rules as formulated by St. Ignatius of Loyola In this foundational episode, Fr. Gallagher shares how the Ignatian teaching on the Discernment of Spirits grew out of his own priestly formation and retreat ministry. He explains that discernment is not simply about making decisions, but about learning to notice and understand the interior spiritual experience that unfolds daily within the heart and mind. These interior movements include times of spiritual energy, clarity, and desire, as well as periods of heaviness, resistance, and discouragement. Drawing from the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Fr. Gallagher introduces the fourteen rules of discernment as practical guidelines meant to be lived. These rules help people recognize what draws them closer to God, identify what leads away from spiritual freedom, and respond wisely to both consolation and desolation. He describes how movements of the heart and patterns of thought work together, shaping prayer, relationships, and daily responsibilities. Throughout the conversation, Fr. Gallagher explains why this teaching speaks so powerfully to ordinary spiritual experience. Rather than focusing on extraordinary states of prayer, the discernment of spirits addresses the realities of family life, work, parish involvement, and personal prayer. The rules provide concrete tools for navigating spiritually difficult seasons, not only enduring them, but growing through them. This FREE Discerning Hearts podcast series is designed for individual spiritual formation and can also be used effectively for small groups, parish studies, retreats, and faith-sharing gatherings. Episode One invites listeners to begin slowly, with formation, patience, and trust, allowing clarity to unfold through daily awareness. Discerning Hearts Questions for Reflection and Study Personal Reflection What interior movements do you notice most often in your daily prayer or spiritual life? How do times of spiritual energy differ from times of heaviness or resistance for you? How do your thoughts change when your heart feels close to God compared to when it feels distant? What makes it difficult to pause and notice what is happening within before reacting? Where might greater awareness of your interior spiritual experience lead to deeper freedom? Group Reflection or Study How does Fr. Gallagher describe discernment as different from simple decision-making? Why is it important to attend to both movements of the heart and patterns of thought? What challenges arise when people encounter spiritual desolation? How can learning discernment together support perseverance in the spiritual life? Why do you think this teaching resonates so strongly with ordinary daily experience? The 14 Rules for Discerning Spirits – “The Different Movements Which Are Caused In The Soul” as outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola can be found here For the other episodes in this series visit Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page 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”.

Episode 5 – Know Your Commander and Comrades – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Kris McGregor and Dr. Paul Thigpen shift the focus from the enemy to the great help God has given His people in the battle. Dr. Thigpen reflects on Jesus Christ as the victorious commander who has already conquered Satan through His Passion, death, and Resurrection. Because of Christ’s triumph, Christians do not fight from fear or uncertainty, but from hope and confidence. The conversation highlights the power of Sacred Scripture in spiritual warfare, especially the words of Christ and the witness of St. Paul and St. John, which strengthen the soul to resist accusation, doubt, and intimidation. The episode also explores the heavenly and earthly comrades who accompany Christians in the struggle. Dr. Thigpen speaks beautifully about the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose humility crushes the pride of the ancient serpent, the saints who intercede as seasoned veterans of the spiritual battle, and the holy angels who guard and assist the faithful. He also gives needed attention to the support of fellow Christians, reminding listeners that no one is meant to fight alone. Through prayer, encouragement, wise counsel, and shared faith, the Body of Christ protects and strengthens its members. This is a deeply consoling episode that reminds us the battle is real, but so is the communion of help God has placed around us. A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer. Discerning Hearts questions for reflection Visit here for other episodes in this series: Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D. The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges. In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

Bram Stoker – Dracula – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce In this episode of The Great Works in Western Literature, Kris McGregor and Joseph Pearce explore Bram Stoker’s Dracula, one of the most influential and misunderstood novels in modern literature. Far more than a gothic horror story, Dracula reveals a profound spiritual battle between good and evil, faith and skepticism, life and death. Pearce explains how modern culture has radically distorted Stoker’s original vision by transforming Dracula from a monstrous embodiment of evil into a romanticized antihero. In the novel itself, Dracula is presented as a deeply demonic figure whose power is ultimately confronted not merely through science or reason, but through the sacramental life and spiritual authority of the Church. The discussion highlights the rich Christian symbolism woven throughout the novel, especially in the role of Professor Van Helsing, whose understanding of both science and faith allows him to recognize the supernatural reality behind Dracula’s evil. Crucifixes, the Blessed Sacrament, and sacramental theology are portrayed as powerful weapons against darkness, revealing Stoker’s surprising respect for Catholicism despite his Protestant background. Pearce also reflects on how the modern inversion of the vampire myth mirrors a broader cultural confusion about sin, virtue, and redemption. Dracula ultimately stands as a cautionary tale about the seductive nature of evil and the enduring need for truth, holiness, and spiritual vigilance. You can purchase a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions DraculaDracula You can learn more about Joseph’s books, teaching, and writing by visiting his website Joseph Pearce: Celebrating the True, the Good and the Beautiful at jpearce.co A native of England, Joseph Pearce is the internationally acclaimed author of many books, which include bestsellers such as The Quest for Shakespeare, Tolkien: Man and Myth, The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis and The Catholic Church, Literary Converts, Wisdom and Innocence: A Life of G.K. Chesterton, Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile and Old Thunder: A Life of Hilaire Belloc. His books have been published and translated into Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Croatian, and Polish. He has hosted two 13-part television series about Shakespeare on EWTN, and has also written and presented documentaries on EWTN on the Catholicism of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. His verse drama, Death Comes for the War Poets, was performed off-Broadway to critical acclaim. He has participated and lectured at a wide variety of international and literary events at major colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Europe, Africa, and South America. He is a Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University and a Visiting Chair of Catholic Studies at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (Merrimack, New Hampshire). He is editor of the St. Austin Review, series editor of the Ignatius Critical Editions, senior instructor with Homeschool Connections, and senior contributor at the Imaginative Conservative and Crisis Magazine. His personal website is www.jpearce.co.

In place of idealistic spirituality…acknowledging one’s needs – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B In this episode of The Holy Rule of St. Benedict: A Spiritual Path for Today’s World, Fr. Mauritius Wilde, OSB and Kris McGregor reflect on the challenge of balancing spiritual ideals with the honest acknowledgment of human needs. Drawing from several passages in the Rule, especially St. Benedict’s practical guidance concerning sleep, food, drink, and daily rhythms, Fr. Mauritius highlights the deeply human realism of Benedictine spirituality. St. Benedict does not separate prayer from the realities of bodily life, but weaves together the spiritual and human dimensions of the person with remarkable wisdom and compassion. Fr. Mauritius explains that idealistic spirituality can become rigid and even harmful when it loses touch with human weakness, limitation, and need. The Rule instead offers a path of balance, humility, and truthfulness, helping the monk remain connected both to God and to his own humanity. Through stories from monastic life, reflections on prayer, and insights from the Christian tradition, this conversation reveals that authentic holiness is not found in denying our humanity, but in allowing God to enter it fully with love, mercy, and grace. From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict Chapter 8: CHAPTER VIII Of the Divine Office during the Night Making due allowance for circumstances, the brethren will rise during the winter season, that is, from the calends of November till Easter, at the eighth hour of the night; so that, having rested till a little after midnight, they may rise refreshed. The time, however, which remains over after the night office (Matins) will be employed in study by those of the brethren who still have some parts of the psalms and the lessons to learn. But from Easter to the aforesaid calends, let the hour for celebrating the night office (Matins) be so arranged, that after a very short interval, during which the brethren may go out for the necessities of nature, the morning office (Lauds), which is to be said at the break of day, may follow presently. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions For more episodes from this series and other podcasts, visit: Fr. Mauritius Wilde’s Discerning Hearts page Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological, and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and regularly directs retreats. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome.

Handing on the Passover – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore the Finding in the Temple through the experience of Joseph and Mary, placing the event within the rich setting of Jewish pilgrimage and Passover tradition. Aquilina explains how twelve-year-old Jesus was entering adulthood according to Jewish custom, learning from Joseph how to participate fully in the Passover rites, including the offering of the lamb and the sacred meal that foreshadowed the Eucharist. Joseph’s role as teacher and father takes on deep significance as he guides Jesus into the rituals that point toward His future sacrifice and mission. This also reflects on the anguish Mary and Joseph experienced when Jesus was missing for three days; the fear, exhaustion, and heartbreak of searching through the crowded city, while also considering the emotional shift that occurred when Jesus spoke in the Temple among the teachers. Joseph and Mary begin to recognize that Jesus is moving into a new stage of His life and vocation, creating both wonder and sorrow for them as parents. It connects this moment to the deeper meaning of the Passover meal and Christ’s institution of the Eucharist, showing how the hidden years of Jesus’ youth reveal profound spiritual and historical connections rooted in Jewish worship and family life. You can find the book on which this series is based here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions About the Book He is a man of many titles. Head of the Holy Family. Spouse of the Blessed Virgin. Guardian of Our Lord. Terror of Demons. Though he is only briefly mentioned in the Bible, and never once has a quote attributed to him. St. Joseph is likely the best-known “silent” character in all of history, but theologians have spent centuries contemplating him. In St. Joseph and His World, author Mike Aquilina skillfully paints a portrait of St. Joseph by contrasting him with someone who affected his life in many ways—King Herod the Great. Aquilina invites readers into the life of St. Joseph—an heir of David with quiet beginnings, anticipating the promised Messiah. Conversely, he reveals Herod for who he was–a sociopathic warlord, prone to wicked jealousy and paranoia. Drawing on modern and archaeological texts, Aquilina sheds light on a remarkable number of mysteries in the life of this revered saint. Was Joseph the decrepit old man he is often depicted as in art? Did the residents of Nazareth expect the Messiah to be one of their own? What did Joseph’s education and job training entail? Why would he contemplate divorcing Mary after the angel Gabriel’s visit? Was the flight to Egypt meticulously executed, or hastily carried out? What did the Holy Family do during the memorable trip to Jerusalem when Jesus was found in the Temple? Josephologists across the centuries have contemplated the life and character of the Angelic Man. In this definitive work, Mike Aquilina takes the brilliantly uncomplicated approach that, by familiarizing ourselves with St. Joseph’s world: his hometown, his trade, and his faith, we can draw closer to him and ultimately, draw closer to Christ. About the Author Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the Eternal Word Television Network and is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio. For more episodes in this series visit – St....

Conclusion – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V. Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor reflect on the lifelong formation involved in recognizing spiritual consolation and desolation through the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fr. Gallagher explains that spiritual growth comes through learning to recognize the movements of God’s grace and the discouraging tactics of the enemy, allowing a person to respond with greater clarity and freedom. He describes Ignatian spirituality as practical, simple, and deeply respectful of the human heart, rooted in the way Christ Himself encounters wounded and searching souls in the Gospels—with patience, gentleness, and profound love. The Christian journey, he says, is not merely about following rules but about entering into communion with a God who desires intimacy with humanity and accompanies people tenderly through healing and transformation. Drawing from personal experiences after his ordination, Fr. Gallagher recounts how he came to understand authentic Christian joy through the teachings of St. Paul VI and the witness of Jesus Christ. True joy is ultimately found in communion with the Triune God—a deep resting of the heart in divine love that surpasses material comforts and natural pleasures. He connects this joy to the longing of every human heart not to feel alone, pointing to Jesus’ constant union with the Father as the source of His peace and happiness. Turning to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, it shows holiness as the shared goal of every vocation, reminding us that God grants the grace needed for each step of the spiritual journey. By courageously taking those first steps, the soul is strengthened “from victory to victory” as it moves toward sanctity and lasting union with God. You can pick up a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions An excerpt from the chapter, “Conclusion”: “The day was August 8, 1897, the month before her death. Thérèse lay on her sickbed. Her sister Pauline was with her in the room. As she lay there, Thérèse pondered her life. In particular, she remembered the Christmas night eleven years earlier when she received what she had called “the grace of my complete conversion.” On that “night of light,” God’s grace and an act of courage liberated her from the nervousness and sensitivity that had oppressed her for years. Thérèse thought, too, of Judith in the Old Testament and of the courage with which she had acted. Thérèse began to speak. Many, she told her sister, feel that they lack such courage. Then she said, “God never refuses that first grace that gives one the courage to act; afterwards, the heart is strengthened, and one advances from victory to victory.” That is the message of this book. A path to liberation from discouragement, confusion, and pain in the spiritual life exists. God has not called us to captivity but to freedom. Clarity regarding the struggle is possible, and remedies are available. Begin. Take the first step. Take it now. And take it knowing that “God never refuses that first grace that gives one the courage to act; afterwards, the heart is strengthened, and one advances from victory to victory.” May that grace and that courage bless our spiritual lives.” Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (p. 144). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition. To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast From the book’s description: “Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It’s a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth. All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual...

Sunday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart… From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 17:1-11 Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: ‘Father, the hour has come: glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you; and, through the power over all mankind that you have given him, let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him. And eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have glorified you on earth and finished the work that you gave me to do. Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me with that glory I had with you before ever the world was. I have made your name known to the men you took from the world to give me. They were yours and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now at last they know that all you have given me comes indeed from you; for I have given them the teaching you gave to me, and they have truly accepted this, that I came from you, and have believed that it was you who sent me. I pray for them; I am not praying for the world but for those you have given me, because they belong to you: all I have is yours and all you have is mine, and in them I am glorified. I am not in the world any longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you.’ What word made this passage come alive for you? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you: Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: ‘Father, the hour has come: glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you; and, through the power over all mankind that you have given him, let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him. And eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have glorified you on earth and finished the work that you gave me to do. Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me with that glory I had with you before ever the world was. I have made your name known to the men you took from the world to give me. They were yours and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now at last they know that all you have given me comes indeed from you; for I have given them the teaching you gave to me, and they have truly accepted this, that I came from you, and have believed that it was you who sent me. I pray for them; I am not praying for the world but for those you have given me, because they belong to you: all I have is yours and all you have is mine, and in them I am glorified. I am not in the world any longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you.’ What did your heart feel as you listened? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word: Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: ‘Father, the hour has come: glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you; and, through the power over all mankind that you have given him, let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him. And eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have glorified you on earth and finished the work that you gave me to do. Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me with that glory I had with you before ever the world was. I have made your name known to the men you took from the world to give me. They were yours and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now at last they know that all you have given me comes indeed from you; for I have given them the teaching you gave...

In place of self-righteousness…seeking God – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B In this episode of The Holy Rule of St. Benedict: A Spiritual Path for Today’s World, Fr. Mauritius Wilde, OSB, and Kris McGregor reflect on the danger of self-righteousness and the lifelong Christian call to seek God with humility. Drawing from Chapter 58 of the Rule, St. Benedict teaches that the true sign of spiritual maturity is not claiming to possess God, but remaining open to continually seeking Him. Fr. Mauritius explains that self-righteousness often grows from fear and the desire for control, while authentic spiritual life requires humility, trust, and openness to growth. The Rule forms the monk not to become rigid or self-assured, but to remain attentive to God’s presence and action throughout life. Throughout the conversation, Fr. Mauritius reflects on Gospel encounters, pilgrimage, and the mystical dimension of Christian life. Seeking God is not a sign of uncertainty or failure, but an ongoing relationship rooted in love and longing. Even moments of wandering, doubt, or incompleteness can become places where God draws near. Recounting his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Fr. Mauritius shares how he came to understand that the spiritual journey is ultimately not about grasping hold of God, but trusting that God Himself will find us and bring us home. From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict Chapter 58: CHAPTER LVIII Of the Manner of Admitting Brethren Let easy admission not be given to one who newly cometh to change his life; but, as the Apostle saith, “Try the spirits, whether they be of God” (1 Jn 4:1). If, therefore, the newcomer keepeth on knocking, and after four or five days it is seen that he patiently beareth the harsh treatment offered him and the difficulty of admission, and that he persevereth in his request, let admission be granted him, and let him live for a few days in the apartment of the guests. But afterward let him live in the apartment of novices, and there let him meditate, eat, and sleep. Let a senior also be appointed for him, who is qualified to win souls, who will observe him with great care and see whether he really seeketh God, whether he is eager for the Work of God, obedience and humiliations. Let him be shown all the hard and rugged things through which we pass on to God. If he promiseth to remain steadfast, let this Rule be read to him in order after the lapse of two months, and let it be said to him: Behold the law under which thou desirest to combat. If thou canst keep it, enter; if, however, thou canst not, depart freely. If he still persevereth, then let him be taken back to the aforesaid apartment of the novices, and let him be tried again in all patience. And after the lapse of six months let the Rule be read over to him, that he may know for what purpose he entereth. And if he still remaineth firm, let the same Rule be read to him again after four months. And if, after having weighed the matter with himself he promiseth to keep everything, and to do everything that is commanded him, then let him be received into the community, knowing that he is now placed under the law of the Rule, and that from that day forward it is no longer permitted to him to wrest his neck from under the yoke of the Rule, which after so long a deliberation he was at liberty either to refuse or to accept. Let him who is received promise in the oratory, in the presence of all, before God and His saints, stability, the conversion of morals, and obedience, in order that, if he should ever do otherwise, he may know that he will be condemned by God “Whom he mocketh.” Let him make a written statement of his promise in the name of the saints whose relics are there, and of the Abbot there present. Let him write this document with his own hand; or at least, if he doth not know how to write, let another write it at his request, and let the novice make his mark, and with his own hand place it on the...

 Joseph and His Work – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore how St. Joseph’s life reveals the sacred dignity of ordinary labor and the spiritual meaning of daily work. Through the example of St. Joseph, Christianity transformed the understanding of work into something noble and holy. Labor was not a punishment after Adam’s fall but part of humanity’s original vocation, since Adam himself was created to cultivate and guard creation. After sin entered the world, work became burdensome, yet through Christ, human labor can once again become an offering to God. Everyday responsibilities, whether physical or intellectual, can participate in a priestly act when united with prayer and sacrifice. St. Joseph is a model of fatherhood, humility, and faithful craftsmanship. This rejects apocryphal portrayals that diminished Joseph’s abilities and instead highlights the Gospel image of a capable, dignified worker who taught Jesus his trade. Joseph’s quiet witness came not through recorded speeches but through his actions, discipline, and virtue. The conversation reflects on how fathers pass on values through their example, how children absorb habits by observing daily labor, and how Jesus himself likely learned excellence and perseverance in Joseph’s workshop. St. Joseph continues to inspire the Church today as devotion to him grows, offering a timeless example of holiness lived through ordinary responsibilities and faithful service. You can find the book on which this series is based here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions About the Book He is a man of many titles. Head of the Holy Family. Spouse of the Blessed Virgin. Guardian of Our Lord. Terror of Demons. Though he is only briefly mentioned in the Bible, and never once has a quote attributed to him. St. Joseph is likely the best-known “silent” character in all of history, but theologians have spent centuries contemplating him. In St. Joseph and His World, author Mike Aquilina skillfully paints a portrait of St. Joseph by contrasting him with someone who affected his life in many ways—King Herod the Great. Aquilina invites readers into the life of St. Joseph—an heir of David with quiet beginnings, anticipating the promised Messiah. Conversely, he reveals Herod for who he was–a sociopathic warlord, prone to wicked jealousy and paranoia. Drawing on modern and archaeological texts, Aquilina sheds light on a remarkable number of mysteries in the life of this revered saint. Was Joseph the decrepit old man he is often depicted as in art? Did the residents of Nazareth expect the Messiah to be one of their own? What did Joseph’s education and job training entail? Why would he contemplate divorcing Mary after the angel Gabriel’s visit? Was the flight to Egypt meticulously executed, or hastily carried out? What did the Holy Family do during the memorable trip to Jerusalem when Jesus was found in the Temple? Josephologists across the centuries have contemplated the life and character of the Angelic Man. In this definitive work, Mike Aquilina takes the brilliantly uncomplicated approach that, by familiarizing ourselves with St. Joseph’s world: his hometown, his trade, and his faith, we can draw closer to him and ultimately, draw closer to Christ. About the Author Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the...

Image of God – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V. Fr. Timothy Gallagher continues the story of Bob to illustrate how the Ignatian spiritual exercises can reveal deeper wounds and foster healing. Bob experiences spiritual desolation while praying about sin and God’s justice, which evokes unresolved feelings tied to his critical relationship with his earthly father. With the guidance of a retreat director, Bob uncovers how he has projected his father’s image onto God. Through persistent prayer, especially with passages like Mark 1:11, Bob begins to see God as a loving Father, distinct from his earthly father, leading to transformative healing. This shows the importance of perseverance in prayer, even amid dryness, and the critical role of spiritual direction in fostering growth. Bob’s journey demonstrates how engaging with difficult emotions in prayer can lead to profound encounters with God’s unconditional love, ultimately transforming not only his spiritual life but also his relationships. Father Gallagher encourages listeners to embrace spiritual struggles as opportunities for deeper intimacy with God, trusting that they can lead to lasting peace and renewal. You can pick up a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions An excerpt from the chapter, “Image of God”: “When Bob perceives that his image of God differs from the biblical image of God, his prayer ceases to be dry. He is now free to meet God as He is: loving, close, understanding, merciful, encouraging — the heavenly Father whom Jesus reveals to us. Through no fault of his own, Bob has absorbed an image of God as a demanding Father, quick to note faults, impatient, ready to criticize. Bob is not aware of this image, but it burdens his relationship with God, and so his prayer. When he prays with Genesis 3, Bob focuses on “all the harm that came from” this sin and “the way their sin was punished.” The message of mercy in that same chapter (Gen. 3:15) and, above all, in the Cross do not speak to him, and his prayer leaves him uneasy. He describes Romans 7:14–25 as “Paul’s struggle about not doing the good that he wants but doing the bad that he does not want,” again overlooking the message of freedom with which the passage concludes (Rom. 7:25). When he tries to pray, Bob writes, “I’m unsettled, I’m distracted, and God seems distant. . . . I try, but nothing moves me very much. It’s discouraging. Maybe I’m not made for this.” Bob’s prayer is dry. His prayer changes when Bob realizes that God is different — more loving, warm, close — than his image of God had led him to believe. Conversation with his director, prayer on biblical passages that reveal God as a loving Father, and his willingness — not without struggle — to share with God his experience of human fatherhood and the mixture of goodness and pain found in it, begin to set Bob free. Now he can meet his heavenly Father as God really is. Now a relationship based on a true image of the Father can develop. Now he knows himself to be a beloved son of this Father. Now his prayer is not dry.” Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (pp. 123-124). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition. “ To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast From the book’s description: “Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It’s a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth. All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of...

Episode 4 – Extraordinary Activity – Put on The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Dr. Paul Thigpen and Kris McGregor turn to the subject of extraordinary demonic activity and the Church’s response to it. Dr. Thigpen explains the distinctions often made between infestation, oppression, obsession and possession, while carefully stressing that these realities are far less common than ordinary temptation and must never be approached in a sensational or reckless way. He emphasizes the wisdom of the Church in requiring discernment, medical evaluation when needed and the guidance of trained priests and appointed exorcists. This conversation helps listeners understand that knowledge of the battle is important, but curiosity or spiritual bravado can open the door to serious danger. At the heart of the episode is a strong call to humility, order and trust in Christ’s authority working through His Church. Dr. Thigpen and Kris McGregor reflect on the difference between prayers that ask God for deliverance and those that directly address demonic powers, underscoring why authority matters in spiritual warfare. The discussion also highlights the strength given through baptismal identity, the sacraments, sacramentals, Scripture, prayer and the protection of the domestic church. The tone remains deeply hopeful throughout. Christians are not left helpless before evil. Christ has given His people real spiritual weapons and the Church stands ready to help those who suffer, always drawing them back toward healing, freedom and wholeness in Him. A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer. Discerning Hearts questions for reflection Visit here for other episodes in this series: Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D. The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers. Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges. In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.

William Shakespeare – Merchant of Venice and King Lear – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce In this episode of The Great Works in Western Literature, Joseph Pearce and Kris McGregor explore William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and King Lear, two plays that continue to challenge readers with their profound moral, philosophical, and spiritual depth. Pearce explains that The Merchant of Venice, often misunderstood in modern productions, is fundamentally a comedy rooted in themes of mercy, justice, sacrifice, and fidelity. Through the contrasting worlds of Venice and Belmont, Shakespeare presents a vision of the human person caught between materialism and transcendent truth. Meanwhile, King Lear unfolds as a tragedy of pride and suffering that ultimately opens toward humility, wisdom, and redemption through the faithful love of Cordelia. The discussion highlights Shakespeare’s remarkable ability to portray the human struggle between pride and humility, worldly ambition and sacrificial love. Pearce also emphasizes the importance of understanding Shakespeare within the context of his Catholic worldview and the religious tensions of Elizabethan and Jacobean England. Both plays reveal how suffering can become a path toward wisdom and conversion, while Shakespeare’s powerful female characters, especially Portia and Cordelia, embody virtue, intelligence, and spiritual insight. Far from being relics of another age, these dramas remain deeply relevant, inviting readers to reflect on justice, mercy, authority, conscience, and the enduring need for humility before God. You can purchase a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions The Merchant of Venice You can learn more about Joseph’s books, teaching, and writing by visiting his website Joseph Pearce: Celebrating the True, the Good and the Beautiful at jpearce.co A native of England, Joseph Pearce is the internationally acclaimed author of many books, which include bestsellers such as The Quest for Shakespeare, Tolkien: Man and Myth, The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis and The Catholic Church, Literary Converts, Wisdom and Innocence: A Life of G.K. Chesterton, Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile and Old Thunder: A Life of Hilaire Belloc. His books have been published and translated into Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Croatian, and Polish. He has hosted two 13-part television series about Shakespeare on EWTN, and has also written and presented documentaries on EWTN on the Catholicism of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. His verse drama, Death Comes for the War Poets, was performed off-Broadway to critical acclaim. He has participated and lectured at a wide variety of international and literary events at major colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Europe, Africa, and South America. He is a Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University and a Visiting Chair of Catholic Studies at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (Merrimack, New Hampshire). He is editor of the St. Austin Review, series editor of the Ignatius Critical Editions, senior instructor with Homeschool Connections, and senior contributor at the Imaginative Conservative and Crisis Magazine. His personal website is www.jpearce.co.

In Place Of Relativism…Healing Consequences – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B In this episode of The Holy Rule of St. Benedict: A Spiritual Path for Today’s World, Fr. Mauritius Wilde, OSB and Kris McGregor reflect on the healing purpose of consequences within Christian community life. Drawing from Chapters 23–30 of the Rule, especially Chapter 27 concerning the care of the excommunicated brother, St. Benedict presents correction not as punishment for punishment’s sake, but as a path toward reconciliation and healing. Like a wise physician treating illness, the abbot and community are called to respond to faults with discernment, charity, and a genuine desire to restore the individual to wholeness and communion. Fr. Mauritius explains that modern culture often resists the idea of consequences, confusing mercy with the absence of accountability. Yet St. Benedict recognizes that actions affect the entire community and that unresolved wounds can spread division and distrust. Through loving correction, honest acknowledgment of faults, and reconciliation rooted in the Gospel, communities can be renewed and strengthened. This Benedictine wisdom reveals that authentic mercy does not ignore wrongdoing, but seeks healing, restoration, and the return of the lost sheep to the flock. From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict Chapter 27: CHAPTER XXVII How Concerned the Abbot Should Be about the Excommunicated Let the Abbot show all care and concern towards offending brethren because “they that are in health need not a physician, but they that are sick” (Mt 9:12). Therefore, like a prudent physician he ought to use every opportunity to send consolers, namely, discreet elderly brethren, to console the wavering brother, as it were, in secret, and induce him to make humble satisfaction; and let them cheer him up “lest he be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” (2 Cor 2:7); but, as the same Apostle saith, “confirm your charity towards him” (2 Cor 2:8); and let prayer be said for him by all. The Abbot must take the utmost pains, and strive with all prudence and zeal, that none of the flock entrusted to him perish. For the Abbot must know that he has taken upon himself the care of infirm souls, not a despotism over the strong; and let him fear the threat of the Prophet wherein the Lord saith: “What ye saw to be fat, that ye took to yourselves, and what was diseased you threw away” (Ezek 34:3-4). And let him follow the loving example of the Good Shepherd, who, leaving the ninety-nine sheep on the mountains, went to seek the one that had gone astray, on whose weakness He had such pity, that He was pleased to lay it on His sacred shoulders and thus carry it back to the fold (cf Lk 15:5). Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions For more episodes from this series and other podcasts, visit: Fr. Mauritius Wilde’s Discerning Hearts page Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological, and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and regularly directs retreats. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome.

Flight from Herod – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor explore the historical and practical realities surrounding the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt, inviting listeners to imagine daily life in a world without modern conveniences. Travel in that era was slow, risky, and uncertain, especially under the threat of Herod’s violence. Joseph, drawing on his experience as a craftsman, likely relied on known trade routes, nighttime travel for safety, and the hospitality of Jewish communities along the way. Egypt was a fitting destination due to its established Jewish population, allowing the family to maintain religious practices and find a sense of familiarity despite being far from home. Traditions and historical clues suggest a coastal route through regions less sympathetic to Herod, highlighting Joseph’s careful judgment and reliance on divine guidance. The book also reflects on Joseph’s role as a father navigating uncertainty, work, and family life in exile. While little is recorded about these hidden years, this is presented as a grounded picture of ordinary family rhythms: raising a child, teaching a trade, and practicing faith within a supportive community. Joseph’s actions reveal a pattern of seeking heavenly guidance and responding decisively, even amid anxiety and danger. His example offers insight into facing life’s disruptions, such as relocation or hardship, with prudence and trust. The Holy Family’s experience in Egypt, rather than being entirely foreign or isolated, likely included stability, work, and community, making their story both historically rich and relatable to the challenges families encounter today. You can find the book on which this series is based here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions About the Book He is a man of many titles. Head of the Holy Family. Spouse of the Blessed Virgin. Guardian of Our Lord. Terror of Demons. Though he is only briefly mentioned in the Bible, and never once has a quote attributed to him. St. Joseph is likely the best-known “silent” character in all of history, but theologians have spent centuries contemplating him. In St. Joseph and His World, author Mike Aquilina skillfully paints a portrait of St. Joseph by contrasting him with someone who affected his life in many ways—King Herod the Great. Aquilina invites readers into the life of St. Joseph—an heir of David with quiet beginnings, anticipating the promised Messiah. Conversely, he reveals Herod for who he was–a sociopathic warlord, prone to wicked jealousy and paranoia. Drawing on modern and archaeological texts, Aquilina sheds light on a remarkable number of mysteries in the life of this revered saint. Was Joseph the decrepit old man he is often depicted as in art? Did the residents of Nazareth expect the Messiah to be one of their own? What did Joseph’s education and job training entail? Why would he contemplate divorcing Mary after the angel Gabriel’s visit? Was the flight to Egypt meticulously executed, or hastily carried out? What did the Holy Family do during the memorable trip to Jerusalem when Jesus was found in the Temple? Josephologists across the centuries have contemplated the life and character of the Angelic Man. In this definitive work, Mike Aquilina takes the brilliantly uncomplicated approach that, by familiarizing ourselves with St. Joseph’s world: his hometown, his trade, and his faith, we can draw closer to him and ultimately, draw closer to Christ. About the Author Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books,...

A Need to Share – Struggles in the Spiritual Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher O.M.V. Fr. Timothy Gallagher explores the experience of spiritual dryness in prayer, highlighting it as a potential sign of growth rather than failure. Using the story of a father and son, Fr. Gallagher illustrates how unresolved burdens, such as past sins or secrets, can hinder intimacy with God. God desires us to bring everything—our pain, shame, and struggles—into prayer, where healing and growth can occur. Spiritual dryness, rather than being discouraging, can be an invitation to deepen trust and intimacy with God. Fr. Gallagher advises seeking guidance from a spiritual director for navigating such struggles and reminds us hat God is infinitely patient, always ready to walk with us in our burdens. This message is one of hope: through honesty and trust, even the most challenging seasons of the spiritual life can lead to profound freedom and renewed connection with God. You can pick up a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions An excerpt from the chapter, “A Need to Share”: “Most fundamentally, prayer is a relationship: the human person and the Divine together, in communication. Dryness may arise in prayer when we need to share something with the Lord but have not done so. We may feel ashamed, too angry, too hurt. And so we do not speak of it. Then our prayer feels superficial, dry. We have little to say. Little! The contrary is true: prayer is dry because we have so much to say and have not said it. Father Reed’s question is the right one: “Have you spoken about this with the Lord?” The Jesus who speaks so sensitively with the Samaritan woman (John 4:4–42), who meets with the nervous Nicodemus by night (John 3:1–2), who invites the two saddened disciples to tell him their burdens (Luke 24:13–35), who approaches the weeping Mary Magdalene and pronounces her name (John 20:16), who heals Peter’s threefold denial with the threefold question about love (John 21:15–17): this Jesus never “bulldozes” into human hearts. He is patient (Matt. 12:20) and gentle (Matt. 11:29). But he loves us too much to leave us alone with our fear and shame. He invites us to share the burden with him, to tell him about it, to allow him to accompany us in it. When we do, this form of dryness will pass, and prayer will flow.” Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy ; Gallagher O.M.V, Fr. Timothy. Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies (p. 118). Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition. To find more episodes from this series, visit the Struggles in the Spiritual Life Podcast From the book’s description: “Here is a powerful, life-changing book that will help you understand and conquer the struggles you face in your spiritual life. It’s a book for those who love the Lord and desire holiness yet often feel adrift or stagnant in their search for spiritual growth. All of us encounter valleys on our journey with the Lord — those periods of spiritual desolation that are a painful yet unavoidable feature of our prayer life. Spiritual desolation is as complex as we are, so understanding what is happening and responding to it properly are critical to reaching the heights of holiness. With warmth and understanding, Fr. Gallagher carefully identifies in this book the various forms of spiritual and nonspiritual desolation and supplies the remedy for each. You’ll learn how to discern whether your struggles derive from medical or psychological conditions or whether those struggles are spiritual and permitted by the Lord for reasons of growth. In each case, you’ll be given the remedy for the struggle. You’ll also learn the forms of spiritual dryness and of the Dark Night — and how to respond to them. In chapter after chapter, Fr. Gallagher presents a particular struggle as experienced by fictional characters and then provides the advice he gives to those who come to him for spiritual direction about that struggle. You’ll gain confidence...

Instead of circling around one’s self, hospitality – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B In this episode of The Holy Rule of St. Benedict: A Spiritual Path for Today’s World, Fr. Mauritius Wilde, OSB and Kris McGregor reflect on Chapter 53 of the Rule and the profound call to hospitality. St. Benedict teaches that every guest is to be welcomed as Christ Himself, a striking and transformative vision rooted in the Gospel. In a world where the stranger can be met with hesitation or fear, this teaching invites a deeper openness grounded in faith. Hospitality becomes more than an act of kindness; it becomes an encounter with Christ present in the other. Fr. Mauritius explains that this hospitality is not naive but deeply spiritual, shaped by prayer, reverence, and discernment. Guests bring not only interruption but also grace, new life, and the possibility of transformation. Whether in monasteries, homes, or daily encounters, this call extends to all who desire to live the Christian life more fully. Hospitality becomes a path of evangelization, opening the heart to Christ in unexpected ways and allowing Him to be both guest and host in our lives. From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict Chapter 53: CHAPTER LIII Of the Reception of Guests Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ, because He will say: “I was a stranger and you took Me in” (Mt 25:35). And let due honor be shown to all, especially to those “of the household of the faith” (Gal 6:10) and to wayfarers. When, therefore, a guest is announced, let him be met by the Superior and the brethren with every mark of charity. And let them first pray together, and then let them associate with one another in peace. This kiss of peace should not be given before a prayer hath first been said, on account of satanic deception. In the greeting let all humility be shown to the guests, whether coming or going; with the head bowed down or the whole body prostrate on the ground, let Christ be adored in them as He is also received. When the guests have been received, let them be accompanied to prayer, and after that let the Superior, or whom he shall bid, sit down with them. Let the divine law be read to the guest that he may be edified, after which let every kindness be shown him. Let the fast be broken by the Superior in deference to the guest, unless, perchance, it be a day of solemn fast, which cannot be broken. Let the brethren, however, keep the customary fast. Let the Abbot pour the water on the guest’s hands, and let both the Abbot and the whole brotherhood wash the feet of all the guests. When they have been washed, let them say this verse: “We have received Thy mercy, O God, in the midst of Thy temple” (Ps 47[48]:10). Let the greatest care be taken, especially in the reception of the poor and travelers, because Christ is received more specially in them; whereas regard for the wealthy itself procureth them respect. Let the kitchen of the Abbot and the guests be apart, that the brethren may not be disturbed by the guests who arrive at uncertain times and who are never wanting in the monastery. Let two brothers who are able to fulfil this office well go into the kitchen for a year. Let help be given them as they need it, that they may serve without murmuring; and when they have not enough to do, let them go out again for work where it is commanded them. Let this course be followed, not only in this office, but in all the offices of the monastery — that whenever the brethren need help, it be given them, and that when they have nothing to do, they again obey orders. Moreover, let also a God-fearing brother have assigned to him the apartment of the guests, where there should be sufficient number of beds made up; and let the house of God be wisely managed by the wise. On no account let anyone who is not ordered to do so, associate or speak with guests; but if he meet or see them, having saluted them humbly, as we have said, and asked a blessing, let him...

Gretchen Crowe – Praying the Rosary with St. John Paul II on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Gretchen Crowe discusses her book Praying the Rosary with St. John Paul II, which grew out of her earlier work on the relevance of the rosary in modern life. She explains her desire to bring readers into a closer connection with St. John Paul II’s deep Marian devotion and his love for the rosary, drawing heavily from his apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae. Gretchen weaves together his reflections, biographical elements, and the spiritual fruits associated with each mystery, showing how his life embodied the virtues contemplated in the rosary. Through this approach, readers are invited to pray alongside him, discovering new insights with each repetition and gaining a richer understanding of both his spirituality and the mysteries of Christ’s life. The book highlights the need for simple, grounded devotional practices amid confusion and unrest, pointing to the rosary as a way to grow in relationship with Christ through Mary. The book incorporates carefully selected writings, images, and reflections that guide meditation without overwhelming it, allowing space for personal prayer. St. John Paul II’s witness continues to resonate, offering clarity, peace, and direction, especially in difficult times. By presenting his reflections alongside the mysteries, including the Luminous Mysteries he introduced, the book serves as both a devotional aid and a window into his holiness, encouraging readers to deepen their prayer life and find stability and hope through this tradition. You can find the book here Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions From the book description: “Dear brothers and sisters! A prayer so easy and yet so rich truly deserves to be rediscovered by the Christian community.” – Pope St. John Paul II During his papacy, Pope John Paul II ardently encouraged the faithful to return to the Rosary – his own favorite prayer. He demonstrated his love for it by praying all the mysteries every day, and by writing, speaking, and preaching about it. He knew from his personal experience of prayer that we come to know the person of Jesus Christ through Mary and the Rosary. With this book, you can pray the Rosary with the saint who loved it so much. For each mystery of the Rosary, you will find: Whether the Rosary is already your favorite prayer or you’re just learning to pray it, Praying the Rosary with St. John Paul II will help you “rediscover the Rosary in the light of Scripture, in harmony with the Liturgy, and in the context of your daily lives.” About the Author Gretchen R. Crowe is editorial director for periodicals for Our Sunday Visitor, where she oversees the digital and print publication of OSV Newsweekly, The Priest, Deacon Digest and Simply Catholic. An award-winning writer and photographer, Crowe has been a member of the Catholic Press Association since 2005. Crowe joined Our Sunday Visitor in March 2013 as OSV Newsweekly editor. She is also the author of Why the Rosary, Why Now? (OSV, 2017). Crowe lives in Indiana with her husband and two children.

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord. Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over” Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart… From the Holy Gospel According to Matthew 11:25-30 Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’ What word made this passage come alive for you? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you: Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’ What did your heart feel as you listened? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word: Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’ What touched your heart in this time of prayer? What did your heart feel as you prayed? What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord? Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

Joseph and His Angels – St. Joseph and His World with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina explores the four angelic visitations to St. Joseph in Matthew’s Gospel, presenting them as unusually sustained encounters that guide Joseph’s decisions at critical moments. Within the Jewish religious world of the time, rich with awareness of spiritual beings, these appearances would have seemed natural and meaningful, not extraordinary curiosities. Angels are depicted throughout Scripture as active participants in God’s work, from Genesis through Revelation, serving as messengers who guide, protect, and intervene. Joseph’s quiet responsiveness to these messages , be it naming Jesus, fleeing to Egypt, returning to Israel, and settling in Nazareth, reveals a pattern of steady trust and decisive action shaped by divine guidance. Mike Aquilina reflects on how modern culture often reduces angels to sentimental or fictional figures, contrasting sharply with the biblical and early Christian understanding of their real and ongoing role. Guardian angels are deeply personal helpers who respect human freedom and invite cooperation rather than forcing outcomes. Joseph’s life becomes a model of discernment: he listens, waits for direction, and acts promptly when guidance comes, even amid danger and uncertainty. His experiences highlight both the tenderness and strength of angelic assistance, encouraging a renewed awareness of their presence and a return to traditional practices that foster attentiveness to God’s guidance in daily life. You can find the book on which this series is based here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions About the Book He is a man of many titles. Head of the Holy Family. Spouse of the Blessed Virgin. Guardian of Our Lord. Terror of Demons. Though he is only briefly mentioned in the Bible, and never once has a quote attributed to him. St. Joseph is likely the best-known “silent” character in all of history, but theologians have spent centuries contemplating him. In St. Joseph and His World, author Mike Aquilina skillfully paints a portrait of St. Joseph by contrasting him with someone who affected his life in many ways—King Herod the Great. Aquilina invites readers into the life of St. Joseph—an heir of David with quiet beginnings, anticipating the promised Messiah. Conversely, he reveals Herod for who he was–a sociopathic warlord, prone to wicked jealousy and paranoia. Drawing on modern and archaeological texts, Aquilina sheds light on a remarkable number of mysteries in the life of this revered saint. Was Joseph the decrepit old man he is often depicted as in art? Did the residents of Nazareth expect the Messiah to be one of their own? What did Joseph’s education and job training entail? Why would he contemplate divorcing Mary after the angel Gabriel’s visit? Was the flight to Egypt meticulously executed, or hastily carried out? What did the Holy Family do during the memorable trip to Jerusalem when Jesus was found in the Temple? Josephologists across the centuries have contemplated the life and character of the Angelic Man. In this definitive work, Mike Aquilina takes the brilliantly uncomplicated approach that, by familiarizing ourselves with St. Joseph’s world: his hometown, his trade, and his faith, we can draw closer to him and ultimately, draw closer to Christ. About the Author Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has...