Episodes

  • Day 16: “Blessed Are Those Who Trust in the Lord” – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    Day 16: “Blessed Are Those Who Trust in the Lord” – Discerning Hearts Podcast
    Mar 5 2026


    A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 16: “Blessed Are Those Who Trust in the Lord”

    Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

    Jeremiah 17:7-8
    “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”

    Reflection:

    Trust in the Lord is the foundation of a life rooted in grace. The prophet Jeremiah paints a beautiful image of this trust: “like a tree planted by water,” drawing sustenance from the stream. Even in times of drought, when life feels barren or uncertain, the tree remains alive and fruitful. In the same way, when we place our trust in God, His grace sustains us, even through trials.

    Yet trusting in God can be difficult. We often rely on our own strength, trying to control situations or solve problems on our own. Self-reliance, while seemingly virtuous, can be a subtle yet severe temptation to pride. When we trust only in ourselves, we risk shutting God out, believing that our abilities alone will carry us through. This is the danger of self-reliance—it leads us away from the humility of depending on God and places the weight of life’s burdens squarely on our own shoulders.

    St. Bernard of Clairvaux warns of this temptation:

    “The man who trusts in himself is lost. He who trusts in the Lord will never be confounded.” (Sermon on the Song of Songs, 61.3)

    Trust in God is not passive—it requires an active surrender, choosing again and again to place our lives in His hands. The Desert Fathers understood this well. Abba Poemen said:

    “Do not worry about tomorrow, for it belongs to God. Leave it in His hands.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Poemen 26)

    St. Francis de Sales, known for his gentle spirituality, echoed this trust in his Introduction to the Devout Life:

    “Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day.”

    Lent invites us to recognize the places where we are still clinging to control. This is why taking time in silence and deep listening to the Lord in prayer is vital—it is an everyday discerning of His guidance, a continual surrender to His wisdom and direction. Are we trusting in God’s providence or in our own plans? Do we allow Him to lead us, or do we insist on charting our own course? To grow in trust means to surrender—not just in our words but in the very way we live.

    As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Where is God calling me to let go? What areas of my life am I holding onto too tightly? How can I rest in the knowledge that He is always faithful?

    Reflection Questions:
    1. What areas of your life feel uncertain or barren, and how can you entrust them to God?
    2. How can you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness when doubts arise?
    3. What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in the Lord each day?
    4. Where might self-reliance be keeping you from experiencing the freedom of true dependence on God?
    Closing Prayer:

    Lord, You are the source of life and hope. Teach us to trust in You, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Help us to surrender our fears and to place our lives in Your loving hands. May we draw strength from Your promises, like a tree planted by the water, and bear fruit in every season.

    Amen.

    This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent.
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    5 mins
  • 2nd Thursday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

    2nd Thursday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
    Mar 5 2026
    2nd Thurday of Lent – 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 of St. Luke 16:19-31 Jesus said to the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. ‘In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his bosom. So he cried out, “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.” “My son,” Abraham replied “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony. But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to stop anyone, if he wanted to, crossing from our side to yours, and to stop any crossing from your side to ours.” ‘The rich man replied, “Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father’s house, since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too.” “They have Moses and the prophets,” said Abraham “let them listen to them.” “Ah no, father Abraham,” said the rich man “but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent.” Then Abraham said to him, “If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.”’ 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 said to the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. ‘In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his bosom. So he cried out, “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.” “My son,” Abraham replied “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony. But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to stop anyone, if he wanted to, crossing from our side to yours, and to stop any crossing from your side to ours.” ‘The rich man replied, “Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father’s house, since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too.” “They have Moses and the prophets,” said Abraham “let them listen to them.” “Ah no, father Abraham,” said the rich man “but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent.” Then Abraham said to him, “If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.”’ 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 said to the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. ‘In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his bosom. So he cried out, “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.” “My son,” Abraham replied “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony. But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to stop ...
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    13 mins
  • PoC-16 2nd Thursday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation

    PoC-16 2nd Thursday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation
    Mar 5 2026


    The Cross of Christ Unites. . .Those Who Suffer for Justice

    Steps to Take as You Follow Christ

    Ask—What does God ask me to do for those who suffer?

    Seek—Look for opportunities to help someone who needs it (and who cannot help you back). Stand up for someone who is being brought low.

    Knock—Meditate on Romans 8:18.

    I think that what we suffer in this life can never be compared to the glory, as yet unrevealed, which is waiting for us.

    As members of the body of Christ, if one member suffers the entire body suffers. How can you make that suffering redemptive?

    Transform Your Life——Read the accounts of the martyrs, those who gave the supreme witness to the gospel with their lives. Many monastic communities read about the lives of the martyrs every day, to inspire those seeking to grow in the Christian life.

    The author of The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ in Your Life, Michael Dubriuel, passed away in 2009. His wife, author Amy Welborn, has made his book available as a free e-book! We HIGHLY encourage you to download this exceptional work.

    The Power of the Cross is now available as a free e-book,
    check out more information by going here

    Check out more at the Discerning Hearts’ Michael Dubruiel page

    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.
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    2 mins
  • ROF7 – The Clergy – Love’s Earthly Form – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    ROF7 – The Clergy – Love’s Earthly Form – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast
    Mar 4 2026
    The Clergy – Love’s Earthly Form – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss the sacrament of Holy Orders and its roots in the earliest life of the Church. Jesus entrusted the apostles with continuing His work when He commanded them at the Last Supper to “do this in memory of me,” establishing a structure that appears already in the New Testament: bishops, priests, and deacons. Early Christian writings confirm that this threefold ministry was present from the beginning and connected with the priestly pattern of Israel—high priest, priests, and Levites. Figures such as St. Clement of Rome and St. Ignatius of Antioch testify that the Church maintained this order across different communities, with apostolic succession ensuring continuity of authority and teaching after the apostles died. Priesthood, like baptism, imprints a permanent sacramental identity that does not disappear even if a priest fails morally. The Church Fathers reflected deeply on the dignity and responsibility of this ministry, describing it as a heavenly work carried out on earth. Examples such as St. John Chrysostom and St. Ambrose illustrate both the spiritual awe surrounding the priesthood and the practical virtues required of clergy. St. Ambrose’s courageous leadership, personal holiness, and guidance of others—including the conversion of St. Augustine—show how faithful ministry helped shape Christian civilization and influence the course of the Church’s history. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions How does the institution of Holy Orders at the Last Supper deepen your understanding of Christ’s care for His Church?What does the early Church’s structure of bishop, priest, and deacon reveal about continuity with the apostles?How does the teaching on apostolic succession strengthen your trust in the Church’s authority and tradition?In what ways can you grow in gratitude for the priests and deacons who serve your local parish community?How does the permanent sacramental character of Holy Orders shape your view of the dignity and responsibility of the priesthood?What does St. Augustine’s teaching about the validity of the sacraments teach you about Christ working through imperfect ministers?How can the awe described by the Church Fathers toward the priesthood inspire greater reverence for the Mass?What virtues described by St. Ambrose might also guide your own Christian life and witness?How does the courage of St. Ambrose in confronting political leaders challenge Christians to live the truth faithfully today?What role can prayer for priests play in strengthening the life and mission of the Church? You can find the book on which this series is based here. About the Book This highly readable introduction to the roots of many Catholic beliefs and practices provides a sense of connection to our brothers and sisters who have gone before us and who helped shape the faith. Mike Aquilina makes it clear that as far as the essentials are concerned, a time-travel trip back to the beginning of the Church would reveal a Church familiar to Catholics today. Just as an acorn grows into a tree and yet remains the same plant, so the Catholic Church is a living organism that has grown from the faith of the earliest Christians into the Body of Christ we know today. For more episodes in the Roots of the Faith podcast visit here – Roots of the Faith – Discerning Hearts Podcast 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. Mike Aquilina’s website is found at fathersofthechurch.com
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    27 mins
  • Day 15: “Whoever Wishes to Be Great Must Be a Servant” – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    Day 15: “Whoever Wishes to Be Great Must Be a Servant” – Discerning Hearts Podcast
    Mar 4 2026

    A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast Day 15: “Whoever Wishes to Be Great Must Be a Servant”

    Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

    Matthew 20:26-28
    “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

    Reflection:

    Jesus challenges us today with a profound truth about greatness: it is not about power or prestige but about service and sacrifice. “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant.” Jesus doesn’t simply teach this principle—He lives it. His life is the ultimate example of self-giving love, culminating in His death on the cross for the salvation of all.

    This teaching calls us to examine our own hearts. Do we seek recognition or influence? Or are we willing to humble ourselves, to serve without expectation of reward? True service comes from a heart transformed by God’s love, one that seeks to imitate Christ in putting others first.

    The Desert Fathers understood the power of humility in the life of service. Abba Isaiah said:
    “Let yourself be persecuted, but do not persecute others. Let yourself be crucified, but do not crucify others. Let yourself be wronged, but do not wrong others.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Isaiah 14)

    Service, then, is not simply an action but a disposition of the heart—a willingness to bear burdens for the sake of others. St. Francis of Assisi, known for his radical embrace of humility and poverty, expressed this beautifully:
    “It is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

    As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: How can we embrace this call to serve others as Christ served us? What small acts of service can we offer in our daily lives, and how can they bring us closer to the heart of Jesus?

    Reflection Questions:

    Take a moment to reflect on these questions and allow them to guide your prayer today:

    1. How can we follow Jesus’ example of selfless service in our relationships?
    2. Are there ways we can set aside pride or self-interest to serve others more freely?
    3. How does serving others draw us closer to Christ and His love?

    Closing Prayer:

    Let us now bring our time of reflection to God in prayer, asking for the grace to serve others with humility and love.

    Lord, You came not to be served but to serve and to give Your life for us. Teach us to follow Your example, embracing humility and seeking to serve others with joy. Transform our hearts so that we may give without expecting anything in return and love as You love. May our lives reflect the greatness that comes from serving others in Your name. Amen.

    This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent.
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    4 mins
  • 2nd Wednesday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

    2nd Wednesday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
    Mar 4 2026
    2nd Wednesday of Lent – 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 of St. Matthew 20:17-28 Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, and on the way he took the Twelve to one side and said to them, ‘Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the pagans to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again.’ Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came with her sons to make a request of him, and bowed low; and he said to her, ‘What is it you want?’ She said to him, ‘Promise that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus answered. ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ ‘Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.’ When the other ten heard this they were indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ 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 was going up to Jerusalem, and on the way he took the Twelve to one side and said to them, ‘Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the pagans to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again.’ Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came with her sons to make a request of him, and bowed low; and he said to her, ‘What is it you want?’ She said to him, ‘Promise that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus answered. ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ ‘Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.’ When the other ten heard this they were indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ 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 was going up to Jerusalem, and on the way he took the Twelve to one side and said to them, ‘Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the pagans to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again.’ Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came with her sons to make a request of him, and bowed low; and he said to her, ‘What is it you want?’ She said to him, ‘Promise that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus answered. ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ ‘Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.’ When the other ten heard this they were indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your ...
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    12 mins
  • BW15 – Humility as Truth – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

    BW15 – Humility as Truth – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts
    Mar 4 2026

    The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life: Learning to Listen to God with a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor Episode 15 – Humility as Truth

    In this episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor enters Chapter 7 during the third week of Lent as St. Benedict turns explicitly to humility. What has been quietly formed through listening, obedience and charity is now named. Humility is not weakness or self-negation. It is truth lived steadily before God.

    Grounded in Scripture, Benedict teaches that humility is ordered relationship. God is God. We are not. When this truth is lived without distortion or pretense, the heart becomes free. It no longer needs to inflate or defend itself. Christ stands as the measure of this humility. He lives entirely from the Father. This episode invites listeners to see humility not as a new demand but as the natural shape of a heart formed through faithful practice.

    Citations

    Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 7 § 1 (RB 1980)

    “Holy Scripture cries out to us, brothers, saying:
    ‘Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled,
    and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.’”

    “Clamat ad nos scriptura divina, fratres, dicens: Omnis qui se exaltat humiliabitur, et qui se humiliat exaltabitur.”

    Luke 14:11 RSV–CE

    “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

    Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
    1. Do I associate humility with weakness or with truth?
    2. Where am I tempted to assert or defend myself in order to secure worth?
    3. How have obedience and charity already been forming humility in my life?
    4. In what ways does Christ reveal a different understanding of strength?
    5. What would it mean today to stand before God without pretense?

    For other episodes in this series, visit The Rule Of St. Benedict For Daily Life: Learning To Listen To God With A Discerning Heart Pick up a copy of The Rule of St. Benedict here

    Copyright © 2026 Kris McGregor. All rights reserved. No portion of this content may be reproduced, distributed, published, or transmitted in any form, including audio, print or digital media, without prior written permission from Discerning Hearts®.
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    6 mins
  • PoC-15 2nd Wednesday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation

    PoC-15 2nd Wednesday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation
    Mar 4 2026


    The Cross of Christ Unites. . .In Liberty

    Steps to Take as You Follow Christ

    Ask—What continues to enslave me?

    Seek—Ask God to point out areas of slavery that still exist in your life. As you go through your day, catch yourself not being true to who you really are, and ask yourself: Who are you serving now?

    Knock—Meditate on Romans 7:22–25.

    In my inmost self I dearly love God’s Law, but I can see that my body follows a different law that battles against the law which my reason dictates. This is what makes me a prisoner of that law of sin which lives inside my body. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body doomed to death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! In short, it is I who with my reason serve the Law of God, and no less I who serve in my unspiritual self the law of sin’.

    Paul talks about delighting in the law of God but finding himself at war with other parts of himself. Spend time reflecting on what delights you about God’s law.

    Ask Christ to save you.

    Transform Your Life—Thomas Merton wrote about what he called a person’s True Self. Prayer, Merton argued, helps us to discover our True Self: the person God created us to be, totally free from the expectations and demands of others. By contrast, the False Self is enslaved; he cannot be himself, but only what he thinks others want him to be. Starting today, ask God to redeem you from the slavery of the False Self.

    The author of The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ in Your Life, Michael Dubriuel, passed away in 2009. His wife, author Amy Welborn, has made his book available as a free e-book! We HIGHLY encourage you to download this exceptional work.

    The Power of the Cross is now available as a free e-book,
    check out more information by going here

    Check out more at the Discerning Hearts’ Michael Dubruiel page

    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.
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    3 mins