Episodes

  • IP#505 Dr. Christopher Reed – Sacred Conversations on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    IP#505 Dr. Christopher Reed – Sacred Conversations on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast
    Jan 22 2026
    Sacred Conversations by Dr. Christopher Reed on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor In this episode of “Inside the Pages”, Kris McGregor interviews Dr. Christopher Reed about his book “Sacred Conversations.” Exploring the integration of faith into everyday interactions and emphasizes the importance of meaningful dialogue guided by agape love—selfless, Christ-like love. Dr. Reed shares how a pivotal conversation inspired him to write the book in just 21 days, offering a process involving invitation, intention, inquiry, illumination, and integration to guide faith-based conversations. Using the transformative power of intentional, loving conversations, particularly during times of crisis or in the context of social media; Kris and Dr. Reed discuss the necessity of patience, kindness, and genuine listening to deepen understanding and compassion; and the benefits of sacred conversations across various settings, including family, marital relationships, and professional and community environments. Dr. Reed also shares his personal faith journey, his parents’ support in his exploration and return to the Catholic Church. His experiences have shaped his dedication to helping others through sacred conversations. and to view each interaction as an opportunity to embody God’s love and grace, fostering personal and communal transformation through meaningful dialogue guided by the Holy Spirit. You can find the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions: How can we intentionally incorporate faith into our daily conversations and interactions with others?What are practical ways to demonstrate agape love in our communication with family, friends, and colleagues?How can we ensure that our conversations are not only meaningful but also transformative for ourselves and those we interact with?In what ways can sacred conversations help us navigate challenging times, such as crises or the impact of social media on communication?How have your personal experiences and struggles shaped your approach to conversations about faith?How can the principles of sacred conversations be applied differently in family, marital, professional, and community contexts?What strategies can we use to improve our ability to listen with patience, kindness, and genuine interest in others?How can we view each interaction as an opportunity to be a vessel of God’s love and grace in our daily lives? From the book’s description: “Imagine the best conversation you’ve ever had–one that set your heart on fire, challenged your thinking, brought you closer to God, and inspired you to act. Recall how that conversation made you feel and how it changed your heart and your life. Such interactions rise to the level of the sacred–sacred conversations–dialogues that transform hearts, strengthen relationships, and make the world a better place by converting compassionate love into action. Conversations like this are rare but accessible to all of us all the time, regardless of where we are on our spiritual journeys. Dr. Christopher Reed provides a divinely inspired, scientifically tested, step-by-step process for guiding interactions between “seekers” and “helpers.” We are all seekers, and we can all become helpers. This book will show you how to relate to others in their pain, frustration, hopes, and dreams. You will also learn: The six components of peak communicationHow you can invite, understand, and illuminate others through your conversationsThree historical and scriptural reasons we should study and use sacred conversationsHow to stop, connect, reflect, and choose the best course of action in dialogueFive ingredients in the anatomy of sacred conversationsPractical ways to build community, give thanks to God, and show gratitude for othersUsing Scripture, real-world examples, key scientific studies, and stories from his own formation, Dr. Reed provides approachable, fun-filled, well-researched advice on how you can use sacred conversations to become your best self and build closer relationships with others and with the Lord. This isn’t merely another Christian self-help book. It’s an inspired invitation to transform your life, and our world, one “sacred conversation” at a time.” About the Author Dr. Christopher Reed, a Catholic Christian and husband, integrates over 25 years of communication expertise with spiritual growth. His journey includes a master’s degree in interpersonal communication and a doctorate focusing on human and cultural communication studies. Following a postdoctoral role at the University of Michigan, he developed consultation methods and authored “Future-Ready Leadership.” In 2021, he answered a spiritual calling to promote Sacred Conversations, culminating in his book published by Sophia Institute Press. Dr. Reed continues to advocate for transformative dialogue across diverse sectors through speaking, writing, and workshops.
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    44 mins
  • St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 4 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 4 – Discerning Hearts Podcast
    Jan 22 2026

    St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 4

    St. Thomas you have taught that:

    “Many cry to the Lord that they may win riches, that they may avoid losses; they cry that their family may be established, they ask for temporal happiness, for worldly dignities; and, lastly, they cry for bodily health, which is the patrimony of the poor. For these and such like things many cry to the Lord; hardly one cries for the Lord Himself! How easy it is for a man to desire all manner of things from the Lord and yet not desire the Lord Himself! As though the gift could be sweeter than the Giver!”

    ― Thomas Aquinas, On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

    Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

    Grant me grace, O merciful God,
    to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee,
    to examine it prudently,
    to acknowledge it truthfully,
    and to accomplish it perfectly,
    for the praise and glory of Thy name.

    In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.
    [Make your request here…]

    Grant me, O Lord my God,
    a mind to know you,
    a heart to seek you,
    wisdom to find you,
    conduct pleasing to you,
    faithful perseverance in waiting for you,
    and a hope of finally embracing you.

    Amen.

    Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia” performed by “Capella Musica Seoul”
    For the complete 9-day Novena with St. Thomas Aquinas
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    2 mins
  • St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 8 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 8 – Discerning Hearts Podcast
    Jan 22 2026


    St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 8

    One of the greatest proofs of love that Jesus displayed on the cross was putting up with the imperfections of His neighbor. There He showed us that He has a heart that loves us tenderly and watches over us kindly. He even showed His love for those who put Him to death. In those dire moments the Savior expressed thoughts of love even for his executioners, pardoning them in the very act of sinning! How petty-minded we are when we cannot bring ourselves to forget some injury received, even after a long time! Whoever sincerely pardons another calls down abundant blessings and perfectly imitates Christ. (Spiritual Treatises IV; O. VI, pp. 65-66)

    O blessed Francis de Sales, who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
    especially in the love of God and neighbor,
    I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
    Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
    Grant that all people,
    especially (names of those whom you wish to include) may experience
    the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
    Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
    even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
    Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
    to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
    in my attempt to follow Christ
    and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
    Encouraged by your prayers and example,
    help me to live fully my sacred dignity
    with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
    eternal life with God.
    Receive also this particular need or concern
    that I now lift up in prayer. (mention your particular need).
    O God, for the salvation of all,
    you desired that St. Francis de Sales—
    preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
    should befriend many long the road to salvation.
    Mercifully grant that we,
    infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
    guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit
    may experience eternal life.

    We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

    St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

    For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here
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    3 mins
  • Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

    Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
    Jan 22 2026


    Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time – 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. Mark 3:7-12

    Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lakeside, and great crowds from Galilee followed him. From Judaea, Jerusalem, Idumaea, Transjordania and the region of Tyre and Sidon, great numbers who had heard of all he was doing came to him. And he asked his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, to keep him from being crushed. For he had cured so many that all who were afflicted in any way were crowding forward to touch him. And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, would fall down before him and shout, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he warned them strongly not to make him known.

    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 withdrew with his disciples to the lakeside, and great crowds from Galilee followed him. From Judaea, Jerusalem, Idumaea, Transjordania and the region of Tyre and Sidon, great numbers who had heard of all he was doing came to him. And he asked his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, to keep him from being crushed. For he had cured so many that all who were afflicted in any way were crowding forward to touch him. And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, would fall down before him and shout, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he warned them strongly not to make him known.

    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 withdrew with his disciples to the lakeside, and great crowds from Galilee followed him. From Judaea, Jerusalem, Idumaea, Transjordania and the region of Tyre and Sidon, great numbers who had heard of all he was doing came to him. And he asked his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, to keep him from being crushed. For he had cured so many that all who were afflicted in any way were crowding forward to touch him. And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, would fall down before him and shout, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he warned them strongly not to make him known.

    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.

    May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

    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.

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    10 mins
  • ROF1 – Witnesses to Tradition – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

    ROF1 – Witnesses to Tradition – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcasts
    Jan 21 2026
    Witnesses to Tradition – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina explores how the Church Fathers function as the hidden roots that nourish Christian faith across centuries. Though separated from modern life by culture, geography, and historical upheaval, the Fathers testify to a continuity of doctrine, worship, and moral life that has remained intact from the earliest generations. Their writings clarify how Scripture was received, interpreted, and lived within the early Christian community, providing a stable guide amid constant cultural change. Without this inherited witness, Cnfusion replaces coherence, particularly on matters such as the Eucharist, ecclesial structure, repentance, and sacramental life. Drawing on the theological insights of Pope Benedict XVI, Mike Aquilina describes the Fathers as a constitutive part of divine revelation: humanity’s great “Amen” to God’s self-gift in Christ. Through their response, the canon of Scripture, the sacraments, and the Church’s liturgical life took definitive shape. The discussion also highlights the lived reality of the Fathers as real men and women who worked, raised families, endured persecution, and shed blood in witness—echoing the ancient insight of Tertullian that the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church. Their preserved writings, lovingly transmitted through centuries, remain strikingly relevant today. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions How does viewing the Church Fathers as living witnesses change the way I understand my place within the history of the Church today?In what ways does the image of roots nourishing a tree help me appreciate tradition as something living rather than static?How does the consistent faith of the early Church challenge my assumptions about change and continuity in Catholic life?What aspects of Scripture become clearer when read in light of how the early Christian community received and lived it?How does understanding the Fathers as humanity’s “Amen” to God’s revelation in Christ shape my trust in the Church’s teachings?In what ways do the lives of the martyrs invite me to examine my own willingness to witness through sacrifice?How does recognizing the early Christians as ordinary people facing familiar struggles deepen my sense of spiritual kinship with them?What practices of gratitude and reverence might I cultivate toward the spiritual fathers and mothers who shaped the faith I live today? 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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    24 mins
  • St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 7 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 7 – Discerning Hearts Podcast
    Jan 21 2026

    St. Francis de Sales Novena – Day 7

    Day 7

    Our intellect is ordinarily full of ideas, opinions and considerations suggested by self-love. This is the root of many conflicts within the soul, putting before us all sorts of reasons dictated by human prudence to justify our pretensions. People who make use of this false prudence, instead of enlightening their intellect, obscure it. They reject advice given to them and let those reasons prevail in their minds which support their own opinions, even wrong ones. Make use of the virtue of prudence because it is good, but make good use of it. Employ it only rarely, with simplicity, and solely for the glory of God. (Sermons 30; O. IX, pp. 297-298)

    O blessed Francis de Sales, who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
    especially in the love of God and neighbor,
    I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
    Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
    Grant that all people,
    especially (names of those whom you wish to include) may experience
    the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
    Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
    even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
    Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
    to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
    in my attempt to follow Christ
    and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
    Encouraged by your prayers and example,
    help me to live fully my sacred dignity
    with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
    eternal life with God.
    Receive also this particular need or concern
    that I now lift up in prayer. (mention your particular need).
    O God, for the salvation of all,
    you desired that St. Francis de Sales—
    preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
    should befriend many long the road to salvation.
    Mercifully grant that we,
    infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
    guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit
    may experience eternal life.

    We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

    St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.

    For the complete 9 day St. Francis de Sales Novena visit here
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    3 mins
  • St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 3 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 3 – Discerning Hearts Podcast
    Jan 21 2026

    St. Thomas Aquinas Novena – Day 3

    St. Thomas you have taught that:

    “God loves his creatures, and he loves each one the more, the more it shares his own goodness, which is the first and primary object of his love. Therefore he wants the desires of his rational creatures to be fulfilled because they share most perfectly of all creatures the goodness of God.

    And his will is an accomplisher of things because he is the cause of things by his will. So it belongs to the divine goodness to fulfill the desires of rational creatures which are put to him in prayer.”

    ― Thomas Aquinas, Faith, Reason and Theology

    Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas,

    Grant me grace, O merciful God,
    to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee,
    to examine it prudently,
    to acknowledge it truthfully,
    and to accomplish it perfectly,
    for the praise and glory of Thy name.

    In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena.
    [Make your request here…]

    Grant me, O Lord my God,
    a mind to know you,
    a heart to seek you,
    wisdom to find you,
    conduct pleasing to you,
    faithful perseverance in waiting for you,
    and a hope of finally embracing you.

    Amen.

    Background music excerpt: “O Salutaris Hostia” performed by “Capella Musica Seoul”
    For the complete 9-day Novena with St. Thomas Aquinas
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

    Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
    Jan 21 2026


    Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time – 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. Mark 3:1-6

    Jesus went into a synagogue, and there was a man there who had a withered hand. And they were watching him to see if he would cure him on the sabbath day, hoping for something to use against him. He said to the man with the withered hand, ‘Stand up out in the middle!’ Then he said to them, ‘Is it against the law on the sabbath day to do good, or to do evil; to save life, or to kill?’ But they said nothing. Then, grieved to find them so obstinate, he looked angrily round at them, and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out and his hand was better. The Pharisees went out and at once began to plot with the Herodians against him, discussing how to destroy him.

    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 went into a synagogue, and there was a man there who had a withered hand. And they were watching him to see if he would cure him on the sabbath day, hoping for something to use against him. He said to the man with the withered hand, ‘Stand up out in the middle!’ Then he said to them, ‘Is it against the law on the sabbath day to do good, or to do evil; to save life, or to kill?’ But they said nothing. Then, grieved to find them so obstinate, he looked angrily round at them, and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out and his hand was better. The Pharisees went out and at once began to plot with the Herodians against him, discussing how to destroy him.

    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 went into a synagogue, and there was a man there who had a withered hand. And they were watching him to see if he would cure him on the sabbath day, hoping for something to use against him. He said to the man with the withered hand, ‘Stand up out in the middle!’ Then he said to them, ‘Is it against the law on the sabbath day to do good, or to do evil; to save life, or to kill?’ But they said nothing. Then, grieved to find them so obstinate, he looked angrily round at them, and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out and his hand was better. The Pharisees went out and at once began to plot with the Herodians against him, discussing how to destroy him.

    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.

    May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

    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.

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    10 mins