The Cross of Christ Restores. . .Justice

Steps to Take as You Follow Christ

Ask—Do I see myself as a child of God?

Seek——Focus on the crucified Christ as you meet him throughout the day. Stand up for your brother or sister, always appealing to the brother or sister who might seek to harm him or her.

Knock—Meditate on Micah 2:12–13.

I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob, I will gather the remnant of Israel; I will set them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in its pasture, a noisy multitude of men. He who opens the breach will go up before them; they will break through and pass the gate, going out by it. Their king will pass on before them, the LORD at their head.

Micah prophesies that the Lord will lead his sheep out of their captivity. In the violent journey of Christ out of the walled city of Jerusalem, we see a literal fulfillment of this prophecy. Are you one of the followers of Jesus on his way of the cross?

Transform Your Life—Realize that you are a child of God, reborn in Baptism when you shared in the death and resurrection
of Jesus. Live out your Baptism, dying to yourself whenever you find yourself tempted to be a child of something other than
the one true God.

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.

The post PoC-39 5th Saturday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Day 39: Hope in the Midst of Opposition

Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible)

John 11:45–56 

Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what he did believed in him, but some of them went to tell the Pharisees what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting. “Here is this man working all these signs,” they said, “and what action are we taking? If we let him go on in this way everybody will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy the Holy Place and our nation.”

One of them, Caiaphas, the high priest that year, said, “You do not seem to have grasped the situation at all; you fail to see that it is better for one man to die for the people, than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”

He did not speak in his own person, it was as high priest that he made this prophecy that Jesus was to die for the nation—and not for the nation only, but to gather together in unity the scattered children of God. From that day they were determined to kill him.
So Jesus no longer went about openly among the Jews, but left the district for a town called Ephraim, in the country bordering on the desert, and stayed there with his disciples.

The Jewish Passover drew near, and many of the country people who had gone up to Jerusalem to purify themselves looked out for Jesus, saying to one another as they stood about in the Temple, “What do you think? Will he come to the festival or not?”

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel sits in the shadow of the raising of Lazarus. That incredible sign of life was not welcomed by all. For some, it was a moment of conversion; for others, it was a threat. The decision is made: Jesus must be stopped. We now move closer to the Passion.

This passage confronts us with a truth we often feel: Jesus did not run from this reality. Instead, He stayed rooted in His mission, moving forward with trust in the Father.

It is here that we must remember: our call is not to success or approval, but to faithfulness. And faithfulness will at times mean walking through suffering, uncertainty, or even loneliness. But we are never alone. The Father is at work, even in hiddenness.

St. John Cassian, drawing from the wisdom of the desert, wrote:

“The endurance of trials for the sake of virtue produces the strongest hope.”
(Conferences, X.6)

Hope is born not in ease, but in the fire of perseverance. It grows in those moments when we choose to stay with Christ, even when the way is unclear or difficult. Hope is remembering that God indeed keeps His promises—and that He is bigger than our circumstances. Lent brings us to this place of decision: Will we stay close to Jesus even when the way becomes narrow? Will we trust the slow, quiet work of God even when the cost feels high?

Sometimes the opposition we face is not from others, but within ourselves: doubt, fear, or spiritual fatigue. These too are places where grace can meet us, where prayer becomes our anchor. If you feel weary, spend time today in quiet before the Lord. Ask for the grace of endurance, and the gift of hope.

The “Jesus, You Take Over” prayer—also known as the Surrender Prayer—by Servant of God Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo, found on Discerning Hearts, is a powerful reminder to release our anxieties and concerns in trust to Jesus. We are not asked to carry the weight of the world, but to entrust it to the One who already bears it for us.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church, offers us a word of clarity and perspective:

“The world’s thy ship and not thy home.”
(Letter 102 to Céline)

Her simple but profound reminder re-centers us when the seas grow rough. Lent is not a time to prove our strength, but to rest more deeply in the strength of Christ, who leads us to the safe harbor of the Father.

Reflection Questions:

1. What challenges or opposition do you face as you follow Christ?
2. Are there places of hidden fear or resistance that you can bring to the Lord today?
3. How can you ask for the grace to be faithful, even when it is costly?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, as You faced rejection, You remained faithful. Help us to walk in that same trust. When we are afraid, strengthen our hearts. When we are tired, renew our hope. Teach us to remain close to You, even in the face of opposition, and to always remember that Your love has already conquered all.

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.

The post Day 39: Hope in the Midst of Opposition – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

5th Saturday 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 John 11:45-56

Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what Jesus did believed in him, but some of them went to tell the Pharisees what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting. ‘Here is this man working all these signs’ they said ‘and what action are we taking? If we let him go on in this way everybody will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy the Holy Place and our nation.’ One of them, Caiaphas, the high priest that year, said, ‘You do not seem to have grasped the situation at all; you fail to see that it is better for one man to die for the people, than for the whole nation to be destroyed.’ He did not speak in his own person, it was as high priest that he made this prophecy that Jesus was to die for the nation – and not for the nation only, but to gather together in unity the scattered children of God. From that day they were determined to kill him. So Jesus no longer went about openly among the Jews, but left the district for a town called Ephraim, in the country bordering on the desert, and stayed there with his disciples.
The Jewish Passover drew near, and many of the country people who had gone up to Jerusalem to purify themselves looked out for Jesus, saying to one another as they stood about in the Temple, ‘What do you think? Will he come to the festival or not?’

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:

Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what Jesus did believed in him, but some of them went to tell the Pharisees what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting. ‘Here is this man working all these signs’ they said ‘and what action are we taking? If we let him go on in this way everybody will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy the Holy Place and our nation.’ One of them, Caiaphas, the high priest that year, said, ‘You do not seem to have grasped the situation at all; you fail to see that it is better for one man to die for the people, than for the whole nation to be destroyed.’ He did not speak in his own person, it was as high priest that he made this prophecy that Jesus was to die for the nation – and not for the nation only, but to gather together in unity the scattered children of God. From that day they were determined to kill him. So Jesus no longer went about openly among the Jews, but left the district for a town called Ephraim, in the country bordering on the desert, and stayed there with his disciples.
The Jewish Passover drew near, and many of the country people who had gone up to Jerusalem to purify themselves looked out for Jesus, saying to one another as they stood about in the Temple, ‘What do you think? Will he come to the festival or not?’

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:

Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what Jesus did believed in him, but some of them went to tell the Pharisees what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting. ‘Here is this man working all these signs’ they said ‘and what action are we taking? If we let him go on in this way everybody will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy the Holy Place and our nation.’ One of them, Caiaphas, the high priest that year, said, ‘You do not seem to have grasped the situation at all; you fail to see that it is better for one man to die for the people, than for the whole nation to be destroyed.’ He did not speak in his own person, it was as high priest that he made this prophecy that Jesus was to die for the nation – and not for the nation only, but to gather together in unity the scattered children of God. From that day they were determined to kill him. So Jesus no longer went about openly among the Jews, but left the district for a town called Ephraim, in the country bordering on the desert, and stayed there with his disciples.
The Jewish Passover drew near, and many of the country people who had gone up to Jerusalem to purify themselves looked out for Jesus, saying to one another as they stood about in the Temple, ‘What do you think? Will he come to the festival or not?’

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.

The post 5th Saturday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Dr. Robert D. Enright – Forgiving as Unity with Christ on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Dr. Robert Enright speaks with Kris McGregor about his book Forgiving as Unity with Christ: A Journey for Healing, Resentment, and Relationships. He shares how an epiphany in 1985 redirected his academic career toward the study of forgiveness, which had previously been neglected in psychological research. Forgiveness, as a moral virtue, can transform the heart by healing the effects of injustice such as anger, resentment, and mistrust. Drawing from Aristotle and Aquinas, forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing, demand forgetfulness, require reconciliation, or negate the pursuit of justice. Rather, it involves offering goodness to one who has acted unfairly, allowing a person to reclaim peace and dignity while also maintaining boundaries and seeking fairness where needed.

Dr. Enright outlines forgiveness as a deliberate, grace-filled path that must often be walked slowly, with self-awareness and even journaling. He discusses its spiritual dimensions, particularly its unity with Christ’s suffering and love on the cross, which brings healing not only to the individual but potentially to the offender and their relationship. He touches on the need for forgiveness education, especially within Catholic contexts, to help children and adults alike cope with life’s inevitable wounds. Dr. Enright also speaks on self-forgiveness, highlighting its importance in embracing one’s worth before God, especially through confession and sincere restitution. His research in diverse settings—from survivors of incest to prison inmates—demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness on emotional, relational, and even physical well-being.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. How does unhealed resentment affect your relationship with God and others?
2. In what areas of your life might God be inviting you to forgive, even if the other person hasn’t repented?
3. How can uniting your suffering with Christ on the cross transform your experience of injustice?
4. Are there ways you’ve misunderstood forgiveness—as excusing, forgetting, or reconciling—that need to be corrected?
5. How might your pursuit of justice be more Christ-like if it flows from a forgiving heart?
6. Who in your life do you need to forgive not just for their sake, but for your own healing and freedom?
7. How do you see the Sacrament of Reconciliation supporting both seeking and offering forgiveness?
8. What role does prayer and grace play in your ability to forgive someone who deeply wounded you?
9. How can cultivating forgiveness in your family or community reflect the mercy of Christ more fully?
10. In what ways have you struggled with self-forgiveness, and how can God’s mercy reshape your self-understanding?

From the book’s description:

Dr. Robert D. Enright, founder of the International Forgiveness Institute, invites you to travel with him down the road from alienation to forgiveness to possible reconciliation. His cathartic exercises will enliven your relationship with Jesus and provide a healing balm that will deepen your empathy and dispose you to forgiving others.

Similar to The Imitation of Christ, this work is divided into three books comprising short chapters with brief points to consider. The first book lays out forgiveness in general and includes biblical stories of forgiveness; the second approaches forgiveness from the Catholic perspective, including loving others through our intimate connection with Christ and seeking forgiveness ourselves; the third discusses skeptical views of forgiveness as well as self-forgiveness, forgiveness within communities, and what legacy you will leave behind.

These powerful exercises will help you understand what forgiveness actually is and why it is beneficial, including scientific studies of those who were suffering physically, psychologically, or emotionally and experienced healing.

You will learn answers to soul-searching questions and discover:

• How to embrace your littleness with the humility of a beloved child of God
• The Process Model of Forgiveness to aid you in becoming “forgivingly fit”
• Seven forgiveness lessons in the Old Testament story of Joseph and his brothers
• The three Rs that help complete the triangle of forgiveness and rebuild trust
• Seven aspects of “forgiveness as redemptive suffering”
• The importance of forgiveness in God’s design for our peace and joy

As you contemplate God’s love for you in these extraordinary pages, you will grow deeper in your faith through journaling prompts and transformative meditations, including penetrating questions to guide you on your path to freedom. The book has been given an imprimatur by Bishop Donald Hying of the Catholic Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin.

About the Author

Dr. Robert Enright is a member of the Catholic Church. He is a licensed psychologist and the founder of the International Forgiveness Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating knowledge about forgiveness and community renewal through forgiveness. In 2020, he was awarded the Aristotelian Professorship in Forgiveness Science in the Department of Educational Psychology at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is the first to publish a scientific study on the topic of person-to-person forgiving (1989). He is a popular speaker on forgiveness, and his work has appeared in such outlets as Time magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune and on ABC’s 20/20. His International Forgiveness Institute organized the Jerusalem Conference on Forgiveness for the Renewal of Individuals, Families, and Communities at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, 2017; the Rome Conference on Forgiveness at the University of Santa Croce, 2018; and the International Educational Conference on Agape Love and Forgiveness in Madison, Wisconsin, 2022. For his innovative research on forgiveness, he received in 2022 what the American Psychological Association calls “psychology’s highest awards:” the APF Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology..

The post IP#509 Dr. Robert D. Enright – Forgiving as Unity with Christ on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.



The Cross of Christ Restores. . .The Dignity of Work

Steps to Take as You Follow Christ

Ask—Am I doing what God wants me to do?

Seek—To pray, to put God first in all things, in every aspect of your life. Ask God to bless your home and your work, making all that you do fruitful.

Knock—Meditate on Genesis 2:2–3.

And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done. (. . . )So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all his work which he had done in creation.

How do you rest from your work? How do you sanctify the Sabbath in your life? Do you trust enough in God’s providence to take a day off? Spend some time reflecting on Jesus’ Sabbath rest on Holy Saturday and what it could mean for you.

Transform Your Life—Allow the cross of Christ to restore the dignity of your work. This may not involve leaving behind your job, even if you took that job for the wrong reasons. God can transform anything into good. So what matters is what your motivation is in your work: are you building up the kingdom of God or are you trying to build your own kingdom?

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.

The post PoC-38 5th Friday of Lent: The Power of the Cross Lenten Meditation appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Day 38: In the Father’s Hands

Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible)

John 10:31–42

The Jews fetched stones to stone Him, so Jesus said to them, “I have done many good works for you to see, works from My Father; for which of these are you stoning Me?” The Jews answered Him, “We are not stoning You for doing a good work, but for blasphemy: You are only a man and You claim to be God.”

Jesus answered: “Is it not written in your Law: I said, you are gods? So the Law uses the word ‘gods’ of those to whom the word of God was addressed, and scripture cannot be rejected. Yet you say to someone the Father has consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because He says, ‘I am the Son of God.’ If I am not doing My Father’s work, there is no need to believe Me; but if I am doing it, then even if you refuse to believe in Me, at least believe in the work I do; then you will know for sure that the Father is in Me and I am in the Father.”

They tried to arrest Him then, but He eluded them. He went back again to the far side of the Jordan, to the district where John had once been baptizing, and He stayed there. Many people who came to Him said, “John gave no signs, but all he said about this man was true,” and many of them believed in Him.

Reflection:

As we near the end of Lent, the tension in the Gospel rises. Jesus is no longer met with curiosity but with hostility. His words are not misunderstood—they are rejected. Still, He does not retreat in fear. He rests in the truth of who He is and remains faithful to the will of the Father.

This moment invites us to consider the cost of fidelity. When we strive to follow Christ in a world that may not understand or accept us, we too may experience opposition, confusion, or silence. But these are not signs of failure. Often, they are moments of deep purification—invitations to trust more completely in the Father, just as Jesus does.

What sustained Jesus was not popularity or ease. It was union. “The Father is in Me and I am in the Father.” This is the heart of our journey, too. Lent is not about performance. It is about deeper intimacy with the God who has consecrated and sent us into the world with a mission of love. And sometimes, faithfulness means walking forward even when we do not see the fruit.

But that doesn’t make the road easy. Many of us wrestle with fears or pressure—from relationships, from work, or from the weight of our own expectations. In those moments, we need companions. The Church encourages us to seek wise counsel: a spiritual friend, a confessor, a priest or religious who can help us remember who we are and who we belong to. We are not alone.

The Desert Father Evagrius Ponticus wrote:

“When the mind is stripped, and empty of thoughts, then it can enter into the depths where Christ dwells.”
(Chapters on Prayer, 67)

It is in stillness that we begin to recognize the voice of the Father and rest in His care. Let us not fear the places of quiet where we feel unseen or unrecognized. It may be there that Christ draws us into His own hidden life of love.

St. Teresa of Calcutta, who knew well the silence of God, reminds us:

“God has not called me to be successful. He has called me to be faithful.”

Today, let us walk with Jesus in trust. Even when misunderstood or rejected, we are in the Father’s hands. That is where our peace lies.

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there places in your life where you are experiencing resistance or misunderstanding in your faith journey?
2. How can you deepen your trust in the Father, even when His presence feels hidden?
3. Who might you turn to for support and wise counsel in your spiritual walk?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You were not afraid to speak truth, even when it brought rejection. You stayed faithful because You knew the love of the Father. Teach me to trust in that same love. Help me not to be discouraged by the misunderstandings or struggles I face. Let me rest in Your presence and draw strength from the knowledge that I am never alone.

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.

The post Day 38: In the Father’s Hands – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

5th Friday 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 John 10:31-42

The Jews fetched stones to stone him, so Jesus said to them, ‘I have done many good works for you to see, works from my Father; for which of these are you stoning me?’ The Jews answered him, ‘We are not stoning you for doing a good work but for blasphemy: you are only a man and you claim to be God.’ Jesus answered:
‘Is it not written in your Law:
I said, you are gods?
So the Law uses the word gods
of those to whom the word of God was addressed,
and scripture cannot be rejected.
Yet you say to someone the Father has consecrated and sent into the world,
“You are blaspheming,”
because he says, “I am the son of God.”
If I am not doing my Father’s work,
there is no need to believe me;
but if I am doing it,
then even if you refuse to believe in me,
at least believe in the work I do;
then you will know for sure
that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’
They wanted to arrest him then, but he eluded them.
He went back again to the far side of the Jordan to stay in the district where John had once been baptising. Many people who came to him there said, ‘John gave no signs, but all he said about this man was true’; and many of them believed in 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:

The Jews fetched stones to stone him, so Jesus said to them, ‘I have done many good works for you to see, works from my Father; for which of these are you stoning me?’ The Jews answered him, ‘We are not stoning you for doing a good work but for blasphemy: you are only a man and you claim to be God.’ Jesus answered:
‘Is it not written in your Law:
I said, you are gods?
So the Law uses the word gods
of those to whom the word of God was addressed,
and scripture cannot be rejected.
Yet you say to someone the Father has consecrated and sent into the world,
“You are blaspheming,”
because he says, “I am the son of God.”
If I am not doing my Father’s work,
there is no need to believe me;
but if I am doing it,
then even if you refuse to believe in me,
at least believe in the work I do;
then you will know for sure
that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’
They wanted to arrest him then, but he eluded them.
He went back again to the far side of the Jordan to stay in the district where John had once been baptising. Many people who came to him there said, ‘John gave no signs, but all he said about this man was true’; and many of them believed in 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:

The Jews fetched stones to stone him, so Jesus said to them, ‘I have done many good works for you to see, works from my Father; for which of these are you stoning me?’ The Jews answered him, ‘We are not stoning you for doing a good work but for blasphemy: you are only a man and you claim to be God.’ Jesus answered:
‘Is it not written in your Law:
I said, you are gods?
So the Law uses the word gods
of those to whom the word of God was addressed,
and scripture cannot be rejected.
Yet you say to someone the Father has consecrated and sent into the world,
“You are blaspheming,”
because he says, “I am the son of God.”
If I am not doing my Father’s work,
there is no need to believe me;
but if I am doing it,
then even if you refuse to believe in me,
at least believe in the work I do;
then you will know for sure
that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’
They wanted to arrest him then, but he eluded them.
He went back again to the far side of the Jordan to stay in the district where John had once been baptising. Many people who came to him there said, ‘John gave no signs, but all he said about this man was true’; and many of them believed in 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.

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.

The post 5th Friday of Lent – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.



What is Prayer? – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke

Fr. Éamonn Bourke reflects with Kris McGregor on the essence of prayer as an intimate relationship with God, who desires to meet each person personally. Prayer isn’t about perfection or following a strict formula, but about showing up as we are—vulnerable, broken, even ashamed or angry. He draws from Scripture and personal experience to illustrate how the heart of prayer lies in stillness, honesty, and a willingness to encounter God in the midst of life’s struggles. Whether it’s the distractions of daily life, wounds from the past, or the weight of sin, none of these are barriers to God’s love. God receives even the most faltering prayer with tenderness and transforms it with grace.

Fr. Bourke also speaks about the importance of consistency and space for daily prayer, no matter how small. Whether on a commute, during quiet moments at home, or through reflection on Scripture, these moments help us become more attuned to God’s presence throughout the day. Saints like St. Thérèse of Lisieux taught that prayer can be as simple as a glance toward heaven.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. How can I deepen my awareness of God’s personal desire to be in relationship with me today?
2. When have I allowed shame or guilt to keep me from turning to God in prayer?
3. What broken or vulnerable part of myself do I need to honestly bring before God in prayer?
4. Do I make daily prayer a true priority in my life, or does it get pushed aside by other concerns?
5. How have distractions or busyness kept me from recognizing God’s presence in my day?
6. In what ways have I treated prayer more like a monologue than a dialogue with God?
7. What is one simple way I can invite silence into my day to better hear God’s voice?
8. Have I ever brought my anger or disappointment to God honestly in prayer? Why or why not?
9. What practical step can I take to create a “cell of solitude” within my everyday environment?
10. How might Scripture—especially a short verse—become a doorway to deeper personal prayer?

Father Éamonn Bourke is a priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin, Ireland and served as Vocations Director for the diocese, as well as Pastor in a number of its parishes. Trained as a spiritual director in the contemplative style, he now serves as Chaplain to University College, Dublin, the largest University in Ireland.

⇨For more episodes in the series visit : The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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The Cross of Christ Restores. . .Obedience

Steps to Take as You Follow Christ

Ask—Am I obedient to the commands of Jesus?

Seek—To be open to God. Receive the Eucharist and ask God to enrich you with his Body and Blood, enabling you to be an obedient son or daughter, abiding in Christ.

Knock—Meditate on 1 John 2:3–6.

We can be sure that we know God only by keeping his commandments. Anyone who says, ‘I know him’, and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, refusing to admit the truth. But when anyone does obey what he has said, God’s love comes to perfection in him. We can be sure that we are in God only when the one who claims to be living in him is living the same kind of life as Christ lived.

How well do we know him? How much of our disobedience is due to our own ignorance of Christ? Are we disobedient children because we do not really believe that the Father loves us, and wants what is best for us?

Transform Your Life—Accept the transfusion of life that is the Eucharist, an exchange of our sin-tainted, mortal flesh for the immortality of the God-Man. Live the Eucharist realizing that Christ remains in you. When you are tempted, call upon the presence of Christ to empower you to be obedient.

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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A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Day 37: Before Abraham Was, I Am

Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible)

John 8:51–59 

Jesus said to the Jews: “I tell you solemnly, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.” The Jews said, “Now we know that You are possessed. Abraham is dead, and the prophets are dead, and yet You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he will never know the taste of death.’ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? The prophets are dead too. Who are You claiming to be?”

Jesus answered: “If I were to seek My own glory that would be no glory at all; My glory is conferred by the Father, by the One of whom you say, ‘He is our God,’ although you do not know Him. But I know Him, and if I were to say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I should be a liar, as you are. But I do know Him, and I keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see My Day; he saw it and was glad.”

The Jews then said, “You are not fifty yet, and You have seen Abraham!” Jesus replied: “I tell you solemnly, before Abraham ever was, I Am.” At this they picked up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and left the Temple.

Reflection:

This Gospel reaches a dramatic and profound turning point: Jesus reveals not only His mission, but His identity. “Before Abraham ever was, I Am.” It is a name that echoes the voice of God from the burning bush—a claim that leaves no room for ambiguity. Jesus is not merely a prophet or a teacher. He is the Eternal One. The Word made flesh.

But what does this mean for us, especially in these final days of Lent?

It means that in Christ, we are not following a distant ideal—we are being invited into communion with the Living God. Lent is not just about moral effort. It is about relationship. To keep His word, as Jesus says, is to remain in that relationship—faithful, trusting, open.

And yet, we know how hard that can be. There are days we feel distant. Times when questions cloud our faith. Moments when silence feels louder than the presence of God. Like those in today’s Gospel, we can be tempted to react with skepticism or resistance—especially when Jesus asks for deeper surrender.

But Lent teaches us to stay in the conversation. To ask—not with cynicism, but with longing—“Who are You claiming to be?” And to listen for His answer. Jesus does not force belief; He reveals, patiently and truthfully, again and again.

St. Teresa of Calcutta once said:

“When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you. When you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now.”
(Jesus, the Word to Be Spoken: Prayers and Meditations by Mother Teresa, edited by Brother Angelo Devananda, 1996)

And from Evagrius Ponticus, one of the great voices of early Christian wisdom:

“If you are a theologian, you will pray truly; and if you pray truly, you are a theologian.”
(Chapters on Prayer, 61)

To stay close to Jesus, we need prayer—not just as obligation, but as encounter. We need silence to listen. Scripture to anchor us. And people who can walk with us when the path feels unclear. God has not left us alone. And Jesus, the Great I Am, does not abandon His own.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does Jesus’ identity as “I Am” mean for your life today?
2. Are there places of resistance or fear in your heart where Christ is inviting deeper trust?
3. How can prayer help you remain in relationship with the Living God today?

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, You are the Eternal Word, the Living God who calls me to communion. Help me to keep Your word not only with my lips but with my life. Teach me to stay with You in prayer, even when I do not understand. Open my heart to the mystery of who You are, and let that truth lead me into deeper love, deeper freedom, and deeper faith.

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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Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring.

Oh most lovable St Gemma, we ask you to be our patroness and special friend today and always. Assist us in our daily spiritual and material needs and teach us to know love and serve the Lord our God with all our hearts. Accompany us, along with our Guardian Angel, in all our ways, and guide us lovingly to Heaven. Assist us at the time of our death along with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and plead our cause before God, and trusting in His great mercy and the Passion of Jesus thy Spouse, obtain for us the salvation of our souls, and also the favor that we now humbly request (mention request)…

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be…

Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession the favor that we humbly request, and through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

For the complete 9 day, novena Mp3 audio visit the Discerning Hearts St. Gemma Galgani Novena

Original resource for this novena: “St. Gemma Galgani”

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