Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Abiding in Christ on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss Abiding in Christ: Staying with God in a Busy World, a book aimed at helping the laity cultivate a deeper spiritual life. Abiding in Christ requires intentionality amidst the distractions of modern life and the importance of regularly recalling God’s presence, particularly through Scripture and the sacraments. Using the analogy of a physical move, he describes the spiritual journey as a transition from the fleeting pleasures of sin to the lasting fulfillment found in God’s presence. Sin often appears tangible and immediately gratifying, but God provides an equally concrete counter-move through the sacraments, which invite believers into a deeper encounter with Him.

Keating also addresses the modern challenge of reducing faith to an intellectual exercise or mere entertainment. Prayer and worship should focus on being with Christ rather than following rigid methodologies or seeking emotional highs. Simple, heartfelt prayer for the Eucharist as the ultimate home for the soul. To combat discouragement, we should seek fellowship with those who find hope in Christ, avoid the negativity of social media, and remain steadfast in prayer and sacramental life.

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

1. The Struggle to Remain with God: How do I intentionally make space in my daily life to abide in Christ despite the distractions of modern culture?
2. The Power of Scripture in Spiritual Renewal: In what ways can I incorporate Lectio Divina into my routine to displace worldly anxieties and deepen my encounter with God?
3. The Deceptive Pleasure of Sin: What sins in my life offer fleeting gratification, and how can I allow the beauty of God’s truth to attract me away from them?
4. The Tangibility of the Sacraments: How do I recognize and receive God’s presence in the sacraments as a real and substantial counter to the false comforts of sin?
5. The Challenge of Spiritual Transition: Where do I currently find myself in my spiritual journey, and how can I persevere through the discomfort of transition toward deeper communion with God?
6. The Eucharist as Spiritual Home: How does my participation in the Mass and reception of the Eucharist reflect my longing for true rest in Christ?
7. The Temptation to Reduce Faith to Entertainment: In what ways have I sought emotional or superficial experiences in my spiritual life instead of true encounter with God?
8. The Simplicity of Prayer: How can I strip away unnecessary complexity in my prayer life and simply rest in the presence of Christ?
9. The Need for Christian Fellowship: Who in my life strengthens my faith, and how can I cultivate relationships that encourage spiritual growth?
10. The Call to Persevere in Hope: What steps can I take to avoid discouragement and remain steadfast in my pursuit of holiness amid life’s challenges?

You can find the book here

About the Book

Deacon James Keating’s book Abiding in Christ: Staying with God in a Busy World is a how-to-pray resource. This book helps readers to find a quiet space wherein they can be present to God and offers suggestions of how they can be more open to God’s movement within them.

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO. 

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

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Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Basil Nortz and Kris McGregor continue their discussion the book Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God. It explains the significance of silence in deepening one’s spiritual life, particularly through the concept of liturgical memory, where the events of Christ’s passion and the Eucharist become present realities. He also highlights the necessity of interior silence, noting how distractions, internal conversations, and self-directed thoughts can hinder true prayer. Fr. Nortz stresses that silence enables a deeper union with God and facilitates a more attentive and recollected state in daily life.

The book covers various types of silence, such as the silence of judgment, self-love, emotions, and the will. Fr. Nortz discusses the importance of surrendering to God’s providence, embracing purification, and practicing humility, especially in an era of constant opinions and digital noise. He also addresses the role of sacraments, particularly confession and the Eucharist, in attaining inner peace. The ultimate goal of these practices is to cultivate a profound silence of union, where one experiences God’s presence beyond external circumstances.

To listen to part 1 of our conversation visit here: Fr. Basil North – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. The Role of Liturgical Memory: How does the concept of liturgical memory deepen your understanding of the Eucharist and its presence in your daily life?
2. Interior Silence in Prayer: What distractions commonly disrupt your interior silence, and how can you cultivate a more recollected heart in prayer?
3. Silence of Judgment and Humility: How does practicing the silence of judgment help you grow in humility and foster a more charitable outlook toward others?
4. The Influence of Self-Love: In what ways can self-love be properly ordered toward God, and how can you guard against its distortions rooted in worldly desires?
5. Surrendering to God’s Will: How can you cultivate greater openness to God’s providence and allow His will to shape your spiritual journey?
6. The Role of Suffering in Silence: How does embracing silence, particularly in times of suffering, draw you closer to Christ and His example in the Garden of Gethsemane?
7. Sacramental Grace and Recollection: How can frequent reception of the Eucharist and Reconciliation help you maintain spiritual vigilance and interior peace?
8. The Presence of Guardian Angels and Saints: How does recognizing the presence of your guardian angel and the communion of saints impact your sense of companionship in the spiritual life?
9. The Influence of Media on Silence: How can you create boundaries with media consumption to foster a more contemplative and recollected spirit?
10. The Silence of Union with God: How does pursuing different forms of silence lead to a deeper experience of God’s love and presence in your daily life?

You can find the book here.

From the book description:

“Fr. Basil Nortz masterfully builds upon the classic reflections of Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus, a nineteenth-century spiritual mystic and Carmelite nun, on the twelve degrees of silence. By cultivating these types of silence, you will find out how you can — even amid your busy days filled with chatter, commotion, and noise — listen to the voice of God.

In these profound pages you will find ways to overcome your fear of silence and discover:

• • Keys to obeying God’s will
  • Kinds of silence that are holy and kinds that are unholy
  • Ten tips on what to do — and what to avoid — to bridle your senses
  • Seven ways to guard your imagination and foster recollection
  • How to direct your emotions with reason and foster silence of the heart
  • Effective ways of responding to injustice

You will learn the one sinful attitude that cuts us off from the merciful forgiveness of God and will acquire ways to stop passing judgment against others. Additionally, you will learn the most important attitude that disposes us to God’s plans and allows us to enter into His love and converse with Him affectionately throughout the day. Moreover, you will find practical techniques for overcoming distractions in prayer and advice from the saints on methods of meditation to develop silence of the spirit.

Above all, you will glean how to maintain peace of soul and live free from anxiety and despair, regardless of temptations or life’s battles. By relying totally on God, you will fearlessly rise after falls and begin again. You will begin to see the loving hand of God in all things, contemplate the light of His presence, and “be still” in the silence of His love.

“Holy silence is what helps the soul acquire the strength necessary to bear the presence of the all-pure God, who is ipsum esse subsistens (subsistent being itself),” explains Fr. Nortz. “The intensity of that fullness, far from inspiring languid inaction, produces a vibrant joyfulness that St. John expresses in the book of Revelation in terms of the saints singing with full voice.” “

About the Author: Reverend Basil Nortz, O.R.C., is a priest in the Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross. He graduated from Christendom College in 1986 with a B.A. in theology. His seminary studies were at the Insitutum Sapientiae in Anapolis, Brazil.

The post IP#498 Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence, Part 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Basil Nortz discusses his book Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God, showing how silence is an active and positive disposition that opens the soul to God. Inspired by a 19th-century Carthusian nun’s list of 12 types of silence, he developed this framework over years of retreats and pastoral work. True silence is not merely an absence of noise but a means of deepening one’s attentiveness to God’s voice. Drawing from the wisdom of the saints, he explores different forms of silence, such as those of speech, body, senses, imagination, and memory. Each serves to protect interior peace and foster recollection in a world filled with constant distractions. Cultivating holy silence helps believers grow spiritually, recognize God’s will, and resist the unnecessary noise that can drown out divine guidance.

Fr. Nortz also discusses the role of angels in guiding the soul and the need for discipline in speech and media consumption. He warns against the dangers of defamation, excessive communication, and sensory overload while encouraging engagement with sacred art, quality literature, and uplifting music. Monastic wisdom, such as reciting the Sanctus before activities, provides practical ways to maintain awareness of God’s presence. By practicing silence properly, believers create an inner sanctuary where God dwells, leading to a deeper life of contemplation and union with Him.

To listen to part 2 of our conversation visit here: Fr. Basil North – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. The Role of Silence in Spiritual Growth: How can embracing silence in daily life help deepen your relationship with God and strengthen your interior peace?
2. Forms of Silence and Their Purpose: Which types of silence—speech, body, senses, imagination, or memory—present the greatest challenge in your spiritual journey, and how can you cultivate them more intentionally?
3. Avoiding Noise and Distractions: What practical steps can you take to limit unnecessary noise, whether from media, conversations, or technology, to create space for recollection and prayer?
4. Speaking with Charity and Restraint: How can greater discipline in speech, including avoiding gossip, detraction, and idle talk, reflect a deeper commitment to holiness and love for others?
5. The Influence of the Imagination and Memory: How do the images, stories, and memories you engage with shape your spiritual life, and what changes might help purify your imagination and recollection?
6. The Guardian Angel’s Role in Spiritual Discernment: In what ways can a stronger awareness of your guardian angel’s presence help you recognize God’s guidance and resist spiritual distractions?
7. Sacred Art and Beauty as Paths to God: How can surrounding yourself with sacred art, quality literature, and uplifting music draw your mind and heart closer to God’s presence?
8. Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life: What lessons from the Desert Fathers, Benedictines, and other spiritual traditions can be applied to modern life to foster a greater sense of recollection and devotion?
9. Trusting in Divine Providence: How does cultivating silence help you recognize God’s providence in the details of your life, rather than seeing events as random or dictated by fate?
10. Silence as a Path to Deeper Prayer: What adjustments in your prayer life can help incorporate silence as an essential means of listening to God and growing in intimacy with Him?

You can find the book here.

From the book description:

“Fr. Basil Nortz masterfully builds upon the classic reflections of Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus, a nineteenth-century spiritual mystic and Carmelite nun, on the twelve degrees of silence. By cultivating these types of silence, you will find out how you can — even amid your busy days filled with chatter, commotion, and noise — listen to the voice of God.

In these profound pages you will find ways to overcome your fear of silence and discover:

• • Keys to obeying God’s will
  • Kinds of silence that are holy and kinds that are unholy
  • Ten tips on what to do — and what to avoid — to bridle your senses
  • Seven ways to guard your imagination and foster recollection
  • How to direct your emotions with reason and foster silence of the heart
  • Effective ways of responding to injustice

You will learn the one sinful attitude that cuts us off from the merciful forgiveness of God and will acquire ways to stop passing judgment against others. Additionally, you will learn the most important attitude that disposes us to God’s plans and allows us to enter into His love and converse with Him affectionately throughout the day. Moreover, you will find practical techniques for overcoming distractions in prayer and advice from the saints on methods of meditation to develop silence of the spirit.

Above all, you will glean how to maintain peace of soul and live free from anxiety and despair, regardless of temptations or life’s battles. By relying totally on God, you will fearlessly rise after falls and begin again. You will begin to see the loving hand of God in all things, contemplate the light of His presence, and “be still” in the silence of His love.

“Holy silence is what helps the soul acquire the strength necessary to bear the presence of the all-pure God, who is ipsum esse subsistens (subsistent being itself),” explains Fr. Nortz. “The intensity of that fullness, far from inspiring languid inaction, produces a vibrant joyfulness that St. John expresses in the book of Revelation in terms of the saints singing with full voice.” “

About the Author: Reverend Basil Nortz, O.R.C., is a priest in the Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross. He graduated from Christendom College in 1986 with a B.A. in theology. His seminary studies were at the Insitutum Sapientiae in Anapolis, Brazil.

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Fr. John Burns – Lift Up Your Heart on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. John Burns discusses his book, Lift Up Your Heart: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Francis de Sales. The book brings St. Francis de Sales’ practical and profound wisdom to modern readers, guiding them through a structured retreat based on the saint’s classic Introduction to the Devout Life. Fr. Burns explains how the meditations are designed to help busy laypeople integrate faith into their daily lives using St. Francis’ method of creating a “spiritual bouquet” by carrying small graces from prayer into everyday tasks, making holiness accessible and actionable.

There’s relevance in St. Francis’ guidance for today’s world, where distractions and busyness often overshadow spiritual growth. Fr. Burns shares his hope that the book will inspire readers to embrace meditative prayer and daily choices for holiness. He suggests it as a tool for individual reflection or group study, particularly in programs like RCIA. By following this approach, readers can move closer to a vibrant, prayerful relationship with God and prepare their hearts for eternal life.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. Embracing St. Francis de Sales’ Practical Wisdom: How can you incorporate St. Francis de Sales’ teachings into your busy daily life to grow in holiness?
2. Choosing Holiness Daily: What intentional steps can you take each day to prioritize your relationship with God and move toward heaven?
3. The Power of Spiritual Bouquets: How can you carry the fruits of your prayer throughout your day to maintain a connection with God amid distractions?
4. Understanding Heaven’s Urgency: How does reflecting on the ultimate goal of heaven shape your daily decisions and priorities?
5. Integrating Prayer and Action: In what ways can you ensure your prayer life influences your actions, making your entire day a hymn of praise to God?
6. The Role of Conversion in Daily Life: What areas of your life need transformation, and how can you invite God to guide that conversion?
7. Overcoming Distractions in Prayer: How can St. Francis’ practical advice about distractions help you persist in prayer despite challenges?
8. Finding Guidance in the Saints: How can viewing St. Francis de Sales as a spiritual director enhance your spiritual journey?
9. Recognizing the Call to Contemplation: How can you create space for deeper reflection and meditation amidst the busyness of life?
10. Responding to God’s Invitation: What choices can you make today to live more intentionally for God and embrace His love?

You can find the book here

From the book description

This practical book goes right to the heart of helping you kick the habit of floating along on your spiritual journey to start actively pursuing holiness and devotion to God. During the course of the retreat, you ll learn the basics of forming a daily prayer routine, including how to offer yourself to God, meditate on his love, and maintain peace in the face of suffering and clarity in the midst of temptation.

The meditations will help you:

• Adopt gratitude as a daily prayer practice.
• Examine and reorder your priorities and relationships to better reflect your love for God.
• Discern between good and evil in your life.
• Desire to love and serve as Jesus did.

In a very real sense, Burns helps you take St. Francis de Sales as your spiritual director for ten days. As you do so, you’ll feel God’s fatherly love and restart your faith life, equipped with the tools to connect with God and live for heaven now.

About the Author

Fr. John Burns is a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He is the author of the bestselling books Adore: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation, Return: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation, and Lift Up Your Heart: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Francis de Sales. Ordained in 2010, Burns has served as an associate pastor and pastor in Milwaukee in addition to being an adjunct professor of moral theology at the Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology. He completed a doctorate in moral theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome in 2019. His doctoral research focused on the theology of healing through forgiveness.

Burns speaks at conferences, preaches for missions, and directs retreats throughout the country. He works extensively with the Sisters of Life and St. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, and has given retreats, conferences, and spiritual direction for the sisters in Africa, Europe, and the United States.

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Dr. Peter Kreeft – Probes on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Kris McGregor discusses with Dr. Peter Kreeft about his book Probes: Deep Sea Diving into St. John’s Gospel. Inviting readers to actively engage with scripture as a dialogue with God, it blends study and prayer in a manner akin to Lectio Divina. Dr. Kreeft describes it as a deep-sea dive into the Gospel of John, requiring readers to immerse themselves, ask questions, and ponder deeply, trusting God to guide their understanding. Designed for both personal reflection and communal study, it interprets scripture as a living, transformative encounter with God rather than a passive academic exercise.

The Gospel of John is a profound exploration of Christ’s divinity and humanity, particularly in passages like John 17, which offers a glimpse into the life of the Trinity. Scripture “reads” us as much as we read it, creating a dynamic relationship with the living

Suitable for all Christians and even inquirers, Probes bridges study and devotion, encouraging readers to see scripture as a window to encounter God’s truth and love.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. How Do I Engage With Scripture? Reflect on whether you approach the Bible as a living dialogue with God or merely as a study tool.
2. Am I Open to God’s Questions? Consider if you allow scripture to “read” and challenge your heart as much as you seek to understand its meaning.
3. Do I Ponder or Rush Through Prayer? Ask yourself if your spiritual practices include time for deep pondering and slow reflection, as Mary modeled in the Gospel.
4. Is My Faith Both Personal and Communal? Evaluate how your engagement with scripture fosters personal transformation and enriches group faith experiences.
5. How Does the Gospel Reveal Christ to Me? Reflect on how the Gospel of John helps you encounter the person of Christ, especially through passages like John 17.
6. Do I Trust God’s Guidance in My Search? Consider whether you trust God to lead you through the depths of scripture, even when answers aren’t immediately clear.
7. How Do I Share Scripture with Others? Contemplate how you can introduce others to a more profound engagement with the Word of God through shared study and prayer.
8. Do I Connect Scripture and Sacraments? Reflect on how your encounter with the Word deepens your appreciation of Christ’s presence in the sacraments.

From the book description

“This is no ordinary book. It is a set of probing questions (1,450 in fact) designed to help individuals or groups, especially groups, to dive deeply into Saint John’s Gospel. No answers are provided, but the questions are phrased in such a way as to set a person in a reliable direction for finding the answers.

The questions correspond to the verses of the Gospel and require active and personal interaction. Some of the questions are easy, some difficult, and they are marked accordingly. Some questions include background information or hints that help the reader along. Some were written with a fair bit of humor. Any person or group using these questions to explore John will find themselves entertained as well as informed and inspired.”

About the Author

Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, is one of the most respected and prolific Christian authors of our time. His books cover a vast array of topics in spirituality, theology, and philosophy. They include Doors in the Walls of the World, The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived, How to Be Holy, Because God Is Real, You Can Understand the Bible, and Summa of the Summa.

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Spiritual Masters: Living and Praying in the Catholic Tradition by Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Kris McGregor discusses with Archbishop Hughes his recently published book, “Spiritual Masters: Living and Praying in the Catholic Tradition.” Archbishop Hughes explains that the book was inspired by a widespread desire for deeper spiritual engagement and a lack of knowledge on how to pursue it more meaningfully, in addition to the importance of moving beyond mere factual knowledge to gaining wisdom through reflection and divine guidance, advocating for an intellectual and spiritual conversion to deepen one’s faith and understanding.

They touch on the challenges posed by the digital age, which tends to keep people engaged only on a superficial level, and the necessity of creating reflective spaces to cultivate a deeper spiritual life. They also go into the significance of entering into solitude, as exemplified by St. Anthony of the Desert, and the role of spiritual direction in Christian life, a practice notably advanced by St. Anthony’s life and work.

Reflecting on the importance of not skipping the introductory sections of spiritual texts, as these often contain essential wisdom and guidance for reading the rest of the work; shifting from a student’s mindset to that of a disciple, seeking to learn and live out the teachings and wisdom found in spiritual writings.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. Spiritual Exercises vs. Spiritual Understanding: Discuss how Archbishop Hughes’ book shifts from a typical biographical approach to a format that engages the reader in spiritual exercises. How does this approach challenge your understanding of spiritual reading?
2. Consequences of the Digital Age: Reflect on the Archbishop’s view that the digital age keeps us at the surface of life. How has technology affected your personal prayer life or your ability to engage deeply with your faith?
3. Knowledge versus Wisdom: The Archbishop differentiates between gathering knowledge and cultivating wisdom. Can you share an instance where you felt your spiritual knowledge transitioned into deeper wisdom? How did this impact your faith practices?
4. The Importance of Solitude: Why do you think solitude is emphasized as the starting point for spiritual growth in the podcast? Share your thoughts on how solitude can lead to a deeper spiritual life.
5. Spiritual Direction and Guidance: How important is spiritual direction in your life? Discuss the benefits and challenges of seeking and maintaining a relationship with a spiritual director.
6. Reflective Time and Intellectual Conversion: Archbishop Hughes stresses the need for reflective time as essential for wisdom and spiritual conversion. How can you implement or improve reflective practices in your daily routine?
7. Learning from Saints and Spiritual Masters: Which saint or spiritual master do you feel most connected to, and what have they taught you about living a faithful Christian life? Discuss how their example can be applied in today’s world.
8. The Role of Desire in Spiritual Life: Reflect on the role of desire in your spiritual journey. How does understanding and nurturing your spiritual desires influence your relationship with God?
9. Scripture as a Living Word: Discuss the concept of Scripture as a ‘love letter from God’. How does this perspective change the way you read and interact with the Bible?
10. The Impact of Spiritual Writings on Modern Life: Considering the diverse teachings and lives of the spiritual masters mentioned, how can their wisdom be effectively applied to address the challenges of modern Christian living?

From the book’s description:

“This book introduces the reader to thirteen Christian spiritual classics that illustrate the ordinary steps we can take toward living the Gospel life more fully.

Drawing on the rich teaching of a particular saint or mystic, each chapter helps us grow in a different aspect of holiness, of intimacy with God. Archbishop Hughes offers an itinerary for becoming a good disciple of the Lord, giving the reader access to an impressive spiritual library that can support and strengthen progress in discipleship throughout one’s life.

Among the great saints and spiritual writers whose writings are included in this book are Augustine, Anthony of the Desert, Aelred, Teresa of Avila, Benedict, Guigo, Catherine of Siena, Walter Hilton, Francis de Sales, Ignatius of Loyola, Jean-Pierre de Caussade, Thomas à Kempis, and John of the Cross.”

About the Author

Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes, a native of Boston, was ordained a priest in 1957. Having secured a doctorate in Spiritual Theology at the Gregorian University, he served in parish, seminary and administrative roles in Boston. Pope St. John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Baton Rouge in 1993 and Archbishop of New Orleans in 2002. As Emeritus, he now serves at Notre Dame Seminary.

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Adam English – The Saint Who Would Be Santa on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of Inside the Pages, Kris McGregor talks to Dr. Adam English about his book, The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra.

Exploring the historical figure of St. Nicholas, distinguishing him from the popularized Santa Claus; Dr. English explains that Nicholas was a Christian bishop in Asia Minor during the 3rd and 4th centuries, a time when Christianity transformed from a persecuted faith to the favored religion of the Roman Empire. Known for his generosity, justice, and pastoral care, Nicholas inspired stories like helping impoverished families with dowries, which later became the foundation for his association with gift-giving.

The book also talks about Nicholas’s role in combating paganism, supporting marriage, and advocating for orthodoxy at the Council of Nicaea.

The book can be found here

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. The True Identity of St. Nicholas
   How does understanding the historical St. Nicholas deepen your appreciation for his example of Christian virtue and service?
2. Generosity Beyond Our Walls
   How can you emulate St. Nicholas’s generosity by serving those outside your immediate family or community?
3. Celebrating St. Nicholas in Advent
   What traditions could you adopt or adapt to honor St. Nicholas’s feast day as part of your Advent and Christmas preparations?
4. Faith Amid Persecution
   How does St. Nicholas’s perseverance during intense persecution inspire you to remain faithful in challenging circumstances?
5. The Value of Marriage
   What lessons can you draw from St. Nicholas’s support for marriage as a good and noble estate in your own life or in guiding others?
6. Advocating for Orthodoxy
   How can St. Nicholas’s participation in the Council of Nicaea encourage you to defend and articulate your Catholic faith today?
7. Distinguishing Cultural Traditions
   What steps can you take to reconcile secular Christmas traditions with a deeper focus on Christ and St. Nicholas’s Christian legacy?
8. Integrating Faith and Action
   How can St. Nicholas’s life inspire you to integrate acts of charity with your spiritual growth and faith journey?

About the Book

“With his rosy cheeks and matching red suit–and ever-present elf and reindeer companions–Santa Claus may be the most identifiable of fantastical characters. But what do we really know of jolly old Saint Nicholas, “patron saint” of Christmastime? Ask about the human behind the suit, and the tale we know so well quickly fades into myth and folklore.

In The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus, religious historian Adam English tells the true and compelling tale of Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra. Around the fourth century in what is now Turkey, a boy of humble circumstance became a man revered for his many virtues. Chief among them was dealing generously with his possessions, once lifting an entire family out of poverty with a single–and secret–gift of gold, so legend tells. Yet he was much more than virtuous. As English reveals, Saint Nicholas was of integral influence in events that would significantly impact the history and development of the Christian church, including the Council of Nicaea, the destruction of the temple to Artemis in Myra, and a miraculous rescue of three falsely accused military officers. And Nicholas became the patron saint of children and sailors, merchants and thieves, as well as France, Russia, Greece, and myriad others.

Weaving together the best historical and archaeological evidence available with the folklore and legends handed down through generations, English creates a stunning image of this much venerated Christian saint. With prose as enjoyable as it is informative, he shows why the life–and death–of Nicholas of Myra so radically influenced the formation of Western history and Christian thought, and did so in ways many have never realized.”

About the Author

Adam C. English is Associate Professor of Religion at Campbell University where he teaches on the philosophy of religion, constructive theology, and the history of Christian thought. He lives near Raleigh, North Carolina.

The post IP#180 Adam English – The Saint Who Would Be Santa on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A Year of Daily Offerings by Fr. James Kubicki, S.J. on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of “Inside the Pages”, Fr. James Kubicki discusses his book, A Year of Daily Offerings: Giving Your Life to God One Day at a Time, which encourages believers to begin each day with a prayer of offering and reflect on how to live out the Eucharist in daily life.

Prayer is a response to God’s love and presence, which always comes first. Through brief reflections inspired by saints’ lives and writings, the book helps individuals integrate spiritual practices like discernment and examination, fostering a deeper relationship with Christ.

With challenges posed by modern distractions like technology, we must use discipline to prioritize spiritual growth, sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession, and the communal aspect of faith;  rooted in the “communion of saints.”

This book provides practical, concise reflections to fit into busy schedules, serving as both a standalone spiritual tool and a complement to other devotions.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. Daily Offering Practice
   How can I incorporate a daily offering prayer into my routine to dedicate my actions to God?
2. Responding to God’s Love
   In what ways can I better recognize and respond to God’s love in my life?
3. Learning from the Saints
   What aspects of a particular saint’s life inspire me to deepen my relationship with God?
4. Evening Reflection
   How can I review my day to see where I encountered God and how I responded to His presence?
5. Discerning God’s Presence
   Am I attentive to the movements of the Holy Spirit and the challenges God places before me throughout the day?
6. Managing Modern Distractions
   What steps can I take to reduce distractions from technology and create more space for prayer?
7. Living the Eucharist
   How can I make my daily life a reflection of the love and sacrifice I celebrate in the Eucharist?
8. Sacramental Life
   How do regular participation in the sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, shape my spiritual journey?
9. Building Spiritual Discipline
   What practical changes can I make to develop a more disciplined and consistent prayer life?
10. Communion and Community
    How can I better embrace the communal aspect of my faith, both in the Church and in my personal relationships?

From the book’s description:

“A daily offering of one’s life to God is an indispensable practice for every serious Catholic. In this book, Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., a longtime spiritual guide on Relevant Radio, presents a 366-day experience of morning offerings for busy laypeople. This rich array of reflections, based on the liturgical calendar and inspired by Ignatian spirituality, will help you develop—or reinvigorate—the habit of beginning each day by sincerely offering it to Christ.

For each day of the year, Fr. Kubicki offers a meditation based on the saint of the day or liturgical calendar, an offering prayer, and a “Daily Word” to help you recall the offering throughout the day. Each day concludes with a review question, based on the daily theme, inviting you to make an Examen.

Making and living a daily offering, uniting our everyday experience with the life of Christ—in imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary—can help strengthen each of us to take up his daily cross and live a Eucharistic life.”

About the Author

Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1983. He was the national director of the Apostleship of Prayer from 2003 to 2017. He currently leads retreats and parish missions while serving as a spiritual director at St. Francis de Sales Seminary in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

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Thomas Jacobi – How Saints Die by Fr. Antonio Maria Sicari on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

How Saints Die: 100 Stories of Hope is more about how to live than how to die.  With Ignatius Press editor, Thomas Jacobi, we discuss life and death, and the challenges of living a life which strives for holiness.  We discuss how the saints are great beacons of hope for the world and our essential companions for the spiritual journey.

Thomas Jacobi will say in our conversation:

“Each Saint is a unique revelation actually of the personality of God, in Christ. Each Saint is so different and each saint reveals something new that we didn’t or couldn’t see before about Christ, about God. And that’s why it’s so important to get to know the saints. They reveal to us who God is in a fresh and exciting way. So I would encourage people to pick up this book for that reason.”

We would agree with Thomas!

You can find the book here

From the book description:

“Italian Carmelite Antonio Maria Sicari’s vibrant biographies of saints—from Augustine to Catherine of Siena to Faustina Kowalska—have been read across Europe for decades. In How Saints Die, Sicari turns to the most difficult challenge in the life of a Christian: the hour of death.

What he uncovers in this darkest moment, however, is not desolation, but inexplicable joy. “I have recounted the death of many saints,” he writes, “but all of them have confirmed for me the truth of this ancient Christian intuition: in the death of a saint, it is death that dies!”

With in-depth research and a flair for storytelling, Sicari brings before our eyes the gracious last hours of one hundred men and women—lovers and martyrs, thinkers and workers, ancients and moderns, old men and teens. Included are Kateri Tekakwitha, Maximilian Kolbe, Mother Teresa, Thomas Aquinas, Josephine Bakhita, Jérôme Lejeune, Clare of Assisi, and many more. In each, a new shade of the divine light shines through.

Those seeking insight into the mystery of death and suffering will find in this book not only wisdom, but rich and realistic consolation.“

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Fr. Cassian Koenemann – The Grace of Nothingness on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Cassian Koenemann and Kris McGregor discuss the book The Grace of Nothingness, which explores the spiritual life of Blessed Columba Marmion. Fr. Koenemann shares how he initially resisted studying Marmion, but after Cardinal Burke’s persistent encouragement, he discovered Marmion’s profound teachings, especially through his book Christ the Life of the Monk.

Marmion, an Irish Benedictine monk, had a deep understanding of combining theological principles, such as Christ’s work in sanctifying individuals, with practical spiritual guidance. His teachings emphasized humility, prayer, and a reliance on God’s grace. His work, though not vast in volume, is rich in spiritual insight, especially his letters of spiritual direction, which guide individuals in their relationship with God.

A key theme is Marmion’s concept of “nothingness,” which highlights the paradox that while we are deeply loved by God, true spiritual growth comes from recognizing our dependence on His grace. This concept does not diminish personal value but encourages deeper humility and trust in God. Marmion’s spirituality also influenced St. Thérèse of Lisieux, especially in his reflections on God’s mercy.

Fr. Koenemann also addresses the modern struggle with control and self-reliance, advocating for surrender to God’s will and grace. Marmion’s spirituality is accessible and applicable for those seeking a deeper relationship with God, whether in monastic life or everyday situations.

To obtain a copy of the book, visit here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. How do I approach spiritual growth in my life?
   Reflect on whether you rely on your own efforts or open yourself to God’s grace for sanctification.
2. What role does humility play in my relationship with God?
   Consider how accepting your “nothingness” before God can deepen your dependence on His will and grace.
3. Am I listening to God with the ear of my heart?
   Examine how well you balance intellect and heart in discerning God’s voice and applying it to your life.
4. Do I recognize God’s mercy in my life?
   Reflect on how you acknowledge and respond to God’s constant work in sanctifying and blessing you.
5. How do I understand the balance between personal dignity and humility?
   Contemplate how you navigate your worth as God’s beloved while embracing a humble, selfless disposition.
6. Am I open to suffering as a means of grace?
   Think about your attitude toward suffering and whether you trust God to bring good from painful experiences.
7. How do I live out humility in my interactions with others?
   Evaluate your relationships and whether you express humility, service, and love in your community.

“The Grace of ‘Nothingness’ is a work of deep and sober reflection. What it reveals to us of Columba Marmion’s vision, however, is as fresh and surprising as the Gospel itself. Here we find, in the understanding of ‘nothingness,’ not the least hint of anything mandarin or esoteric, but a theme that focuses attention on the unique, saving grace of Christ. Fr Cassian complements his study with a helpful overview of the centuries of reflection on the theme of ‘nothingness’ in the writings of Catholic saints and mystics. This work is without question a truly insightful contribution to spiritual theology.”

—FR. PAUL MURRAY, OP
author of A Journey with Jonah

 “St John of the Cross says that at the summit of the spiritual life there is ‘nothing.’ This introduction to the theme of ‘nothingness’ in the writings of Abbot Marmion offers fresh insights into this demanding feature of Christian life.”

—FR. CHRISTOPHER JAMISON, OSB
Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation

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Anthony DeStefano – 30 Days to Your New Life on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of Inside the Pages, Kris McGregor interviews Anthony DeStefano about his book 30 Days to Your New Life: A Guide to Transforming Yourself from Head to Soul. Anthony DeStefano outlines how the book blends self-help strategies with Christian principles, aiming to provide a balanced approach to personal transformation. While secular self-help programs can be beneficial, they often fall short because they focus too much on self-reliance and neglect spiritual aspects.

This book guides readers through daily reflections over 30 days, starting with fundamental routines like tidying up and building momentum through small actions. This approach is meant to ease readers into lasting habits that foster both physical and spiritual well-being. The book moves through various levels of personal development, incorporating ideas like redemptive suffering and grounding one’s routines in faith practices. By combining spiritual disciplines with practical life skills, he aims to help readers face life’s challenges more resiliently, emphasizing that true peace and fulfillment require both effort and reliance on God’s grace.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. Importance of God’s Role in Self-Improvement: How can you incorporate God’s guidance into your daily routines and personal development goals?
2. Balance of Prayer and Action: In what ways can you ensure both prayer and practical action are present in your approach to life’s challenges?
3. Personal Momentum in Faith: What small, consistent actions can you take to build spiritual and physical momentum toward positive change?
4. The Role of Suffering: How can you offer up your suffering and unite it with Christ’s, seeing it as a form of redemptive prayer?
5. Daily Prioritization of God: How can you make your first thoughts and actions each day a reflection of putting God first?
6. Physical and Spiritual Health Connection: What changes can you make to improve your physical health that will also positively impact your spiritual life?
7. Order and Discipline in Daily Life: How can you create a more ordered, stable daily routine that reflects a commitment to both work and prayer?
8. Seeing Mass as a Source of Grace: How does attending Mass help you connect to Christ’s sacrifice, and how can you better appreciate it as a source of strength?
9. Redemptive Power of Small Actions: What small, seemingly mundane actions can you offer to God each day to grow in holiness?
10. Sharing Faith-Based Self-Help with Others: Who in your life might benefit from an approach to self-improvement that includes spiritual principles, and how can you share it with them?

You can find the book here.

From the book description:

“Happiness. Everyone wants it, but not everyone has it–or knows how to get it. According to a recent Harris poll, only 1 in 3 Americans describes himself as happy. Researchers have dubbed this the “most stressed” of all generations, despite its economic prosperity and technological advances. Anthony DeStefano, bestselling author of A Travel Guide to Heaven and Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To, addresses this problem head-on in his freshly rewritten book, 30 Days to Your New Life, by striving to bring the joy of Heaven down to Earth right now.

Many self-help books explore the subject of happiness, but one important ingredient always seems to be missing: God. In this no-nonsense, refreshingly direct book, DeStefano bridges the gap between personal development programs and Christian/Catholic spirituality. The result is a wake-up call to readers; an outcome-based motivational guide to living life to its fullest–and holiest. DeStefano’s practical, pull-no-punches, approach to popular theology has been described as “Tony Robbins meets Thomas Aquinas.”

With candor and simplicity, DeStefano presents an easy-to-follow framework for attaining lifelong peace and fulfillment, as well as (more importantly) eternal happiness in Heaven. The path proposed by DeStefano encourages consistent, purposeful and prayerful action on the part of the reader, and offers genuine hope to everyone, from ambivalent agnostics to engaged evangelicals to the most fervent of Catholics.

This is a book about getting results, about breaking out of self-delusion and taking small, practical steps to transform your life from head to soul. The author believes that as more and more people today struggle with depression and loneliness, self-help programs need to be less about “self-help” and more about “God’s help.” God, after all, is the Author of life. He knows what will make us happy–and what won’t.

DeStefano utilizes the best personal development tools available, but balances and corrects them with Bible-based, faith-filled, time-tested, sacramental, Catholic principles. No matter how terrible your circumstances may be or how many times you’ve failed to achieve your goals in the past, this book will work for you.”

About the Author: Anthony DeStefano is the bestselling author of over twenty-five Christian books for adults and children. His books have been published in eighteen different countries and twelve different languages and have been endorsed by The National Day of Prayer committee as well as many prominent religious leaders and mainstream celebrities. He has appeared on the 700 Club, Fox and Friends, CNN, Huckabee, and hundreds of other national and local media shows. He has also been the host of two television series on Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), as well as a frequent guest on that network. A Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Anthony is an avid pilot and lives in New Jersey with his wife, Jordan.

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