Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts podcast

31:50

The Oasis of Lent – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss various aspects of marriage, spirituality, and the role of Christ in relationships. Life is a continuous response to God’s love, with the ultimate fulfillment found in heaven. While perfection may not be attainable, continual growth in yielding to Christ leads to spiritual improvement over time. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Understanding Continuous Growth : How does Deacon Keating describe the concept of life as a continual response to God’s love? What does he emphasize regarding the attainment of perfection? Perfectionism in Relationships : What are the dangers associated with perfectionism in relationships, according to Deacon Keating? How does he suggest overcoming these challenges through spirituality and prayer? Importance of Intercessory Prayer : Why does Deacon Keating underscore the significance of intercessory prayer within marriage? How does he envision spouses supporting each other’s spiritual development? Sacramental Marriage as a Vocation : What parallels does Deacon Keating draw between sacramental marriage and Christ’s sacrificial love on the cross? How does he advocate for thorough spiritual preparation for marriage? Prioritizing Relationship with God : According to Deacon Keating, why is it essential for couples to prioritize their relationship with God in marriage? How does he emphasize the transformative potential of Christ’s love in relationships? An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion” : “Moral conversion occurs in ordinary experience when we hit a wall or break through one. In other words, moral conversion can be ignited when we reach our limits and experience failure or finitude, or it can be ushered in when we transcend our limits and go beyond the self. We transcend the self by falling in love and/ or following the prompting of conscience at the cost of our own ego. The traditional disciplines of Lent— prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, as well as communal worship — aim at fostering or preparing a person to welcome such limiting or breakthrough experiences. Most importantly, we are prepared to receive the truths known in these experiences, since we can rarely, if ever, orchestrate them. More than likely, we are taken up into such experiences, and our preparation beforehand can enhance our acceptance of the truths they carry. (In regards to communal worship) …We usually imagine worship as a break in our secular lives, or sometimes even an obstacle to achieving other goals. With this attitude, worship is sometimes simply seen as “time out” from what is really important. Without denying the importance of secular realities for the laity, could we look at worship in another way? Worship is not an obstacle to daily living; it is not time off from more vital realities. Worship is, in fact, the great doorway into all that is both secular and holy. It is our way into real living. In worship, we find the great integration of the simple, ordinary, and plain (people, bread, wine, words) with the holy and transcendent (paschal mystery, incarnation, grace, transformation, salvation). The call of the laity is to carry into each day of work and domestic commitment the truth that the ordinary and the holy are not opposed. Only sin and the holy are opposed. Lenten worship services help us bring this truth to the world. The more we come to see the presence of Christ in worship as a presence that permeates our being in the world, the more we will hunger to participate in worship as the source of our moral witness in everyday life. The Eucharist primarily is our participation in Christ’s Paschal Mystery, which is his self-offering to the Father, both in his life and upon the cross, and is also the Father’s response in raising him from the dead. Christ came to us; he came to dwell upon Earth and take on created goodness so that all in creation that is not good (sin) may be transformed by his presence, by grace. We too, in communion with him through the grace of the sacramental life, fill the ordinary world with his presence and become witnesses to this salvation through virtue and grace cooperating in moral activity.” 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 The post CTD6 – The Oasis of Lent – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
SC-5 – The 12th, 13th, and 14th Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating 28:48

26 днів тому28:48

28:48

Episode 5 -Stations of the Cross: Reflections with Deacon James Keating – Deacon Keating guides us through the 12th station (Jesus dies on the Cross), the 13th station (Jesus is taken down from the Cross and laid in the arms of His mother), and the 14th station (Jesus is placed in the tomb) along the Way of the Cross. 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. More episodes of Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page Deacon Keating is also the author of: You can find the book here . From the book description: 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. The post SC-5 – The 12th, 13th, and 14th Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
CTD5 – Leaving the Desert – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast 31:46

28 днів тому31:46

31:46

Leaving the Desert – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor explore Lent’s significance, urging introspection and acknowledgment of sin. Deacon Keating highlights society’s loss of this sense, attributing it partly to psychology’s influence. This reminds us of personal responsibility and freedom in recognizing sin; especially cultural desensitization to sin, emphasizing intentional conscience formation through spiritually grounded fellowship. They advocate for gentle yet firm engagement on moral issues to foster genuine community within parishes. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Lenten Self-Reflection: How can you deepen your introspection during Lent to identify areas of sin in your life? Responsibility and Freedom: Reflect on how you balance acknowledging external influences with taking personal responsibility for your actions. Desensitization to Sin: How can you guard against societal desensitization to sin, especially in media and cultural norms? Intentional Conscience Formation: In what ways can you intentionally cultivate a spiritually grounded fellowship to form your conscience? Engaging on Moral Issues: How can you engage in conversations about moral issues with both gentleness and firmness, guided by love? Fostering Community in Parishes: What steps can you take to foster genuine community within your parish, where faith is shared and nurtured collectively? An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion” : “Celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation is, for many Catholics, a most daunting prospect. This sacrament has been the source of many jokes, composed perhaps by persons seeking to reduce the level of stress they feel regarding one of its main components: naming personal sin. The naming of one’s own sin to oneself and to a priest is self-revelatory to the point of evoking anxiety. Initially, it can be true that some level of apprehension may accompany this sacrament, but over time with regular celebration of this form of worship, anxiety diminishes. Most positively the sacrament of reconciliation promotes truthful self-knowledge regarding sin in the context of Christ’s saving presence. Once someone experiences both the naming of sin and the reception of God’s mercy in this sacrament, he or she actually begins to celebrate this sacrament and see it as a great gift from Christ and his Church.” 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 The post CTD5 – Leaving the Desert – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
SC-4 – The 9th, 10th, and 11th Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating 29:19

5 weeks тому29:19

29:19

Episode 4 -Stations of the Cross: Reflections with Deacon James Keating – The Stations of the Cross – one of the most powerful devotionals alive in the heart of the Church. Reflecting and deeply meditating on the Passion of the Christ, Deacon Keating guides us through the 9th station (Jesus fall a 3rd time), the 10th station (Jesus is stripped of His garments), and the 11th station (Jesus is nailed to the Cross) along the Way of the Cross. For other episodes in the “ Stations of the Cross” series click here 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. More episodes of Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page Deacon Keating is also the author of: You can find the book here . From the book description: 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. The post SC-4 – The 9th, 10th, and 11th Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
CTD4 – The Desert of Sin – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast 28:58

5 weeks тому28:58

28:58

The Desert of Sin – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss the concept of the “Desert of Sin”: the idea that sin, while providing some form of consolation, ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness and turmoil. Dcn. Keating emphasizes the importance of patience in the process of personal and spiritual transformation, particularly in dealing with others who may not share the same level of spiritual fervor. He warns against the temptation to become impatient or frustrated when others do not respond as expected, stressing the need to trust in God’s timing for their conversion. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Reflection on the Desert of Sin: How do we recognize the mirage of sin in our lives and understand its inability to provide true fulfillment? How can we invite Jesus into our “desert” of sin to offer us real life? Patience in Personal Growth: Reflect on the virtue of patience in your spiritual journey. How can impatience hinder our own progress and potentially lead to despair? How can we cultivate patience with ourselves and others as we strive for spiritual maturity? Living Virtuously in Response to God’s Love: Consider the idea that receiving God’s love should naturally lead to loving God in return through virtuous living. How can we demonstrate our love for God through our actions and choices in daily life? Role of Saints as Models of Holiness: Reflect on the lives of the saints as mirrors of hope. How can studying their examples help us understand the path to holiness and deepen our own relationship with God? Embracing Joy through God’s Love: Explore the concept of joy as a result of receiving God’s love. How does this joy differ from superficial happiness, and how can we experience it more fully in our lives? An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion” : “Any moral conversion, if it is to be real, must work its way into our minds and hearts. The conversion we undergo is one that transforms our entire person, and so our thought processes, habits, perceptions, and affections all become realigned to a new way of seeing good and evil Patience with ourselves, as well as with ohters who are also in the midst of conversion, becomes the key virtue to cultivate. God knows we are on the right track once we embrace such a conversion, and so being gentle on ourselves is not a sign of laxity or weakness of will, but a sign of wisdom. Of course, the start of a moral conversion can be dramatic and jumpstart a change, but over the long haul of life, the heart of a person must be fully cooperative; otherwise, the person will not adhere to the moral truth for long.” 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 The post CTD4 – The Desert of Sin – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
SC-3 – The 6th, 7th, and 8th Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating 30:12

6 weeks тому30:12

30:12

Episode 3 -Stations of the Cross: Reflections with Deacon James Keating The Stations of the Cross – one of the most powerful devotionals alive in the heart of the Church. Reflecting and deeply meditating on the Passion of the Christ, Deacon Keating guides us through the 6th station (Veronica wipes the face of Jesus), the 7th station (Jesus falls a 2nd time), and the 8th station (Jesus encounters the women of Jerusalem) along the Way of the Cross. 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 The post SC-3 – The 6th, 7th, and 8th Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
CTD3 – Waiting in the Desert – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts 26:29

6 weeks тому26:29

26:29

Waiting in the Desert – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss Lent as a time of vulnerability to God’s mercy, emphasizing bringing sin into Christ’s light for liberation. They contrast morality’s true freedom with sin’s chains and highlight Christ’s presence in our struggles. Deacon Keating gives us of a message of hope, reassuring listeners that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and mercy. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Lenten Focus : How does Deacon Keating suggest shifting focus during Lent from a mere “to-do list” approach to one of vulnerability and openness to God’s mercy? Recognizing Sin : According to the podcast, what is the significance of bringing hidden truths and sins into the light of Christ during Lent? Morality and Freedom : Describe the relationship between morality and true freedom, as discussed in the episode. Christ’s Presence : How does Deacon Keating emphasize Christ’s accompaniment through the Lenten journey, drawing parallels with Jesus’ experience in the desert? Message of Hope : Summarize the final message of hope conveyed by Deacon Keating in the conclusion of the episode. An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion” : “The ancient image of Lent as a time of withdrawal is relevant to the formation of conscience if we perceive that our consciences have been inordinately attached to anemic sources of influence. Christians are called to transform the world of culture, work, and politics according to the truths learned through Christ in the Church. It is a powerful and dignified calling. Lent affords us a good opportunity to repent of those habits, attitudes, or behaviors that reflect a preoccupation with the secular. Thus devoid of the religious, we are then called to eagerly respond to our faith and imbue the secular with religious and ethical meaning. To do less than this is to render our baptisms impotent and meaningless.” 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 The post CTD3 – Waiting in the Desert – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
SC-2 – The 3rd and 4th Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast 25:59

7 weeks тому25:59

25:59

Episode 2 -Stations of the Cross: Reflections with Deacon James Keating The Stations of the Cross – one of the most powerful devotionals alive in the heart of the Church. Reflecting and deeply meditating on the Passion of the Christ, Deacon Keating guides us through the 3rd station (Jesus falls the first time), the 4th station (Jesus encounters His Blessed Mother), and the 5th station (Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry the Cross) along the Way of the Cross. For other episodes in the “ Stations of the Cross” series click here 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. More episodes of Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page Deacon Keating is also the author of: You can find the book here . From the book description: 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. The post SC-2 – The 3rd and 4th Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
CTD2 – The Desert of Ordinary Life – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts 28:17

7 weeks тому28:17

28:17

The Desert of Ordinary Life – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss integrating faith into daily life, warning against separating religion from ordinary activities. They stress the need for vulnerability in worship to avoid routine and self-centeredness. Lent offers opportunities for spiritual growth, including reconciliation and stations of the cross. They lament the decline of shame and public judgment in society, emphasizing the community’s role in upholding moral truth. The Eucharist brings peace and transforms individuals, impacting society through witness. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Integration of Faith : How can we ensure that our faith is not compartmentalized but integrated into every aspect of our daily lives? Vulnerability in Worship : Reflect on times when worship has felt routine or self-centered. How can we cultivate vulnerability and openness to God during worship? Lenten Practices : In what ways can Lenten practices such as reconciliation and stations of the cross deepen our relationship with God? Decline of Shame : What are the implications of the decline of shame and public judgment in contemporary society for moral behavior and community life? Role of Community : How can communities uphold moral truth while respecting individual conscience and freedom? Transformative Power of the Eucharist : Reflect on the transformative power of the Eucharist in bringing peace and impacting society through witness. An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion” : “The only location for God to interact with us is deep within the ordinariness of our days. We are called to cherish the ordinary day, not because of its routine or common features, but because within this daily forum God reaches us through others, through worship, charity, and our relational commitments. Our daily lives carry an invitation from God to become morally good and holy; it is the only medium through which this invitation can come. Cherish the days.” – Keating, James (2012-07-20). Liguori Publications. Kindle Edition. 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 The post CTD2 – The Desert of Ordinary Life – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
SC-1 – The 1st and 2nd Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast 29:45

8 weeks тому29:45

29:45

The 1st and 2nd Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating Deacon James Keating reflects on the Stations of the Cross as a profound meditation on Christ’s suffering and its connection to human woundedness. Through this devotion, believers unite their burdens with Christ, allowing His love to transform their struggles into a path of salvation. The first station, Jesus’ condemnation, reveals His silent acceptance of injustice, a model for enduring suffering in communion with God. Pilate represents those who reject truth for self-preservation, while Jesus remains steadfast in His mission. His silence before Pilate and His choice to embrace the cross demonstrate perfect love, teaching that God enters even the darkest places of human suffering to ensure no one is abandoned. As Jesus receives the cross, Dcn. Keating highlights medieval writings that portray Him as willingly taking it, seeing it as the culmination of His love for humanity. His embrace of suffering stands in contrast to human tendencies to resist crosses in life. The lack of compassion from those placing the cross on Him reflects the tendency to project guilt onto others rather than face personal sin. Jesus receives every aspect of human experience, including jeers and rejection, so that all may be reconciled in His love. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions How does uniting our personal burdens with Christ’s suffering in the Stations of the Cross deepen our understanding of redemption? In what ways do we, like Pilate, struggle to acknowledge and stand by the truth when it challenges our self-interest? How does Jesus’ silence before His accusers reveal the depth of His love and obedience to the Father? What fears or attachments keep us from embracing our own crosses with trust in God’s will? How does Jesus’ willingness to carry the cross inspire us to accept suffering as a means of sanctification? In what areas of our lives have we “washed our hands” of responsibility instead of courageously choosing truth? How can we cultivate a spirit of humility and surrender, following Jesus’ example in His Passion? What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us bear our own trials with faith and perseverance? How does reflecting on Jesus’ rejection and suffering help us approach our own experiences of betrayal and loneliness? In what ways can we pray for the grace to receive and carry our crosses with the same love that Christ showed? 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 The post SC-1 – The 1st and 2nd Stations – Stations of the Cross with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
CTD1 – The Desert of Consumerism – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts 28:08

8 weeks тому28:08

28:08

The Desert of Consumerism – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating In this episode, Deacon James Keating and Kris McGregor discuss Lent as a spiritual oasis in life’s desert, where distractions of consumerism often obscure our deeper needs. Deacon Keating reminds us of Lent’s call to surrender to God’s providence, confront loneliness, and find simplicity. He highlights how modern culture fosters busyness to avoid facing inner realities. Lent offers a chance to deepen relationships, encounter God, and break free from the cycle of distraction and emptiness. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions Understanding Lent’s Purpose : How does Deacon Keating describe Lent’s intended purpose as an oasis in life’s desert of consumerism and routine? Reflection on Cultural Distractions : What insight does Deacon Keating provide regarding the distractions of modern culture and their impact on spiritual awareness during Lent? The Paradox of Surrender : Explain Deacon Keating’s perspective on the fear of surrendering to God’s providence and the discomfort it may bring. Embracing Simplicity : How does Deacon Keating propose embracing simplicity during Lent can lead to a deeper encounter with God and transformation? Confronting Loneliness and Pain : Discuss Deacon Keating’s view on the avoidance of loneliness and pain in modern society, and how Lent offers an opportunity to confront these realities. The Invitation to Deepen Relationships : According to Deacon Keating, how does Lent invite individuals to deepen relationships within the Catholic community and experience God’s healing presence? Breaking Free from Distraction : Summarize Deacon Keating’s message regarding Lent’s role in breaking free from the cycle of distraction and emptiness perpetuated by consumer culture. An excerpt from “Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion” : “Lent wants to remind us of our real identity. At first appearance a seeming “obligation,” Lent is actually a great gift. Are we brave enough to enter this desert, and then let it affect us so deeply as to turn us away from sin and false identities, turn us toward communion with the living God? The Church presents this season to us every year because it is hoped that this year will be our year to say “Yes” to Lent’s call to repentance. Lent should not be something we go through alone, but together. As the Hebrews wandered the desert for forty years, so we should enter Lent through the ecclesial community and share its challenges with brothers and sisters in Christ. Lent should not be what the elderly man in the barbershop characterized as “life as usual.” With our goal being moral conversion, let us now turn to see how God can facilitate that conversion when we take on a “lenten mind.” Keating, James (2012-07-20). Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion (Kindle Locations 200-207). Liguori Publications. Kindle Edition. 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 The post CTD1 – The Desert of Consumerism – Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
The Gift of Holiness – Advent Retreat Reflection by Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast 17:38

19 weeks тому17:38

17:38

The Gift of Holiness – Advent Retreat Reflection by Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Deacon James Keating reflects on the spiritual journey of focusing on “the one thing necessary,” inspired by the story of the Magi in Matthew 2, and the human tendency to be attracted to many distractions and how the saints exemplify unwavering commitment to God despite their struggles. The sacrament of reconciliation, spiritual direction, and the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent help us to purify our hearts and draw us closer to God. Holiness brings interior quiet, freedom, and simplicity, which are cultivated through deep participation in the Eucharist and attentiveness to God’s presence in daily life. With the pervasive “spirit of distraction” in modern culture we must resist despair by embracing the ideals of faith. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions What Attracts Your Heart? Reflect on the things that draw your attention and whether they lead you closer to God or distract you from Him. Are You Focused on the One Thing Necessary? Examine how well you prioritize your relationship with Christ amidst the chaos and distractions of life. How Do You Respond to Spiritual Restlessness? Consider whether you seek peace through deeper communion with God or turn to worldly solutions that fail to satisfy. Do You Allow the Eucharist to Transform You? Evaluate the depth of your participation in the Eucharist and its ability to bring quiet, freedom, and simplicity to your soul. How Do You Handle Distractions and Temptations? Reflect on your willingness to notice distracting thoughts and redirect them to Christ through prayer and trust. Are You Embracing the Ideals of Faith? Ask yourself whether you welcome the challenging yet uplifting ideals of the Gospel or allow discouragement to pull you away. What Treasure Are You Offering to Christ? Consider how you can, like the magi, pour out your life as a gift to Christ in gratitude and surrender. 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 The post The Gift of Holiness – Advent Retreat Reflection by Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
AR#12 – St. Therese and the Present Moment – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. 1:56

20 weeks тому1:56

1:56

St. Therese of Lisieux said the following: “If I did not simply live from one moment to another, it would be impossible for me to be patient. But I only look at the present. I forget the past, and I take good care not to forestall the future.” In these remarks, St. Therese is trying to point to the truth that is buried deep within the Christian revelation. God only lives in the present moment. He holds all time together in the present. For ourselves, we get lost many times in the past, which could breed nostalgia and grief. Or we anxiously and fearfully try to make the present come quicker. This Advent, ask the Lord for the grace to live in the present so that our gratitude towards all that He is giving us now will deepen. And in our deepening gratitude, will be born a new fervor for worship. For worship is the fruit of the grateful heart. 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. We highly recommend – The Eucharist and the Hope of Conversion with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Discerning Hearts Podcast For more from Deacon James Keating check out his “Discerning Heart” page The post AR#12 – St. Therese and the Present Moment – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
AR#11- The Grace to Be Meek – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. 2:01

20 weeks тому2:01

2:01

The patient one is also the meek one. In meekness, we have received God’s love so deeply, that we securely possess our own identities. Meekness is not weakness or some type of emotional withdrawal. To be meek, is to have suffered the coming of God’s love so deeply in our hearts, that we finally know who we are. And so we are no longer motivated to act or to choose out of fear or anxiety. These latter are the hallmark of impatient men. Impatient men choose out of fear or anxiety because they choose to relieve their fear, to console and to diminish their fear. But in the meantime, acting out of fear negates the power of their acting, as it flows only from weakness, and not the strength of being in communion with God. This Advent, let us ask for the grace to be meek. The grace to receive his love so deeply, that we finally come to fully possess our identity and banish from our lives all actions that are born in fear or anxiety. 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. We highly recommend – The Eucharist and the Hope of Conversion with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Discerning Hearts Podcast For more from Deacon James Keating check out his “Discerning Heart” page The post AR#11- The Grace to Be Meek – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
AR#10 – Receiving Love Deeply – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. 2:10

20 weeks тому2:10

2:10

In the area of the new evangelization, we need to receive more in prayer. Even more than give witness to an action or word. The deeper we receive his love in prayer, the fewer our words will have to be to have great effect. God’s harvest awaits those who have received His love deeply. And for those who have received his love deeply, they bring forth great fruit. This Advent, let us overcome our impatience to want to spread the Gospel in haste. Let us first spend time deeply receiving the Gospel ourselves, so that the living word of God will transform our hearts, and we may become not simply people who carry words, or actions; witnessing to the love of God. But that we ourselves may become instances of the word of the love our God Himself. We ourselves may become, in our bodies, icons of the love of God. This Advent, let’s deepen our capacity to receive God’s love in prayer and then become this love. The love that the new evangelization is crying out for. 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. We highly recommend – The Eucharist and the Hope of Conversion with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Discerning Hearts Podcast For more from Deacon James Keating check out his “Discerning Heart” page The post AR#10 – Receiving Love Deeply – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
AR#9 – The True Way of Love – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. 1:41

20 weeks тому1:41

1:41

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> The impatient one, above all, desires to speed up time and to get what he wants, when he wants it. In this way, impatience is related to violence. Whereas patience takes suffering upon the self. The impatient one makes others suffer. The patient one suffers for the sake of others. This Advent , the one who suffered for our sake, will come and take on flesh; be born into our world and teach all of us the true way of love. It is not to be impatient, but to suffer for the sake of others. To suffer for the goodness of others. To suffer for what benefits others. Jesus, who lives within all Christians, moves the heart to this new kind of patience. Let us welcome it, and make choices that further the welfare of others. 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. We highly recommend – The Eucharist and the Hope of Conversion with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Discerning Hearts Podcast For more from Deacon James Keating check out his “Discerning Heart” page The post AR#9 – The True Way of Love – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
AR#8 – The Art of Waiting – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. 1:20

20 weeks тому1:20

1:20

I will wait, and wait, and wait with the Lord. I will wait with and in the Lord, rather than violate charity. Wanting to speed up time, and make things happen now is a violation of charity. It does violence to the nature of things. But the patient person keeps a perspective that is beyond expedient. Beyond what is immediate, and sees before him or her, all what serves love. This Advent, let’s ask for the grace to serve only what promotes love. 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. We highly recommend – The Eucharist and the Hope of Conversion with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Discerning Hearts Podcast For more from Deacon James Keating check out his “Discerning Heart” page The post AR#8 – The Art of Waiting – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
AR#7 – Confidence in God – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast 1:47

20 weeks тому1:47

1:47

AR#7 – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating, Ph.D. Since we are God’s creation, we have come from God and we are returning to God; God has great confidence in His own grace. He has great confidence that his love for us can change us. He knows that we can make progress and be restored to spiritual and moral health. Do you have confidence in God? Do you trust God? Always desiring to restore you, once again, to happiness and interior peace. Advent is a time to be restored. Primarily, the church is asking us to be restored through the sacramental life. Advent is a time to come back to Church; come back to the Mass; come back to the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation, where God is confidently waiting for you, knowing that you can make progress and be restored to spiritual health. And to taste, once again, His happiness that He shares with you. 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. We highly recommend – The Eucharist and the Hope of Conversion with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Discerning Hearts Podcast For more from Deacon James Keating check out his “Discerning Heart” page The post AR#7 – Confidence in God – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts .…

Deacon James Keating PhD - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

1
AR#6 – Do Not Lose Courage – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast 1:30

21 weeks тому1:30