Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts

 Saturday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide – 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 According to St. John 15:18-21 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If the world hates you, remember that it hated me before you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you do not belong to the world, because my choice withdrew you from the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the words I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too; if they kept my word, they will keep yours as well. But it will be on my account that they will do all this, because they do not know the one who sent me.’ What word made this passage come alive for you? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If the world hates you, remember that it hated me before you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you do not belong to the world, because my choice withdrew you from the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the words I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too; if they kept my word, they will keep yours as well. But it will be on my account that they will do all this, because they do not know the one who sent me.’ What did your heart feel as you listened? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If the world hates you, remember that it hated me before you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you do not belong to the world, because my choice withdrew you from the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the words I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too; if they kept my word, they will keep yours as well. But it will be on my account that they will do all this, because they do not know the one who sent me.’ 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 Saturday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 4 – Extraordinary Activity – Put on The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D In this episode of Put on the Armor: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, Dr. Paul Thigpen and Kris McGregor turn to the subject of extraordinary demonic activity and the Church’s response to it. Dr. Thigpen explains the distinctions often made between infestation, oppression, obsession and possession, while carefully stressing that these realities are far less common than ordinary temptation and must never be approached in a sensational or reckless way. He emphasizes the wisdom of the Church in requiring discernment, medical evaluation when needed and the guidance of trained priests and appointed exorcists. This conversation helps listeners understand that knowledge of the battle is important, but curiosity or spiritual bravado can open the door to serious danger. At the heart of the episode is a strong call to humility, order and trust in Christ’s authority working through His Church. Dr. Thigpen and Kris McGregor reflect on the difference between prayers that ask God for deliverance and those that directly address demonic powers, underscoring why authority matters in spiritual warfare. The discussion also highlights the strength given through baptismal identity, the sacraments, sacramentals, Scripture, prayer and the protection of the domestic church. The tone remains deeply hopeful throughout. Christians are not left helpless before evil. Christ has given His people real spiritual weapons and the Church stands ready to help those who suffer, always drawing them back toward healing, freedom and wholeness in Him. A SPECIAL NOTE: We mourn the death of Dr. Paul Thigpen on February 24, 2026. He was a good friend, supporter, and contributor to Discerning Hearts. We will miss him deeply and will continue to share his ministry with gratitude and prayer. Discerning Hearts questions for reflection Why is it important to distinguish ordinary temptation from extraordinary demonic activity? What did you find most helpful in Dr. Thigpen’s explanation of infestation, oppression, obsession and possession? Why does the Church insist on discernment and medical evaluation before concluding that a person is suffering demonic affliction? How does this episode challenge sensational or fear-based approaches to spiritual warfare? Why is humility so important when confronting evil? What is the difference between prayers asking God for deliverance and prayers that directly address demonic powers? How does the Church’s structure of authority protect both the afflicted person and those who are trying to help? What role do the sacraments and sacramentals play in spiritual protection? How does this episode strengthen your confidence in Christ’s care for those who suffer spiritual attack? Visit here for other episodes in this series: Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen, Ph.D. The “Manual for Spiritual Warfare” can be found here Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., was the Editor of TAN Books in Charlotte, North Carolina. An internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning journalist, Paul published forty-three books in a wide variety of genres and subjects: history and biography, spirituality and apologetics, anthologies and devotionals, family life and children’s books, study guides and reference works, and fiction and collections of poetry and prayers.  Paul graduated from Yale University in 1977, summa cum laude, with Distinction in Religious Studies and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was later awarded the George W. Woodruff Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned an M.A. (1993) and a Ph.D. (1995) in Historical Theology. In 1993, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the U.S. Department of Education. He has served on the faculty of several universities and colleges. In 2008, Paul was appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council for a four-year term. He served the Church as a theologian, historian, apologist, evangelist, and catechist in a number of settings, speaking frequently in Catholic and secular media broadcasts and at conferences, seminars, parish missions, and scholarly gatherings.   The post POA4 – Extraordinary Activity – Put On The Armor – A Manual for Spiritual Warfare w/Dr. Paul Thigpen Ph.D. – Discerning Hears Catholic Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

 Friday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide – 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 According to St. John 15:12-17 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you. A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know his master’s business; I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. You did not choose me: no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name. What I command you is to love one another.’ What word made this passage come alive for you? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you. A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know his master’s business; I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. You did not choose me: no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name. What I command you is to love one another.’ What did your heart feel as you listened? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you. A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know his master’s business; I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. You did not choose me: no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name. What I command you is to love one another.’ 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 Friday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

William Shakespeare  – Merchant of Venice and King Lear – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce In this episode of The Great Works in Western Literature, Joseph Pearce and Kris McGregor explore William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and King Lear, two plays that continue to challenge readers with their profound moral, philosophical, and spiritual depth. Pearce explains that The Merchant of Venice, often misunderstood in modern productions, is fundamentally a comedy rooted in themes of mercy, justice, sacrifice, and fidelity. Through the contrasting worlds of Venice and Belmont, Shakespeare presents a vision of the human person caught between materialism and transcendent truth. Meanwhile, King Lear unfolds as a tragedy of pride and suffering that ultimately opens toward humility, wisdom, and redemption through the faithful love of Cordelia. The discussion highlights Shakespeare’s remarkable ability to portray the human struggle between pride and humility, worldly ambition and sacrificial love. Pearce also emphasizes the importance of understanding Shakespeare within the context of his Catholic worldview and the religious tensions of Elizabethan and Jacobean England. Both plays reveal how suffering can become a path toward wisdom and conversion, while Shakespeare’s powerful female characters, especially Portia and Cordelia, embody virtue, intelligence, and spiritual insight. Far from being relics of another age, these dramas remain deeply relevant, inviting readers to reflect on justice, mercy, authority, conscience, and the enduring need for humility before God. You can purchase a copy of the book here. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions The Merchant of Venice contrasts mercy with strict justice. How does Portia’s “quality of mercy” speech challenge the way we respond to others? King Lear’s suffering leads him toward humility and wisdom. How can suffering become an opportunity for spiritual growth in our own lives? Cordelia refuses to flatter Lear falsely, even at great personal cost. What does her example teach us about truthfulness and integrity? Shakespeare presents Venice as a world focused on materialism and Belmont as a place of higher truth. What “Venice-like” distractions can pull us away from what truly matters? Lear discovers that power and possessions are ultimately temporary. How can humility help us hold worldly responsibilities more rightly? Both plays reveal the consequences of pride and the healing power of sacrificial love. Where do you see the need for greater humility and mercy in your own relationships? You can learn more about Joseph’s books, teaching, and writing by visiting his website Joseph Pearce: Celebrating the True, the Good and the Beautiful at jpearce.co A native of England, Joseph Pearce is the internationally acclaimed author of many books, which include bestsellers such as The Quest for Shakespeare, Tolkien: Man and Myth, The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis and The Catholic Church, Literary Converts, Wisdom and Innocence: A Life of G.K. Chesterton, Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile and Old Thunder: A Life of Hilaire Belloc. His books have been published and translated into Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Croatian, and Polish. He has hosted two 13-part television series about Shakespeare on EWTN, and has also written and presented documentaries on EWTN on the Catholicism of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. His verse drama, Death Comes for the War Poets, was performed off-Broadway to critical acclaim. He has participated and lectured at a wide variety of international and literary events at major colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Europe, Africa, and South America. He is a Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University and a Visiting Chair of Catholic Studies at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (Merrimack, New Hampshire). He is editor of the St. Austin Review, series editor of the Ignatius Critical Editions, senior instructor with Homeschool Connections, and senior contributor at the Imaginative Conservative and Crisis Magazine. His personal website is www.jpearce.co. The post GWWL11 – William Shakespeare – Merchant of Venice and King Lear – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

 Thursday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide – 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 According to St. John 15:9-11 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete.’ What word made this passage come alive for you? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete.’ What did your heart feel as you listened? What did you sense the Lord saying to you? Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete.’ 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 Thursday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.