"What am I to do?" - Discerning the Will of God in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, a Catholic priest and expert in Ignatian spirituality, dives deep into Christian decision-making. He emphasizes aligning choices with God's will through spiritual exercises like meditation and prayer. Utilizing relatable scenarios, he illustrates the importance of discerning between good and evil and prioritizing one’s vocation. Gallagher also discusses the significance of freeing oneself from attachments to better embrace divine guidance. Packed with practical steps, this conversation empowers listeners to make mindful daily decisions.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, a Catholic priest and expert in Ignatian spirituality, dives into the art of discernment in daily life. He discusses the importance of seeking God's will, whether in trivial choices like resolving a friend's tension or major decisions like marriage versus priesthood. Gallagher emphasizes that both good and significant sacrifices can lead to profound insights. With practical advice on combining prayer and reflection, he shares how God's guidance permeates our everyday decisions, illuminating the path to spiritual clarity.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, a priest and expert in the teachings of St. Ignatius, delves into the foundational principles of discerning God's will. He emphasizes the profound truth that we love because God first loved us, using real-life stories to highlight personal experiences of God’s love. Gallagher explores how recognizing this love allows individuals to seek their unique divine mission, illustrated through powerful encounters that foster openness to God's guidance. The discussion provides insights into the relationship aspect of discernment, preparing the heart for spiritual growth.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher, a Catholic priest and expert in Ignatian spirituality, joins Kris McGregor to explore the intricacies of discerning God’s will. They discuss the necessity of a strong foundational relationship with God, often compared to Mary’s readiness to accept His plan. Fr. Gallagher emphasizes that grace plays a vital role, making discernment lighter. He provides insights on the value of spiritual community and the centrality of the Eucharist, reassuring listeners that it’s never too late to seek God’s mercy and guidance.

Listening for God’s Voice – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the importance of praying with Scripture and embracing silence as spiritual means to aid in discernment and the transformative power of engaging with the Word of God daily, allowing individuals to develop an intimate knowledge of Christ and grow in love for Him. Through prayerful reflection on Scripture, one becomes attuned to the voice of God and gains clarity in discerning His will. Creating space for silence in one’s life, which enables individuals to hear God’s voice amidst the noise of the world. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions: The Role of Scripture in Discernment: How does praying with Scripture, as described by Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor, deepen our relationship with God and aid in discerning His will? Embracing Silence: Why is silence essential for discernment, and how can we create spaces of silence in our daily lives, despite the busyness of modern culture? The Universal Call to Holiness: What does the concept of the universal call to holiness entail, and how does it intersect with the specific discernment of vocations? Discerning Vocations: In what ways does discernment play a role in choosing a vocation, whether it be marriage, celibacy, priesthood, or religious life? Recognizing God’s Voice: How can individuals know that they have heard God’s voice clearly enough to discern His will in matters such as vocation or career choices? From The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions: “Three Times in which a Sound and Good Choice May Be Made The first time is when God Our Lord so moves and attracts the will that, without doubting or being able to doubt, the devout soul follows what is shown to it, as St. Paul and St. Matthew did in following Christ our Lord. The second time is when sufficient clarity and understanding is received through experience of consolations and desolations, and through experience of discernment of different spirits. The third time is one of tranquility, when one considers first for what purpose man is born, that is, to praise God our Lord and save his soul, and, desiring this, chooses as a means to this end some life or state within the bounds of the Church, so that he may be helped in the service of his Lord and the salvation of his soul. I said a tranquil time, that is, when the soul is not agitated by different spirits, and uses its natural powers freely and tranquilly. If the choice is not made in the first or second time, two ways of making it in this third time are given below.” Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page The post DWG5 – Listening for God’s Voice – The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Understanding Marriage and Priesthood – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the discernment of vocations, focusing primarily on marriage and priesthood/religious life. Marriage is a natural vocation inherent in human nature, while priesthood and religious life are supernatural callings. Fr. Gallagher notes that both vocations entail a spousal gift of self and fruitfulness, whether through physical or spiritual means. Using various stories, Fr. Gallagher showcases how some individuals inherently know their vocation to marriage without doubt, while others discern it through experiences and a deepening understanding of Christian marriage, advising those discerning marriage to deepen their Christian formation and human maturity. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions: Reflecting on the Nature of Vocations: How does Fr. Gallagher describe the distinction between natural vocations, such as marriage, and supernatural callings, like priesthood or religious life? How does he emphasize the importance of understanding these distinctions in discernment? Understanding the Sacrament of Marriage: What insights does Fr. Gallagher offer regarding the sacramentality of marriage? How does he explain the significance of marriage as a symbol of Christ’s love for the Church? Discerning the Call to Marriage: Based on the examples provided by Fr. Gallagher, what are some indicators that suggest an individual may be called to the vocation of marriage? How does he suggest deepening one’s understanding of marriage as a vocation? Deepening Christian Consciousness of Marriage: Fr. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of transitioning from a secular understanding of marriage to a Christian consciousness. How can individuals cultivate this deeper understanding, and why is it crucial in the discernment process? Growing in Human Formation: In what ways does Fr. Gallagher suggest individuals can grow in their emotional and human maturity? How might this growth contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling marriage? Gratitude for Vocations: Reflecting on Fr. Gallagher’s closing remarks, how can we express gratitude for the vocation of marriage and the gift of life provided by our parents? How does this gratitude inform our understanding of marriage as a call to holiness within the Church? From The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions: “Three Times in which a Sound and Good Choice May Be Made The first time is when God Our Lord so moves and attracts the will that, without doubting or being able to doubt, the devout soul follows what is shown to it, as St. Paul and St. Matthew did in following Christ our Lord. The second time is when sufficient clarity and understanding is received through experience of consolations and desolations, and through experience of discernment of different spirits. The third time is one of tranquility, when one considers first for what purpose man is born, that is, to praise God our Lord and save his soul, and, desiring this, chooses as a means to this end some life or state within the bounds of the Church, so that he may be helped in the service of his Lord and the salvation of his soul. I said a tranquil time, that is, when the soul is not agitated by different spirits, and uses its natural powers freely and tranquilly. If the choice is not made in the first or second time, two ways of making it in this third time are given below.” Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page The post DWG6 – Understanding Marriage and Priesthood – The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Understanding God’s Will – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor go into the process of discerning one’s vocation, this time focusing on the call to marriage. They discuss the importance of deepening one’s understanding of marriage as a Christian vocation and the significance of spiritual, human, and Christian formation in this journey. Fr. Gallagher talks about the need for growth in emotional maturity, spiritual life, and prayer, as well as seeking guidance and participating in retreats and community support. They also touch upon the challenges presented by contemporary cultural conditions in dating and social interactions, highlighting the importance of healing and strengthening oneself before entering into the discernment process. Fr. Gallagher shares insights from St. Ignatius of Loyola’s spiritual exercises, outlining three modes of discernment: clarity beyond doubting, attraction of the heart, and a preponderance of reasons. They illustrate these modes with personal stories and scriptural examples; the importance of trust in God’s providence and seeking guidance from spiritual directors or companions. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions: Understanding Marriage as a Christian Vocation: How can you deepen your understanding of marriage as a specifically Christian vocation? Emotional and Spiritual Formation: In what areas of your emotional and spiritual life do you feel you need growth or healing to prepare for discerning your vocation? Cultural Challenges in Dating: How do you navigate the challenges presented by contemporary cultural conditions in dating and social interactions as a faithful Catholic? Modes of Discernment: Reflect on times in your life when you have experienced clarity beyond doubting, attraction of the heart, or a preponderance of reasons in discerning God’s will. Trusting God’s Providence: How can you cultivate trust in God’s providence as you discern your vocation, especially in times of uncertainty or struggle? From The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions: “Three Times in which a Sound and Good Choice May Be Made The first time is when God Our Lord so moves and attracts the will that, without doubting or being able to doubt, the devout soul follows what is shown to it, as St. Paul and St. Matthew did in following Christ our Lord. The second time is when sufficient clarity and understanding is received through experience of consolations and desolations, and through experience of discernment of different spirits. The third time is one of tranquility, when one considers first for what purpose man is born, that is, to praise God our Lord and save his soul, and, desiring this, chooses as a means to this end some life or state within the bounds of the Church, so that he may be helped in the service of his Lord and the salvation of his soul. I said a tranquil time, that is, when the soul is not agitated by different spirits, and uses its natural powers freely and tranquilly. If the choice is not made in the first or second time, two ways of making it in this third time are given below.” Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page The post DWG7 – Understanding God’s Will – The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Two Modes of Discernment – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the first two modes of discernment. The first mode involves receiving clarity beyond doubting, where individuals experience an unquestionable sense of God’s call. Examples include Anne and Gary, who had unshakeable clarity in their vocations. Seeking guidance from a spiritual director is encouraged in such discernment. The second mode, discernment through the attraction of the heart, involves recognizing spiritual consolation and desolation. Spiritual consolation is marked by an uplifting sense of God’s presence, joy, and increased faith, hope, and charity. Examples from the lives of individuals like Raïssa Maritain and St. Thérèse of Lisieux illustrate this. On the other hand, spiritual desolation is characterized by heaviness, doubt, and a sense of separation from God. Fr. Gallagher reminds us of the importance of recognizing and rejecting spiritual desolation’s discouraging tactics. St. Ignatius’s own experience regarding the vow of poverty illustrates discernment through attraction, where sustained experiences of spiritual consolation lead to clarity in discerning God’s will. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions: Discerning God’s Call: How can we discern God’s will in our lives amidst the various choices and decisions we face? Spiritual Consolation and Desolation: What are some ways we can differentiate between spiritual consolation and desolation in our own spiritual experiences? Seeking Guidance: Why is it important to seek guidance from a wise spiritual director or mentor, especially during significant discernments? Recognizing God’s Voice: In what ways can we become more attuned to God’s voice and guidance in our lives, particularly during times of discernment? Patterns in Spiritual Experience: How can we recognize patterns in our spiritual experiences, such as consistent inclinations towards certain choices during times of consolation? Revisiting Spiritual Teachings: Why is it beneficial to revisit and deepen our understanding of spiritual teachings, such as those outlined in St. Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises? From The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions: “Three Times in which a Sound and Good Choice May Be Made The first time is when God Our Lord so moves and attracts the will that, without doubting or being able to doubt, the devout soul follows what is shown to it, as St. Paul and St. Matthew did in following Christ our Lord. The second time is when sufficient clarity and understanding is received through experience of consolations and desolations, and through experience of discernment of different spirits. The third time is one of tranquility, when one considers first for what purpose man is born, that is, to praise God our Lord and save his soul, and, desiring this, chooses as a means to this end some life or state within the bounds of the Church, so that he may be helped in the service of his Lord and the salvation of his soul. I said a tranquil time, that is, when the soul is not agitated by different spirits, and uses its natural powers freely and tranquilly. If the choice is not made in the first or second time, two ways of making it in this third time are given below.” Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page The post DWG8 – Two Modes of Discernment – The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Second Mode of Discernment – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the second mode of discernment according to St. Ignatius of Loyola. This mode involves a consistent attraction of the heart toward one option over a period of time, particularly during spiritual consolation. They examine an experience from St. Ignatius’s life where he discerned whether the Jesuits should continue living in radical poverty. Ignatius sought God’s guidance through Mass for 40 consecutive days, experiencing spiritual consolation and a consistent inclination toward radical poverty until the 40th day, when he faced spiritual desolation and doubts. Fr. Gallagher reminds us of the importance of spiritual guidance in discernment, noting that it’s a process over time rather than a single moment of clarity. He illustrates this mode with the stories of Richard, who discerned a call to Jesuit life, and Jessica, who felt drawn to religious life over time. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions: Understanding Second Mode Discernment: How does St. Ignatius describe the second mode of discernment, and what are its key components? Ignatius’s Experience and its Significance: Reflect on Ignatius of Loyola’s discernment regarding the vow of poverty. What significance does his experience hold for understanding second mode discernment? Spiritual Consolation and Desolation: How does Fr. Gallagher differentiate between spiritual consolation and desolation in the context of discernment? The Role of Spiritual Guidance: What is the importance of seeking spiritual guidance in the discernment process, according to Fr. Gallagher? Pattern of Consistent Attraction: Discuss the significance of experiencing a consistent attraction toward one option over time in discernment according to the second mode. Richard’s Discernment Journey: Analyze Richard’s discernment process. How did his experience exemplify second mode discernment? Jessica’s Experience: Reflect on Jessica’s discernment journey. How did her story illustrate the consistent attraction of the heart over time? Comparison with First Mode Discernment: Compare and contrast first mode discernment with second mode discernment, considering aspects like clarity and doubt. Challenges and Resolving Conflicts: Explore the challenges individuals might face when their desires conflict with the attractions of the heart in discernment. How can these conflicts be resolved? The Importance of Time in Discernment: Fr. Gallagher emphasizes the significance of giving discernment the time it needs. Reflect on the importance of patience and perseverance in the discernment process. From The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions: “Three Times in which a Sound and Good Choice May Be Made The first time is when God Our Lord so moves and attracts the will that, without doubting or being able to doubt, the devout soul follows what is shown to it, as St. Paul and St. Matthew did in following Christ our Lord. The second time is when sufficient clarity and understanding is received through experience of consolations and desolations, and through experience of discernment of different spirits. The third time is one of tranquility, when one considers first for what purpose man is born, that is, to praise God our Lord and save his soul, and, desiring this, chooses as a means to this end some life or state within the bounds of the Church, so that he may be helped in the service of his Lord and the salvation of his soul. I said a tranquil time, that is, when the soul is not agitated by different spirits, and uses its natural powers freely and tranquilly. If the choice is not made in the first or second time, two ways of making it in this third time are given below.” Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page The post DWG9 – Second Mode of Discernment – The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Steps in Spiritual Guidance – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor continue the discussion on the three modes of discernment, using the example of Jessica, a woman discerning her religious vocation. Fr. Gallagher explains that Jessica experienced a consistent attraction toward religious life whenever she felt spiritual consolation, an example of St. Ignatius’s second mode of discernment. The second mode involves recognizing a pattern of spiritual attraction over time. He also describes the necessary prerequisites for discernment, such as a disposition of heart open to God’s will and the use of spiritual means like prayer, scripture, and spiritual direction. The conversation shifts to the third mode of discernment, which involves a “preponderance of reasons.” This mode is used when neither the first nor the second mode provides clarity. It involves listing and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each option in a time of spiritual tranquility, always considering God’s greater glory. Fr. Gallagher outlines how Ignatius approached this mode, seeking a time of peace, praying for guidance, and maintaining a disposition of openness to God’s will. Discernment requires ongoing spiritual formation and the support of a competent spiritual director. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions: Understanding Attraction in Discernment: How have you experienced consistent spiritual attraction towards a particular vocation or life choice? Disposition of Heart: Are you truly open to accepting God’s will, whatever it may be? Use of Spiritual Means: How regularly do you engage in prayer, scripture reading, and seeking spiritual guidance? Recognizing Spiritual Consolation: Can you identify moments of spiritual consolation in your life, and what choices do they seem to draw you towards? Identifying Spiritual Desolation: Have you experienced spiritual desolation, and how has it influenced your discernment process? Importance of Spiritual Tranquility: Are you able to find a state of spiritual tranquility, free from strong emotional highs and lows, to aid in your discernment? Advantages and Disadvantages: How do you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of your options in terms of God’s greater glory? Seeking Confirmation: Do you seek confirmation from God through prayer that your discernment is aligned with His will? Role of Spiritual Direction: How can a competent spiritual director assist you in your discernment journey? Continuous Spiritual Formation: What steps are you taking for ongoing spiritual formation to better understand and follow God’s will? From The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions: “Three Times in which a Sound and Good Choice May Be Made The first time is when God Our Lord so moves and attracts the will that, without doubting or being able to doubt, the devout soul follows what is shown to it, as St. Paul and St. Matthew did in following Christ our Lord. The second time is when sufficient clarity and understanding is received through experience of consolations and desolations, and through experience of discernment of different spirits. The third time is one of tranquility, when one considers first for what purpose man is born, that is, to praise God our Lord and save his soul, and, desiring this, chooses as a means to this end some life or state within the bounds of the Church, so that he may be helped in the service of his Lord and the salvation of his soul. I said a tranquil time, that is, when the soul is not agitated by different spirits, and uses its natural powers freely and tranquilly. If the choice is not made in the first or second time, two ways of making it in this third time are given below.” Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit  his  website:   frtimothygallagher.org For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page The post DWG10 – Steps in Spiritual Guidance – The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.