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Divine Intimacy Radio

Divine Intimacy Radio is a haven of rest and wellspring of spiritual life for those seeking intimacy with God and the enlightened path of Catholic mystical and ascetical wisdom. Weekly we will explore topics like prayer, spiritual direction, meditation, contemplation, holiness, and much more.
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Now displaying: Page 14
May 18, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with author, Connie Rossini, about the necessities to establishing a lasting prayer life.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • Why does Fr. Philippe focus on having a strong faith as a necessary step to establishing a lasting prayer life?
  • What role do feelings play in prayer?
  • How can false humility drive us away from prayer?
  • Why is perseverance important for spiritual growth?
  • What is lacking in the spiritual lives of those who say they do not have time for prayer?
  • How can prayer help us through the everyday struggles and exhaustion of life?
  • If we are not practicing mental prayer, are our works for God not as meaningful?
  • Can we break up our prayer time into two segments, or should we do all of our mental prayer at once?
  • What should one meditate on if he or she is in the beginning stages of prayer?

Resources:

May 15, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with Christopher Carstens to discuss participation in the liturgy and the meaning and significance behind making the sign of the cross.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What three events happen during the liturgy?
  • How do we understand the sacramental principle?
  • What is mystagogy?
  • What does it mean to make the sign of the cross?
  • How can the faithful enter into a more full/active participation into the Mass?
  • Mystagogy leads us from visible reality to invisible realities.
  • Where can we find references to the cross in Scripture?
  • What is the significance of these references?

Resources:

May 11, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with author, Connie Rossini, about the differences between Christian contemplative prayer and non-Christian Eastern meditation.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What are the promised results of non-Christian Eastern meditation?
  • Is is possible that non-Christian Eastern meditation can lead to demonic possession?
  • What is the focus of prayer methods of the East?
  • What does the Vatican say about non-Christian Eastern meditation?
  • Is it wrong to use a method in our approach to prayer?
  • When we begin a prayer routine, should we simply sit back and wait for God to speak to us?
  • Is it problematic to concentrate on your breathing during prayer?
  • What role does intention play in meditative prayer?

Resources:

May 8, 2018

Join Dan Burke and guest host, Stephanie Burke, as they speak with Christopher Carstens about his book, A Devotional Journey into the Mass to help us discover the meaning and beauty of the liturgy.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What are the major themes of the book?
  • Why is active participation in the Mass so important?
  • What does "active participation" in the Mass mean and how can we accomplish it?
  • How should we enter into the church building?
  • Why is it important to focus on something as simple as entering through the church doors?
  • St. Augustine says that through the Eucharist, "we can become Christ." What does this mean? How can we enter fully into the Eucharistic feast?
  • How is the book set up? How can we use it to help us change our participation in the Mass?
  • What is mystagogy and why is this approach used in the book?

Resources:

May 4, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with John Johnson, Associate Director of the Avila Institute about how the faithful can endure and overcome difficulties in the liturgy in our time.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • How do we constructively face and overcome challenges in our parishes when the liturgy is contrary to the teachings of the Church?
  • How do these challenging experiences at Mass, to some degree, reflect Jesus' road to Calvary?
  • Can the Lord draw us into a powerful, prayerful experience at Mass amidst the chaos?
  • How can we overcome the culturally induced mindset that the Mass should be entertaining? 
  • These experiences can be a kind of suffering that we can offer to Christ.
  • How have liturgical abuses caused men to have a decreased faith life?

Resources:

May 1, 2018

What was Catholicism like in colonial America? Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with Fr. Charles Connor about his book, Pioneer Priests and Makeshift Altars to unveil the plight of Catholics who ventured to the New World.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What was the religious climate like in England and America during the founding of the 13 colonies?
  • Why does Maryland have a Catholic history?
  • What caused such intolerance towards Catholics in the colonies?
  • Were the founding fathers of the United States anti-Catholic?
  • How does the history of Catholics in early America pertain to our country's current, secularized, anti-Christian culture? 

Resources:

Apr 27, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with John Johnson, Associate Director of the Avila Institute about the importance of our participation in the Mass and how if affects not only us, but all of those around us.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What affect does the Mass have on the souls of the faithful?
  • What does the Old Testament say about disobediently making an offering to God?
  • What does St. Paul say about unworthily receiving the body and blood of Christ in the New Testament?
  • Why does God keep Adam and Eve from partaking of the Tree of Life after their fall?
  • Why should we follow Church teaching regarding the Mass and the Eucharist?
  • How should we approach the Blessed Sacrament at Mass?

Resources:

Apr 24, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they address the growing epidemic of loneliness with author Dr. Kevin Vost and interview him on his book The Catholic Guide to Loneliness..

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What is loneliness? 
  • Is social media causing people to become less connected?
  • What are the three psychological and behavioral components to loneliness?
  • What are some unhealthy manifestations of loneliness?
  • Why do the holidays seem to trigger loneliness?
  • How does the book help those suffering from loneliness to overcome the effects of loneliness?
  • We are never truly alone. God is always with us.
  • Why did some of the saints seek out solitude?
  • How can we grow closer to Christ through our loneliness?
  • Does the devil use loneliness as an opportunity to bring us into despair?
  • What are the ABC's of lonely thinking?

  Resources:

Apr 20, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they reflect on the meditations of Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen on the transition from meditation to contemplation. 

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • We must have an understanding of the transition from meditation to contemplation in order to cooperate with God. 
  • How can someone advance in the spiritual life if they have trouble meditating?
  • Meditating is both thinking about Scripture and entering into the readings through discursive and affective meditation.
  • Vocal prayer done well can lead us to deeper meditation.
  • Is everyone called to the contemplative life?
  • Is it possible for God to withhold a soul from contemplation and keep them in the meditative stage of prayer?
  • You must become aware of the depths of your sin and become reliant on Jesus to purify you.
  • When you are unable to meditate on Scripture, do you keep reading or are there tricks to meditation?
  • What are some of the common experiences when someone is transitioning from meditation to contemplation?

Resources:

Apr 17, 2018

How can executives in our profit obsessed corporations maintain a sense of integrity in their leadership roles? Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with Brian Engelland about his book, Force for Good: A Catholic Guide to Business Integrity, to better understand why honesty and trust produce a more successful business.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • Do many executives express interest in looking for ways to live out their faith lives in the business world?
  • What are the most common conflicts that CEOs come across in businesses if they want to proceed with integrity?
  • Is it difficult for business leaders to come up with standards to maintain integrity within the corporation?
  • What is business integrity?
  • How important is motivation in the workplace?
  • How important is profit?
  • What role does trust play in forming relationships with customers?
  • Currently, what is the greatest dilemma that business executives face?
  • What does prayer have to do with running a successful business?

Resources:

Apr 13, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with John Johnson, Associate Director of the Avila Institute about The Avila Summit Event coming up this summer and why the theme, "Worship Animating Culture" was chosen. 

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What is The Summit? When and where will it take place?
  • Why is there a need for this event?
  • Who will be speaking at the event?
  • Why was the theme, "Worship Animating Culture" chosen as the focus?
  • Why is the liturgy so important to evangelization?
  • What is the "High Calling Program" at the Avila Institute?

Resources:

Apr 10, 2018

What does it mean to be called to a contemplative prayer life? Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with Dr. Anthony Lilles about the book Elizabeth of the Trinity: A Life of Praise to God to discover the riches hidden in the wisdom of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • Why did Dr. Lilles choose to focus his doctoral work on St. Elizabeth of the Trinity?
  • Who is Sister Giovanna Della Croce and why are her writings about St. Elizabeth important?
  • What is unique about St. Elizabeth of the Trinity?
  • Why did the Church wait until recently to recognize the importance of her life and writings? 
  • What is the importance of focusing on all three persons of the Trinity during prayer?
  • What is contemplation? What is her approach to contemplation? Is contemplation intended for lay men and women as well as religious brothers and sisters?
  • St. Elizabeth did not experience ecstasies or raptures in prayer. Are these psychological experiences necessary during contemplative prayer?
  • How can St. Elizabeth's writings help listeners transform their prayer lives to become more intimate with each person of the Trinity? 

Resources:

Apr 6, 2018

Today, Dan and Melissa answer your questions about sharing spiritual experiences and focusing the mind in prayer.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • Why do we share our spiritual experiences on the air? 
  • Why did St. Teresa of Avila mask her personal experiences and make it seem as though they were happening to someone else?
  • Why do some well-meaning Christians imply that we think too much during prayer?
  • Should we "empty our minds" in prayer?
  • How do we avoid distractions in prayer?
  • What should be our focus during prayer?

Resources:

Apr 3, 2018

How does your temperament affect your marriage? Join Melissa Elson as she speaks with Laraine Bennett about her book, The Temperament God Gave Your Spouse to find the key to a peaceful and communicative marriage.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What are the four temperaments?
  • How is it helpful to know your temperament and the temperament of your spouse?
  • How do opposite temperaments get along in a marriage setting?
  • What are advantages and pitfalls to being married to a spouse of the same temperament? 
  • How can spouses use the knowledge of their own temperaments as tools for better communication within the marriage?
  • Is it possible for an individual to have opposite primary and secondary temperaments?

Resources:

Mar 30, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they reflect on the meditations of Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen on Good Friday and the Passion and death of our Lord. 

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • Dan's advices everyone to watch the movie, The Passion of the Christ, today to better reflect on the reality of the suffering and agony of Jesus in his last hours on earth.
  • Fr. Gabriel suggests that we voluntarily accept suffering and unite our sufferings to those of Christ. 
  • The Agony in the Garden presents us with the extreme abandonment and desolation Jesus experienced in His soul and the weight of all the sins of mankind.
  • St. John of the Cross speaks of self-mortification as the way to pick up the cross and follow Jesus.
  • In order to imitate Christ, we need to come to know Him by studying His life, which has been proclaimed through the gospels. 
  • St. John says we must renounce any sensory satisfaction that is not purely for the honor and glory of God.
  • St. John advises that if we practice detachment of earthly pleasures and resist our will, we will experience "great delight and consolation."
  • St. John leads us to Christ through the way of "nothing."

Resources:

Mar 27, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they unpack the messages behind the parables of Jesus by speaking with Father George Rutler about his book, Hints of Heaven

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What is a parable and why did Jesus choose to speak through parables?
  • How many parables are there?
  • Why is the book divided into short reflections on each parable?
  • Fr. Rutler tells of his favorite parables and why they have come to be his favorites.

  Resources:

Mar 23, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they reflect on the meditations of Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen on the seven sorrows of Mary. 

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • How can the Blessed Mother bring us closer to Jesus?
  • What are the seven sorrows of Mary?
  • Why should we meditate on these sorrows?
  • What are the seven promises or graces given to those who meditate on these sorrows?

Resources:

Mar 20, 2018

What is your temperament and how does it affect your spiritual life? Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with Laraine Bennett about her book, The Temperament God Gave You to decode the strengths and weaknesses of the four temperaments.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What is a temperament?
  • Is temperament the same as personality?
  • Are we slaves to our temperaments?
  • What are the four temperaments?
  • What are some examples of saints who exhibited the four temperaments?
  • What are some spiritual strengths and weaknesses to each temperament?

Resources:

Mar 16, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they reflect on the meditations of Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen on the blind obedience. 

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What does Fr. Gabriel mean by obedience and why should be obedient to our superiors?
  • How is obedience the free sacrifice of liberty?
  • Do we have to be obedient in the case of a sinful act?
  • How should someone in religious life handle situations of obedience when the request is not in conformity with the spirit of the order, but not sinful?
  • What is the value of obedience?

Resources:

Mar 13, 2018

How does an atheist come to believe in God? Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with Dr. Holly Ordway about her contribution to the book, From Atheism to Catholicism to find out what drew her to the Catholic Church.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What did Dr. Ordway's childhood look like in terms of the practice of Christianity?
  • What influence did The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings have on Dr. Ordway's conversion?
  • How can atheists explain the innate sense of morality and goodness in people who aren't Christian?
  • Was there a personal witness in Dr. Ordway's life who helped her better understand Christianity?
  • Where there any Christian witnesses who pushed her further away from the Christian faith?
  • How can someone approach an atheist about Christianity in a respectful and effective way?

Resources:

Mar 9, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they reflect on the meditations of Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene on the meaning of true glory. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How did the idea of honor and glory affect St. Teresa of Avila and the convent of the Incarnation?
  • Why does honor and/or glory impede us in our pursuit of heaven?
  • How does awareness of our sinful behavior help us stay humble?
  • How can honor or glory present the opportunity for a sin against charity?
  • How does our preoccupation with our rights lead us to sin?

Resources:

Mar 6, 2018

What would it be like for the saints to confront their moral, theological or philosophical counterparts in history? Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson, as they speak with Dr. Benjamin Wiker about his book, Saints vs. Scoundrels to find the answer.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • What was the motivation for choosing these particular people from history?
  • Why is the book written in a dramatic context?
  • How much research was involved in writing the book?
  • Why are these particular saints and scoundrels paired together, especially if they came from different time periods?
  • How did Dr. Wiker's encounters with the writings of these saints and scoundrels influence his conversion to the Catholic Church?
  • Do the saints all have similar personalities because they are saints?
  • What can the reader gain from this book?
  • Is there a pattern among the scoundrels which leads them to their erroneous thoughts and beliefs?

Resources:

Mar 2, 2018

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they reflect on the meditations of Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene on humility through the willful acceptance of humiliations. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Why should we strive to be humble?
  • Why is humility the doorway to all of the virtues?
  • In the gospels, how does Jesus look upon those who are humble as opposed to those who are prideful?
  • Should humility be seen as a type of low self-esteem or lack of confidence?
  • How does the world view the humble?
  • Should we seek humiliations?
  • How should we react to humiliations in order to grow in humility?

Resources:

Feb 27, 2018

Which sins are the most detrimental to our relationship with God? Dan Burke and Melissa Elson discover the answer to this question as they speak with Dr. Kevin Vost about his book, "The Seven Deadly Sins: A Thomistic Guide to Vanquishing Vice and Sin".

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What are the seven deadly sins  and where are they in the Bible?
  • Why are these sins "deadly"?
  • Who are some of the key figures in Church history who helped develop our understanding of these sins and what we can do about them? 
  • Which sin did St. Thomas Aquinas say most directly opposed the Great Commandment to love God with all that we are?
  • What are the "daughters" of the deadly sins and how might understanding them further our spiritual growth?
  • What is sloth or acedia? 

 Resources:

Feb 23, 2018

Join Dan Burke and guest, Kristin Aebli, as they speak about important events happening through SpiritualDirection.com and the Avila Institute.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What is an "Into the Deep" event?
  • How are retreatants impacted by the event?
  • What effect does the event have on one's spiritual life after the event is over?
  • What is the format of the Into the Deep event?
  • Dan and Kristin speak with retreatants about their experiences at the recent Into the Deep event in Maryland.
  • How does one go about scheduling an Into the Deep event in his or her parish?

Resources:

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