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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: 2015
Jul 3, 2015

Obedience in the modern culture, and enduring loneliness. Dan and Melissa discuss these forms of suffering from the perspective of St. Teresa as they reflect on her letters from the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Categories of suffering - beneficial vs. destructive.
  • How is obedience related to humility, and why are they both necessary?
  • Resist, embrace, pursue - Three steps to spiritual growth through suffering.
  • Do you feel lonely or isolated from others due to your faith?
  • Can the pain of loneliness be good for us?
  • Finding peace and happiness in our loneliness.

Resources:

Jun 26, 2015

Can suffering be a blessing? How to understand God's role in our suffering. Dan and Melissa look at St. Teresa's attitude toward suffering as they reflect on her letters from the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How can suffering be considered a blessing?
  • Seeking positive diversions when faced with suffering.
  • The dangers of destructive forms of escape from suffering.
  • Can suffering lead to peace?
  • How can we understand God's will in our suffering?
  • Understanding suffering comes in stages - a pathway rather than a destination.

Resources:

Jun 19, 2015

Follow the example of St. Teresa of Avila. Today's show focuses on overcoming faults with spiritual direction, and improving prayer life with spiritual reading. Listen to a discussion of the letters of St. Teresa from the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.

 Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What is "false humility"? How do we recognize it?
  • Why would someone want to exaggerate their own imperfections?
  • We can move closer to true humility with the aid of good spiritual direction.
  • How understanding of sound theology is related to our spiritual life.
  • Some examples of sound theological works for spiritual reading.
  • Call in with questions: 818-646-7729.

Resources:

Jun 12, 2015

Why does St. Teresa feel relief when all her faults are exposed? Dan and Melissa help us to get the most out of spiritual direction from the example of St. Teresa. Reflections on her letters from the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What are some signs of a healthy spiritual life?
  • Are you concerned about what your confessor or spiritual director thinks of you?
  • What a spiritual director needs from you to help you grow in holiness.
  • Some tips to help you prepare to receive spiritual direction.
  • Why you should not avoid seeking spiritual direction in your own community.
  • Though difficult, why and how we should accept frankness from those closest to us.
  • Call in with questions: 818-646-7729.

Resources:

Jun 5, 2015

Why are we tempted to stop praying, and what are the consequences of doing so? Dan and Melissa share some of St. Teresa of Avila's thoughts on these topics as documentsed in her letters from the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Where does the temptation to stop praying come from?
  • What are the biggest obstacles to prayer and how can we overcome them?
  • How is prayer connected to our salvation?
  • The secret to perserverance in prayer - St. Teresa has some practical advice.
  • St. Teresa's experience with false humility and how it kept her from prayer.
  • What are the benefits of keeping a daily prayer routine?
  • Call in with questions: 818-646-7729.

Resources:

 

May 29, 2015

Spiritual direction and spiritual aridity are the topics today as Dan and Melissa discuss letters written by St. Teresa from the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Find your core spirituality with the help of a good spiritual director.
  • How is the soul like the weather?
  • How not to become discouraged because of distractions during prayer.
  • What is spiritual aridity?
  • Human (natural) vs. Supernatural causes of aridity.
  • How can we identify the causes of spirtual aridity?
  • St. John of the Cross and the Dark Night of the Soul
  • Read along with the SpiritualDirection.com book club, and call in with questions: 818-646-7729.

Resources:

May 22, 2015

"Do not tire your brain by trying to work it during meditation." - St. Teresa of Avila. Dan and Melissa look at progressive development in prayer and the spiritual life as they reflect on letters from St. Teresa in the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How do the spiritual Doctors of the Church describe the stages of prayer?
  • What is mental prayer?
  • Different types of meditative prayer.
  • St. Teresa advises on transitioning from meditation to contemplation.
  • How to deal with aridity.
  • Is "centering prayer" beneficial?
  • Some recommendations if you get "stuck" in prayer.
  • St. Teresa's Four Waters.
  • Read along with the SpiritualDirection.com book club, and call in with questions: 818-646-7729.

 Resources:

May 15, 2015

Why we can rejoice in suffering, and ways to identify attachments. Dan and Melissa discuss these topics and more as they reflect on letters from St. Teresa in the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • St. Teresa struggles with sin, revealing her humanity. How does she deal with it?
  • Reflections on 1 Peter, Chapter 1 regarding suffering as an opportunity to grow closer to God.
  • The more we grow in the interior life, the less need we have for earthly consolations.
  • Using a "spiritual dashboard" to identify your attachments.
  • Dealing with disordered attachments to things we need to live, e.g. food and exercise.
  • Read along with the SpiritualDirection.com book club, and call in with questions: 818-646-7729.
  • Help bring Avila to Aspen - Participate in a project that aims to revitalize the Catholic Church in Aspen, Colorado.

 Resources:

May 8, 2015

Does the Catholic Church suppress women? How should Christians interceed in political issues? Dan and Melissa address these questions and more as they reflect on letters from St. Teresa in the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Announcement: Help bring Avila to Aspen - A new project that includes a revitilization of the Catholic Church in Aspen, Colorado.
  • St. Teresa has the ability to affect political situations with her power and humility.
  • Does the Catholic Church suppress women? Look at St. Teresa's life in the Church. How does the Church regard the Blessed Mother?
  • Should we, as Christians, act to interceed in government affairs? Reflections on 1 Timothy, Chapter 2.
  • Action and voting in conjunction with holiness and prayer.
  • Letter for Day 6: Tune in next week for more on the humility, discernment, illness and suffering of St. Teresa.
  • Read along with the SpiritualDirection.com book club, and call in with questions: 818-646-7729.

 Resources:

May 1, 2015

Dan and Melissa look at advancing against the gates of hell, embracing suffering, and the inspiration of Mother Angelica as they reflect on letters from St. Teresa in the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Some historical context of the letters and great works of St. Teresa of Avila.
  • St. Teresa's understanding of what happens when we go into "enemy territory" - a reflection on Matthew 16:18.
  • Knowing God by embracing suffering. Don't let your suffering be in vain.
  • The value of love which is tested by sacrifice.
  • How to deal with the suffering of the people we love in a positive way.
  • Are trials and suffering necessary in order to move forward? A look at the story of Mother Angelica and the founding of EWTN as an example.
  • Read along with the SpiritualDirection.com book club, and call in with questions: 818-646-7729.

 Resources:

Apr 24, 2015

Dan and Melissa discuss detachment and suffering by reflecting on the first two letters from St. Teresa in the book 30 Days with Teresa of Avila.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Attachments: How to recognize them. Are they bad?
  • What are the steps to achieving detachment?
  • How can we obtain freedom and peace through detachment?
  • Dan shares his story of how interior peace and freedom are helping him go through a time of suffering.
  • St. John of the Cross reveals how suffering and detachment are related.
  • Using periods of consolation to rest and prepare for desolation, from St. Ignatius Rules for Discernment.
  • Book of Revelation: When will suffering end?

 Resources:

Apr 17, 2015

Dan and Melissa discuss some concerns and questions that were raised after last weeks episode where we discussed several approaches and beliefs about Yoga along with recommended resources.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

  • Several people had negative responses to last weeks show, some informed others not-so-informed, so some clarification is offered.
  • Is Yoga a "gateway spirituality"? What is a "gateway spirituality"?
  • Are there are good, healthy Catholic alternatives to yoga.

Some comments on the last show are addressed:

  • Is there a "good peace" and a "bad peace"? Isn't all peace good?
  • Response to the accusation of "yogaphobia". 

Resources:

Apr 10, 2015

A caller asked about the practice of yoga and it's link to potential demonic activity. Dan and Melissa discuss a Catholic perspective on yoga, including the opinions of an exorcist and theologians. They also provide suggestions on alternatives to yoga for faithful Catholics.

Show notes:

  • Fr. Fortea, an exorcist and expert on possession, says that if you do not have the intent for a malevolent force engage with you it is unlikely to happen.
  • Many say yoga is just stretching and for them there is no spiritual element - is this ok?
  • Can you practice yoga if you are strong in your faith? Should you? 
  • Many of us need to stretch - it's good for our health. Also, people who practice yoga extoll its calming benefits. What can we, as Catholics, do that won't endanger souls? Are there alternatives to yoga which are solidly Catholic?
  • Cardinal Ratzinger wrote "Letter to Bishops of the Catholic Church on Some Aspects of Chrisitian Meditation" in 1989. In it he warned against practices which bring about a false peace, and psychic state damaging to the soul.

Resources:

Apr 4, 2015

Easter is upon us!. Rejoice in the triumph of Christ! On this edition of Divine Intimacy Radio, Dan and Melissa discuss the Glory of the Resurrection and the dramatic changes that it brought about in the lives of His disciples.

Show Notes:

  • Rejoice! It's holy to be joyous. There is no spiritual depth without joy. When the Apostles were be persecuted for the sake of Christ they rejoiced.
  • Easter is a foreshadowing of heaven. Life is one long purgation. The greater the suffering here on earth, the more glorious heaven will be. Lent is a season of purgation. The harder we dig in and work at lent, the more meaningful Easter will be.
  • In times of suffering where do we find joy? The only true joy we'll ever find in this life is through Christ. Redemption has been accomplished - all we need to do is cling to Him.
  • The world says happiness is in the pursuit of the desires of the flesh. The opposite is true. Christ teaches that true joy comes when we give ourselves up for others and for God.
  • There are two things we need to access God. One is humility, which comes either by choice or external circumstances. Humility is required, but not sufficient. We also need the grace of God to roll back the stone to help us see that he is risen. He is risen for our salvation and risen within us that we may have a relationship with Him.
  • Simon Greenleaf, a well know lawyer and expert on testimony and evidence, wrote a book The Testimony of the Four Witnesses. In it he used the standards of legal evidence to show the Gospels were true beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • The reality of the Resurrection is that lives were changed. The New Testament reveals the weaknesses of the Apostles. Pre-Resurrection there were many instances of cowardice, denial, and desertion - Peter was even called Satan. Post-Resurrection Peter becomes a hero, asking to be crucified upside-down because he was not worthy.
  • The Apostles, after the Resurrection and the Pentecost, had a chance to run and escape death. Instead they subjected themselves to prison, beatings, and stonings. In the face of death they fearlessly proclaimed Christ. They gave everything, including their lives, in affirmation of their faith. Would anybody die for a lie?
  • Imagine we all have a spiritual dashboard, similar to a car,  with gages - joy, evangelism, holiness, etc.  If the gages are not registering high numbers, something is wrong. Barring spiritual issues, like purgation or dark night, you should have joy, peace, a sense that God is with you. Work on it!
  • Celebrate Easter. Have a feast. Partake in the sacraments. Indulge in the good things you gave up for lent, and leave the bad ones behind. Above all, Rejoice!

Resources:

Apr 3, 2015

A beautiful way to meditate on the Lord's Passion is to watch Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.  Consider making it an annual part of your lenten journey. 

Show Notes:

  • Viewing the movie will help to put you into the scene where you can experience Our Lord's Passion in a spiritual way. It can become an encounter with God.
  • Put aside objections you may have regarding Mel Gibson's personal issues. What's important is that the film is true to the story of the Passion. God uses broken instuments for His good purposes, as He uses us all. Note that Caravaggio, the great artist known for illustrating stories from the Bible, was a scoundrel and possibly a murderer. Yet his works are great inspirations.
  • Dan recalls interviewing Mel Gibson about The Passion of the Christ.  They discussed the use of flashbacks in the film. The flashbacks are intended to provide some relief from the pain and agony that dominate the film. Some flashbacks are of lighter, more tender moments between Jesus and Mary that reveal His humanity and the love between mother and son. Other flashbacks are of the Last Supper and the love Jesus had for the Apostles.
  • Some people may have an aversion to watching the movie due to the brutal reality of it. It may be difficult, but it's just a movie! It ends! Dan's first inclination on seeing the movie was to be angry at the Roman soldiers for what they did to Jesus. Then he became aware of his (and everyones) participation in Christ's suffering through sin.
  • The movie shows us the truth in the prediction for Mary that "a sword will pierce through your own heart also". Melissa tells of the experience of having a child in distress and how she can relate, although in a small way, to Mary's suffering. She is reminded of the experience of her husband's suffering during the difficult birth of her second child. This being only a fraction of Mary's suffering, as she was perfectly united with Jesus.
  • There is a scene in the movie where Mary and Jesus are physically separated, Mary on one floor and Jesus on the floor below. Through their supernatural bond she knows where He is and how He is suffering. The movie helps us to look a Jesus through the eyes of Mary, which is what praying the Rosary is really all about.
  • A story from a book on the filming of the movie by Fr. Bartunek is about shooting the Veronica scene. It was a very difficult scene to shoot and required several takes. The actress who played Veronica had done so many takes and retakes, each time looking on the face of Jesus. She entered into her own meditation, actually entering into the scene while acting, breaking down crying. There are several miraculous stories from the people involved in making the movie.
  • A recommendation: Watch The Passion of the Christ on Good Friday evening. Watch as a family, begin with a prayer. Watch with no distractions, no breaks. Afterwords - no discussion. Just go to bed, as the Apostles did. Let God work in your heart.
Mar 27, 2015

Holy Week, the most important week of the liturgical year, is upon us.  To help us prepare, Dan and Melissa discuss some of the ways we can orient our hearts to this most holy season.

Show Notes:

  • Regardless of how well (or poorly) you have maintained your lenten commitments, it's not too late. Matthew 20:1-16, Parable of the Workers in the Vinyard, tells us that God's grace is available to everyone - even though none of use are deserving.
  • Going "all in" for Jesus during Holy Week. Mary did in Mark 14:3 - the Anointing at Bethany. "She broke the alabaster jar" - it's all for Jesus. Also the Martha and Mary story (Luke 10:38-42) where "Mary has chosen the better part".
  • Suggestions to prepare for Holy Week:
  1. Get to confession.
  2. Learn and participate in the liturgy of Holy Week. Schedule liturgical activities ahead of time. Don't try to squeeze Holy Week events around your regular activities.
  3. Use good meditation materials. (see resources)
  4. Stations of the Cross - remember our own participation in His suffering. Recommend versions by St. Alphonus Liguori or St. Francis of Assisi. Consider doing stations by yourself.
  5. Watch Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ.

Resources:

Mar 20, 2015

Dan and Melissa continue their discussion on humility; in particular how humility does not lower, but instead elevates the soul.

Show Notes:

  • Signs we lack humility: Josemarie Escriva provides some insightful diagnostics.
  • Recognizing all the good we have is a gift from God.
  • False humlity - many of us are guilty.
  • We often worry too much what others think. Do you take your confession outside of your parish?
  • Navigating the Interior Life offers a self-evaluation to gain an understanding of our root sin, and instruction in using the opposing virtue to overcome it.
  • Meditation #108 from Divine Intimacy - "Christian humility does not lower, it elevates; it does not cast down, but gives courage..."
  • St. Paul tells us when he is weak, he is made strong. When a soul recognizes its weakness, it becomes irresistable to God.
  • Sister Mary is and example of humility. A cloistered nun of 40 years humbles herself to take a course on prayer and acknowledges there was still something she could learn about praying.
  • Jesus offers the ultimate example of humility, from the incarnation to the washing of the disciples feet.
  • God gives us a gift in withholding intimacy until we become humble.

Resources:

Mar 13, 2015

Show Notes:

  • Dan and Melissa discuss humility.
  • Meditation #106 from Divine Intimacy - “Humility is the firm bedrock upon which every Christian should build the edifice of his spiritual life.” 
  • Whereas pride is the root of all sin, humility is the root of all virtue.
  • The beginning of the interior life is self-reflection, which brings about humility.
  • Example- Melissa’s experience with humility at her daughter’s ballet class and how the
  • Holy Spirit worked in her soul to combat her falling into pride.

Call-In Question:

  • Dan and Melissa take a call about feeling God’s love vs. feeling defective despite receiving the sacraments.
  • Suggestions to the caller: find out what is behind the feelings of defectiveness, mortal sin or lies she may be believing that are not of God. Also, meditation on the cross of Christ gives us the proof of His love for us.
  • God has created each one of us to love us through all of eternity.
  • We must set our mind always on the Spirit to find peace and orient our hearts toward God.

Resources:

Mar 6, 2015

Show Notes:

  • During this episode Dan and Melissa discuss the struggle with discouragement as Lent is well underway.
  • Discouragement is not of God. If you are working hard to bring yourself to God, you can be assured, he is pleased with you. 
  • Falling away from your lenten commitments is human.  God knows this and is waiting for us to return to Him with a loving embrace.
  • Dan and Melissa discuss the importance of confession.
  • Offer your intentions at Mass for strength to fulfill your lenten commitments. 
  • If you find your lenten commitments might be more than you can handle, discuss with your spiritual director and either persevere or reassess your goals. 
  • Perseverance is a key characteristic in overcoming sins and temptations and is a common trait among all of the saints.
  • A daily examination of conscience is an important habit to undertake.
  • Spiritual Direction website has a guide for seven steps for a daily examen.
  • Dan and Melissa thoroughly discuss each step of the examen: Opening Prayer, Gratitude, Petition, Review, Forgiveness, Renewal, and Closing Prayer.

Resources:

Feb 27, 2015

Dan and Melissa explore mortification, the meaning and purpose.

  • What is mortification? Voluntary actions by which we gradually put to death all of our vices, sinful habits and self-centered tendencies that lurk beneath them. 
  • The purpose of mortification and self-renunciation is about cleaning up “the garden of the soul” as many saints describe it.
  • We must not only uproot sin but fill our souls with virtue to replace those sins, otherwise the soul will be susceptible to more sin.
  • These acts of mortification must be done out of love of God, not because we love suffering.
  • If you are truly mortifying yourself out of love, that’s the true expression of mortification, and if done correctly, you will see this as a path of liberation from the bondage of sin…liberating the soul from the bonds into the abundant life of Christ.
  • Acts of mortification can be little as St. Therese of Lisieux described.
  • Acts of mortification can be external or internal.
  • The battle of mortification is often the same battle as that of spiritual warfare. St. James says that if you resist the devil, he will flee from you. Then, draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
  • Mortification has no meaning outside of the cross of Christ through love.
  • Suggestion: To better meditate during Holy Week watch, “The Passion of the Christ” on Good Friday.

Resources: 

Feb 20, 2015

If you have been blessed by Divine Intimacy Radio, please help us spread the word by sharing this post on Facebook and with friends through email or other social media.

This new series is focused on traditional themes of lent with respect to how we orient ourDivIntRadio 1400x1400 v2 smaller hearts and minds to God through mortification, mitigation of appetites and all other manner of cleaning out our spiritual gardens to prepare for God's indwelling work in, on, and through our souls.

Show Notes:

Guest, Dr. Anthony Lilles, academic dean of the Avila Institute and St. John’s Seminary in the Archdiocese of Los Angels and specializes the spiritual doctrine of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity as well as the Carmelite doctors of the Church.

Dr. Lilles takes us through an overview of appetites as described by St. John of the Cross in his work, The Ascent of Mount Carmel.

  • St. John refers chiefly to appetites that interfere with our relationship with God (not every appetite or simply our human nature).
  • Specific examples of common problems with appetites.
  • Steps that St. John of the Cross recommends to overcome the appetites as referenced in his work, The Ascent of Mount Carmel.
  • In order to overcome the appetites, St. John recommends in his first council, to foster in our hearts the habitual desire to imitate Christ in everything that we do by bringing our lives in complete conformity with His by studying the life of Christ.
  • Study prayerfully on your knees, not purely academically.
  • If we feed our affection, the stronger the desire and movement of the heart becomes. Similarly, if we feed our appetites, those things that are not for the glory of God, we will be more inclined to do those things.
  • Renunciation of the appetites brings you the freedom to imitate Christ.
  • How do we increase our love of God during Lent? Fasting from food, entertainment, more time spent in prayer, more charitable good works. There is a painfulness in it at first, but then it becomes sweet.
  • Act against the impulses that otherwise drive our behavior so that we are free to serve the Lord.
  • Our love for Jesus should drive everything we do.

Resources:

Don’t forget to tell your friends about the show and help us get the word out. If the show is inspiring to you and you would like to help us make it a daily show, please click here to donate. All donors will receive a signed copy of your choice of Dan’s new books, Finding God through Meditation30 Days with Teresa of Avila, or Navigating the Interior Life.

Feb 13, 2015

Show Topic: Preparing for Lent Part 3

Segment 1

Last episode the discussion focused on preparing for Lent and participating in the sacraments during the Lenten season.

  • Began talking about the chapter, “Spiritual Self Evaluation” in “Navigating the Interior Life.”
  • Sacraments are foundation of our relationship with God and prayer draws us more deeply into the sacraments.
  • What is the state of my prayer life?
  • Important practices to begin: praying the rosary, mental prayer, examination of conscience.
  • Dan mentions his new book coming out, “Finding God Through Meditation” by St. Peter of Alcantara to enhance your prayer life.
  • What is your root sin (aka: dominant defect, predominant fault, dominant fault)?
  • You may follow capital sins listed in Catechism, but in Scripture (1John 2:16) these sins are bundled into three main categories, which are the basis of the self-evaluation in “Navigating the Interior Life.”
  • Purpose of the self-evaluation - how can we empty ourselves of the things that hinder our love of God and hinder the dwelling of God in us, and fill ourselves with all of those things that draw us closer to Him.

Segment 2

  • Melissa’s 5 Ways to Prepare for Lent:
    1. Go through self-evaluation and examination of conscience.
    2. Go to confession
    3. Make a strong commitment to God about your Lenten promises in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
    4. Make your plan, including prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
    5. Pray for the grace to follow through with your commitments.
  • Image in book of farmer removing large rocks before he can get to the smaller ones.
  • Complete this self- evaluation in front of the Blessed Sacrament 
  • Example of anger - if i don’t get my way, or I am not taken into account in a particular decision.
  • Example of pride - refusing or resisting assent to others without a satisfactory explanation.
  • Definitions of the three categories of sin: Pride - excessive love of one’s own excellence or desired excellence. Vanity - excessive concern for and seeking our security in how we are perceived. Sensuality - seeking our security and self-worth in possessions, comfort, or the avoidance of discomfort (real or perceived).
  • Quotes St. John of the Cross, “Ascent of Mount Carmel” first book, chapter 11, paragraph 4. 
  • Appetites are insatiable.
  • St. Teresa of Avila, “This body of ours has one fault, the more you indulge it, the more things it discovers to be essential to it.”
  • Never give up or be discouraged. Enemy is always looking to keep you from God. Never change your spiritual resolution, double-down and try harder. Go to confession if you do fall.
  • Offer Mass intentions to fulfill these commitments to the Lord.
  • This is not about a checklist. Do not become like the Pharisees, outward practice of faith, but nothing inward.
  • In the end we want God to say, “Well done,” because we have loved Him and because we know Him and He knows us.

Resources:

 

Feb 6, 2015

Show Notes:

Fasting - What are the spiritual benefits continued…DivIntRadio 1400x1400 v2 smaller

  • Appetites - the insatiable nature of our appetites - never can find true satisfaction
  • True satisfaction is only found in relationship with God
  • Jesus modeled the practice of fasting
  • Desire to love God through self sacrifice
  • John of the Cross
    • Soul is finite and can’t love God and creation simultaneously
    • Attachments limit our spiritual growth
    • Illustrations of the impact of attachments - bird and hot air balloon
    • The contemplative life requires that we abandon attachments
    • Necessity of shedding habitual venial and mortal sin
    • We can be free of habitual sin and attachments - it really is possible
    • Attachment is an inordinate desire for pleasure
    • Faster way through dark night and into the illuminative way - rules for detachment (from Ascent of Mount Carmel)
  • Authentic Spiritual disciplines
    • Set us free rather than constrain us
    • Give us true and lasting joy
  • Melissa’s example of the wrong way to prepare for lent - Sunkist!
  • Spiritual self-evaluation using Navigating the Interior Life
    • The goal of all spiritual discipline is to know and love God in this life and beyond
    • Evaluate sacramental participation (confession, adoration, reconciliation)
    • Can we increase our participation in Mass for lent?
      • John of the Cross - every negation is also an affirmation
    • Can we increase participation in Adoration?
      • Melissa’s experience of the impact of Adoration
  • Other practices of self-evaluation from Navigating the Interior Life

Next Show:

  • More on Preparing for Lent - the goal is to conclude this series with simple and clear steps to lenten planning.

Resources:

Jan 31, 2015

Show Notes

Interruption in our discussion about spiritual direction that we will return to after Easter…

The name of the show “Divine Intimacy Radio” comes from an incredible work by a Discalced Carmelite Priest named Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen. It was first published in 1964… reflections for every day of the liturgical year following the pre-conciliar liturgical calendar.

Shifting from discussion about general spiritual direction to how to prepare for lent.

Reflection on how the Eastern liturgy and preconciliar liturgy in the West can help us to better prepare for Lent.

Five Considerations to Help Us Prepare for Lent:

  1. We are sinners and we need to acquire a deep consciousness of sin (old introit of mass “The groans of death have surrounded me, the pains of hell have laid hold on me”
  2. Gods invitation to become a part of his work. It is never too late. You are invited to relationship with him and to know his redemption.
  3. Christian life is not a life of ease but hard work.
  4. During the struggle, the “wreath of victory beckons” the reward of eternal life is before us.
  5. Warning - “You are now approaching that which is most sacred: baptism and Eucharist, the heart of the paschal mystery. Woe unto you, if your life fails to correspond to God’s will; then you will fare as did the fathers in the desert. They too received a baptism and heavenly food, but they died in the wilderness and never saw the Promised land.”

Call-In Question and Discussion: What are the spiritual benefits of fasting?

  • Why do we fast?
  • How is Jesus an example of the practice of fasting? (Luke 4:1)
  • Why did Jesus fast?
  • Why did fasting impact whether or not the discipled could cast out a demon?
  • How does fasting help us to orient our hearts toward loving God? (John of the Cross)

Resources: 

Divine Intimacy by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen - Published by Baronius Press

http://www.baroniuspress.com/DivineIntimacy 

Navigating the Interior Life - Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God

http://www.emmausroad.org

Jan 20, 2015

First show - Introducing the show and the hosts Dan Burke and Melissa Elson

General Topic: Spiritual Direction Discussion exploring Dan's book Navigating the Interior Life - Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God

Spiritual Direction - Why we need it (blind spots) - Mountain Lion Story - the three doors or entry ways to the soul - the World, the Flesh, and the Devil

Spiritual Direction - What it is and Is Not 

Spiritual Direction is Not:

  • Psychological Counseling

Caller Question:

  • Can a lay person provide spiritual direction or is it most preferable to have a priest as a spiritual director?
    • Spiritual direction and confession are two different things
    • Value of a priest in spiritual direction - special role
    • Value and limits of a layperson in spiritual direction
    • St. John Paul II had a lay spiritual director

Resources:

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