Info

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.
RSS Feed
Divine Intimacy Radio
2024
April
March
February
January


2023
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: 2017
Resources Edition: April 11, 2017 - Fr. Ed Broom, From Humdrum to Holy 0
Apr 11, 2017

Description: Today, Dan and Melissa speak with Fr. Ed Broom about attaining holiness in everyday life in his book, From Humdrum to Holy. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What is an Oblate of the Virgin Mary?
  • Can anyone become holy? Is sainthood attainable in this life?
  • How do prayer and participating in the sacraments play a role in becoming holy?
  • What are some practical steps for the average person to become holy?
  • Why should we practice a daily examen? Does the examen only focus on recognizing our sins?
  • Is patience important to practice on the path to holiness?

 Resources:

April 7, 2017 - St. Therese, Day 7: Eyes Fixed on Jesus 0
Apr 7, 2017

Description: How does St. Therese of Lisieux remain so spiritually motivated all of the time? This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles focus on one of the secrets to St. Therese's spiritual success, keeping her eyes fixed on Jesus.

 Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How does St. Therese overcome moments of weakness in her spiritual life?
  • We must not always try to conquer our weaknesses, but humbly accept them and surrender them to the Lord.
  • What is the difference between Godward self-awareness and self-absorption?
  • What can we do to turn our thoughts back to Jesus when we become consumed in our weaknesses?
  • Jesus is aching and yearning for our hearts. Our hearts need to be moved by this thirst of Jesus.
  • Jesus sees us as precious and the object of his divine affection. 

Resources:

Author Insights Edition: April 4, 2017 - Fr. Thomas Dailey, Live Today Well 0
Apr 4, 2017

Description: Dan and Melissa speak with Fr. Thomas Dailey about his book, Live Today Well: St. Francis de Sales's Simple Approach to Holiness

Questions/Topics discussed on the show:

  • Who is St. Francis de Sales and what is appealing about his spirituality?
  • How does St. Francis make holiness available to everyone regardless of vocation?
  • What is St. Francis' approach to prayer and does he advocate mental prayer?
  • What times during the day should we pray and what should these prayers look like?
  • How does St. Francis suggest that we begin every day?
  • How can we orient our minds to God during our meals?
  • What is "direction of intention" and why is it the key to holiness?

 Resources:

March 31, 2017 - St. Therese, Day 6: The Dark Night of the Soul 0
Mar 31, 2017

Description: This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles discuss St. Therese's intense suffering as she experiences the dark night of the soul. 

 Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Why does St. Therese refer to herself as "a grain of sand"? 
  • The writings of St. Therese reflect those of St. John of the Cross: we must study the life of Jesus and imitate Him in everything we do. 
  • We must detach ourselves from our own reputation.
  • St. Therese had a devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus and finds consolation not only for herself, but for the world in a simple smile descending upon us from His blood-stained face.
  • Why does St. Therese long for "the homeland" at this stage in her spiritual life?
  • What is causing the suffering that St. Therese is experiencing?
  • Why does God have us pass through such painful purification?
  • How can one overcome the dark night of the soul?

Resources:

Author Insights Edition: March 28, 2017 - Dr. Kevin Vost, The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Part 2 0
Mar 28, 2017

Description: Once again Dan and Melissa speak with Dr. Kevin Vost to take a more in depth look at his book, The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How can we employ the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and grow in holiness?
  • What is piety and how can we live it?
  • What are the different types of knowledge?
  • What is the difference between the virtue of knowledge and the gift of knowledge?
  • What is the difference between the gift of knowledge and the gift of wisdom?
  • What is a good Scriptural example of the gift of fortitude?
  • How can one use the gift of fortitude to overcome one of the seven deadly sins, i.e. gluttony?
  • What is the gift of counsel?
  • Why are understanding, counsel and wisdom considered the highest of the seven gifts?
  • What is the gift of understanding?
  • What is the gift of wisdom and how does St. Thomas Aquinas embody this gift?

 Resources:

March 24, 2017 - St. Therese, Day 5: Scrupulosity 0
Mar 24, 2017

Description: This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles unmask the truth behind scrupulosity through the wisdom of St. Therese of Lisieux.

 Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • St. Therese's cousin, Marie, is plagued by scrupulosity and will not receive the Eucharist.
  • What is scrupulosity?
  • Has St. Therese ever experienced this problem in her own spiritual life?
  • At what point does scrupulosity commonly manifest itself during the spiritual journey?
  • Can our wickedness ever be greater than God's mercy?
  • What advice does St. Therese give to Marie to help her with this problem?
  • How do St. Ignatius of Loyola's Rules of Discernment apply to this situation?

Resources:

Author Insights Edition: March 21, 2017 - Dr. Kevin Vost, The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit 0
Mar 21, 2017

Description: Dan and Melissa speak with Dr. Kevin Vost about his book, The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Every Spiritual Warrior's Guide to God's Invincible Gifts.

 Questions/Topics discussed on the show:

  • What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and why are they important?
  • Why are St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Bonaventure such strong sources for this book?
  • After the sacrament of Confirmation, why aren't the gifts of the Holy Spirit apparent immediately in most of us?
  • How are the gifts of the Holy Spirit different from the virtues?
  • What can we do to move the soul to cooperate with the Holy Spirit so that we can best make use of these gifts?
  • What is the difference between the gifts and the charisms of the Holy Spirit?
  • What are some practical ways to live out these gifts?
  • Why does each chapter end with a section on the Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and a particular saint? 

 Resources:

March 17, 2017 - St. Therese, Day 4: A Moment between Two Eternities 0
Mar 17, 2017

Description: This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles contemplate St. Therese's understanding of the brevity of life and what is necessary to fulfill the will of God. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What does St. Therese mean when she says, "...life is a moment between two eternities"?
  • How are there two eternities?
  • How do we live life in the best way possible in order to progress from one eternity to the other?
  • How can we draw ourselves out of our current sufferings to see things in the light of the God's providence?
  • How can we experience peace amidst the most difficult trials of life?
  • Heaven is the finest moment of our humanity.
  • What is peace?
  • Is there a distinction between peace and joy?

Resources:

 

March 14, 2017 - Author Insights Edition - Meditations for Lent, Dr. Christopher Blum 0
Mar 14, 2017

Description: Dan and Melissa speak with Dr. Christopher Blum about his book, Meditations for Lent and how Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet's reflections on the life of Christ will inspire any and every soul to enter into a new relationship with our Lord.

 Questions/Topics discussed on the show:

  • How did Dr. Blum discover the writings of Bishop Jacquest-Benigne Bossuet?
  • Who is Bishop Bossuet and what kind of writing is he known for?
  • Who were his main spiritual influences and what school of spirituality did he belong to?
  • How do his writings compare to those of some of his famous contemporaries?
  • Why did Dr. Blum choose these particular meditations?

 Resources:

March 10, 2017 - St. Therese, Day 3 - Hope in the Midst of Suffering 0
Mar 10, 2017

Description: This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles make known the love that God has for us through every circumstance and the hope we can garner during our trials through His eternal love. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • St. Therese offers great consolation and encouragement to her sister, Celine, as she faces criticism and disapproval from others for desiring to enter Carmel while their father is plagued with mental illness.
  • What is the basis for St. Therese's encouragement?
  • How can others' sinfulness be good for us?
  • How can we have hope in the midst of suffering?
  • How can we experience peace through suffering?

Resources:

Author Insights Edition: March 7, 2017 - Vicki Burbach, How to Read Your Way to Heaven 0
Mar 7, 2017

Description: Dan and Melissa speak with Vicki Burbach about her book, How to Read Your Way to Heaven: A Spiritual Reading Program for the Worst of Sinners, the Greatest of Saints, and Everyone in Between.

 Questions/Topics discussed on the show:

  • What was the inspiration for the book?
  • Can anyone follow this reading program?
  • How much time will it take out of my day?
  • Why are there three different programs (1,3, or 5 years)?
  • Why include readings from Scripture, the Catechism, and additional sources each day?
  • Can I substitute books if I have already read one of the suggested books?
  • Where can I find a good recommendation for a substitution if I need one?

 Resources:

March 3, 2017 - St. Therese - Day 2, Pt 2: Life Passes Quickly 0
Mar 3, 2017

Description: This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles prepare us to face hardships in this short life n order to sincerely follow the steps of our crucified Lord and enjoy the fruits he merited for us in heaven.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • St. Therese wants to suffer for Jesus, but it seems like she is waiting until she enters Carmel. Why?
  • St. Therese expresses her desire to go through trials here on earth and have a "beautiful crown" in heaven.
  • St. Therese mentions that "life passes quickly".  How can we make the most of our time here on earth?
  • What does our Lord expect from us while we are living in the world?
  • Humanity constantly searches for joy that does not pass away. This life and all of its joys are passing. The joy of heaven is eternal.
  • How can we save souls through our suffering?

Resources:

February 24, 2017 - St. Therese: Day 2, Responding to Suffering 0
Feb 24, 2017

Description: This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles find meaning through the mystery of suffering and unpack the importance of our charitable response to this reality.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How can trials and difficulties help detach us from earthly things?
  • How can we talk to people who are suffering about the mystery of suffering being a grace or blessing for the soul?
  • While we are in the midst of great suffering, how can we act with love? What does that mean exactly?
  • How can we truly help those who do not understand the "joys" of suffering?
  • What does St. Therese mean when she says, "I shall not fear His [God's] strikes"? 

Resources:

February 17, 2017 - St. Therese: The Oblation Parts 9 & 10, Living by Love 0
Feb 17, 2017

Description: This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles immerse themselves in the deep waters of God's love seen through the eyes of St. Therese of Lisieux in her oblation to merciful love.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What does St. Therese need to do in order to release "the waves of infinite tenderness" that God has waiting to give to us?
  • How can St. Therese become a martyr for God without physically laying down her life for Him?
  • How can we benefit from filling each moment with love?
  • What does St. Therese mean by "the shadows of this life"?
  • Does God ever reveal Himself to us?
  • Why is daily prayer necessary?

Resources:

February 10, 2017 - St. Therese: The Oblation Part 9, Instantaneous Purification 0
Feb 10, 2017

Description: This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles examine the ray of hope St. Therese sends to us through her oblation to merciful love in speaking of the Lord's mercy when preparing a soul to meet Him.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What is the significance of instantaneous purification?
  • How does Pelagianism compare to St. Therese's thought of instantaneous purification?
  • If God can purify us in an instant, why should we strive to make a perfect act of love?
  • Why should we respond to the gifts God has given us?
  • Why does St. Therese offer herself as a "victim of holocaust" to God's merciful love?

Resources:

February 3, 2017 - St. Therese: The Oblation Parts 7 & 8, Justice and Merits 0
Feb 3, 2017

Description: This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles discuss St. Therese’s meaning of true joy, justice in the eyes of God, and the source of our merits.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What does St. Therese mean when she says that she does not want to "lay up merits for heaven"?
  • Is there a difference between happiness and joy?
  • Can we console the heart of Christ?
  • Why does St. Therese say that all of our justice is stained in God's eyes?
  • Christ is the source of all merit.
  • Little, imperfect acts of love are amplified by Jesus' merits, love and grace. So, by doing these littles acts of love we are creating space for God to do something beautiful in our lives.

Resources:

January 27, 2017 - St. Therese: The Oblation - Part 6, Joy in Suffering 0
Jan 27, 2017

Description: This week Dan and Dr. Anthony Lilles delve into the mystery of suffering with joy for love of Christ as seen through the eyes of St. Therese.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Was the oblation written at the pinnacle of her spiritual journey?
  • What does she mean by the "crucible of suffering"?
  • How do we experience joy while suffering?
  • Does God want us to suffer?
  • Is St. Therese a mystic in the traditional sense of mysticism?

Resources:

January 20, 2017 - St. Therese: The Oblation Parts 4 & 5, God's Little Victim 0
Jan 20, 2017

Description: This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles discuss the meaning of being God's "little victim" and the idea of consoling God. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Why can't St. Therese receive Holy Communion often?
  • What does St. Therese mean by being a "little victim"? Does this imply self-pity?
  • Why does she compare herself to a tabernacle?
  • Does God need to be consoled? How can St. Therese say that she wants to console Him?
  • Jesus reveals to us what's in the heart of the Father through His words and actions here on earth.

Resources:

January 13, 2017 - St. Therese: The Oblation Parts 2 & 3, The Merits of Jesus 0
Jan 13, 2017

Description: This week Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles explore the merits of Jesus Christ and how we can offer these merits back to God. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How do the merits of Jesus "belong" to St. Therese, and how can she offer them to God?
  • The Father looks upon us through the His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
  • How can we offer the merits of the saints or the Blessed Mother? 
  • How should a soul approach this oblation if he or she does not feel the intense desires to know and love God that are expressed by St. Therese in the oblation?

Resources:

January 6, 2017 - St. Therese: The Oblation Part 1, Her Mission 0
Jan 6, 2017

Description: This week, Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles dive into the oblation of St. Therese of Lisieux and take a closer look at her desires to serve the Lord. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How can St. Therese "save souls on earth by liberating those suffering in purgatory"?
  • How can God be her holiness?
  • St. Therese recognizes her powerlessness to be holy and relies on God to attain the heights of holiness.
  • The measure of our spiritual progress and our holiness is love of God and love of neighbor. 
  • St. Therese refers to Jesus as her spouse. How can men relate to this idea of being the spouse of Christ?

Resources:

« Previous 1 2 3 4
©Copyright Avila Foundation - All Rights Reserved