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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: Category: general
Nov 21, 2017

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with Patrick Madrid about his book, Search and Rescue, where they explore the best approach to bring your loved ones into, or back into the Catholic Church.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How can we present the truths of the Faith to our loved ones without seeming offensive or judgmental?
  • Who is this book intended for, those trying to bring their family or friends into or back into the Faith, or those who have strayed from or never known the the Faith?
  • What is the best approach to begin a conversation about the Faith with non-Catholic or non-practicing Catholic family members or friends?
  • How important is living out the Faith when trying to lead others to the Church or back to the Church?
  • How should we properly prepare ourselves for discussing the teachings of the Church?
  • What does the spiritual life have to do with evangelizing others?

  Resources:

Nov 17, 2017

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they answer your questions about root sin as well as the difference between spiritual desolation and depression.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What is the best way to determine our root sin or predominant fault? 
  • Can we have more than one root sin?
  • What is the difference between spiritual desolation or the dark night of the soul, and depression or sadness?
  • Is spiritual desolation the same as aridity?
  • Does the dark night only take place during the transition period between the purgative and illuminative way?
  • Can someone experience desolation during the difficult time when he or she first begins a prayer routine?

Resources:

Nov 14, 2017

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with Maria Scaperlanda about her book, Edith Stein, where they discuss the importance of this 20th century saint and her impact on the Catholic Church.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What was Edith Stein like as a young girl?
  • Did Edith grow up practicing Judaism?
  • Did Edith have any relationship with God as a child, teenager or young adult?
  • How did Edith become interested in the Catholic Church?
  • What did Edith learn as a student of philosophy and more specifically phenomenology?
  • What role did St. Teresa of Avila play in Edith's conversion to Catholicism?
  • What important events took place after Edith Stein entered Carmel and became a Carmelite sister?
  • How were St. Teresa Benedicta's writings preserved during the Nazi invasion?
  • What happened after she moved to the Netherlands?
  • How was she martyred for the Faith?
  • What is St. Teresa Benedicta's legacy here on earth?

  Resources:

Nov 10, 2017

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they address the problem with the current trend of practicing mindfulness, from both a spiritual and scientific perspective.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Is there a Catholic version of mindfulness?
  • Can you find true peace through mindfulness? 
  • How can there be false peace?
  • Who is Jon Kabat-Zinn?
  • How is the modern understanding of mindfulness deceptive?
  • Is there any truth to Buddhism? 
  • If one claims that the practice of mindfulness is helpful, why should he or she avoid it? 

Resources:

Nov 7, 2017

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with Patrick Madrid about his book, Surprised by Life, where they explore how life issues brought ten individuals to the Catholic Church.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Patrick Madrid tells his story about how he came he became a Catholic apologist. 
  • What was the motivation for this book and the other books in the "Surprised by" series?
  • How does contraception affect marriage and the family?
  • What are some examples of the conversions that took place as described in the book?
  • How does God make Himself known to those who have experienced abortion?

  Resources:

Nov 3, 2017

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they answer your questions about despair, discernment and distractions in prayer.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How do we discern or recognize if we're under spiritual attack? 
  • How should one discern his or her vocation?
  • How does mental prayer affect our ability to discern properly?
  • How can we properly discern the truth from lies in our thoughts?
  • How can I keep my thoughts from wandering during prayer?

Resources:

Oct 31, 2017

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with Mike Aquilina about his book, The Apostles and Their Times to help Catholics better understand the roots of the Catholic Church and what early Christianity was really like.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How can this book help us discover the truth about the apostles and apostolic fathers?
  • What is the difference between an apostle and an apostolic father?
  • What impact do the writings of the apostolic fathers have on the Catholic Church?
  • How accepting were the Jewish and Roman people to the Gospel message? What was the spiritual climate like during the time of the apostles?
  • Is the persecution Christians are encountering today in the Holy Land similar to that of the times of the apostles?
  • What are the most common misconceptions about the early Church?
  • What role does archeology play in helping us understand more about the apostles and the early Church?
  • What should the reader come away with after reading this book?

  Resources:

Oct 27, 2017

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they answer your questions about prayer commitments, incorporating intercessions into our prayer time, repetitious prayer, spiritual desolation and internet addiction.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • If we struggle with establishing a morning prayer routine, what can we do to be more successful?
  • We must condition our bodies to wake and sleep at the same time each day.
  • We need clarity, community, and accountability to be more successful with prayer commitments. 
  • How should we handle failure?
  • Is it normal for prayer to feel very repetitious?
  • Should we separate mental prayer time from prayer for petitions?
  • How can we pray most effectively for others?
  • What can we do if we feel alone or separated from God?
  • How can we overcome a Facebook or internet addiction which leads us to delay our prayers or skip them all together?
  • What is the Freedom app and how can it help get an internet addiction under control?

Resources:

 

Oct 24, 2017

Today, Dan Burke and Melissa Elson speak with Fr. Hugh Vincent Dyer about Vision of Fatima, the journey of a Dominican priest who sculpted the image of Our Lady of Fatima with the guidance of Lucia, the oldest of the three shepherd children who saw the apparition of the Blessed Mother.

 Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Who is  Fr. Thomas McGlynn and why is his book being reprinted now?
  • What makes this book about Fatima different from others devoted to the same subject matter?
  • Is the statue accurate according to Lucia?
  • What inspired Fr. McGlynn to sculpt Our Lady of Fatima as opposed to a different vision of the Blessed Mother?
  • What themes can the reader take away from the message of Our Lady?
  • What did Fr. McGlynn take away from this experience?
  • How should we pray the rosary and why?
  • Who is Irma Dores and why did she want people to know about the spiritual meaning of things?

Resources:

Oct 20, 2017

Today, Dan and Melissa answer your questions about prayer methods, obedience to Church teaching, and spiritual consolations.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • When time is limited, what is the best way to pray when we are given so many options in the Church such as the Liturgy of the Hours, the rosary, lectio divina, mental prayer and the Jesus prayer from the Eastern Rite?  
  • Is obedience practiced as an act of love necessary for eternal intimacy with God?
  • John 14:21 - "Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."
  • Should the interior heart reflect and be in line with exterior fruits?
  • Romans 7:19 - "For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want."
  • Romans 8:6 - "The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace."
  • Why should we not seek consolations in prayer?

Resources:

Oct 17, 2017

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they offer solutions to our culture's technologically obsessed world by speaking with author, Dr. Christopher Blum about his book, A Mind at Peace: Reclaiming an Ordered Soul in the Age of Distraction.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What was the inspiration/motivation for the book?
  • How does technology increase anxiety? How does it detract from the spiritual life?
  • Why is the book set up in three sections?
  • What is the best way for readers to use this book? 
  • How can we take custody of our hearts and minds according to the Church?
  • Is A Mind at Peace a work of philosophy, theology, psychology, spirituality or all of these fields combined?
  • How would you characterize the peace that one can attain from the book?
  • What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world?
  • Which spiritual writers influenced the book most heavily?
  • Does the book offer a technique in achieving interior peace?
  • Could one use an app or other device to help determine how much social media time is enough in the course of the day? 

  Resources:

Oct 13, 2017

Today, Dan and Melissa answer your questions about the scapular, the difference between Protestant and Catholic views of salvation, and spiritual darkness.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How can one go about supporting Divine Intimacy Radio and the Avila Institute?
  • Why do some people wear the scapular visibly? Shouldn't the scapular be warn under clothing?
  • How is the concept of "assurance of salvation" in Protestant doctrine viewed in Catholicism?
  • Is there a difference between darkness and aridity in prayer or are they merely different descriptions of the same experience?

Resources:

 

Oct 10, 2017

Have you ever wondered if ghosts exist or if damnation is real? Today, Dan Burke and Melissa Elson get the answers to these questions and more when they speak with Fr. Michael Kerper about his book, A Priest Answers 27 Questions You Never Thought to Ask.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Why do godparents of a Catholic child need to be Catholic?
  • What is the real role of a godparent?
  • Is damnation real?
  • Do ghosts exist?
  • Does St. Thomas Aquinas ever discuss ghosts in the Summa Theologica?
  • What is the difference between and angel and a ghost?
  • Do we each have a guardian angel?

  Resources:

Oct 6, 2017

Today Dan and Melissa talk about mortification and how we can love God more fully by denying ourselves of earthly things.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What does St. Teresa of Avila mean when she says, "Prayer and a comfortable life do not go together"?
  • What does it mean to take up our cross in the midst of all of the comfort we experience?
  • We are called to embrace the cross, which is the ultimate act of self-giving.
  • What is mortification?
  • Once we are detached from earthly things, we are free to love God in a more pure way.
  • When we are not mortifying ourselves, our appetites begin to rule us.   
  • Why are little, daily, physical mortifications helpful in the spiritual life?
  • What is a "rule of life" and how does this help incorporate mortification into our lives?

Resources:

Oct 3, 2017

Today, Dan Burke and Melissa Elson speak with Connie Rossini about the book she and Dan wrote together titled, The Contemplative Rosary and discuss meditative methods of praying the rosary to keep our focus completely on Jesus. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • This book focuses on helping people who have never prayed the rosary, those who have struggled with the rosary, and those who feel the rosary has become dry or repetitive. 
  • Is everyone called to contemplative prayer?
  • Is contemplation something that we can work towards or a gift from God?
  • Why is contemplative prayer necessary for sanctity?
  • What is the definition of contemplation?
  • Are distractions while praying the rosary common?
  • What should we focus on while praying the rosary?
  • Can vocal prayer prepare you for contemplative prayer?
  • How is the contemplative rosary set up?
  • How does the book help us focus on Jesus?
  • What is the "clausular method" of praying the rosary?
  • Must we finish the rosary or should we stop if the Lord calls us to contemplate Him before we have completed our prayers?

  Resources:

Sep 29, 2017

Today Dan and Melissa answer your questions about hindrances to our spiritual progress, the meaning of contemplative prayer and our responsibility in dealing with matters involving the papacy.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What sorts of problems hinder our spiritual progress? What moves God to bring us closer to Him?
  • How does one begin contemplative prayer?
  • What subject matter or beginning prayers should be used when starting a mental prayer routine?
  • How does one discern between spiritual attacks and spiritual crosses?
  • How should we respond to the Pope's statements and teachings?

Resources:

Sep 26, 2017

Today, Dan Burke and Melissa Elson speak with Kathleen Beckman about her book, When Women Pray and discuss the prayer practices and effects of prayer on the lives of eleven, well-known Catholic women. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Which women were chosen to contribute to the book and why?
  • Is there a difference between the way men and women pray?
  • What is spiritual motherhood?
  • How can a busy mother develop a strong prayer life?
  • How does liturgical prayer help one's prayer life?
  • What effect does prayer have on one's physical and mental health?
  • How are liturgical prayer and mental prayer connected?

  Resources:

Sep 22, 2017

Today Dan and Melissa answer your questions about overcoming distractions in prayer, praying the rosary and trusting God.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • How can we become more disciplined in prayer?
  • How can we avoid becoming distracted while praying the rosary?
  • While praying the rosary, should we focus on the mysteries, the prayers or our intentions?
  • What can we do if we struggle with trusting God?

Resources:

Sep 19, 2017

Depression is a serious illness that is becoming more and more prevalent in our society. Today, Dan Burke and Melissa Elson speak with Dr. Aaron Kheriaty about his book, The Catholic Guide to Depression, to help us better understand depression and the proper treatments for the illness.

 Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What is depression?
  • Can depression be treated through spiritual means alone?
  • What is the impact of religious practices on the healing process?
  • Who can benefit from this book?
  • What are some of the causes of depression and misconceptions about depression?
  • How can we distinguish between a "dark night of the soul" as opposed to depression?

Resources:

Sep 15, 2017

Today Dan and Melissa answer your questions about helping others in need, discerning God's will and prayer.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What can we say to those who are undergoing devastating suffering and how can we help them?
  • Is there a dichotomy between St. Augustine's admonition to "Love God and do what you will," and St. Ignatius' rule of discernment which says, "Do not act until one has absolute clarity that it is the will of God."?
  • "Love God and do what you will," implies that one loves God and his will is oriented to God's will so that as he acts he can act in accordance with His will in peace and clarity.
  • St. Ignatius advises us to discern before choosing between two situations or actions that are both good. Where does the inspiration for these actions come from?
  • If a person talks to Jesus all day long outside of scheduled prayer time, is that considered prayer?
  • How advanced do we need to be spirituality before we become involved in a ministry position in our parish?

Resources:

Sep 12, 2017

Today, Dan Burke and Melissa Elson speak with Fr. Hugh Vincent Dyer about Vision of Fatima, the journey of a Dominican priest who sculpted the image of Our Lady of Fatima with the guidance of Lucia, the oldest of the three shepherd children who saw the apparition of the Blessed Mother.

 Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Who is  Fr. Thomas McGlynn and why is his book being reprinted now?
  • What makes this book about Fatima different from others devoted to the same subject matter?
  • Is the statue accurate according to Lucia?
  • What inspired Fr. McGlynn to sculpt Our Lady of Fatima as opposed to a different vision of the Blessed Mother?
  • What themes can the reader take away from the message of Our Lady?
  • What did Fr. McGlynn take away from this experience?
  • How should we pray the rosary and why?
  • Who is Irma Dores and why did she want people to know about the spiritual meaning of things?

Resources:

  

Sep 8, 2017

When we are filled with anxiety and fear, how can we escape these debilitating emotions? Today, Dan and Melissa sit down with author and speaker, Gary Zimak, for a special interview on his new book, Stop Worrying, Start Living to help listeners attain a sense of peace in a troubled world. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What was the inspiration for this book?
  • Is it possible for someone who is an anxious person by nature to experience lasting peace in life?
  • What are the secrets of the Apostles to experiencing peace during difficulty?
  • What is the difference between fear and anxiety?
  • Is worrying a sin?
  • How important is mental prayer in overcoming these interior challenges?

 Resources:

 

Sep 5, 2017

How does the role of the priest impact the Church and the family?Dan Burke and Melissa Elson speak with Kathleen Beckman about her book, Praying for Priests, to better understand the necessity of lifting up our priests in prayer. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • Why is there such a great need to pray for our priests?
  • Why does the enemy specifically attack the priesthood?
  • What is spiritual motherhood or fatherhood and how will taking on the role as a spiritual mother or father help priests fulfill their vocation? 
  • What is the Foundation of Prayer for Priests and how did it come about?
  • What is the scriptural rosary for priests?
  • How does the priest affect the family?
  • Why is a Eucharistic holy hour so important?
  • How does prayer for priests impact the new evangelization?
  • What resources can one find on the Foundation of Prayer for Priests website?

  Resources:

Sep 1, 2017

Today, Dan and Melissa take your questions on establishing a consistent prayer time, discerning God's voice in prayer and growing in holiness. 

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • In a world filled with noise and distractions, how is it possible to slow down and spend time listening for God's voice?
  • Regular prayer is essential for our salvation.
  • We need sacred time, space and attention.
  • Is it possible for holiness and peace to increase in your soul without realizing it right away?
  • How do we know where thoughts or inspirations come from during prayer?
  • How can the Discernment of Spirits by St. Ignatius of Loyola help to differentiate between holy thoughts or inspirations and those that come from the world, the flesh or the devil?

 Resources:

Aug 29, 2017

When tragedy, loss or failed expectations strike, how can we cope with our circumstances in a healthy, faithful way? Today, Dan and Melissa speak with author, Jeannie Ewing about her book, From Grief to Grace: The Journey from Tragedy to Triumph to better understand God's Will in difficult situations.

Topics/Questions covered in the show:

  • What was the inspiration behind this book?
  • How would you define grief from a Catholic perspective as opposed to how the world views grief?
  • What is the difference between depression and grief?
  • How can one embrace the spiritual reality of grief and suffering?
  • How do we find the path to life in the midst of suffering?
  • How can we most effectively help our loved ones when they are suffering?
  • How can this book help someone experiencing grief in the beginning stages of his or her spiritual journey find deeper meaning through the hardship?

Resources:

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