BW1 – Beginning the Way – The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

From Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts Kris McGregor

The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life: Learning to Listen to God with a Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor Episode 1 – Beginning the Way In this opening episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor introduces the Benedictine path as a way of attentiveness rather than achievement. Drawing from the opening line of the Holy Rule, listeners are invited to rediscover what it means to listen with “the ear of the heart.” This episode explores Benedictine listening as a patient, faithful openness to God’s living Word, rooted in Christ who dwells within those who receive Him. Through gentle teaching, prayerful posture, and lectio divina with John 1:14, the episode establishes the foundation for a discerning heart shaped by steady attentiveness, silence, and trust in God’s work over time. Citations
Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of Saint Benedict, Prologue §1 (RB 1980) “Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.” (“Obsculta, o fili, praecepta magistri, et inclina aurem cordis tui.”) John 1:14, RSV–Catholic Edition
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

What does it mean for me personally to listen with the ear of my heart rather than only with my thoughts or intentions?
Where in my prayer life do I feel drawn to effort or control instead of attentiveness and receptivity?
How do I typically respond to silence in prayer, and what emotions or habits surface when nothing fills the space?
In what ways might Christ be asking to dwell more deeply within my daily decisions, speech or actions?
How could patient, faithful listening shape my discernment over time rather than expecting immediate clarity or change?

For other episodes in this series, visit The Rule Of St. Benedict For Daily Life: Learning To Listen To God With A Discerning Heart Pick up a copy of The Rule of St. Benedict here