Dan Burke - The Way of Contemplation

How often do we let comfort rule our choices? Discover the power of small decisions and how self-discipline can lead to unforeseen blessings in your professional and personal journey.Are you looking for Catholic community? https://www.apostoliviae.org/

The controversy of the Jubilee Year of Hope explained.Papal Document "SPES NON CONFUNDIT" https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/20240509_spes-non-confundit_bolla-giubileo2025.htmlJubilee Indulgence 2025: https://bit.ly/4fPWn9WMore Jubilee Resources: https://www.usccb.org/jubilee2025

Talking about hell may make us uncomfortable but Jesus spoke about it often. Our modern culture downplays difficult truths like hell but it's important to face the truth and listen to what Jesus says about it...And he said to them, “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us.’ He will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’" Luke 13:23-25

Discover the power of fighting for God - reflecting on the suffering of Jesus and the lack of support from his disciples, Dan explores the importance of standing up for one's faith and defending priests who face criticism for upholding church teachings. Key Takeaways: +The 'wicked' are often more active in opposing God than the 'good' are in defending Him. +Real conversion and spiritual depth are measured by the support and defense given to the church’s leaders, especially during controversial changes. +True friendship and discipleship are tested not only in times of harmony but significantly during conflicts and adversity. Notable Quotes: "The wicked are so much more active in fighting against God than the good in fighting for him." "We can't be fair weather friends and be authentic disciples of Jesus." 0:00:00 The wicked are more active in fighting against God than the good in fighting for him. 0:02:26 People are quick to attack priests seeking to make the liturgy more reverent. 0:04:02 The disciples became more deeply converted after the Holy Spirit came. 0:05:31 Do we defend our priests and spread good words about them? 0:07:57 We must fight towards one another, even when offended. 0:09:23 We should be united in Jesus for the sake of His kingdom.

Dan describes the poison of subjectivity and how subjective perspectives can lead to self-delusion and blindness towards truths. Key Takeaways: +Subjectivity can be a spiritual toxin, leading one to delusions and blindness towards the truth. +The journey into truth and growth in spiritual life begins with an encounter with Jesus and unfolds with practices such as prayer and participation in the sacraments. +A rule of life or plan of love and daily examination can correct the problem of subjective perception. +Regular spiritual practices such as receiving the Eucharist and confession can provide deeper self-awareness and aid in overcoming sin and imperfection. Notable Quotes: "The human person has an infinite capacity for self delusion. It means that we can convince ourselves of many things that aren't true." "The antidote to the poison of subjectivity is, I believe, the examine and the rule of life, where every day you're checking against those." "I would argue that in the most important things in life, the enemy, the flesh, the devil, are all battling against us, seeing clearly and truly where we are." "But whatever you need to do to make you awake to the behaviors that you're asleep to...that will help you to break out of patterns of sin and lack of awareness and help you to get free of things that bind you." "Did I eat properly or not? That's objective. Do I weigh more today than yesterday? That's objective." Chapters 0:00:00 Introduction to the spiritual poison of subjectivity 0:00:37 The journey into truth and the problem of subjectivity 0:01:23 The direct intervention of God and special devotions 0:02:10 Example of subjectivity in relation to weight gain 0:03:48 Complexities of travel and subjective awareness 0:05:09 The importance of a rule of life and daily weighing 0:06:28 Control mechanisms for weight: food, exercise, quantity 0:08:06 The antidote to subjectivity: examine and rule of life 0:08:43 The role of the Eucharist and reconciliation 0:09:42 Breaking patterns of behavior and increasing awareness 0:10:18 Additional measures for weight loss and self-awareness 0:11:15 Defeating the poison of subjectivity and finding freedom 0:11:53 Conclusion and invitation for feedback

Dan discusses the concept of "keyhole judgment" and the importance of making charitable assumptions about others. Because we have a limited perspective in that we don't see the "whole picture." By assuming the best and interpreting what we see through a positive lens, we can foster a more beautiful and harmonious community. If you like this video and want to see more, please consider subscribing! What are your questions about the interior life? Leave them in the comments. Key Takeaways: +Understanding that our perception of others is limited, like looking through a "keyhole," and often lacks the full context of their lives and decisions. +The importance of making charitable assumptions about others, which aligns with Christian teachings and can lead to a harmonious community. +Highlights famous Christian figures such as Padre Pio and Teresa of Avila who were misjudged by their contemporaries, emphasizing historical instances of keyhole judgment. +As we introspect during Lent, we are encouraged to adopt a more compassionate and optimistic view when evaluating others' actions. Notable Quotes: "A charitable assumption is that you assume that if they knew the injury they caused or that they would cause the injury they did, they would have never have done it." "Love hopes all things, believes all things, and hope is a joyful anticipation of good." 0:00:00 Introduction to the concept of keyhole judgment 0:01:26 Assessing others through a keyhole 0:02:22 Jesus' admonition on judgment and making assessments 0:03:28 Practicing a charitable assumption and having a positive disposition 0:04:45 Negative consequences of judgment based on limited perspective 0:05:41 Examples of keyhole judgment in the church and persecution of saints 0:06:56 Reflection on being careful in judgment and assuming the best of others 0:06:56 Conclusion and prayer for Lent #catholic #prayer #judgement #charity #lent #contemplative #contemplativeprayer #jesus

Have you ever experienced conflict with how you receive Holy Communion? In this video Dan explains church teaching on reception of the Eucharist and gives practical advice on how to handle conflict at your parish Key Takeaways: +Spiritual growth often leads to a desire for more reverent expressions of faith, particularly during the Holy Mass. +The traditional practice of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue, while kneeling, is deeply rooted in church teachings. +"Memoriale Domini" upholds the method of distributing communion on the tongue as the most respectful and dignified approach. +It is suggested to approach priests with love, respect, and clear communication when discussing changes in church practices. +The contemplative life involves addressing conflict with prayer, empathy, and an overarching goal of unity and spiritual elevation. Notable Quotes: "Every fragment of the Lord is fully him, body, blood, soul, and divinity." "This is how someone who's living the contemplative life deals with conflict. It begins with prayer." Chapters 0:00:00 Introduction and explanation of the challenge faced by a disciple in her parish 0:01:14 The significance of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist on the knees and on the tongue 0:02:14 Reasons for receiving on the tongue and the potential dangers of receiving in the hand 0:03:04 Revelation about satanists desecrating the Eucharist 0:03:48 Importance of connecting to long-standing tradition and church teaching 0:04:42 Official document supporting reception on the tongue and kneeling 0:05:28 Ensuring proper respect and care for the Eucharist 0:06:47 Advice on approaching the pastor to discuss the issue 0:08:26 Praying and fasting for the pastor's understanding and change 0:11:07 Approaching the pastor with love, respect, and humility 0:12:57 Plea to allow for reception on the tongue and kneeling 0:14:18 Summary and conclusion on dealing with conflict in a contemplative way

Drawing upon the wisdom of spiritual doctors of the church and his own life-changing experiences, Dan discusses the transformative potential of living as if we truly believed the Gospel... Chapters 00:00 - Intro 00:32 - Those who make progress and those who don't 01:52 - The story of learning to love and the implications of belief 04:17 - Living truth and encountering God 06:18 - The importance of living out the contemplative life

Do you struggle with obsessive and negative thoughts? Do you desire peace? Learn about practical strategies for overcoming trauma and negative thinking, the significance of sacramental life in achieving spiritual freedom, and the journey toward sanctity as laid out by St. Teresa in “Devil in the Castle.” Join Dan Burke and Teresa Yanaros as they discuss how to discern spirits effectively and the dangers of blending occult practices with Christianity.

Dan and Kris walk you through the beginning phases of the spiritual castle, from coming to terms with the reptiles of the first mansions (temptations and spiritual battles) to the tribulations of the second mansion and the complex dynamic between human relationships and spiritual progress. Key Takeaways: +Encountering and conquering spiritual warfare requires recognition and detachment from unhealthy influences, particularly in the early stages of spiritual growth. +Consistency in spiritual disciplines, especially mental prayer, is crucial for navigating the first three mansions and advancing in spiritual life. +Applying a structured 'rule of life' can transform ordinary routines into meaningful spiritual practices, leading to a rhythm that aligns with God's order. +Reliable catholic community and adherence to the magisterium can provide essential support for those on the spiritual journey. +Sometimes spiritual progress entails the patience of waiting and enduring suffering, which can itself be an integral part of carrying the cross. Notable Quotes: "It's really important in these early mansions to recognize when a person who's outside the castle influences you more than you influence them." "Saints aren't made in a day, and our faith will cause other issues in our life that we have to resolve, all for the sake of our salvation." "Every day we need this moment where we wake up fully and we go, okay, what's real? What's going on?"

In this interview on the Catholic Aging Podcast with Matt Estrade, Dan discusses his new book, Finding Peace in the Storm: Reflections on Conformity with God's Will by Doctor of the Church St. Alphonsus Liguori. “We should most confidently abandon ourselves to all the dispositions of divine providence, since they are for our own good” (St. Alphonsus Liguori). Dan explains you how the “wind and waves” in the storm can help us ascend to union with God. Key Takeaways: +Suffering and its purpose +Theological perspective of God's permissive and active will +Embracing physical setbacks +Choosing gratitude +Importance of daily mental prayer

In this episode, Kris McGregor and Dan Burke delve into the concept of spiritual warfare and the importance of recognizing the presence of the devil in our lives. They discuss the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila, particularly her book "The Interior Castle," which offers valuable insights into the battle against evil and the journey towards a deeper union with God. McGregor and Burke emphasize the need to understand the tactics of the enemy and the importance of personal transformation in order to overcome the temptations and obstacles that hinder our spiritual growth. They highlight the beauty and glory of the kingdom of God and the transformative power of embracing a life of holiness. Key Takeaways: +Recognizing the presence of the devil and the reality of evil is crucial in navigating the spiritual journey and overcoming the darkness that hinders our relationship with God. +The enemy's tactics include tempting us with worldly desires, appealing to our sensual nature, and amplifying our weaknesses and vulnerabilities. +The early stages of the spiritual journey are often marked by habitual sin and weaknesses, but with awareness and perseverance, we can grow closer to God and become less susceptible to the attacks of the enemy. +The ultimate goal of the spiritual journey is to become the most full, unique expression of ourselves while united with God, worshiping Him in purity and becoming a light to the world. Notable Quotes: "The devil is not a psychological construct, as one very popular Catholic writer claims. Jesus wasn't psychologizing on the Mount of Temptation. He actually did cast out demons." - Dan Burke

In this video Dan addresses a question about protesting a Satanist convention and discusses the fundamental issues with it as well as the more effective & powerful approach we can take as Christians. Want to learn how to pray? Check out this free series from Dan - https://bit.ly/3UhGfq7 Key Takeaways +Political action in Orthodox Catholicism should not eclipse the ultimate goal of saving individual souls. +Protest may not effectively bring individuals closer to Christ but could polarize groups further. +Fasting and praying are more powerful and caring acts for the salvation of individual souls.