The Second Sunday of Lent - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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The Second Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

For the first Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Esseff delves into the significance of Jesus’ Transfiguration, linking his divine glory with his impending sacrifice. He talks about faith in Jesus as both glorified and crucified, drawing parallels with figures like Abraham. Msgr. Esseff reminds us to trust in God’s power for healing, particularly through sacraments like confession and the Eucharist.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Understanding the Transfiguration: What insights does the Transfiguration offer about Jesus’ identity and mission?
Embracing Faith Amidst Suffering: How does Jesus’ glorified state on Mount Tabor contrast with his impending crucifixion, and what does this teach about the nature of faith?
Learning from Biblical Models of Faith: What lessons can be gleaned from the faith of figures like Abraham, Moses, and Elijah in the context of Jesus’ Transfiguration?
Trusting in God’s Healing Power: How does the podcast encourage listeners to trust in God’s power for healing, both physically and spiritually?
Sacramental Encounters with Christ: What role do sacraments like confession and the Eucharist play in experiencing the transformative power of Christ?
Personal Transformation: How does the episode inspire listeners to seek personal transformation in order to reflect Christ’s likeness in the world?

From the NAB Gospel LK 9:28B-36

Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up the mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.As they were about to part from him,
Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Mother Teresa. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.

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