The 2nd Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

The 2nd Sunday of Advent – A Call to Wake Up, Repent, and Enter the Light of JesusBuilding a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

In this Advent reflection, Msgr. John Esseff turns to the figure of John the Baptist and the call to repentance that prepares the way for the Lord. He explains that John stands at the culmination of Old Testament prophecy, announcing the arrival of the Messiah and calling all people to conversion. Yet Jesus teaches that the least in the kingdom is greater than John, because Christians carry Christ within them. This means the true tragedy is not simply breaking commandments but failing to live as Christ in the world.

Msgr. Esseff then guides listeners through examples of interior patterns that separate the soul from union with Jesus. He speaks about judgmental attitudes, envy, lust, unforgiveness, gluttony, and other deep tendencies that distort the heart. Each one acts like a hidden disease that wounds the life of Christ within the person. Advent becomes a time to uncover these wounds through honest examination and to bring them to the Lord for healing.

He urges listeners to call upon the Holy Spirit, who reveals the core wound with gentleness, not accusation. The Spirit convicts with light and love, while the enemy accuses and discourages. Confession is offered as a powerful path to healing, where the cross penetrates the soul and restores union with Christ.

Msgr. Esseff encourages priests to open the confessional during Advent and calls all Christians to stop judging one another and instead direct loved ones to the Holy Spirit, who alone can reveal the truth of the heart. Advent is presented as a privileged time to awaken, repent, and prepare for the coming of the Lord, who desires to bring healing, renewal, and unity to every soul.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. What interior pattern or tendency separates me most from Christ right now?
  2. When I examine my heart, do I hear the accusing voice or the gentle clarity of the Holy Spirit?
  3. Where have I allowed judgment, envy, or resentment to shape my thoughts or relationships?
  4. What wound or habit is the Holy Spirit inviting me to bring to confession this Advent?
  5. How can I prepare my heart to welcome Christ more deeply during this season?

 


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. Teresa of Calcutta.    He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world.  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.  Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute.  He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.  

St. Ambrose of Milan, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

St. Ambrose of Milan, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson

  • Born: 340 AD
  • Died: January 1, 397  AD

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor continue their discussion on the life and profound impact of St. Ambrose of Milan, a pivotal figure in Church history and a Doctor of the Church. Dr. Bunson emphasizes how Ambrose’s unexpected rise to the episcopate during a time of crisis in the Western Roman Empire exemplified his integrity and strength of character. Chosen by opposing factions who hoped to sway him to their cause, Ambrose steadfastly upheld orthodox Christian teaching, most notably opposing the Arian heresy. His tenure as Bishop of Milan was marked by his dedication to unity, deep prayer life, and commitment to scriptural study, which not only inspired his contemporaries but also profoundly influenced St. Augustine, whom he guided gently toward conversion. Ambrose’s unique method of silent scriptural reading and contemplative prayer impressed Augustine and modeled a new depth of spiritual engagement, contributing to the theological foundation of Christian mysticism.

St. Ambrose’s fearless moral authority extended to his interactions with the Roman emperors, particularly his courageous confrontation with Emperor Theodosius after the massacre of 7,000 innocents. By demanding genuine repentance from the emperor, Ambrose demonstrated his unwavering commitment to justice and the spiritual well-being of his flock, including rulers. His legacy also includes his promotion of Marian theology, the introduction of Eastern hymns to Western liturgy, and his composition of the Te Deum, reportedly written for Augustine’s baptism. Although Ambrose died relatively young at around 60, his life exemplified total self-gift to God, leaving an enduring legacy of wisdom, courage, and pastoral care. His life and teachings continue to inspire modern bishops and faithful, calling all to live with integrity, grace, and a relentless pursuit of truth.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Integrity in Leadership: How can I emulate St. Ambrose’s steadfastness in upholding truth and unity in my own roles of influence?
  2. Prayerful Scripture Engagement: In what ways can I deepen my prayer life by absorbing scripture into my heart, as St. Ambrose exemplified?
  3. Guiding Others Gently: How can I, like St. Ambrose with St. Augustine, accompany others on their spiritual journey with patience and wisdom?
  4. Moral Courage: Am I willing to stand up for truth and justice, even when it requires confronting authority or making personal sacrifices?
  5. Living the Faith Fully: How can I integrate my beliefs into daily actions to reflect Christ’s presence in the world?
  6. Witnessing through Worship: In what ways can my participation in and promotion of sacred traditions, like hymns and liturgy, enhance my community’s faith experience?
  7. Total Self-Gift to God: What areas of my life am I still holding back from offering completely to God’s service?
  8. Concern for Eternal Souls: How can I show genuine love and concern for the spiritual well-being of others, even those in positions of power or authority?
  9. Influence of the Blessed Mother: How does my devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary inspire me to grow in holiness and faithfulness to Christ?
  10. Legacy of Faith: What steps can I take to leave a lasting impact on others by living a life of grace and virtue, as St. Ambrose did?

For more on St. Ambrose of Milan and his teachings


For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.

Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and a senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

St. Ambrose of Milan, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast


St. Ambrose of Milan, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson

  • Born: 340 AD
  • Died: January 1, 397  AD

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor delve into the life and legacy of St. Ambrose of Milan, one of the first four Doctors of the Church. St. Ambrose, born in 340 AD to a prominent Christian Roman family, was shaped by a devout household and a comprehensive education in literature, rhetoric, and law. Despite initially serving as a governor in the Roman Empire, his unexpected appointment as Bishop of Milan arose during a contentious period marked by the Arian heresy. Despite his reluctance, Ambrose accepted the role, undergoing baptism and theological study, and embracing his mission to defend and shepherd the Christian community. His dedication to scripture, particularly the Old Testament, influenced his homiletic style and laid the foundation for practices like Lectio Divina.

St. Ambrose’s ability to bridge secular leadership and ecclesial authority brought stability to Milan and served as an inspiration for future saints like Augustine of Hippo. His profound faith and intellectual contributions include his role in opposing Arianism and shaping the Christian theological tradition. St. Ambrose’s life exemplifies the hallmark of a Doctor of the Church: profound teaching intertwined with sanctity, humility, and obedience to God’s will.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. The Role of Divine Providence: How can we recognize and embrace God’s unexpected plans for our lives, as St. Ambrose did when called to be a bishop?
  2. Faith and Family Influence: In what ways does your family or community shape your faith journey, similar to how St. Ambrose’s upbringing prepared him for his vocation?
  3. The Witness of Integrity: How does living a life of integrity and faithfulness to Christ impact those around you, as it did for St. Ambrose with his community?
  4. Preparation for Mission: What steps can you take to deepen your knowledge of Scripture and Church teachings, following St. Ambrose’s example of relentless study?
  5. Defending the Faith: How can you actively defend the truths of the Catholic faith in the face of modern challenges, inspired by St. Ambrose’s opposition to heresies?
  6. Surrendering to God’s Will: What areas of your life require greater surrender to God’s will, mirroring St. Ambrose’s total dedication to his calling?
  7. The Influence of Prayer: How can practices like Lectio Divina and prayerful reflection on Scripture strengthen your spiritual life and guide your actions?

For more on St. Ambrose of Milan and his teachings


For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.

Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and a senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

AR#7 – Confidence in God – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. – Discerning Hearts Podcast


AR#7 – Advent Reflections with Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.

Since we are God’s creation, we have come from God and we are returning to God; God has great confidence in His own grace. He has great confidence that his love for us can change us. He knows that we can make progress and be restored to spiritual and moral health. Do you have confidence in God? Do you trust God? Always desiring to restore you, once again, to happiness and interior peace. Advent is a time to be restored. Primarily, the church is asking us to be restored through the sacramental life. Advent is a time to come back to Church; come back to the Mass; come back to the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation, where God is confidently waiting for you, knowing that you can make progress and be restored to spiritual health. And to taste, once again, His happiness that He shares with you.

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO. 

We highly recommend – The Eucharist and the Hope of Conversion with Deacon James Keating Ph.D. Discerning Hearts Podcast


For more from Deacon James Keating check out his “Discerning Heart” page

A Novena to the Immaculate Conception – Day 9



A Novena to the Immaculate Conception – Day 9

O God,
who by the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son,
we beseech You that,
as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son,
You did preserve Her from all stain,
so too You would permit us,
purified through Her intercession,
to come unto You.
Through the same Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son, who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, world without end.

Amen.

O Mother of the King of the Universe,
most perfect member of the human race,
“our tainted nature’s solitary boast,”
we turn to you as mother,
advocate, and mediatrix. O Holy Mary,
assist us in our present necessity.
By your Immaculate Conception,
O Mary conceived without sin,
we humbly beseech you from the bottom of our heart
to intercede for us with your Divine Son
and ask that we be granted the favor for which we now plead…

(State your intention here…)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception,
Mother of Christ,
you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth;
you have the same influence now in heaven.
Pray for us
and obtain for us from him
the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

On the last day of this Novena, recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin.


For the complete 9 day novena visit the Discerning Hearts:

The Immaculate Conception Novena page

 

Día 5 – Novena a la Virgen de Guadalupe – Podcasts De Corazones Discernidores

Novena a la Virgen de Guadalupe

En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo. Amén.

Señor mío, Jesucristo, Dios y Hombre verdadero, creador y redentor mío, por ser vos quien sois, y porque os amo sobre todas las cosas, me pesa de todo corazón haberos ofendido.

Propongo enmendarme y confesarme a su tiempo y ofrezco cuanto hiciere en satisfacción de mis pecados, y confío por vuestra bondad y misericordia infinita, que me perdonaréis y me daréis gracia para nunca más pecar. Así lo espero por intercesión de mi Madre, nuestra Señora la Virgen de Guadalupe. Amén”.

Quinto día

“¿Qué correspondía a quien es un cielo por su hermosura, sino uno lleno de estrellas? ¿Con qué podía adornarse una belleza toda celestial, sino con los brillos de unas virtudes tan lúcidas y tan resplandecientes como las tuyas?

Bendita mil veces la mano de aquel Dios que supo unir en ti hermosura tan peregrina con pureza tan realzada, y gala tan brillante y rica con humildad tan apacible. Yo quedo, Señora, absorto de hermosura tan amable, y quisiera que mis ojos se fijaran siempre en ti para que mi corazón no se dejara arrastrar en otro afecto que no sea el amor tuyo.

No podré lograr este deseo si esos resplandecientes astros con que estás adornada no infunden una ardiente y fervorosa caridad, para que ame de todo corazón y con todas mis fuerzas a mi Dios, y después de mi Dios a Ti, como objeto digno de que lo amemos todos. Amén”.


Padre Nuestro
Padre nuestro, que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu nombre, venga a nosotros tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día, perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en la tentación, y líbranos del mal. Amén

Ave Maria
Dios te Salve, María, llena eres de gracia, el Señor está contigo. Bendita tú eres entre todas las mujeres y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre, Jesús. Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros pecadores, ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte. Amén

Gloria
Gloria al Padre y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo. Como era en el principio ahora y siempre, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros. Amén

En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo. Amén


Para consultar la novena completa, visite:
Novena A La Virgen De Guadalupe – Podcasts De Corazones Discernidores

 

Day 8: Transformed by Divine Love – From the writings of Caryll Houselander – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Caryll Houselander image used with permission from TRINITY ICONS

Day 8: Transformed by Divine Love

“When God enters into our passions, joys, desires, sorrows, into our relationship with one another, our nature undergoes a transubstantiation. The Paraclete Who rests in the human heart changes the substance of our humanness to Christ, we are charged with the power of Christ’s love. Love is God in us.

This power of love is the beginning of the world’s healing, of human happiness. The world is made up of weak as well as strong people, of dull as well as intelligent people, of blind people as well as those who have vision, of naturally superficial as well as intense people. If all these and the millions more are to be as one, are to find happiness that is good and is a hallowing of God’s Name, they must do it in the only way they can: through the interchange in daily life of the love of Christ.”

Commentary: Caryll Houselander beautifully describes how, when God enters our lives, our very nature is changed—transformed into a reflection of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit within us. This “transubstantiation” of our humanness to Christ means that our love, patience, and kindness become channels for God’s love in the world. For Catholics, this resonates deeply with the sacramental understanding of grace, where God’s love works through us in everyday life to unite, heal, and uplift the world. Houselander challenges us to see that regardless of our personal strengths or weaknesses, we each contribute to the world’s healing through our daily expressions of Christ’s love.

Personal Reflection: Reflect on how you might allow Christ’s love to flow more freely through your actions today. How can you offer His love in even the smallest interactions, seeing them as opportunities to heal and unite? Let your love be a visible sign of God’s presence in the world.

Houselander quote from:  Caryll Houselander, The Reed of God, Sheed & Ward, 1944


For more reflections visit:
Caryll Houselander  – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts


Image © Trinity Icons / Joseph M. Malham
Image used with permission
To purchase your own copy, visit Trinity Icons


Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Day 5 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe – Day 5

Virgin gentle in mercy, in Juan Diego’s anxiety, to bring a priest to his dying uncle he failed to keep his appointment with you. Yet, you rewarded his filial love by restoring his uncle to health. Your compassion allowed Juan Diego to fulfill the mission you gave him, returning to the bishop with the proof the bishop sought.

Teach us, Mother, to put God’s holy will ahead of all created things, including our loved ones, and help remove the obstacles that prevent us from following God’s will.

Our Father …

Hail Mary …

Glory be …


Please visit the Discerning Hearts Our Lady of Guadalupe page for the text and audio for the remaining days.

CLJ4 – Faith, Hope, Love – Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Art of Waiting by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C. – Discerning Hearts Podcast


CLJ4 – Faith, Hope, Love – ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C.

An excerpt from Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Art of Waiting:

CLJ4 – Faith, Hope, Love

“When Jesus saw their faith he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven” (Lk 5:20).

“My dear Sisters, today in the Gospel our Lord praises the faith of those who lowered the paralytic through the roof so that Jesus could heal him. Let us continue to reflect on the theme we had in the Sunday readings of giving evidence that we wish to reform our lives, and let us examine the evidence of our own willingness to be healed, which pertains to faith, hope, and charity. To reform literally means, not to make a new form, but to go back to the original form. The Cistercian abbot Dom Gabriel Sortais, O.C.S.O., said, “Our Lady was exactly as God dreamed her.”

She never had to be reshaped; the form never had to be reintegrated. Unfortunately, we often need to be reshaped and reformed. Yet that, too, is beautiful: that we are formed again, not in a different way, but back to that dream (a lovely expression) that God has of each one of us, that dream-form in the mind and the heart of God of what he intends each of us to be. This is what we mean by reform. Faith, we are told in Scripture, is the substance of things unseen. It is easy to say, “I believe in God.”

But to say that “I believe that God is in control” can be very hard—to really give him the evidence of the heart, of the soul bowed down before him, sometimes in confusion at what he seems to be doing (and not doing) and sometimes in real anguish—and to believe. This is the evidence he is asking of us. We tend to think of faith as a lovely thing. Faith is not just a matter of speaking, but it is a matter of believing when it is difficult to believe.”

Francis P.C.C., Mother Mary. Come, Lord Jesus (pp. 86-87). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.


Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C., (1921-2006) was for more than forty years the abbess of the Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Roswell, New Mexico. She became recognized as an authoritative voice for the renewal of religious life through her many books, including A Right to Be Merry, But I Have Called You Friends, and Anima Christi.  To learn more about Mother Mary Francis and the Poor Clare Nuns of Roswell, NM visit their website at https://poorclares-roswell.org


Discerning Hearts is grateful to Cluny Media whose permission was obtained to record these audio selections from this published work.

Day 8 – Hope – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart:
Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening.

Week Two: Following the Voice of Christ

DAY 8 – Hope

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10.23


Hope is the quiet strength that anchors the heart in God’s promises. It is a theological virtue, not a feeling we generate. God Himself pours it into the soul through grace. Because of this, hope is steady even when circumstances shift, even when emotions rise and fall, even when darkness feels close.

Hope looks at God before it looks at the problem. Hope remembers that God keeps His promises. The greatest fulfillment of those promises is the gift of Christ, given at a moment in history when all seemed lost. Advent teaches us to return to this truth every day. Christ is the proof that God keeps His word.

Yet hope is not only about the great moments of salvation history. It is also about the personal ways God has been faithful in your life. Each moment He sustained you, guided you, protected you, forgave you, or brought you through something difficult becomes a touchstone of hope. Hope grows when the heart remembers.

Hope does not deny suffering. It meets suffering with trust in a God who is larger than every fear and stronger than every obstacle. Hope believes that God is already present and already at work.

Journey with the Saints –

Ven Bruno Lanteri

“Do not lose heart. Be confident. God is love.”
Venerable Bruno Lanteri

Venerable Bruno taught that Christian hope rests entirely on the mercy and fidelity of God. He understood hope as a grace that lifts the soul when it feels weak or discouraged. His famous spiritual counsel, “Begin again,” expresses this beautifully. Hope always makes it possible to take the next step toward God.

For Ven. Bruno, hope was not optimism. It was confidence in God’s character. He believed that no failure, no weakness, and no discouragement could block the action of grace if a soul continued to turn toward God with trust. Hope leans on God, not on self.

Ven. Bruno also insisted that hope grows when a person remembers God’s past faithfulness. Every grace God has already given becomes a promise of what He will continue to do. Hope expands the heart to expect God’s goodness again.

Reflection for the Listening Heart

Today invites you to let your heart rest in God’s fidelity. Hope grows when you stop trying to hold everything together and allow God to carry what you cannot. Hope remembers that God has led you before and He will lead you again.

Look back over your life. Where has God kept His promises to you. Where has He shown you love, direction, or protection. These memories are seeds of hope. They strengthen your trust in the God who remains faithful.

Ask yourself: Where do I need hope today. How is God inviting me to remember His faithfulness?

A Simple Practice for Today

Recall one moment in your life when God was clearly present. Thank Him for it. Later in the day, pray quietly, “Lord, You have been faithful. Strengthen my hope.” Let this remembrance become a place of trust.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, strengthen within me the virtue of hope. Help me to trust in Your promises and to remember the many ways You have been faithful. Pour Your grace into my heart so I may rest in Your love and look to You with confidence. Teach me to hope in You always. Amen.


For more of the episodes of
An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart with Kris McGregor visit here


Citations for Day 8

Hebrews 10.23 RSV
Venerable Bruno Lanteri, spiritual writings

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