The 4th Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The 4th Sunday of Advent – The Joy of Christ’s Coming – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

In this final Sunday of Advent reflection, Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor turn to the mystery of the Incarnation through the Gospel of Matthew and the prophecies of Isaiah. The episode traces God’s faithful promise to send a Savior, moving from the darkness that followed the fall of Adam and Eve through the long hope of Israel and into the quiet obedience of Joseph and the fiat of Mary.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on Mary as the faithful woman prepared from all ages to receive the Word made flesh. Through her obedience, God enters human history in a new and intimate way. The Incarnation is presented not only as an event in the past, but as a living reality that continues through those united to Christ. Drawing from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Msgr. Esseff speaks about incorporation into Christ through baptism and the call to live as Christ in the world today.

The reflection moves from Scripture into daily life. Listeners are invited to examine how Christ desires to radiate through relationships, family life, parish communities, work, and moments of suffering. Msgr. Esseff speaks tenderly to those who are ill, grieving, anxious, or isolated, affirming that suffering united to Christ carries deep meaning and hope.

The episode closes with a call to joy, patience, and interior awareness. Christ has come. Christ dwells within. Christmas becomes not only a celebration of Bethlehem, but a rediscovery of identity and mission as Christ’s presence in the world.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Where have I seen Christ living and acting through me during this Advent season?
How do my daily relationships reflect the presence of Christ within me?
In what area of my life is Christ inviting healing, humility, or reconciliation?
How do I unite moments of suffering or weakness to the life of Christ within me?
What does it mean for me to carry Christ into my family, parish, or workplace this Christmas?

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.

Finding Joy and Hope in Challenging Times – Advent Reflections with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Finding Joy and Hope in Challenging Times – Advent Reflections w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Dr. Anthony Lilles, focusing on Pope Benedict XVI’s writings, discusses how illness, physically or emotionally, during Advent can be a unique spiritual opportunity. He emphasizes that suffering and difficulty can be a form of divine visitation, offering a chance for personal growth and deeper connection with God.

Dr. Lilles encourages listeners to view every life event, including hardships, as an expression of God’s love. He suggests maintaining an ‘inner diary’ of daily positives as a way to acknowledge God’s presence in all situations. The discussion also covers practical spiritual practices for the Advent season, especially for those facing physical or emotional challenges. Dr. Lilles highlights the importance of ‘offering up’ one’s suffering, transforming it into a meaningful spiritual journey.

This podcast offers a compassionate perspective on finding spiritual richness and hope in the midst of illness, aligning with the reflective nature of Advent.

Sunday of the 4th Week of Advent – An Advent Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

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Sunday of the 4th Week of Advent – An Advent Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

From the book of St. Matthew 1:18–24

This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son
and they will call him Emmanuel,
a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son
and they will call him Emmanuel,
a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son
and they will call him Emmanuel,
a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

May the Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

O Oriens – The O Antiphons Reflections with Sharon Doran – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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O Oriens

O Morning Star,

splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness:

Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

Sharon Doran serves as the teaching director of “Seeking Truth.” An experienced Bible Study teacher, Sharon has a passion for scripture that will motivate and challenge you to immerse yourself in God’s Word and apply His message to your everyday life.

“Seeking Truth” is an in-depth Catholic Bible Study, commissioned by the Archdiocese of Omaha in response to John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization as well as Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation for all Catholics to study scripture. To learn more go to:www.seekingtruth.net

O Oriens – The O Antiphon Reflections from Fr. Giles Dimock, O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fifth Antiphon –
December 21^st: O Oriens

O Radiant Dawn,[1] Splendor of Eternal Light,[2] Sun of Justice;[3] Come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.[4]

The Lord here is invoked as the Light of the World[5] coming as the real sol invictus at the end of time calling us out of darkness into his own wonderful light. The gloom of mid-winter can be seen as the hopelessness of ancient paganism or our own contemporary angst from which we desperately need deliverance.

[1] Zech. 6:12

[2] Heb. 1:3

[3] Mal. 4:2

[4] Luke 1:78

[5] John 8:12

For more visit: O Antiphons Reflections from Fr. Giles Dimock O.P.

The O Antiphon reflections are from Musings: Liturgical and Charismatic authored by Fr. Giles Dimock, O.P. and published by Discerning Hearts®

You can find the book here

Day 21: Trusting with Christ’s Heart – From the writings of Caryll Houselander – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Caryll Houselander image used with permission from TRINITY ICONS

Day 21: Trusting with Christ’s Heart

However difficult or however insignificant our life may seem to be, it is precious to God as Christ is precious to God. On each one in whom Christ lives, the whole of the infinite love of God is concentrated at every moment.

If this were realized there could be no one who could not fulfill the first condition of rest, which is trust.

If it were not for Christ in us, we should not be able to trust; we are too weak; we could not believe in God’s goodness if we had only ourselves to believe with, neither could we love one another if we had only ourselves to love with. We can trust God with Christ’s trust in the Father; that is the trust which is our rest.

Commentary: Caryll Houselander reassures us that each of our lives, no matter how small or difficult they may seem, holds immense value to God because Christ lives within us. God’s infinite love and attention are concentrated on each person in whom Christ dwells. This divine presence grants us the ability to trust in ways that surpass our own limited capacities. Left to our own strength, faith and love may feel impossible, but with Christ alive in us, we can trust with His own unwavering confidence in the Father. For Catholics, this reflects the strength of union with Christ, especially in moments of prayer and sacramental grace, where we are drawn into the mystery of divine trust and rest.

Personal Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle to trust. How might seeing yourself as a dwelling place of Christ help you lean on His strength rather than your own? Today, ask Christ to fill you with His trust in the Father.

Caryll Houselander The Passion of the Infant Christ, Sheed & Ward, 1949

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

A Christmas Novena – Day 6 – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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A Christmas Novena – Day 6 – Peace

O Lord, infant Jesus, give us Your peace! You are the Prince of Peace and the ultimate fulfillment of your incarnation brings us to you in heaven where peace will come to perfection. We pray for peace this Christmas.

Divine Infant,
after the wonders of Your birth in Bethlehem,
You wished to extend Your infinite mercy to the whole world
by calling the Wise Men by heavenly inspiration to Your crib,
which was in this way changed into a royal throne.
You graciously received those holy men
who were obedient to the Divine call
and hastened to Your feet.
They recognized and worshipped You as Prince of Peace,
the Redeemer of mankind,
and the very Son of God.

Show us also Your goodness and almighty power.
Enlighten our minds,
strengthen our wills,
and inflame our hearts to know You,
to serve You,
and to love You in this life,
that we may merit to find our joy in You eternally in the life to come.

Jesus, most powerful Child,
We implore You again to help us
with the intentions we hold in the depths of our hearts.

Divine Child, great omnipotent God,
I implore through Your most Holy Mother’s most powerful intercession,
and through the boundless mercy of Your omnipotence as God,
for a favorable answer to my prayer during this Novena.
Grant us the grace of possessing You eternally
with Mary and Joseph
and of adoring You with Your holy angels and saints.
Amen.

Day 22 – Mercy – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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

Part Four: Welcoming Christ with a Heart Fully Awake

DAY 22 – Mercy

“His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.”
Luke 1.50 RSV

Mercy is the tenderness of God meeting the truth of who we are. It is not simply forgiveness, though it includes that. Mercy is God’s way of loving human weakness without hesitation. It is His readiness to stoop down, lift up, heal, restore, and draw us close.

Mercy flows from God’s heart because mercy is who God is. It is the love that sees our poverty and does not turn away. It is the compassion that enters our wounds with patience. It is the kindness that meets us where we are and leads us gently to where we are meant to be.

Mercy is also relational. It is the movement of God’s heart toward us and the movement of our heart toward others. A listening heart receives mercy and then becomes merciful. The more deeply we allow Christ to meet us in our weakness, the more naturally we become vessels of His mercy in the world.

Mercy does not excuse sin. It transforms the sinner. It returns dignity, restores hope, and rekindles love.

Advent invites the heart to welcome Christ as the face of the Father’s mercy, the One who comes not to condemn but to save, lift, heal, and renew.

Journey with the Saints –

St. Faustina Kowalska

“The greater the misery of a soul, the greater its right to My mercy.”
St. Faustina, Diary, 1182

Faustina was entrusted with a profound revelation of Christ’s merciful heart.

She understood mercy not as an abstract idea but as a living encounter with the God who longs for us. For Faustina, mercy is the place where God’s love meets our human limits.

She teaches that we do not have to be worthy of mercy. We only have to open our hearts to receive it.

Christ does not recoil from our sin or weakness. He draws nearer.

Faustina reminds us that the one who has tasted mercy must become merciful. The heart that knows mercy becomes capable of patience, forgiveness, and compassion.

Reflection for the Listening Heart

Today invites you to let Christ meet you exactly where you are. Not where you think you should be. Not where you pretend to be. Where you truly are.

Mercy is God bending toward your need with love. Let Him come close. Open the places of failure, discouragement, or regret. Let Him touch the wounds that still ache.

Mercy does not shame the heart. Mercy restores it.

And as you receive this mercy, ask the Lord: Who needs mercy from me today? Where can I reflect the patience, gentleness, or forgiveness that God has shown to me? A heart that receives mercy becomes a heart that gives mercy.

A Simple Practice for Today

Choose one person today who stirs irritation, frustration, or judgment in you.

Offer them a silent act of mercy:
a prayer, a kind word, a gentle response, or the choice not to speak a criticism.

Let it be your offering to the One who has been merciful to you.

Prayer

Jesus, full of mercy,
open my heart to receive the love You long to give.
Heal what is wounded.
Lift what is burdened.
Forgive what is sinful.
Let Your mercy flow through me to others,
so that my life may reflect the compassion of Your heart.
Amen.

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

Citations for Day 22

Luke 1.50 RSV
St. Faustina Kowalska, Diary, 1182

O Clavis David – The O Antiphons Reflections with Sharon Doran – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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O Clavis David

O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel;

you open and no one can shut;

you shut and no one can open:

Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house,

those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

O Clavis David – The O Antiphon Reflections from Fr. Giles Dimock, O.P. – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fourth Antiphon –
December 20^th: O Clavis David

O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven,[1] Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,[2] and lead your captive people into freedom

The Lord Jesus is invoked here as the Key of David,[3] the one who can open the gate into the kingdom because he is the gate.[4] He knocks at the door of our hearts[5] leading us out of the darkness of sin into the true freedom of the children of God, which is freedom from sin and the resulting joy and delight.

[1] Is. 22:22

[2] Luke 1:79

[3] Rev. 3:7

[4] cf. John 10:7

[5] Rev. 3:19

For more visit: O Antiphons Reflections from Fr. Giles Dimock O.P.

The O Antiphon reflections are from Musings: Liturgical and Charismatic authored by Fr. Giles Dimock, O.P. and published by Discerning Hearts®

You can find the book here

The 4th Sunday of Advent – The Joy of Christ’s Coming – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Finding Joy and Hope in Challenging Times – Advent Reflections w/ Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Sunday of the 4th Week of Advent – An Advent Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

O Oriens

Fifth Antiphon – December 21st: O Oriens

For more visit: O Antiphons Reflections from Fr. Giles Dimock O.P.

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

A Christmas Novena – Day 6 – Peace

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

Part Four: Welcoming Christ with a Heart Fully Awake

DAY 22 – Mercy

Journey with the Saints –

St. Faustina Kowalska

Reflection for the Listening Heart

A Simple Practice for Today

Prayer

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

O Clavis David

Fourth Antiphon – December 20th: O Clavis David

For more visit: O Antiphons Reflections from Fr. Giles Dimock O.P.

Fifth Antiphon –
December 21^st: O Oriens

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

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

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

Fourth Antiphon –
December 20^th: O Clavis David