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What it Means to “Put on Christ” – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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What it Means to “Put on Christ” – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor reflect on the spiritual teachings found in the fourth chapter of Ephesians. Msgr.Esseff draws parallels between the scripture and everyday experiences, such as children’s fascination with superheroes and their costumes, to illustrate the concept of putting on a new self in Christ and shedding our old, deceitful selves to embrace our true identity in Christ, as Paul encourages.

Elaborating on how this transformation involves embracing our divine nature and living out our true selves, which align with God’s design, he references biblical stories, such as the Israelites receiving manna in the desert and Jesus’ proclamation as the bread of life, to reinforce the idea that spiritual nourishment comes from God and that the Eucharist is a profound means of sustaining this new life in Christ.

They also touch on the role of fear and trust. Fear, Msgr. Esseff explains, is a constant threat that can prevent us from living fully as Christ in the world. Overcoming fear requires courage and trust in God. Monsignor Esseff underscores the importance of unconditional love and non-judgmental attitudes, especially towards family members, as a practical application of living out the Christ life.

From Ephesians 4:20 -24

22 Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. – RCVCE

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Putting on the New Self: How can you actively shed your old, deceitful self to embrace your true identity in Christ today?
Overcoming Fear: What specific fears are preventing you from fully living out your Christ-like identity, and how can you confront them with courage and trust?
Living Unconditional Love: In what ways can you practice unconditional love towards your family members and those around you, without judgment or criticism?
Eucharistic Nourishment: How does participating in the Eucharist help you sustain your commitment to living as Christ in your daily life?
Role Models of Faith: Which saints or holy figures inspire you to live out your divine identity, and how can you emulate their example in your own life?
Daily Christ-like Actions: What practical steps can you take today to ensure that your thoughts, words, and actions reflect your true self in Christ?
Trusting God’s Plan: How can you deepen your trust in God’s plan for your life, especially in times of uncertainty and fear?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30, 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served 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 St. Pope 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 serves 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.

SH9 – The Sacred Heart and Selfless Love – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Sacred Heart and Selfless Love – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the deep and transformative love of Jesus’ Sacred Heart. The invitation Jesus extends to unite our hearts with His, embracing love and its consequences, including suffering for the sake of others. Esseff explains that Jesus withholds certain material blessings if they hinder spiritual growth, aiming to cure self-centeredness and foster divine love.

True love involves giving selflessly, reflecting God’s eternal love, using examples like St. Francis of Assisi and the Virgin Mary, who embody this divine love.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Union with Jesus’ Sacred Heart: How can I deepen my union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and embrace the love and suffering that comes with it?
Spiritual Blessings over Material Goods: In what ways might I be overly focused on material blessings, and how can I shift my focus to seek spiritual blessings instead?
Overcoming Self-Centeredness: What self-centered tendencies do I need to overcome to truly live out divine love and serve others?
Embracing Suffering for Love: How can I accept and embrace suffering as a way to grow in love and align myself more closely with Jesus’ heart?
Following the Example of Saints: How can I follow the example of saints like St. Francis and the Virgin Mary in living out a life of selfless, divine love?
Seeking Mary’s Guidance: How can I turn to Mary for guidance in understanding and embodying the heart and love of Jesus in my daily life?

BTP-L12 – Letter 224 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Letter 224 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss a letter from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity on the challenging subject of death and how true spirituality must address it. Elizabeth’s reflections offer comfort and guidance to Madame Angels, who is facing an operation and fears death.

Elizabeth encourages her friend to trust in God and abandon her fears. She reassures her that death is merely a transition to eternal life and emphasizes God’s mercy and love. Elizabeth’s profound insights show us that fear does not come from God, who is the Prince of Peace, and she advises turning to God in times of fear and anxiety. She advises in making room for God in our lives through small acts of renunciation and focusing on love. By increasing God’s presence in our soul every day, we gain confidence to face His infinite holiness.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Death in Spirituality: How does St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s view of death challenge or deepen your understanding of spirituality?
Embracing Suffering and Fear: How can you apply Elizabeth’s counsel on fear and suffering to your own life’s challenges?
Confidence in God’s Mercy: What practical steps can you take to increase your confidence in God’s immense love and mercy?
Renunciation and Space for God: In what ways can you practice renunciation to create more space for God in your daily life?
Living by Love: How does Elizabeth’s teaching on living by love despite failures influence your approach to personal holiness?
Union with God’s Will: What actions can you take to align your will more closely with God’s will, as described by Elizabeth?
Role of Peace in Spiritual Growth: How does Elizabeth’s emphasis on peace as a pathway to God impact your spiritual practices and mindset?
Impact of External Influences: How do external influences distract you from focusing on Jesus, and how can you counteract them?
Facing Life’s Final Journey: Reflect on Elizabeth’s serene depiction of death; how does this perspective shape your view of the end of life?
Role of Spiritual Exercises: What spiritual exercises can you adopt to help increase God’s presence in your soul every day?

L 224
To Madame Angels
[a little before March 8, 1905]

J. M. + J. T.

“Abandonment is the delicious fruit of love”

Very dear Madame,

Before entering the great silence of Lent, our Reverend Mother is allowing me to tell you how much my dear community and I are praying for you. I can understand what apprehensions you must feel in facing an operation; I am asking God to ease them, to calm them Himself. The holy Apostle Paul says that “He works all things according to the counsel of His will,” thus we must receive everything as coming directly from that divine hand of our Father who loves us and who, through all trials, pursues His goal, “to unite us more closely to Himself.” Dear Madame, launch your soul on the waves of confidence and abandonment, and remember that anything that troubles it or throws it into fear does not come from God, for He is the Prince of Peace and He promises that peace “to those of good will.” When you are afraid you have abused His graces, as you say, that is the time to redouble your confidence, for, as the Apostle says, “where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more,” and farther on, “I boast of my weaknesses, for then the power of Jesus Christ dwells in me.” “Our God is rich in mercy because of His immense love.” So do not fear the hour we must all pass through. Death, dear Madame, is the sleep of the child resting on the heart of its mother. At last the night of exile will have fled forever, and we will enter into possession of the inheritance of the saints in light. Saint John of the Cross says we will be judged in love. That corresponds well with the thinking of Our Lord, who said to Mary Magdalene: “Many sins have been forgiven her because she has loved much.” I often think I will have a very long purgatory, for much will be asked of the one who has received much and He has been so overwhelmingly generous to His little bride, but she abandons herself to His love and sings the hymn of His mercies while still on earth! Dear Madame, if we made God increase in our soul every day, think what confidence that would give us to appear one day before His infinite holiness! I think you have found the secret and that it is indeed that we arrive at this divine goal through renunciation: by that means we die to self in order to leave all the room to God. Do you remember that beautiful passage from the Gospel according to Saint John where Our Lord says to Nicodemus: “Truly I say to you, if one is not born anew, one cannot see the kingdom of God”? Let us therefore renew ourselves in the interior of our soul, “let us strip off the old and clothe ourselves anew, in the image of Him who created him” (Saint Paul). That is done gently and simply, by separating ourselves from all that is not God. Then the soul no longer has any fears or desires, its will is entirely lost in the will of God, and since this is what creates union, it can cry out: “I live no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” Let us pray much for each other during this holy time of Lent; let us retire to the desert with our Master and ask Him to teach us to live by His life.

I saw Mama, Marguerite, and her dear little Sabeth; it was the last parlor visit until Easter, they find that very long. I know Marie-Louise is also expecting a little angel and I recommend her particularly to God. Remember me to your dear ones. I am writing a little note in reply to Monsieur le Chanoine2 and, as a poor Carmelite, I am being so bold as to entrust it to you to deliver to him whenever you have a chance; I hope that is not being indiscreet. A Dieu, dear Madame, courage and confidence, I kiss you as I love you.

Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 192-194). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .

PSM8 – The Life of Mystagogy – Pathway to Sacred Mysteries with Dr. David Fagerberg – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 8 – The Life of Mystagogy – Pathway to Sacred Mysteries with Dr. David Fagerberg Ph.D.

Dr. David Fagerberg and Kris McGregor explore the profound connections between liturgy, sacrifice, and the layperson’s role in the Catholic Church. Liturgy begins with personal preparation and participation. The sacrifice in the liturgical context is about offering oneself to God rather than merely giving something up. They highlight the significant role of the laity, who possess an “interior priesthood” that complements the ordained priesthood, and caution against practices that blur the distinct roles of clergy and laity, which can undermine the true value of lay participation.

In understanding one’s baptismal identity for full liturgical participation, it calls for better catechesis and mystagogical formation. Sacred and profane are complementary aspects of God’s world, with sacred moments and places offering a perspective that helps believers recognize the holiness in everyday life. True evangelization involves deepening the baptized Christians’ understanding and living out of their faith, fostering continuous personal transformation. The liturgical rhythm provides structure and coherence to life, enabling believers to integrate the sacred with the profane meaningfully.

Here are some of the topics explored in this episode:

What is it to live the liturgy?
What occurs at our baptism?
What is our role true role in the liturgical celebration?
What is the nature of “mystagogy?”

From the discussion with Dr. Fagerberg:

“Liturgy is doing the world the way it was meant to be done, but I can’t do it the way it was meant to be done unless I know what I am supposed to be doing. And unless I know what God wants me to be doing, and unless I know what God intends for the world. So I have to spend some time with the blueprint drawer, with the architect, with the designer. I don’t know how this family should operate, or this marriage should operate, or this justice in society should operate unless they spend some time with the source of love and the source of justice and the source of life. So we go into the sacred in order to inhale, so that we can conduct our sacramental, ascetical, and mystical life. I live this life seven days in the world before Icome into the sacred on the eighth day, then I take a step up into heaven, so that I can see heaven around me.”

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Perichoresis: How does the concept of perichoresis deepen your understanding of the Trinity and its relationship within itself?
Embracing Kenosis: In what ways can you practice kenosis, or self-emptying, in your own life to better follow Christ’s example?
Participating in Synergy: How can you better cooperate with God’s grace in your daily activities, seeing it as a divine dance where God leads?
Liturgy as Transformation: How does viewing liturgy as a transformative encounter rather than just a ritual change your approach to worship?
Universal Call to Holiness: Reflect on your vocation as a baptized Christian. How can you live out your call to holiness in your current state of life?
Offering Spiritual Sacrifice: What aspects of your daily life can be offered as a spiritual sacrifice to God?
Priesthood of All Believers: How do you understand your role in the priesthood of all believers, and how can you actively participate in this communal priesthood?
Continuous Conversion: In what ways can you embrace a continual process of conversion to deepen your union with God through the liturgy and sacraments?

For more podcast episodes of this series visit the Pathways to Sacred Mysteries w/Dr. David Fagerberg page

David W. Fagerberg is Professor in the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. He holds masters degrees from Luther Northwestern Seminary, St. John’s University (Collegeville), Yale Divinity School, and Yale University. His Ph.D. is from Yale University in liturgical theology.

Fagerberg’s work has explored how the Church’s lex credendi (law of belief) is founded upon the Church’s lex orandi (law of prayer). This was expressed in Theologia Prima (Hillenbrand Books, 2003). He has integrated into this the Eastern Orthodox understanding of asceticism by considering its role in preparing the liturgical person. This was treated in On Liturgical Asceticism (Catholic University Press, 2013). And these two themes come together in Consecrating the World: On Mundane Liturgical Theology (Angelico Press, 2016).

He also has an avocation in G. K. Chesterton, having published Chesterton is Everywhere (Emmaus Press, 2013) and The Size of Chesterton’s Catholicism (University of Notre Dame, 1998).

Here are a few of Dr. Fagerberg’s books:

St. Peter Chrysologus – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Anthony of Padua Doctor of Church Matthew Bunson Podcast

St. Peter Chrysologus – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

Born: 406 AD, Imola, Italy
Died: July 31, 450 AD

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss St. Peter Chrysologus, a Doctor of the Church known as the “Doctor of Homilies” due to his exceptional preaching skills. Chrysologus, who lived from around 380 to 450 AD, was noted for his brief, clear, and impactful homilies that conveyed deep theological truths concisely to avoid boring his congregation. His teachings emphasized prayer, fasting, and mercy, which he believed were interdependent and vital for a steadfast faith and virtuous life.

Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII, Chrysologus was honored during a period of rationalism and skepticism in Europe. His ability to distill complex theological concepts into accessible and inspiring messages made him an essential figure during the Enlightenment. Despite the turmoil of his era, including the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of various heresies like Arianism and Monophysitism, Chrysologus remained a steadfast defender of orthodox Christian doctrine.

Chrysologus’s significant influence is highlighted by his relationship with Pope Leo the Great and his response to the heretic Eutyches, which emphasized papal primacy and the importance of unity in the Church. His eloquence and gentle nature, combined with his theological depth, made his homilies resonate deeply with his congregation and contributed to his lasting legacy in the Church. The podcast underscores the relevance of Chrysologus’s teachings in today’s context of social and religious challenges, encouraging listeners to draw inspiration from his life and work.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding the Impact of Brevity in Homilies: How can the example of St. Peter Chrysologus’s concise and clear homilies inspire contemporary preachers to communicate more effectively?
Emulating the Zeal for Truth: In what ways can we, as modern Catholics, emulate St. Peter Chrysologus’s zeal for defending and teaching the true faith amidst today’s skepticism and rationalism?
Integrating Prayer, Fasting, and Mercy: How can we incorporate St. Peter Chrysologus’s teaching on the interdependence of prayer, fasting, and mercy into our daily spiritual practices?
Importance of Papal Primacy: Why is understanding and respecting papal primacy, as emphasized by St. Peter Chrysologus, important for maintaining unity and orthodoxy in the Church today?
Living the Faith Through Action: Reflect on a specific way you can live out your faith in action, following the example of St. Peter Chrysologus’s life and teachings.
Addressing Modern Heresies: What are some modern-day heresies or false teachings that the Church faces, and how can we effectively respond to them using the wisdom of St. Peter Chrysologus?
Importance of Holiness in Relationships: How does the relationship between St. Peter Chrysologus and other Church leaders like Pope Leo the Great illustrate the importance of fostering holy and supportive relationships within the Church community?
Lessons from Historical Context: How can the historical context of St. Peter Chrysologus’s time help us understand and address the challenges facing the Church in our current era?
Role of Homilies in Worship: Why is it crucial for homilies to be integrated within the context of worship and liturgy, as St. Peter Chrysologus exemplified?
Personal Spiritual Growth: Reflect on a recent homily that deeply moved you. How did it inspire your spiritual growth, and how can you seek to apply its message in your life?

For more on St. Peter Chrysologus and his teachings

From Wikipedia:

“Peter was born in Imola, where Cornelius, bishop of Roman Catholic Diocese of Imola, baptized him, educated him, and ordained him a deacon. He was made an archdeacon through the influence of Emperor Valentinian III. Pope Sixtus III appointed Peter as Bishop of Ravenna (or perhaps archbishop) circa 433, apparently rejecting the candidate whom the people of the city ofRavenna elected. The traditional account, as recorded in the Roman Breviary, is that Sixtus had a vision of Pope Saint Peter the Apostle and Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna, the first bishop of that see, who showed Sixtus a young man, the next Bishop of Ravenna. When a group from Ravenna arrived, including Cornelius and his archdeacon Peter from Imola, Sixtus recognized Peter as the young man in his vision and consecrated him as a bishop.

People knew Saint Peter Chrysologus, the Doctor of Homilies, for his short but inspired talks; he supposedly feared boring his audience. His piety and zeal won universal admiration. After hearing oratory of his first homily as bishop, Roman Empress Galla Placidia supposedly gave him the surname Chrysologus, meaning “golden-worded.” Empress Galla Placidia patronized many of projects of Bishop Saint Peter.

In his extant homilies, bishop Peter explained Biblical texts briefly and concisely. He also condemned Arianism and Monophysitism as heresies and explained beautifully the Apostles’ Creed, the mystery of the Incarnation, and other topics in simple and clear language. He dedicated a series of homilies to Saint John the Baptist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Peter advocated daily reception of Eucharist. He urged his listeners to confide in the forgiveness offered through Christ. He shared the confidence of Saint Pope Leo I the Great (440-461), another doctor of the Church.

A synod held in Constantinople in 448 condemned Eutyches for Monophysitism; Eutyches then appealed to Saint Peter Chrysologus but failed in his endeavour to win the support of the Bishop. The Acts of the Council of Chalcedon(451) preserves the text of letter of Saint Peter Chrysologus in response to Eutyches; Peter admonishes Eutyches to accept the ruling of the synod and to give obedience to the Bishop of Rome as the successor of Saint Peter.

Archbishop Felix of Ravenna in the early eighth century collected and preserved 176 of his homilies. Various authors edited and translated these works into numerous languages.

Death and veneration

St Peter died circa or after 450 during a visit to Imola, the town of his birth. Older reference books say he died on 2 December, but a more recent interpretation of the ninth-century “Liber Pontificalis Ecclesiae Ravennatis” indicated that he died on 31 July. When in 1729 he was declared a Doctor of the Church, his feast day, not already included in the Tridentine Calendar, was inserted in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints for celebration on 4 December. In 1969 his feast was moved to 30 July, as close as possible to the day of his death, 31 July, the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.”

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.

DPD7 – Steps to Spiritual Renewal – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Steps to Spiritual Renewal – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Kris McGregor discuss the ongoing nature and deep spiritual benefits of the Ignatian Examen. Fr. Gallagher explains that the Examen is a lifelong practice as God continually works in our lives. The Examen consists of five steps: gratitude, petition, review, forgiveness, and renewal. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of each step but notes that one should not rush through them. Instead, if a particular step, such as gratitude, resonates deeply on a given day, one should linger there.

He shares a personal story about how incorporating visits to a church during his walks helped alleviate feelings of loneliness during his solitary writing period. This practice of daily spiritual awareness led him to a deeper understanding of God’s guidance.

Gallagher also addresses practical concerns, such as managing time within the Examen and the necessity of transitioning into and out of prayer. He emphasizes the importance of a brief moment of reflection before starting the Examen, suggesting that considering how God lovingly looks upon us can significantly enhance the prayer experience. Gallagher concludes by highlighting that this relational approach makes prayer more fruitful and aligned with our human need for preparation and transition in all significant activities.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Continuous Spiritual Growth How does the idea of the examine being an ongoing process of spiritual progress resonate with your own spiritual journey?
Forward-Looking Reflection What insights or patterns have you discovered through looking back on your day that could guide your actions for the next day?
Spiritual Consolation Can you recall a moment of spiritual consolation from your day, and how can you incorporate similar moments into your routine?
Discouragement and Desolation How do you recognize and respond to feelings of spiritual desolation or discouragement in your daily life?
Personalized Examine Practice In what ways might you adapt the steps of the examine to better fit your personal prayer life and spiritual needs?
Importance of Transitions in Prayer How can you incorporate transitional moments into your prayer routine to better enter and exit times of deep spiritual reflection?
Encountering God’s Gaze How do you perceive God’s gaze upon you when you begin your prayer, and what impact does this have on your spiritual experience?
Ignatian Discernment of Spirits How can the practice of being aware, understanding, and taking action in discernment enhance your daily decisions and long-term spiritual growth?

As outlined from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

(translated from the autograph by Fr. E. Mullan, S.J. 1909 in the public domain)

METHOD FOR MAKING THE GENERAL EXAMEN
It contains in it five Points.

First Point. The first Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits received.
Second Point. The second, to ask grace to know our sins and cast them out.
Third Point. The third, to ask account of our soul from the hour that we rose up to the present Examen, hour by hour, or period by period: and first as to thoughts, and then as to words, and then as to acts, in the same order as was mentioned in the Particular Examen.
Fourth Point. The fourth, to ask pardon of God our Lord for the faults.
Fifth Point. The fifth, to purpose amendment with His grace.

OUR FATHER.

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

We Are One Body in Christ– Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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We Are One Body in Christ– Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff discusses the kingdom of God and the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ’s kingship. Jesus came to establish the kingdom of God and to care for all of humanity, both body and soul. He reflects on the miracle of the multiplication of loaves in the Gospel, highlighting that Jesus is the source of all creation and sustenance. He urges Christians to understand their calling to live in unity and love, as described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

Msgr. Esseff reminds us that Jesus’ mission was not just to provide for earthly needs but to bring about the salvation of souls. He elaborates on the significance of the Eucharist, as Jesus presents himself as the bread of life. Calling for a deeper understanding of Jesus’ true mission and kingship, he urges believers to align their lives with God’s will and to become witnesses of Christ in the world. Through various anecdotes and scriptural references; illustrating the profound presence of Jesus in the lives of individuals and the call to live out the gospel in unity and faith.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Jesus’ Kingship What does it mean for Jesus to be the king of the universe and how does this understanding impact your daily life?
Unity in the Body of Christ How can you contribute to the unity of the Christian community, as described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians?
The Multiplication of Loaves Reflect on the miracle of the multiplication of loaves. How does this event reveal Jesus’ care for both physical and spiritual needs?
Living Your Calling In what ways can you live a life worthy of your calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, and patience?
The Significance of the Eucharist How does participating in the Eucharist strengthen your relationship with Jesus and your understanding of His mission?
Responding to Jesus’ Will How do you discern and respond to God’s will in your life, especially in challenging situations?
Witnessing Jesus in Others Can you identify moments when you have seen Jesus’ presence in the lives of others? How did these experiences influence your faith?
The Role of Prayer in Understanding How does prayer help you to better understand and accept Jesus’ kingship and mission?
Embracing the Kingdom of God What practical steps can you take to embrace and promote the kingdom of God in your local community?
The Eternal Kingship of Jesus How does the belief in Jesus’ eternal kingship give you hope and direction for the future?

Reading 2 EPH 4:1-6

Brothers and sisters:
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace:
one body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.

BTP-L11 – Letter 214 pt. 2 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Letter 214, Pt. 2 – The Letters of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore the misconception that spiritual experiences must always feel comforting or consoling and address the deeper, often challenging experiences of divine encounters, emphasizing that God’s presence can be felt even in suffering and discomfort, using Letter 214 from St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. In this letter, St. Elizabeth encourages her seminarian friend to embrace humility and the spirit of sacrifice, associating these virtues with the passion of Christ.

Dr. Lilles explains that while God does console, He also uses different forms of comfort to draw believers into a deeper relationship with Him, sometimes through suffering. This idea is crucial for understanding St. Elizabeth’s writings, where she speaks about a love for suffering not for its own sake but as a means of union with Christ’s salvific work.

This path requires trust in God’s plan and a willingness to be vulnerable. True spiritual humility and suffering are not about self-aggrandizement or seeking pain but about offering oneself out of love for God and others. This approach leads to a deeper communion with Christ, transforming personal suffering into a source of grace and solidarity with the suffering of others.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

The Nature of Consolation in Prayer: How do we discern authentic consolations from God in our prayer life, especially when they do not come in expected forms?
Embracing Suffering with Christ: What does it mean to love suffering in union with Christ, and how can we offer our own suffering for the salvation of others?
The Role of Humility and Sacrifice: How do humility and the spirit of sacrifice enhance our spiritual journey and deepen our relationship with God?
The Precious Blood of Christ: Why is the devotion to the Precious Blood of Christ significant, and how does it transform our understanding of redemption and suffering?
Holy Communion and Solidarity: How does receiving Holy Communion draw us into deeper solidarity with the suffering and marginalized?
Trusting in God’s Love: How can we deepen our trust in God’s love and providence, especially during times of suffering and trial?
Responding to God’s Gift of Self: In what practical ways can we respond to God’s gift of Himself by living a life of self-giving love?

Letter 214

To Abbé Chevignard
[November 29, 1904]

J. M. + J. T.

“Providebam Dominum in conspectu meo semper; quoniam a dextris est mihi, ne commovear.”

Monsieur l’Abbé,

I am very grateful to you for your feastday wishes, and I am very happy the Church has placed our saints so close to each other, because that gives me the chance to offer you my best wishes today. Saint Augustine says that “love, forgetful of its own dignity, is eager to raise and magnify the beloved: it has only one measure, which is to be without measure.” I am asking God to fill you with that measure without measure, which is to say, according to the “riches of His glory,” that the weight of His love may draw you to the point of happy loss the Apostle spoke of when he wrote “Vivo enim jam non ego, vivit vero in me Christus.” That is the dream of my Carmelite soul and, I believe, also the dream of your priestly soul. Above all it is the dream of Christ, and I ask Him to accomplish it fully in our souls. Let us be for Him, in a way, another humanity in which He may renew His whole Mystery. I have asked Him to make His home in me as Adorer, as Healer, and as Savior, and I cannot tell you what peace it gives my soul to think that He makes up for my weaknesses and, if I fall at every passing moment, He is there to help me up again and carry me farther into Himself, into the depths of that divine essence where we already live by grace and where I would like to bury myself so deeply that nothing could make me leave. My soul meets yours there and, in unison with yours, I keep silent to adore Him who has loved us so divinely.

I unite myself to you in the emotions and profound joys of your soul as you await ordination and beg you to let me share in this grace with you: each morning I am reciting the Hour of Terce for you so the Spirit of love and light may “come upon” you to bring about all His creative work in you. If you would like, when you recite the Divine Office we could unite in the same prayer during this Hour that I have a particular devotion to. We will breathe in love11a and draw it down on our souls and on the whole Church.

You tell me to pray that you may be granted humility and the spirit of sacrifice. In the evening, while making the Way of the Cross before Matins, at every outpouring of the Precious Blood I used to ask for this grace for my own soul; from now on it will also be for yours. Don’t you believe that, to achieve the annihilation, contempt of self, and love of suffering that were deep in the souls of the saints, we must gaze for a very long time at the God crucified by love, to receive an outflowing of His power through continual contact with Him? Père Vallée once said to us that “martyrdom was the response of any lofty soul to the Crucified.” It seems to me that this could also be said for immolation. So let us be sacrificial souls, which is to say, true in our love: “He loved me, He gave Himself up for me!” A Dieu, Monsieur l’Abbé. Let us live by love, by adoration, by self-forgetfulness, in wholly joyful and confident peace, for “we are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s”! . . .

Sister M. Elizabeth of the Trinity r.c.i.

On the 8th, we are going to give our Immaculate Mother and Queen a beautiful feast day in our souls; I will meet you under her virginal mantle.”

Catez, Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity volume 2: Letters from Carmel (pp. 179-180). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

SH8 – The Sacred Heart and Spiritual Warfare – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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The Sacred Heart and Spiritual Warfare – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff on Discerning Hearts addresses the spiritual battle between good and evil, emphasizing the role of Satan, the enemy of humanity. He discusses the inherent sinfulness in every person, the temptation that Satan uses to lure souls away from God, and the ongoing conflict within every human heart between the kingdom of light (Jesus) and the kingdom of darkness (Satan).

Msgr. Esseff explains that Satan’s primary tactic is temptation, which aims to lead people away from God’s kingdom and towards self-centeredness. He highlights the significance of the prayer “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one” in the Lord’s Prayer, as it directly addresses this spiritual battle. He further explores the origin of Satan’s hatred towards humanity, tracing it back to his refusal to serve and his subsequent fall from grace.

Tthe preciousness of each soul to God and the lengths to which God goes to save it, includes sending Jesus to conquer sin, Satan, and death through his crucifixion and resurrection. The importance of recognizing and combating the subtle influences of Satan in modern society, such as through pornography and media manipulation, which gradually lead individuals away from spiritual truth.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Recognizing the Enemy: How can we become more aware of Satan’s subtle influences in our daily lives and resist his temptations?
Spiritual Warfare: What practical steps can we take to actively engage in the spiritual battle between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness?
Value of the Soul: How does understanding the immense value God places on each soul affect our view of ourselves and others?
Role of Temptation: In what ways can we strengthen our resistance to temptation and seek God’s guidance in overcoming it?
Importance of Vigilance: How can we cultivate a greater awareness of our thoughts and their alignment with God’s will?
Marriage and Forgiveness: How can the practice of forgiveness within marriage and family life serve as a model of Christ’s love for others?
Civilization of Love: What actions can we take to contribute to building a civilization of love rooted in the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
Spiritual Nourishment: How can we ensure that our souls are properly nourished and not led into spiritual desolation by self-centeredness?

The Legacy of St. Charbel Makhluf and St. Nimatullah Kassab – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Legacy of St. Charbel Makhluf and St. Nimatullah Kassab – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff shares a personal and profound connection with Saint Charbel Makhlouf, a Maronite saint from Lebanon, whose feast day is being celebrated. Msgr. Esseff recounts his experience in Lebanon as the Pontifical Mission Director, where he visited Saint Charbel’s shrine and learned about his life and influence.

Saint Charbel was a Maronite monk known for his deep spirituality and ascetic life, who eventually chose a hermit’s life for 27 years of prayer and fasting. His life and miraculous incorrupt body, which glowed after his death, drew many pilgrims, including Muslims and Christians.

Msgr. Esseff discusses the significance of Saint Charbel for both Eastern and Western Christians, emphasizing unity in Christ despite historical and political division and the need for holiness and true leadership rooted in Christ rather than worldly power, drawing parallels to contemporary issues in both Eastern and Western Churches.

St. Charbel Makhlouf... some call him the Padre Pio of Lebanon 1 — Saint Charbel Makhluf, O.L.M. (or Sharbel Maklouf)

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Relationship with Saints: Reflect on how the lives of saints, particularly Saint Charbel, can inspire and guide your spiritual journey.
Call to Holiness: Consider the importance of personal holiness and how you can strive to be more Christ-like in your daily life.
Leadership in the Church: Examine the qualities of true leadership in the Church, as exemplified by Saint Charbel, and how they differ from worldly power and prestige.
Unity among Christians: Contemplate the common foundation of faith in Christ that unites Eastern and Western Christians, despite historical and political differences.
Role of Prayer and Fasting: Reflect on the role of prayer and fasting in deepening your relationship with God, inspired by Saint Charbel’s example.
Miracles and Faith: Think about the significance of miracles in the Church, such as the incorrupt body of Saint Charbel, and what they reveal about God’s presence and power.
Witness to Christ: Consider how you can be a witness to Christ in your community, following the example of Saint Charbel’s humble and devoted life.

Reading 1 JER 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13

This word of the LORD came to me:
Go, cry out this message for Jerusalem to hear!

I remember the devotion of your youth,
how you loved me as a bride,
Following me in the desert,
in a land unsown.
Sacred to the LORD was Israel,
the first fruits of his harvest;
Should any presume to partake of them,
evil would befall them, says the LORD.

When I brought you into the garden land
to eat its goodly fruits,
You entered and defiled my land,
you made my heritage loathsome.
The priests asked not,
“Where is the LORD?”
Those who dealt with the law knew me not:
the shepherds rebelled against me.
The prophets prophesied by Baal,
and went after useless idols.

Be amazed at this, O heavens,
and shudder with sheer horror, says the LORD.
Two evils have my people done:
they have forsaken me, the source of living waters;
They have dug themselves cisterns,
broken cisterns, that hold no water.