Building Kingdom of Love Archives

Conference 1: Palm Sunday – That All May Be One: A Holy Week Retreat /w Msgr. John Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan

Conference 1: Palm Sunday – That All May Be One: A Holy Week Retreat /w Msgr. Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan – Discerning Hearts Online Retreat

Retreat Directors: Monsignor John A. Esseff and Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM

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Theme: KINGSHIP OF JESUS

Why does God, Who made all of creation, love US so much?

3 galaxies for every one person in the entire world…ex. keystone college telescope –

7 billion people in the world on planet earth… why is God so interested in humankind? This is a great mystery.

God leaves the 99… for example the angelic world, all creation, and comes to our human world…WHY? g. Adam and Eve – original sin

God the Father’s Plan – Ephesians 1: 3-6 – God wanted to save humans He made because He LOVES US.

Jesus – Only-begotten Son of God the Father – it is in and through HIM that we are saved.

Through the Holy Spirit, all mankind has become ONE – universality of all the living

- Jesus – the Way, the Truth, and the Life

“My kingdom is not of this world… John 18: 33-38

Scriptural References to Kingship

Isaiah 24: 23 – The Lord of hosts will reign on Mt. Zion and in Jerusalem, glorious in the sight of the elders…

Zechariah 14: 4. – Messiah would come to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives

Matthew 21: 1-11 – All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet saying: Tell ye the daughters of Sion, behold the king comes to thee, meek and sitting upon an ass, and a colt, the foal of an ass. John 12: 12-16

John 18: 33-37. Jesus before Pilate – Are you a king?

Reflections:

What is it to belong to the universal Kingship of Jesus?

Is Jesus able to enter into my heart and my life?

Commandments – Love of God…love of neighbor

The Beatitudes: – Luke 6: 11-36. OR Matthew 5: 1-12 – Who is my neighbor today?

Excerpts from: Homily on the Feast of Our Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem

“The sole conqueror of the human heart is Christ the King…there was never any king simultaneously just, a redeemer, gentle and seated on a donkey, who came to Jerusalem, unless this is He who alone is King of kings, God the Redeemer, Jesus. He is kind, gentle, and abundant in mercy for all those who call upon Him, as it is written.”

Reflection:

Is Jesus, my Lord and King, able to enter into my heart for and my life… and remain as my King?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He 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. 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. He is a founding member of the Pope Leo XIII Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders.

Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM is a member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA. “ She holds several degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in English/Art and a Master of Science degree in Counseling, both from Marywood; a Master of Arts degree in Sculpture from the University of Notre Dame; and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Illustration from Syracuse University. Her multi-faceted life is in itself a masterpiece: she is a teacher, a mentor, and a consultant; she is a sculptor, a harpist, a calligrapher, and a creator of mosaics; she is a counselor, a spiritual director, and above all, she is a servant of God to others”.

The Third Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

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

For the third Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Esseff discusses the importance of scrutinies in the Catholic Church, emphasizing self-examination and deliverance from sin and Satan, especially for those preparing for baptism. He highlights the role of priests and exorcists in guiding individuals spiritually, with reference to Pope Francis’s encouragement to seek help when needed. Msgr. Esseff reminds us of Jesus’s victory over sin and the anticipation of Easter’s joy.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

The Transformative Power of Self-Examination: How does the story of the woman impacted by the podcast illustrate the transformative power of self-examination and forgiveness?
The Significance of the Scrutinies: What is the significance of the scrutinies in the Catholic Church, particularly during Lent, and how do they facilitate spiritual growth and preparation for receiving sacraments?
Role of Priests and Exorcists: Reflect on the role of priests and exorcists in guiding individuals through spiritual struggles and the importance of seeking help within the Church community.
Pope Francis’s Encouragement: What is the significance of Pope Francis’s encouragement to not be afraid to consult exorcists, and how does it reflect the Church’s commitment to spiritual healing and deliverance?
Anticipation of Easter’s Joy: How does the discussion of Jesus’s victory over sin, Satan, and death contribute to the anticipation of Easter’s joy and renewal within the Catholic faith?

From the Gospel of John 4:7-30:

“There came a woman of Samar′ia to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samar′ia?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?” Jesus said to her, “Every one who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”

Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband; this you said truly.” The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain; and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ); when he comes, he will show us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

Just then his disciples came. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but none said, “What do you wish?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” So the woman left her water jar, and went away into the city, and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the city and were coming to him.”

Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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.

The Second Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

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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.

The First Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

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

For the first Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Esseff reflects on Jesus’ desert retreat, relating it to Lent’s call for repentance, prayer, and fasting. He shares his own desert fasting experience, emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s role in awakening awareness of sin. He also warns against spiritual pride and emphasizes humility in recognizing God’s grace and the Lenten journey’s focus on repentance, prayer, and embracing God’s mercy.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Connection to Jesus’ Desert Experience: How does Jesus’ 40-day retreat in the desert parallel the Lenten season, particularly in terms of prayer, fasting, and resisting temptation?
Personal Reflection on Fasting: Reflecting on Msgr. Esseff’s fasting experience in the desert, how does fasting deepen spiritual awareness and intensify prayer?
The Call to Repentance: What does Lent’s call to repentance mean in your life? How does the Holy Spirit’s role in awakening awareness of sin manifest during this season?
Understanding Spiritual Pride: In what ways can spiritual pride hinder our Lenten journey? How can we cultivate humility in recognizing God’s grace and avoiding self-centeredness?
Embracing God’s Mercy: Reflecting on God’s infinite mercy, how does Lent provide an opportunity to deepen our understanding of God’s love and forgiveness?
The Lenten Journey’s Focus: How can we refocus our Lenten journey on repentance, prayer, and embracing God’s mercy, amidst the distractions and temptations of daily life?

Mk 1:12-15
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert,
and he remained in the desert for forty days,
tempted by Satan.
He was among wild beasts,
and the angels ministered to him.After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Preparing for Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Msgr. Esseff teaches the importance of fasting, almsgiving and the Liturgy of the Hours during the season of Lent. He shares his experience of fasting in a desert found in Peru. From this he learned the importance of FASTING and PRAYER. Msgr. Esseff challenges us to discern what the Father in Heaven is asking us to do this Lent through fasting, so we can purely and perfectly follow His Holy Will. And he describes ALMSGIVING, and story from an experience he had with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity Sisters.

The Church prepares a spiritual retreat for all of us during Lent. The Holy Spirit is transforming you in a radical way so that you become more like Jesus Christ…the day by day exercise of Morning Prayer, the Eucharist and Evening Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving, and the other moments of contemplative prayer aids in the transformation…our ego decreases and Jesus increases in our minds and in our hearts.

Pray the Liturgy of Hours

Morning PrayerMid-morningPrayerMid-dayPrayerAfternoon PrayerEvening PrayerNight PrayerOffice of Readings

The Sacrament of Healing – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Anointing of the Sick, known as one of the Sacraments of Healing. He speaks of his personal experience with the sacrament and the importance of having it readily available for the faithful. Msgr. Esseff also addresses particular issues related to laying on of hands.

From the USSCB:

Jesus came to heal the whole person, body and soul.

In the Church’s Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, through the ministry of the priest, it is Jesus who touches the sick to heal them from sin – and sometimes even from physical ailment. His cures were signs of the arrival of the Kingdom of God. The core message of his healing tells us of his plan to conquer sin and death by his dying and rising.

The Rite of Anointing tells us there is no need to wait until a person is at the point of death to receive the Sacrament. A careful judgment about the serious nature of the illness is sufficient.

When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God’s will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.

~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults | en español

Pray

Prayers for the Health and Dignity of the Sick

Order for the Blessing of the Sick

Learn

Explore the USCCA to learn about the liturgy for the Anointing of the Sickand its effects within the community and the life of the sick. | en español

Respecting the Dignity of the Human Person at the End of Life

Act

Anointing of the Sick: Joined to Christ, Witnesses of Hope and Healing| en español
The Corporal Works of Mercy include visiting the sick and burying the dead.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy include praying for the living and the dead.

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45

40 And a leper came to him begging him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And he sternly charged him, and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

Scripture quotations from Common Bible: Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1973, and Ignatius Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 2006, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Urgency of Jesus’ Message to the World – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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The Urgency of Jesus’ Message to the World

In this podcast episode, Monsignor John Esseff emphasizes the urgency of Jesus’ message to the world. Monsignor Esseff, reflects on the importance of responding immediately to Jesus’ call for deeper commitment and repentance. Drawing on biblical passages, he highlights the stories of disciples who left everything to follow Jesus with immediacy.

He shares personal anecdotes, including a fire alarm experience and a plane incident involving his brother, to illustrate the significance of responding promptly to God’s call. Monsignor Esseff urges listeners, whether they are sinners, holy individuals, or those with hardened hearts, to heed Jesus’ invitation to repentance and love.

The podcast stresses the need for an immediate response to Jesus’ call in the present moment, emphasizing that the time for salvation is now. Monsignor Esseff encourages listeners to embrace a deeper union with Jesus and to let go of anything hindering their response to God’s love. The episode concludes with a reference to Saint Margaret Mary’s revelation, emphasizing the intimate and enduring nature of union with Jesus.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

How do you personally respond to the concept of urgency in Monsignor Esseff’s message? Do you feel a sense of immediacy in your own spiritual journey?
Reflect on a time in your life when you felt a strong call or invitation from God. How did you respond, and what impact did it have on your spiritual life?
Monsignor Esseff mentions the story of disciples abandoning their boats to follow Jesus immediately. Are there aspects of your life that you find challenging to let go of in order to follow Christ more closely?
Consider the examples of individuals with hardened hearts, such as the reference to hating Protestants. Are there areas in your own heart that need conversion or a deeper openness to God’s love?
How do you interpret the idea of union with Jesus in the context of this episode? What does it mean for you to be in intimate communion with Christ?
Reflect on the personal anecdotes shared by Monsignor Esseff, particularly the experiences involving fire alarms and a plane incident. How do these stories resonate with your own understanding of responding to God’s call?
In light of the urgency emphasized in the episode, are there areas in your life where you feel a need for repentance and a closer alignment with Jesus’ teachings?
Consider the message of love and new life that Jesus brings. How can you practically open your heart to allow Jesus to bring about newness and transformation in your life?
Saint Margaret Mary’s revelation involves feeling the thorns in Jesus’ heart. How does this imagery impact your understanding of the depth of God’s love? How can you draw closer to Jesus despite the challenges?
Reflect on the final thought about the joy of hearing God’s voice and responding to it. What practices or attitudes in your life contribute to a joyful response to God’s call?

Gospel

Mk 1:14-20

After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;
they were fishermen.
Jesus said to them,
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.
He walked along a little farther
and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
They too were in a boat mending their nets.
Then he called them.
So they left their father Zebedee in the boat
along with the hired men and followed him.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served 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.

How Can You Be the Light of Christ? -The Epiphany – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff

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Do people see Christ in you?

In this podcast episode, Monsignor John Esseff reflects on the significance of the Epiphany, a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. He begins by reflecting on the beauty of the stars and their symbolism as a guide. Monsignor explains that the Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, represented by the three kings who followed a star to find Jesus and offer gifts, fulfilling ancient prophecies.

He emphasizes that Jesus’ birth was not only for the Jews but for all nations. This universal aspect of Jesus’ mission is highlighted by the fact that the Magi were from different nations. Msgr. Esseff relates this story to the present, asking listeners to consider how Jesus is manifested in today’s world. He suggests that each individual has the potential to reveal Christ to others through their actions and words.

The podcast includes personal anecdotes and reflections on how various individuals, including saints and ordinary people, have radiated the light of Christ in their lives. Msgr. Esseff encourages listeners to be a “star” in their community, radiating the light and love of Jesus through their actions and interactions. He concludes with a call for all Christians to manifest Christ in their daily lives, shining as lights to the nations and continuing the work of the Epiphany in the modern world.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Reflection on Embodying Christ’s Teachings: How can you actively demonstrate Christ’s teachings and love through your actions and interactions with others? Consider how your behavior, speech, and overall demeanor can serve as a reflection of Jesus’s message in your community and daily life.
Understanding of Epiphany: How does the story of the Epiphany, with the three kings and the star, deepen your understanding of God’s universal love and plan for salvation? Reflect on the significance of Jesus being revealed not just to the Jews, but to all nations.
Role Models of Faith: Msgr. Esseff mentioned various individuals who radiated Christ’s light in their lives. Who in your life has been a “radiant star,” guiding you closer to Jesus? Reflect on how their example has influenced your faith journey.
Call to Action: Msgr. Esseff emphasizes being a light to the nations. What specific actions can you take in your community or circle of influence to be a source of Christ’s light and love to others?
Personal Epiphanies: Have you experienced any moments of epiphany in your own spiritual journey where Christ was particularly revealed to you? Reflect on these moments and consider how they have shaped your relationship with God and your understanding of your Christian mission.

Reading 1 IS 60:1-6

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.

Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

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. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.

Holy Family Sunday – Honoring Mother and Father – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff Podcast

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Holy Family Sunday – Honoring Mother and Father

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the need for healing mother and father wounds, a topic that resonates with many. Monsignor Esseff, with his deep spiritual insight and experience, provided profound reflections on the complex dynamics of family life, emphasizing the crucial role of understanding and forgiveness.

Msgr. Esseff discusses the intricacies of parental relationships and the profound impact of fatherhood. Monsignor Esseff shares personal narratives that illustrate the journey of reconciling with parental figures and the transformative power of forgiveness. He highlights how these familial relationships significantly influence our spiritual and emotional growth.

Central to the reflection is the healing from mother and father wounds. Monsignor Esseff addressed the emotional scars left by strained or absent parental relationships and the path to healing these deep-seated wounds. Through his guidance, listeners are encouraged to explore forgiveness, not just as a religious act, but as a vital step towards inner peace and spiritual maturity.

This episode offers an enlightening exploration of the challenges and opportunities for growth presented by our relationships with our parents. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and heal from the complex emotions tied to their family experiences.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. Understanding Parental Influence: Reflect on how your relationship with your parents has shaped your faith and personal beliefs. What positive lessons have you learned, and what challenges have you faced?
2. Healing and Forgiveness: Consider any wounds or unresolved issues you may have with your parents. How can you approach these with a spirit of forgiveness and understanding, as guided by Catholic teachings?
3. Role of Fathers in Faith: How has the role of your father or father figures impacted your spiritual life? Reflect on the importance of fatherhood in the Catholic faith.
4. Caring for Aging Parents: Reflect on the commandment to honor your father and mother. How does this apply to caring for aging parents in today’s world, and how can you balance this responsibility with other duties?
5. Embracing Love and Understanding: How can you better incorporate the virtues of love, patience, and understanding in your family relationships, as modeled by the Holy Family?
6. Personal Transformation through Forgiveness: Share a personal experience where forgiveness led to healing and transformation in your family or community.
7. Spiritual Growth through Family Dynamics: In what ways have your family experiences contributed to your spiritual growth? How can you use these experiences to deepen your faith?
8. Impact of Absent Parents: If applicable, reflect on the impact of an absent parent in your life. How has this shaped your understanding of God as a Father?
9. Prayer and Family Life: How can prayer strengthen your family relationships? Consider developing a prayer routine that includes praying for and with family members.
10. Role Modeling and Legacy: What legacy do you wish to leave for your children or future generations in terms of faith and family values?

Reading 1 SIR 3:2-6, 12-14

God sets a father in honor over his children;
a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.
Whoever honors his father atones for sins,
and preserves himself from them.
When he prays, he is heard;
he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,
and, when he prays, is heard.
Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;
he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.My son, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not all the days of his life;
kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
firmly planted against the debt of your sins
—a house raised in justice to you.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta and encountered St. Padre Pio, who became a spiritual father to him. Msgr. Esseff has lived in various parts of the world, working in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to spread the Good News, especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff continues his service as a retreat leader and director for bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders worldwide.

Do you truly know how to pray? A prayer primer with Msgr. John Esseff Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Do you truly know how to pray? A prayer primer with Msgr. John Esseff Discerning Hearts Podcast

In a profound episode of Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts, Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor delve into the essence of prayer and its central role in the Christian life. Msgr. Esseff, with decades of experience in spiritual guidance, emphasizes that prayer is foundational, akin to kindergarten, where one learns the basic, yet crucial aspects of communicating with God. He insists that prayer is not just a ritual but a conversation that necessitates the presence of God. Without this presence, prayer risks becoming an empty gesture.

Drawing on Jesus’ example, Msgr. Esseff encourages finding solitude and silence for prayer, underlining the importance of establishing a relationship with God. He uses the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew’s Gospel to illustrate the difference between merely performing religious acts and cultivating a personal connection with God. This relationship is rooted in understanding one’s identity as God’s child, which then shapes the way one prays.

Kris McGregor broaches the common challenge of discerning God’s voice in prayer. Msgr. Esseff acknowledges this difficulty and suggests that spiritual direction can be invaluable in learning to distinguish and understand the divine communication.

In conclusion, Msgr. Esseff stresses that prayer is not just about asking or saying things to God but also about listening and being open to His will. He urges listeners to approach prayer with a focus on forming a deep relationship with God, which, in turn, empowers them to be channels of God’s peace in the world. The podcast is a reminder of the transformative power of prayer in the Christian journey.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Understanding Prayer as Relationship:
- How do you currently perceive prayer in your life? Is it more of a routine or a relational conversation with God?
- Reflect on the idea that prayer is like kindergarten. In what ways are you learning the basics of prayer, and how can you grow in this area?
Presence of God in Prayer:
- Recall a time when you felt God’s presence strongly during prayer. What was different about that experience compared to other times?
- How can you create a conducive environment for recognizing God’s presence in your daily prayer life?
The Role of Solitude and Silence:
- What are the distractions that most commonly interfere with your prayer life? How can you minimize these distractions?
- How can you incorporate solitude and silence into your daily routine to enhance your prayer experience?
Personal Relationship with God:
- Reflect on the parable of the ten virgins. In what ways are you like the wise virgins, and in what ways are you like the foolish ones in your spiritual life?
- What practical steps can you take to strengthen your personal relationship with God?
Identity as a Child of God:
- How does understanding your identity as a child of God change the way you approach prayer?
- In moments of prayer, how can you remind yourself of this identity and its significance?
Listening to God:
- What are some of the challenges you face in listening to God during prayer?
- How can you develop a more discerning heart to recognize and understand God’s voice?
The Importance of Spiritual Direction:
- Have you ever considered seeking spiritual direction? If not, what might be holding you back?
- How can a spiritual director assist you in deepening your prayer life and relationship with God?
Applying the ‘Our Father’ Prayer:
- Reflect on how you usually pray the ‘Our Father’. How can you pray it more thoughtfully and intentionally, considering Msgr. Esseff’s insights?
- How does the ‘Our Father’ encapsulate your relationship with God and your daily spiritual needs?

Msgr. Esseff offers a basic of prayer, R.I.M. – Relationship, Identity, and Mission.

Matthew 6:9-13 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

⁹Pray then like this:

Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
¹⁰Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,
    On earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹Give us this day our daily bread;^[a]
¹²And forgive us our debts,
    As we also have forgiven our debtors;
¹³And lead us not into temptation,
    But deliver us from evil.^[b]