Building Kingdom of Love Archives

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

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

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the significance of Lent and its deep spiritual purpose rooted in Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. The ashes of Ash Wednesday remind us of our mortality and call us to repentance, marking the beginning of 40 days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Even though Lent is a penitential season, Sundays remain celebrations of the Resurrection.

He shares his personal experience with fasting in the Peruvian desert, explaining how physical deprivation heightened his spiritual clarity and deepened his prayer life. Fasting should not be about mere dieting but about uniting our sacrifices with Christ’s. For those unable to fast physically, he suggests fasting from judgment or envy while feasting on recognizing Christ in others. Almsgiving is closely tied to fasting, as seen in St. Teresa of Calcutta’s example, where the food her sisters gave up directly fed the poor. Lent is meant to transform us so that by Easter, we are more fully conformed to Christ, carrying the spiritual fruits beyond the season itself.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does Jesus’ 40 days in the desert relate to your own Lenten journey and struggles with temptation?
What does receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday mean to you personally, and how does it shape your perspective on repentance?
How can fasting become a more intentional spiritual practice rather than just a physical challenge?
In what ways can you incorporate prayer more deeply into your Lenten observance this year?
What is one area of your life where you need to “fast” from a negative habit or attitude and “feast” on virtue instead?
How does the connection between fasting and almsgiving challenge your approach to generosity?
What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Liturgy of the Hours or daily Mass during Lent?
How can reflecting on your mortality help you live more intentionally as a disciple of Christ?
What specific sacrifices can you make this Lent to grow closer to God and imitate Christ more fully?
How can your Lenten practices lead to a lasting transformation beyond Easter?

Pray the Liturgy of Hours

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 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.

The Beatitudes – Building a Kingdom Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Beatitudes – Building a Kingdom Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff explores the distinction between joy and happiness, highlighting that true joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and is deeply rooted in fulfilling God’s will. Reflecting on the Beatitudes and the example of St. Francis of Assisi, he illustrates how authentic joy is often found in humility, suffering, and selflessness rather than worldly success. Joy comes from an interior life aligned with Christ, who lives within the baptized, enabling believers to find peace even amidst trials and rejection.

Unforgiveness breeds anger and unhappiness, often becoming an identity trap and requiring the need for self-forgiveness, recounting poignant stories of individuals burdened by past sins, and emphasizes that God’s infinite mercy can heal even the deepest wounds. True humility and joy arise from recognizing one’s unique identity in God’s creation, embracing one’s true self, and allowing Christ’s resurrection to transform personal wounds into sources of grace and radiance for the world.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

The Source of True Joy: Reflect on how living according to God’s will and embracing humility, as exemplified by the Beatitudes, brings authentic joy beyond worldly measures.
Embracing Forgiveness: Consider how holding onto unforgiveness toward others, oneself, or past wounds can hinder spiritual joy and how Christ’s mercy invites healing.
Christ Within Us: Ponder the reality of Christ living within the baptized and how daily union with Him shapes attitudes, choices, and inner peace.
Unique Identity in God: Meditate on the uniqueness of your creation by God, recognizing that your true self is a gift to the world and a source of joy when fully embraced.
Transforming Wounds into Grace: Reflect on how personal wounds, like those of the risen Christ, can become glorious through His healing, offering hope and witness to others.

Gospel: Luke 6:17, 20-26

Jesus came down with the Twelve
and stood on a stretch of level ground
with a great crowd of his disciples
and a large number of the people
from all Judea and Jerusalem
and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon.
And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for the kingdom of God is yours.
Blessed are you who are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.
Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!
Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.
For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.
But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are filled now,
for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will grieve and weep.
Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”

How Do You Respond to the Father? – Building a Kingdom Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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How Do You Respond to the Father? – Building a Kingdom Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff discusses God’s personal call for each individual and how every person is created with a divine purpose. He reflects on biblical examples, such as Isaiah and Peter, to illustrate how encountering God leads to transformation and mission. A vocation is not limited to religious life but is ultimately a call to holiness, whether in marriage, priesthood, or other states of life.

Using a personal testimony from host Kris McGregor, he explores the challenges and graces of marriage, describing it as a sacramental path to holiness that involves suffering, self-gift, and deep trust in God’s providence. McGregor shares her journey of marriage, parenting, and faith; showing us how God works through difficulties to sanctify spouses, forming them in selfless love. Msgr. Esseff encourages those of us struggling in marriage or discerning their vocation to surrender fully to God’s plan, trusting that even in hardship, He brings resurrection and renewal.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

God’s Unique Plan for You: Reflect on how God has designed you with a specific purpose and how you can be more attentive to His calling in your daily life.
Responding to God’s Call: Consider how Peter and Isaiah reacted to God’s presence and how their examples challenge you to trust and follow God despite personal unworthiness.
Marriage as a Path to Holiness: Think about how marriage, as a vocation, calls spouses to self-giving love and how your own relationships reflect the sacrificial nature of Christ’s love.
Embracing Suffering in Faith: Meditate on how trials and suffering, like those shared in Kris McGregor’s testimony, can be transformative opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper trust in God.
The Power of a Sacramental Vow: Examine the meaning of the vows in marriage or religious life and how you can live them with greater fidelity, recognizing them as a lifelong commitment before God.
Trusting in God’s Providence: Reflect on moments in your life where plans have fallen apart and how you have either resisted or embraced God’s greater design through faith and surrender.
The Call to Self-Giving Love: Consider how Christ’s love is made manifest in your life and whether you are truly giving of yourself in the way God calls you to love others.
Resurrection Through Suffering: Ponder how moments of suffering and loss have led to unexpected blessings or deeper faith, revealing God’s presence even in hardship.
Discerning Your Next Step: Ask yourself what God is calling you to at this moment and how you can respond with greater courage, generosity, and openness to His will.
Witnessing to Christ in Daily Life: Think about how your life—whether in marriage, singlehood, or religious vocation—can serve as a testimony to the love, suffering, and resurrection of Christ.

Reading 2 Col 3:12-21

Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,
as is proper in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives,
and avoid any bitterness toward them.
Children, obey your parents in everything,
for this is pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children,
so they may not become discouraged.

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 – Discerning Hearts 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. With his deep spiritual insight and experience, he reflects on the complex dynamics of family life and the crucial roles of understanding and forgiveness.

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

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

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.

“Proclaim it to the World” – a Christmas message from Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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A Christmas message for everyone from Msgr. Esseff!

Is 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,
announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,
“Your God is King!”

Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry,
together they shout for joy,
for they see directly, before their eyes,
the LORD restoring Zion.
Break out together in song,
O ruins of Jerusalem!
For the LORD comforts his people,
he redeems Jerusalem.
The LORD has bared his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations;
all the ends of the earth will behold
the salvation of our God.

Gospel Jn 1:1-18.

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.

For more from Msgr. John Esseff visit: Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff podcasts

Christmas Eve – The Immense Love of the Father in Heaven – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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On Christmas Eve, the grand sweeping journey of salvation history comes to an important epoch with the “yes” of a virgin named Mary. From that point, the world is transformed forever. Msgr. Esseff challenges all of us to identify the tendency or flaw that cripples us. Give whatever that is to God. Christ has the power to heal you and change you into the person you were created to be. He encourages us to allow the Father in Heaven to embrace and love us.

Discerning Hearts questions for reflection on this episode:

Understanding God’s Plan: Reflect on a time in your life when you felt that God was guiding you through a difficult situation. How did you perceive His presence and guidance during this time, and how has this experience influenced your faith and trust in God’s plan for your life?
Role of the Sacraments: Consider the importance of the sacraments in your Catholic faith. How do sacraments like Baptism, Confession, the Eucharist, and Confirmation strengthen your relationship with God? What personal transformations or experiences have you had through participating in these sacraments?
Living the Beatitudes: The Beatitudes are a central teaching of Jesus. Choose one Beatitude that resonates with you the most. How do you apply this Beatitude in your daily life, and what challenges and rewards have you encountered in trying to live out this teaching of Christ?
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to forgive someone or seek forgiveness. How did you overcome these challenges, and what role did prayer, reflection, or the teachings of the Church play in this process? How did this experience impact your understanding of God’s forgiveness?
Personal Calling and Vocation: In what ways do you feel called by God to serve others and contribute to the Church’s mission? How do you discern your vocation or calling, and what steps are you taking to fulfill this calling in your daily life, whether through your career, volunteer work, family life, or community involvement?

Reading 1 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
“Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!”
Nathan answered the king,
“Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you.”
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
“Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?“‘It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his Kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever.’”

Gospel Lk 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
for he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hand of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

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

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The Fourth Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Msgr. Esseff reflects on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary; her profound humility and obedience, which serve as the cornerstone of salvation through Christ. Drawing on scriptural passages, he highlights Mary’s pivotal role in the Incarnation, her identification with the “lowly,” and her deep faith in God’s will. He intertwines Mary’s example with the Christmas story. It inspires us to embrace the simplicity, humility, and joy embodied by the Holy Family. He also shares his personal experiences celebrating Christmas in Peru, illustrating how material poverty often coincides with spiritual richness and authentic joy.

Families should cultivate virtues of love, sacrifice, and service. Msgr. Esseff recounts the lives of saints and personal heroes, including his own mother and grandfather, as examples of humility and holiness in everyday life.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

The Role of Humility in Salvation How does Mary’s humility and submission to God’s will inspire your understanding of obedience in your own spiritual life?
Mary as the Model Disciple In what ways can you imitate Mary’s faith and trust in God during times of uncertainty or difficulty?
The Simplicity of Christmas How can you embrace the simplicity and humility of the Holy Family in your own Christmas preparations and celebrations?
Recognizing Spiritual Richness in Poverty What lessons can you draw from the spiritually rich yet materially poor communities Monsignor Esseff describes, and how can they transform your perspective on gratitude?
The Transformative Power of the Nativity How can reflecting on the nativity scene help you encounter Christ more deeply in your daily life and relationships?
Living as Witnesses of Joy and Peace How can you radiate the joy and peace of Christmas to others in your family, community, and workplace?
The Saints as Examples of Holiness Who are the everyday “saints” in your life that inspire you to grow in holiness, and how can you emulate their virtues?
Preparing Your Heart for Christ What steps can you take during Advent to spiritually prepare your heart for Christ’s arrival this Christmas?

Gospel LK 1:39-45

“Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”

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. Mother Teresa. 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 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.

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

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

On the First Sunday of Advent, Msgr. Esseff shares two deeply moving testimonies that reveal the power of love, faith, and the kingship of Christ. The first story follows a Christian couple who defied medical advice to abort their “defective” child, trusting instead in God’s providence. Their faith was rewarded with the birth of a healthy baby who grew into a successful firefighter.

The second testimony recounts the spiritual transformation of a man named Tom, who initially struggled with anger and control but was ultimately led to conversion through a miraculous encounter with God at work. Tom’s journey deepened as he faced the rebellion of his adopted daughter, whose waywardness became a crucible of love and surrender to God’s kingship. Christ’s kingship is established first in individual hearts through love, truth, and submission to God’s will. He calls us to embrace Jesus as their King by inviting Him to rule over their lives, bringing redemption and purpose to even the most difficult circumstances.

Through these reflections, Msgr. Esseff reminds us that Christ’s dominion is one of gentle, transformative love that triumphs in every soul willing to surrender to His will.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Trusting in God’s Plan for Life: How can you grow in trusting God’s providence, especially in situations that challenge your beliefs about the sanctity of life?
Recognizing Christ’s Kingship: In what ways can you acknowledge Jesus as King in your daily actions and decisions?
Faith in the Midst of Trials: How does your faith sustain you when faced with difficult choices or seemingly insurmountable obstacles?
Surrendering Control to God: Where in your life are you still trying to maintain control, and how can you surrender those areas to God’s will?
Living as a Witness to Love: How can you model Christ’s love in your relationships, even with those who are difficult to love?
Understanding Conversion Through Love: What role has love played in your own conversion or deepening of faith, and how can you extend that love to others?
Extending God’s Kingdom in Your Heart: How can you allow Christ to reign more fully in your heart and bring His kingdom into your daily life?
Patience with God’s Timing: How can you cultivate patience and trust in God’s timing, especially when His plans seem delayed or unclear?

Reading 2 ROM 13:11-14

Brothers and sisters:
You know the time;
it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.
For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed;
the night is advanced, the day is at hand.
Let us then throw off the works of darkness
and put on the armor of light;
let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day,
not in orgies and drunkenness,
not in promiscuity and lust,
not in rivalry and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Gospel

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”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

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

St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the spirituality and life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower.” Msgr. Esseff reflects on the humble, childlike simplicity and profound love that characterized St. Thérèse’s life. Although she lived a hidden existence in a Carmelite convent and died at the age of 24, she transformed everyday moments into acts of sacrificial love for God, even embracing small annoyances and difficult people as opportunities for spiritual growth.

Her life challenges modern notions of success, showing that prayer, humility, and love for others can lead to spiritual greatness. St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” of love and trust in God has inspired countless people, and she is recognized as a patroness of missions, despite never leaving her convent. Msgr. Esseff shares personal stories of her intercession and the miraculous signs people receive, such as roses, when invoking her in prayer.

Childlike innocence, humility, and prayer are important in the Christian life. St. Thérèse’s example is presented as a model for living with love, simplicity, and faith in God’s hidden work, encouraging us to embrace prayer and spiritual intercession in our lives.

Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

The Value of Hiddenness in Spiritual Life
How can I embrace the hidden and ordinary moments of my life as opportunities to grow in love and holiness, following St. Thérèse’s example?
Transforming Annoyances into Love
Am I willing to see everyday frustrations and difficult relationships as occasions for offering sacrificial love to God?
Childlike Simplicity and Trust
Do I approach God with the trust, humility, and simplicity of a child, as Jesus teaches in the Gospel?
Prayer and Intercession in My Life
How can I deepen my reliance on prayer and the intercession of the saints and angels in my daily challenges and decisions?
Defining True Success and Attractiveness
Do I seek recognition and approval from the world, or do I strive to cultivate inner beauty and virtue through humility and love for others?

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 and seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.