“On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.”
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. 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. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders.
A Special Good Friday Reflection with Msgr. John Esseff – Building a Kingdom of Love – Discerning Hearts Podcast
In a poignant episode of the Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast, Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor engage in a deep reflection on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, drawing parallels to the personal tribulations faced by believers. They revisit the profound impact of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” emphasizing its visceral portrayal of Jesus’s physical agony and the enduring strength of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which offers solace and companionship in moments of unbearable pain.
Msgr. Esseff explores the significance of various episodes within the crucifixion narrative, such as the compassion shown by Pilate’s wife and the symbolism embodied in the Stations of the Cross. He encourages listeners to find personal resonance in Jesus’s journey, suggesting that the injustices and trials faced in our lives can be spiritually united with Christ’s sufferings.
Further, Msgr. Esseff delves into the deeper theological and existential implications of the crucifixion, considering it a manifestation of God’s boundless love and mercy. He underscores the transformative power of sharing in Christ’s pain, which not only fosters a profound communion with Him but also imbues our own sufferings with redemptive value.
In conclusion, the podcast extends an invitation to embrace the cross, not merely as a symbol of suffering but as a testament to divine love’s triumph over adversity. Through this contemplative journey, listeners are encouraged to perceive Good Friday not just as a day of mourning but as an opportunity for intimate union with Christ, ultimately finding solace and renewal in His sacrificial love.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Personal Connection with Christ’s Passion: Reflect on a time when you felt unjustly treated or misunderstood. How can you relate this personal experience to the sufferings of Jesus during His Passion? In what ways can this reflection deepen your relationship with Christ?
Role of Mary: Consider the strength and steadfastness of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she witnessed her Son’s crucifixion. How can Mary’s example inspire you to maintain faith and hope during your own trials and tribulations?
The Power of the Cross: The cross is a central symbol in Christianity representing suffering, redemption, and victory over sin. How does the cross speak to you in your life’s challenges? Can you identify an instance where a personal ‘cross’ led to growth or deeper faith?
Empathy and Compassion: The podcast mentions acts of kindness, such as Pilate’s wife providing towels or Veronica wiping Jesus’s face. When have you shown or received compassion in difficult times? How do these acts of mercy reflect the love of Christ?
Identification with Jesus’s Sufferings: Msgr. Esseff encourages listeners to find elements of their own sufferings in Jesus’s Passion. What aspects of Jesus’s journey to Calvary resonate most with you? How can contemplating these moments enhance your understanding of suffering and redemption?
The Significance of Good Friday: Despite the sorrow and pain associated with it, Good Friday is deemed ‘good’ because of what Jesus accomplished through His death. What does Good Friday mean to you? How does it influence your perception of sacrifice, forgiveness, and salvation?
Spiritual Solidarity with the Crucified Christ: In what ways can you stand in solidarity with Christ in His suffering today? How can you incorporate the lessons of perseverance, faith, and love demonstrated by Jesus on the cross into your daily life?
Transformation through Suffering: The podcast highlights how suffering, when united with Christ’s, can be transformative. Reflect on a personal struggle or suffering. How can you offer it up in union with Christ’s Passion for your sanctification and the benefit of others?
Encounter with Divine Mercy: The crucifixion is a profound expression of God’s mercy. How have you experienced God’s mercy in your life? In what ways can meditating on Jesus’s sacrificial love during the crucifixion help you to become a more merciful person?
The Resurrection Hope: Good Friday leads to the joy of Easter Sunday. How does the promise of the Resurrection influence your perspective on suffering and trials? How can this hope encourage you to live out your faith more fully?
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.”
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
A Special Good Friday Reflection with Msgr. John Esseff – Building a Kingdom of Love – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the meaning of Good Friday for the life of every Christian. We are closely united to Jesus in his Passion. Who are the people who have caused you to suffer? What are wounds that have been inflicted during your lifetime? What are the wounds you have inflicted on others? How can those wounds be healed? He also proclaims how the Cross of Christ defeated the devil and continues to defeat the enemy today.
Blessed is he who perseveres in temptation,
for when he has been proven he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.
No one experiencing temptation should say,
“I am being tempted by God”;
for God is not subject to temptation to evil,
and he himself tempts no one.
Rather, each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his desire.
Then desire conceives and brings forth sin,
and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death.Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters:
all good giving and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.
He willed to give us birth by the word of truth
that we may be a kind of first fruits of his creatures
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. 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. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
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. 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. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders.
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the meaning of Good Friday for the life of every Christian. We are closely united to Jesus in his Passion. Who are the people who have caused you to suffer? What are wounds that have been inflicted during your lifetime? What are the wounds you have inflicted on others? How can those wounds be healed? He also proclaims how the Cross of Christ defeated the devil and continues to defeat the enemy today.
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the meanings within the Holy Thursday liturgy of the Church. He discusses the action of Jesus when He washes the feet of the apostles and what that means for us today. Can we be Jesus to others and wash the feet of even our enemies? He also discusses the institution of the Eucharist and what it truly means to have devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come
to pass from this world to the Father.
He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over.
So, during supper,
fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power
and that he had come from God and was returning to God,
he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.
He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
Then he poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples’ feet
and dry them with the towel around his waist.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him,
“Master, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“What I am doing, you do not understand now,
but you will understand later.”
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered him,
“Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”
Simon Peter said to him,
“Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”
Jesus said to him,
“Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed,
for he is clean all over;
so you are clean, but not all.”
For he knew who would betray him;
for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”So when he had washed their feet
and put his garments back on and reclined at table again,
he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
