Msgr. Esseff discusses prayer and the importance of persistance in faith. What should we be praying for? How should we pray for it? What if we don’t receive the answer we expected?
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Suppose one of you has a friend
to whom he goes at midnight and says,
‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey
and I have nothing to offer him,’
and he says in reply from within,
‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked
and my children and I are already in bed.
I cannot get up to give you anything.’
I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves
because of their friendship,
he will get up to give him whatever he needs
because of his persistence.
“And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives;
and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
What father among you would hand his son a snake
when he asks for a fish?
Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask him?”
On this Faith Check let’s take a look at a common question: why confess your sins to a priest instead of straight to God?
First, Catholics are encouraged to privately confess our sins to God all the time and every single Mass begins with a penitential rite in which we do exactly this.
Still we should regularly go to the sacrament of confession or reconciliation. Remember that in the Old Testament a Hebrew was to publicly go to the temple and offer a sacrifice for his sin. In John 20, our Lord gives the apostles authority to forgive sins in his name, when He breathed the Holy Spirit on them and said “whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” 1 In 2 Corinthians Paul also notes that the apostles are Christ’s ambassadors who have been given the ministry of reconciliation.2
Early Christian records show that the early Church always understood this according to the Catholic view3:those who sinned gravely after baptism could be reconciled to the Church through confession to the priests, who do not stand as barriers to Christ, but as his ambassadors, who lovingly take us by the hand and restore us to grace after we have fallen.
“Praying for Priests: A Mission for the New Evangelizaton” by author and Catholic radio host Kathleen Beckman is a fantastic response to an important need in the Church today! This book and the website found at www.foundationforpriests.org, not only offers what is needed to encourage prayer for priests and bishops in the Church, but is rich in resources and encouragement to facilitate growth for all in the spiritual life. The faithful who participate in the mission of this apostolate are encouraged to grow in their own holiness as individuals, families, as well as parishes and faith communities. This a spiritual work of the first order and should become a vital part of our every day spiritual life. What Kathleen and members of her Foundation for Prayer for Priests offer to us is a model of how a targeted, focused mission can and should be facilitated in the Church today. When it is done well, beautiful fruit is borne. Not one beat of this important work has been missed, which is a sure sign that this is indeed a work under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We in the Church are richer for this call to prayer and interior renewal. Bravo and thank you to all involved! A holier priesthood leads to a holier Church…now that something beautiful to pray for!
“The Holy Spirit is really moving in the Church today, inspiring many to pray for priests. Kathleen Beckmann’s new book gives a powerful boost to this movement.”
Fr. Michael Gaitley, M.I.C.
Author of 33 Days to Morning Glory
“Praying for priests is not an option; it is a holy duty and divine mandate. Kathleen Beckman strikes at the hearts of women to let loose a stream of spiritual maternity that flows into the hearts, souls, and ministries of our priests!”
Johnnette Benkovic
Host of EWTN’s Women of Grace
“Praying for Priests is filled with insight, encouragement, and inspiration to lead both priests and laity to a more profound love of God’s priceless gift of the priesthood.”
Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P.
Editor of Magnificat
The Prayer of the Hebrew Scriptures – . Fr. Groeschel discusses the experience of Abraham, Moses, the Maccabees. He shares the beauty of the Psalms. He speaks of the importance of the Christian enter the mystery of prayer found in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament of the Bible).
This program features Fr. Benedict Groeschel teaching and talking about the Catechism and the Bible with an emphasis on prayer. His discussion of prayer is based on the premise that an essential condition of prayer is devotion- the belief that God is listening and cares for us. In “Prayer in the Catechism”, Fr. Groeschel discusses the various kinds of prayer, including a special emphasis on using scripture when praying. The catechism contains basic Christian teaching formatted for learning and understanding. More information about the Catechism of the Catholic Church may be found on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.
Benedict Joseph Groeschel, CFR is a Catholic priest, retreat master, author, psychologist, activist and has hosted several television programs. He was the director of the Office for Spiritual Development for the Catholic Archdiocese of New York as well as associate director of Trinity Retreat and the executive director of The St. Francis House. He was professor of pastoral psychology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in New York and an adjunct professor at the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia.
This program is a production of Pauline Media and the Daughters of St. Paul copyright 1997. For more from Pauline Media visit here
“Renewal: How a New Generation of Faithful Priests and Bishops Is Revitalizing the Catholic Church” is an important work brought to us by Anne Hendershott and Christopher White. It offers a thorough analysis of the state of the priesthood in the United States, and shines a light of joyful hope on a vital heartbeat of the Catholic Church. Our conversation with Christopher White, addresses many of the issues that have plagued priestly formation and it’s character in recent decades, but also celebrates the many areas of reform and renewal. The current revitalizing of our gift of Holy Orders is truly a reason to celebrate and lift up in our prayer!
“This is the most fully detailed and documented account of the culture wars within the Catholic Church that anyone is likely to encounter. Some may think the authors are too pessimistic, stressing all the contentiousness within the living body. Count me as one who holds that public contestation is the reliable sign of vital cultures and inspiring institutions. Both the bad news, honestly reported, and the ‘less expected’ good news here will make many readers rejoice.”
–Michael Novak, author of Writing from Left to Right
“Hendershott and White are clear-eyed observers of the Catholic scene who offer the reader careful sociological analysis that leads to truly hopeful conclusions. Citing empirical and anecdotal evidence, they show the positive change the Church has been undergoing for some time–especially with the emergence of strong new leadership in the clergy–and they preview the Church we can expect our children and grandchildren to know. This book is real hope, without a hint of wishful thinking. I highly recommend Renewal.
–Scott Hahn, Professor of Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville
The Prayer from Our Humanity – The universal prayer of human beings which flows from the natural law. Fr. Groeschel discusses the prayer of cultures from ancient times to the present day. He teaches the perspective of paganism and other religions, and what is the nature of true Christian prayer.
This program features Fr. Benedict Groeschel teaching and talking about the Catechism and the Bible with an emphasis on prayer. His discussion of prayer is based on the premise that an essential condition of prayer is devotion- the belief that God is listening and cares for us. In “Prayer in the Catechism”, Fr. Groeschel discusses the various kinds of prayer, including a special emphasis on using scripture when praying. The catechism contains basic Christian teaching formatted for learning and understanding. More information about the Catechism of the Catholic Church may be found on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.
Benedict Joseph Groeschel, CFR is a Catholic priest, retreat master, author, psychologist, activist and has hosted several television programs. He was the director of the Office for Spiritual Development for the Catholic Archdiocese of New York as well as associate director of Trinity Retreat and the executive director of The St. Francis House. He was professor of pastoral psychology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in New York and an adjunct professor at the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia.
This program is a production of Pauline Media and the Daughters of St. Paul copyright 1997. For more from Pauline Media visit here
This program features Fr. Benedict Groeschel teaching and talking about the Catechism and the Bible with an emphasis on prayer. His discussion of prayer is based on the premise that an essential condition of prayer is devotion- the belief that God is listening and cares for us. In “Prayer in the Catechism”, Fr. Groeschel discusses the various kinds of prayer, including a special emphasis on using scripture when praying. The catechism contains basic Christian teaching formatted for learning and understanding. More information about the Catechism of the Catholic Church may be found on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.
Benedict Joseph Groeschel, CFR is a Catholic priest, retreat master, author, psychologist, activist and has hosted several television programs. He was the director of the Office for Spiritual Development for the Catholic Archdiocese of New York as well as associate director of Trinity Retreat and the executive director of The St. Francis House. He was professor of pastoral psychology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in New York and an adjunct professor at the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia.
This program is a production of Pauline Media and the Daughters of St. Paul copyright 1997. For more from Pauline Media visit here
It was a delight to once again have a conversation with Vinny Flynn, who has authored “21 Ways to Worship: A Guide to Eucharistic Adoration”. Short and to the point, the meditations brought forward by Vinny are packed with aids to help us deepen our appreciation of this gift of the very presence of God. Possibly undervalued as an important spiritual practice, Eucharistic adoration is an essential spiritual encounter for those who wish to truly enter into this Year of Faith. Vinny’s work helps those who wish to begin this vital devotion, and deepens the experience for those who have been fed by this practice over the years. A don’t miss…buy one for yourself and one to leave in your church’s Eucharist Chapel for others to enjoy.
“Vinny Flynn played an important role in my life of worship when I came back to the Catholic church. His new work, 21 Ways To Worship, has something for everyone when it comes to developing a life of intimacy with God. This is what we are going to be doing for eternity, so now is the time to begin.” ~Jeff Cavins
“Vinny Flynn has done it again! With his fun, accessible, and faith-filled style, he gives us yet another key to unlocking the mystery of Christ’s Eucharistic love. This time, he shares the secrets to “keeping it real” before the Lord’s Real Presence. This book is more than just another devotional; it actually teaches us how to pray, and it does so in a way that’s holy, humorous, and human. Enjoy the book. Enjoy the Lord.” ~Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC
Author, Consoling the Heart of Jesus and 33 Days to Morning Glory
Msgr. Esseff, who has served the Roman Catholic Church as an Exorcist for decades, discusses the reality of evil and the Triumphant power of Jesus Christ.
(Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time)
When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes,
two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him.
They were so savage that no one could travel by that road.
They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God?
Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?”
Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding.
The demons pleaded with him,
“If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.”
And he said to them, “Go then!”
They came out and entered the swine,
and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea
where they drowned.
The swineherds ran away,
and when they came to the town they reported everything,
including what had happened to the demoniacs.
Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus,
and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.
Prayers recommended in this podcast
ST. PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE
St. Patrick’s Breastplate is a popular prayer attributed to one of Ireland’s most beloved patron saints. According to tradition, St. Patrick wrote it in 433 A.D. for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish
King Leoghaire and his subjects from paganism to Christianity. (The term breastplate refers to a piece of armor worn in battle.)
More recent scholarship suggests its author was anonymous. In any case, this prayer certainly reflects the spirit with which St. Patrick brought our faith to Ireland! St. Patrick’s Breastplate, also known asThe Lorica (the cry of the deer), was popular enough to inspire a hymn based on this text as well.
I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
I arise today Through the strength of Christ’s birth with His baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial, Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension, Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today Through the strength of the love of cherubim, In the obedience of angels, In the service of archangels, In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In the prayers of patriarchs, In the predictions of prophets, In the preaching of apostles, In the faith of confessors, In the innocence of holy virgins, In the deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through The strength of heaven, The light of the sun, The radiance of the moon, The splendor of fire, The speed of lightning, The swiftness of wind, The depth of the sea, The stability of the earth, The firmness of rock.
I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me, God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s shield to protect me, God’s host to save me From snares of devils, From temptation of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and near.
I summon today All these powers between me and those evils, Against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul; Christ to shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
[Note that people sometimes pray a shorter version of this prayer just with these 15 lines about Christ above. The conclusion follows below.]
I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
When St. Paul referred to putting on the “Armor of God” in his letter to the Ephesians (6:11) to fight sin and evil inclinations, he could have been thinking of prayers just like this one! We may not wear combat gear in our daily lives, but St. Patrick’s Breastplate can function as divine armor for protection against spiritual adversity.
The Prolouge of the Gospel of John
1In the beginning* was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.a
2He was in the beginning with God.
3* All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.b
What came to be4through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;c
5* the light shines in the darkness,d
and the darkness has not overcome it.
6* A man named John was sent from God.e7He came for testimony,* to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.f8He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.g9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.h
10He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
11He came to what was his own,
but his own people* did not accept him.
12i But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name,13* j who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.
14And 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.k
15* John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said,l ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’”16From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace,*17because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.m18No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God,* who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.n Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 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 Blessed 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 Bl. 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. To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff’s book by visiting here Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “Building a Kingdom of Love”
“Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest” is fantastic! Fr. Donald Calloway’s books just keep getting better and better. In this work, he begins this journey with Our Lady, who then guides the reader through the rich treasures found in the Church established by her Son, Jesus Christ. Through the Sacraments, to the depth of devotion found in our spiritual practices, and then with a rich appreciation of what authentic manhood and femininity truly are, Fr. Calloway explores the many facets of our faith. This book is a book well suited for everyday mystagogia. Without ever dumbing down the content, Fr. Calloway’s writing style is engaging and designed for “joe or josephine” pew person. This book is perfect for those who are in the RCIA, for folks who have completed a consecration preparation to Our Lady, or for anyone just looking for a more penetrating study of the faith. You will not be disappointed! And what a beautiful tribute to Our Blessed Mother!
“We are living in an extraordinary time of grace and mercy. It is a time in which many people, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, are experiencing a renewed appreciation for the sacred and unchanging truths of Catholicism. Though the vast majority of universities and colleges today indoctrinate their students into the dictatorship of moral relativism, the media puts forth an ideology of rampant secularism, and the political realm is filled with proponents of a culture of death, nevertheless, it is in these times that Jesus, through the Immaculata, is raising up a new generation of Catholics. In Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest, Fr. Calloway masterfully blends together aspects of his own conversion story with profound theological insights into Catholicism, presenting everyone from “Joe six-pack in the pew” to a seminary rector with incredibly vivid and thought-provoking analogies into why it is so important for a Christian to live under the mantle of Mary. I very highly recommend that everyone read this book! ”
-Very Rev. Douglas Mosey, C.S.B., Ph.D. President-Rector
Holy Apostles College & Seminary. Cromwell, CT
“Praying for Priests: A Mission for the New Evangelizaton” by author and Catholic radio host Kathleen Beckman is a fantastic response to an important need in the Church today! This book and the website found at 
important work brought to us by Anne Hendershott and Christopher White. It offers a thorough analysis of the state of the priesthood in the United States, and shines a light of joyful hope on a vital heartbeat of the Catholic Church. Our conversation with Christopher White, addresses many of the issues that have plagued priestly formation and it’s character in recent decades, but also celebrates the many areas of reform and renewal. The current revitalizing of our gift of Holy Orders is truly a reason to celebrate and lift up in our prayer!
