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

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he reflects on the readings from the Second Sunday of Advent in this Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

Unveiling the Light of St. Nicholas – Advent Reflections with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Unveiling the Light of St. Nicholas – Advent Reflections with Dr. Anthony Lilles Dr. Anthony Lilles offers a captivating exploration of the spiritual significance of St. Nicholas through the reflections of Pope Benedict XVI. St. Nicholas, known for his generosity and kindness, serves as a model of Christ’s light, especially during Advent. His actions, rooted … Read more

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

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the start of this new Advent season in the life of the Church.  He makes suggestions on how we can make our spiritual journey more fruitful, not only for ourselves but also for the world.

LORT11 – Echoes of Eucatastrophe: Unveiling Spiritual Truths – A “Lord of the Rings” Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

In this episode, Fr. Gallagher  continues the conversation on joy and “eucatastrophe.”  J. R. R. Tolkien  defined  this term in his lecture “On Fairy-Stories,” as  a “good catastrophe, the sudden joyous ‘turn’…it is a sudden and miraculous grace…a fleeting glimpse of Joy” (On Fairy-Stories 153) Going further, it is a moment experienced in the Gospel, referencing the greatest moment of eucatastrophe in human history: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (On Fairy-Stories 156). When understood through the mechanism of eucatastrophe “The Lord of the Rings” becomes a “fundamentally religious and Catholic work” (Letter 142).

LORT7 – Samwise’s Journey of Discipleship and Sacrifice – A Lord of the Rings Spiritual Retreat w/ Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Episode 7 – Samwise’s Journey of Discipleship and Sacrifice – A Lord of the Rings Spiritual Retreat with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher examines spiritual themes from “The Lord of the Rings,” with a focus on Samwise Gamgee. The episode delves into the Christian concepts of sacrifice, loyalty, and faithfulness, paralleling Sam’s fictional journey … Read more

How Does Your Soul Magnify the Lord? – An Advent Reflection from Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

How Does Your Soul Magnify the Lord – An Advent Reflection from Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Embracing Humility and Simplicity – Third Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Explore Msgr. John Esseff’s profound reflections on Christian spirituality, focusing on humility, simplicity, and the true essence of Christmas, alongside insights on Mary’s role, the Nativity story, and the joy in poverty

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit! – 2nd Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts

Msgr. Esseff asks are you crying out, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” Do you believe that you have been transformed by your baptism?

Are you prepared for the Lord’s coming? – First Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts

Msgr. Esseff asks the question, “Are you prepared for the Lord’s coming?” He challenges us to take a good look at our prayer lives and to prepare for the coming of Jesus in your life today.

Gospel MK 13:33-37

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

“The Second Sunday of Advent” – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff Podcast

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he reflects on the Second Sunday of Advent and the need to examen on conscious in prepartion for Christmas