SH8 - The Sacred Heart and Spiritual Warfare - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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The Sacred Heart and Spiritual Warfare – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff on Discerning Hearts addresses the spiritual battle between good and evil, emphasizing the role of Satan, the enemy of humanity. He discusses the inherent sinfulness in every person, the temptation that Satan uses to lure souls away from God, and the ongoing conflict within every human heart between the kingdom of light (Jesus) and the kingdom of darkness (Satan).

Msgr. Esseff explains that Satan’s primary tactic is temptation, which aims to lead people away from God’s kingdom and towards self-centeredness. He highlights the significance of the prayer “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one” in the Lord’s Prayer, as it directly addresses this spiritual battle. He further explores the origin of Satan’s hatred towards humanity, tracing it back to his refusal to serve and his subsequent fall from grace.

Tthe preciousness of each soul to God and the lengths to which God goes to save it, includes sending Jesus to conquer sin, Satan, and death through his crucifixion and resurrection. The importance of recognizing and combating the subtle influences of Satan in modern society, such as through pornography and media manipulation, which gradually lead individuals away from spiritual truth.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Recognizing the Enemy: How can we become more aware of Satan’s subtle influences in our daily lives and resist his temptations?
Spiritual Warfare: What practical steps can we take to actively engage in the spiritual battle between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness?
Value of the Soul: How does understanding the immense value God places on each soul affect our view of ourselves and others?
Role of Temptation: In what ways can we strengthen our resistance to temptation and seek God’s guidance in overcoming it?
Importance of Vigilance: How can we cultivate a greater awareness of our thoughts and their alignment with God’s will?
Marriage and Forgiveness: How can the practice of forgiveness within marriage and family life serve as a model of Christ’s love for others?
Civilization of Love: What actions can we take to contribute to building a civilization of love rooted in the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
Spiritual Nourishment: How can we ensure that our souls are properly nourished and not led into spiritual desolation by self-centeredness?

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 serves 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.