The Second Sunday of Advent - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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

On the Second Sunday of Advent, Msgr. John Esseff focuses on Advent as a season of hope, preparation, and trust in God. Reflecting on Mary’s surrender during the Annunciation and as the ultimate model of faith and dependence on God. Msgr. Esseff reminds us of the transformative power of repentance, faith, and love; using a moving testimony of a woman miraculously healed at Lourdes underscores the greater miracle of selfless love and intercessory prayer for others.

The scriptural themes of redemption urge us to live courageously and joyfully as the “new Jerusalem,” radiating God’s glory. We must have confidence in Christ’s victory, encouraging listeners to embrace the sacraments and prepare for the Lord’s coming with renewed faith.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Faith in Surrender: How can Mary’s complete trust in God inspire you to surrender your fears and uncertainties to His will?
Trust in God’s Providence: In what areas of your life do you need to let go of self-reliance and place total dependence on God?
Love as a Miracle: How does the testimony of selfless prayer and intercession challenge you to prioritize the needs of others in your relationship with God?
Advent Preparation: How are you preparing your heart during this Advent season to welcome Christ with joy and trust?
Living the Beatitudes: How can you embrace the struggles and challenges in your life as opportunities to live out the Beatitudes with faith and courage?
Joy Amidst Suffering: What steps can you take to find joy and hope in God’s promises, even during times of personal or communal suffering?
Being the New Jerusalem: How can you reflect God’s light and love in your daily actions, becoming a witness to His glory and redemption?
Embracing the Sacraments: How do the Eucharist and other sacraments strengthen your faith and empower you to live as a disciple of Christ?

Reading 1 LUKE 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,
when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea,
and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee,
and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region
of Ituraea and Trachonitis,
and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene,
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas,
the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.
John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan,
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,
as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The winding roads shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

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.