The Transfiguration and the Glory of God - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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The Transfiguration and the Glory of God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Transfiguration of Jesus, drawing connections between Mount Tabor and Calvary to illustrate the necessity of faith in both moments of glory and suffering. Jesus’ radiant presence on Tabor reveals His divine nature, yet this same Jesus must pass through suffering and death to bring salvation.

The call to “listen to Him” is central to Lent, inviting us to deepen their trust in God. Using Abraham’s faith as an example, we should rely on God’s promises, even in uncertain times, and to recognize the power of Christ within them.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does the Transfiguration reveal both the glory and the suffering of Christ, and what does this mean for your own faith journey?
In what ways have you experienced or witnessed the radiant presence of holiness in others?
What does it mean to “listen to Him” in your daily life, especially during Lent?
How does Abraham’s trust in God challenge you to deepen your own faith?
Are there areas in your life where you struggle to surrender fully to God’s will?
How does receiving the Eucharist or going to Confession transform your spiritual life?
What sacrifices or commitments can you make during Lent to strengthen your faith?
Do you truly trust in God’s power to provide for your needs and answer your prayers?
How can you radiate Christ’s presence to those around you through your actions and words?
What steps can you take to more fully live out the faith you profess in the Creed?

From the NAB Gospel: LK 9:28B-36

“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. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity worldwide. 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 continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders worldwide.