Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Discerning Hearts
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Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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.

  1. OCT 1

    St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the spirituality and life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower.” Msgr. Esseff reflects on the humble, childlike simplicity and profound love that characterized St. Thérèse’s life. Although she lived a hidden existence in a Carmelite convent and died at the age of 24, she transformed everyday moments into acts of sacrificial love for God, even embracing small annoyances and difficult people as opportunities for spiritual growth. Her life challenges modern notions of success, showing that prayer, humility, and love for others can lead to spiritual greatness. St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” of love and trust in God has inspired countless people, and she is recognized as a patroness of missions, despite never leaving her convent. Msgr. Esseff shares personal stories of her intercession and the miraculous signs people receive, such as roses, when invoking her in prayer. Childlike innocence, humility, and prayer are important in the Christian life. St. Thérèse’s example is presented as a model for living with love, simplicity, and faith in God’s hidden work, encouraging us to embrace prayer and spiritual intercession in our lives. Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions * The Value of Hiddenness in Spiritual Life How can I embrace the hidden and ordinary moments of my life as opportunities to grow in love and holiness, following St. Thérèse’s example? * Transforming Annoyances into Love Am I willing to see everyday frustrations and difficult relationships as occasions for offering sacrificial love to God? * Childlike Simplicity and Trust Do I approach God with the trust, humility, and simplicity of a child, as Jesus teaches in the Gospel? * Prayer and Intercession in My Life How can I deepen my reliance on prayer and the intercession of the saints and angels in my daily challenges and decisions? * Defining True Success and Attractiveness Do I seek recognition and approval from the world, or do I strive to cultivate inner beauty and virtue through humility and love for others? 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.   He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.

    30 min

  2. SEP 22

    St. Padre Pio and the Healing of the Church – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff podcast

    St. Padre Pio and the Healing of the Church – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff In this episode, Monsignor John Esseff shares his profound experiences with St. Padre Pio, offering a unique glimpse into the saint’s life, suffering, and sanctity. Monsignor Esseff recounts his personal encounters with Padre Pio, including a transformative moment during the saint’s Eucharistic celebration in 1959, where he witnessed the bleeding stigmata. Padre Pio’s example of humility, obedience, and faith amidst rejection serves as an inspiring reminder of the cost of following Christ. Monsignor Esseff also emphasizes the grace available to all of us, highlighting the importance of prayer and the Eucharist in staying connected to God’s will. Join Kris McGregor and Monsignor Esseff as they reflect on how we are called to be lights in the world, radiating Christ’s love even through suffering. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions * How does the example of St. Padre Pio’s suffering and obedience challenge your understanding of what it means to follow Christ faithfully, even when facing rejection or misunderstanding? * In what ways can you embrace the daily crosses in your life, uniting your sufferings with Christ, as St. Padre Pio did through his stigmata and spiritual trials? * How can the Eucharist become a more central part of your spiritual life, as it was for St. Padre Pio, who drew strength from it even in the midst of his physical and emotional pain? * Are there areas in your life where you feel distant from God or struggle to see His presence? How can you deepen your connection through prayer, as St. Padre Pio’s prayer “Stay with me, Lord” invites us to? * What does it mean to be a “light on a lampstand” in your current circumstances? How can you radiate Christ’s love and truth in a world that often rejects or misunderstands the Christian message? St. Padre Pio Communion Prayer: Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have you present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life and without You I am without fervor. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light and without You I am in darkness. Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice and follow You. Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You very much and alway be in Your company. Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You. Stay with me, Lord, as poor as my soul is I want it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of Love. Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close and life passes, death, judgment and eternity approach. It is necessary to renew my strenth, so that I will not stop along the way and for that, I need You. It is getting late and death approaches, I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows. O how I need You, my Jesus, in this night of exile! Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all its dangers, I need You. Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of the bread, so that the Eucharistic Communion be the Light which disperses the darkness, the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart. Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You, if not by Communion, at least by grace and love. Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for, Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more. With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity. Amen.

    29 min

  3. AUG 25

    Embracing God’s Will with Obedience – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    Embracing God’s Will with Obedience – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the deep need for healing in the world and the importance of balancing prayer with action in the Christian life. Msgr. Esseff believes that true Christian ministry must be rooted in a solid prayer life, as actions alone, without a contemplative foundation, can lead to burnout and ineffectiveness. He critiques the focus on external religious practices, such as rituals and appearances, over the internal transformation of the heart. He uses examples to show us the importance of integrating one’s faith into both personal and communal acts of charity. Msgr. Esseff shares a personal story about his long-standing desire to serve in Latin America, which was repeatedly denied by his bishop. This experience taught him the power of obedience to God’s will and the importance of aligning one’s desires with divine authority. He reflects on the struggle many face in balancing their commitment to serving the Church with their responsibilities to their families, and that one’s primary identity and relationship with Christ should guide all actions. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions * Understanding the Need for Healing: How do you recognize and address the deep internal pain that might be numbed by external distractions in your life? * Balancing Prayer and Action: In what ways can you ensure that your ministry and actions flow from a solid prayer life? * Examining External Practices: Are there external religious practices in your life that might be overshadowing the need for true interior conversion? * Obedience to God’s Will: How do you discern and align your personal desires with God’s will, especially when facing challenges or obstacles? * Integrating Faith into Daily Life: How can you better integrate your faith into both your personal life and your acts of charity towards others? * Balancing Family and Ministry: Are there areas in your life where your ministry or service to the Church is pulling you away from your primary responsibilities to your family? * Allowing God to Work Through You: How can you deepen your trust in God’s ability to act through you, rather than relying solely on your own strength and efforts? Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton.  Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to Saint Teresa of Calcutta.  He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity.  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. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders .

    28 min

  4. AUG 11

    Christ’s Healing Sacrament – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    Christ’s Healing Sacrament – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the profound spiritual significance of the Eucharist and its transformative power in our lives. Using the Eucharist as the “food of life,” which grants divine life and eternal salvation to those who partake in it, Msgr. Esseff reflects on John 6, where Jesus teaches that His flesh and blood are true food and drink, essential for eternal life. Msgr. Esseff connects this teaching to those struggling with various addictions, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and eating disorders, highlighting the Eucharist as a source of healing and strength. He discusses the importance of surrendering to Christ, especially in the context of the 12-step recovery program, where recognizing one’s powerlessness and turning to a higher power are crucial steps. He also touches on how the Eucharist can bring about healing and order in other areas of life, such as self-centeredness and compulsive behaviors. The Eucharist is both a remedy for sinners and a source of spiritual nourishment, and to deepen their devotion to this sacrament is a means of experiencing Christ’s healing and love in our lives. From John 6:41-51 The Jews murmured about Jesus because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven, ” and they said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop murmuring among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions * Understanding the Eucharist as the Bread of Life: How does the Eucharist deepen your understanding of Jesus as the source of eternal life? * Applying Eucharistic Healing to Addictions: In what ways can receiving the Eucharist help you or others overcome personal struggles or addictions? * Surrendering to Christ in Recovery: How can surrendering to Christ, especially in the Eucharist, aid in your journey towards spiritual and emotional healing? * Recognizing the Eucharist as a Remedy for Sin: How does viewing the Eucharist as a medicine for sinners change your approach to receiving Holy Communion? * Embracing the Eucharist for Daily Living: How can the Eucharist empower you to live a life of greater love, selflessness, and service to others? 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,

    28 min

  5. JUL 24

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

    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.

    20 min

  6. MAY 26

    The Holy Trinity and Prayer – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    In this episode, which coincides with Trinity Sunday, Msgr. Esseff delves into the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the significance of this doctrine, referencing the Old Testament’s monotheism and the New Testament’s revelation of the triune God. He explains the historical and theological development of the doctrine, particularly through the Nicene Creed and the early Church councils. Msgr. Esseff highlights the personal relationship believers have with each person of the Trinity, especially the importance of addressing the Father in prayer, as taught by Jesus. He also discusses the transformative power of the sacraments, particularly baptism and the Eucharist, in uniting Christians with the Trinity. The podcast concludes with a reflection on the role of saints as radiations of Trinitarian life and a call to deepen one’s personal relationship with God. Reading 2 Rom 8:14-17 Brothers and sisters: For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. Gospel Mt 28:16-20 The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions: * Understanding the Trinity: How does the concept of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—shape your personal understanding of God and your daily prayer life? * Personal Relationship with God: Reflect on your prayer practices. Do you primarily address one Person of the Trinity in your prayers? How can you deepen your relationship with each Person of the Trinity? * Sacramental Life: Consider the importance of baptism and the Eucharist as described by Msgr. Esseff. How do these sacraments influence your sense of identity and belonging in the Church? * Role of the Saints: Msgr. Esseff mentions that saints radiate the Trinitarian life within them. Reflect on a saint who inspires you. How does this saint’s life exemplify a deep relationship with the Trinity? * Faith in Practice: How can you incorporate the teachings of the Holy Trinity into your daily actions and interactions with others? What steps can you take to live out your faith more fully in light of this understanding?

    26 min

  7. APR 14

    Called to be Witnesses! – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

    Monsignor Esseff reflects on the scripture readings of the Third Sunday of Easter. Through our sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist, who do we become? We discover the potential of Peter and the early Christian community, transformed by their Pentecost experience. In this Easter season, the Church guides us to understand and cherish the gift of the Holy Spirit and the emergence of the Church at Pentecost, both historically and in the present. What implications does this have for us today? How are we summoned to be evangelists and authentic witnesses of Truth and Hope? Reading 1 ACTS 2:14, 22-33 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: “You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem. Let this be known to you, and listen to my words. You who are Israelites, hear these words. Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know. This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him. But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it. For David says of him: I saw the Lord ever before me, with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted; my flesh, too, will dwell in hope, because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. “My brothers, one can confidently say to you about the patriarch David that he died and was buried, and his tomb is in our midst to this day. But since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he abandoned to the netherworld nor did his flesh see corruption. God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured him forth, as you see and hear.”f

    26 min

  8. APR 7

    Who are you? Your Catholic Identity on Divine Mercy Sunday with Msgr. John Esseff

    Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Easter and it's meanings for our lives. He discusses the identity of the Christian, and in particular, what it means to be a "Catholic".

    29 min
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About

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.

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