Building Kingdom of Love Archives

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

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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

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

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

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for Divine Mercy Sunday and it’s meanings for our lives. He discusses the identity of the Christian, and in particular, what it means to be a “Catholic”.

From the NAB

Reading 1 ACTS 5:12-16

Many signs and wonders were done among the people
at the hands of the apostles.
They were all together in Solomon’s portico.
None of the others dared to join them, but the people esteemed them.
Yet more than ever, believers in the Lord,
great numbers of men and women, were added to them.
Thus they even carried the sick out into the streets
and laid them on cots and mats
so that when Peter came by,
at least his shadow might fall on one or another of them.
A large number of people from the towns
in the vicinity of Jerusalem also gathered,
bringing the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits,
and they were all cured.

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. 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 St. Pope 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, seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.

Happy Easter!!!! Have You Encountered Jesus? – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff

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Happy Easter!!!! Have You Encountered Jesus? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he reflects on the mystery of Easter and our relationship with the Risen Christ.

Gospel JN 20:1-9

“On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.”

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. 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. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders.

A Special Good Friday Reflection with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

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A Special Good Friday Reflection with Msgr. John Esseff – Building a Kingdom of Love – Discerning Hearts Podcast

In a poignant episode of the Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast, Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor engage in a deep reflection on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, drawing parallels to the personal tribulations faced by believers. They revisit the profound impact of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” emphasizing its visceral portrayal of Jesus’s physical agony and the enduring strength of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which offers solace and companionship in moments of unbearable pain.

Msgr. Esseff explores the significance of various episodes within the crucifixion narrative, such as the compassion shown by Pilate’s wife and the symbolism embodied in the Stations of the Cross. He encourages listeners to find personal resonance in Jesus’s journey, suggesting that the injustices and trials faced in our lives can be spiritually united with Christ’s sufferings.

Further, Msgr. Esseff delves into the deeper theological and existential implications of the crucifixion, considering it a manifestation of God’s boundless love and mercy. He underscores the transformative power of sharing in Christ’s pain, which not only fosters a profound communion with Him but also imbues our own sufferings with redemptive value.

In conclusion, the podcast extends an invitation to embrace the cross, not merely as a symbol of suffering but as a testament to divine love’s triumph over adversity. Through this contemplative journey, listeners are encouraged to perceive Good Friday not just as a day of mourning but as an opportunity for intimate union with Christ, ultimately finding solace and renewal in His sacrificial love.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Personal Connection with Christ’s Passion: Reflect on a time when you felt unjustly treated or misunderstood. How can you relate this personal experience to the sufferings of Jesus during His Passion? In what ways can this reflection deepen your relationship with Christ?
Role of Mary: Consider the strength and steadfastness of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she witnessed her Son’s crucifixion. How can Mary’s example inspire you to maintain faith and hope during your own trials and tribulations?
The Power of the Cross: The cross is a central symbol in Christianity representing suffering, redemption, and victory over sin. How does the cross speak to you in your life’s challenges? Can you identify an instance where a personal ‘cross’ led to growth or deeper faith?
Empathy and Compassion: The podcast mentions acts of kindness, such as Pilate’s wife providing towels or Veronica wiping Jesus’s face. When have you shown or received compassion in difficult times? How do these acts of mercy reflect the love of Christ?
Identification with Jesus’s Sufferings: Msgr. Esseff encourages listeners to find elements of their own sufferings in Jesus’s Passion. What aspects of Jesus’s journey to Calvary resonate most with you? How can contemplating these moments enhance your understanding of suffering and redemption?
The Significance of Good Friday: Despite the sorrow and pain associated with it, Good Friday is deemed ‘good’ because of what Jesus accomplished through His death. What does Good Friday mean to you? How does it influence your perception of sacrifice, forgiveness, and salvation?
Spiritual Solidarity with the Crucified Christ: In what ways can you stand in solidarity with Christ in His suffering today? How can you incorporate the lessons of perseverance, faith, and love demonstrated by Jesus on the cross into your daily life?
Transformation through Suffering: The podcast highlights how suffering, when united with Christ’s, can be transformative. Reflect on a personal struggle or suffering. How can you offer it up in union with Christ’s Passion for your sanctification and the benefit of others?
Encounter with Divine Mercy: The crucifixion is a profound expression of God’s mercy. How have you experienced God’s mercy in your life? In what ways can meditating on Jesus’s sacrificial love during the crucifixion help you to become a more merciful person?
The Resurrection Hope: Good Friday leads to the joy of Easter Sunday. How does the promise of the Resurrection influence your perspective on suffering and trials? How can this hope encourage you to live out your faith more fully?

Conference 3: Holy Triduum – That All May Be One: A Holy Week Retreat /w Msgr. John Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan

Conference 3: The Holy Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday) – That All May Be One: A Holy Week Retreat /w Msgr. Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan – Discerning Hearts Online Retreat

Retreat Directors: Monsignor John A. Esseff and Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM

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The Paschal Mystery

The Last Supper…Passion…Death…Burial

Theme: Jesus’ love, humility, suffering, dying – John 13 – 18

Holy Thursday The Lord’s Supper

Jesus washes the disciples’ feet John 13: 1-20
Jesus announces Judas’ betrayal John 13: 21-30
The Bread of Life Discourse John 6: 22-51
Take and eat…this is my body 26: 26-30
Jesus’ passion, death, resurrection

Eucharist is the gift of Jesus, suffering, dying, rising.
We are Baptized into Jesus, we are to suffer, die, and rise…

My Suffering: Wounds in the Sacred Heart of Jesus – When did I suffer, die, rise?

As a child – sexual & physical abuse; being made fun of; called names; rejected; did I relate my suffering to Jesus’ suffering?
As a teenager – bullying; rejection; divorce of parents; did I realize that the depth of my suffering could be united to the wounds of Jesus?
Throughout my life, what were – and are – my little and big crosses? Have I united them to Jesus’ wounded Heart?

Good Friday: The Passion, Death, and Burial of Jesus

You are invited to reflect on Jesus and your own experiences of suffering during these days of rejection, abandonment, condemnation, torture, death, and burial.
When were you lied about? falsely accused? rejected? scorned? abandoned?
Who was your Peter? Judas?

The friend who deserted you? The person who ruined your reputation?

Who was your Simon? Veronica? Mary? John?

Suffering and death are not the final answer…

The Christian life is one of JOY…always ends in happiness…in GLORY.
Mary took Jesus down from the Cross…held Him in her arms… prepared Him for burial…laid Him in the tomb…went home with John – John 19: 38-42

Holy Saturday with Mary

Spend Saturday with Mary…be with her…talk to her… listen to her

Forgiveness Litany

The Lord spoke very clearly when He said: “And so, when you stand in prayer, forgive whatever you have against anybody so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your failings, too”. Mark 11: 25

Lord Jesus, I ask that You give me the grace to forgive any person who has hurt me at any time in my life. I ask, too, that I may be forgiven those persons whom I have hurt.

Significant areas of forgiveness may include:

God, I forgive YOU for:

Lord, I forgive MYSELF for:

Lord, I truly forgive my MOTHER for:

Jesus, I forgive my FATHER for:

Lord, I extend my forgiveness to my BROTHERS and SISTERS for:

Lord, I forgive my RELATIVES for:

Jesus, I forgive my HUSBAND/WIFE for:

Jesus, I forgive the PEOPLE with whom I work for:

Jesus, I forgive my BOSS for:

Lord, I forgive those of DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS BELIEFS for:

Lord, I forgive those who have harmed me ETHNICALLY or RACIALLY for:

Jesus, I pray especially the grace to forgive the ONE PERSON who has HURT ME the MOST:

Lord, I beg pardon of all those persons whom I HAVE HURT most deeply:

Thank You, Jesus, that I am being freed of the evil of unforgiveness.

May Your Holy Spirit fill me with light and let every dark area of my mind be enlightened.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He 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. 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. He is a founding member of the Pope Leo XIII Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders.

Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM is a member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA. “ She holds several degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in English/Art and a Master of Science degree in Counseling, both from Marywood; a Master of Arts degree in Sculpture from the University of Notre Dame; and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Illustration from Syracuse University. Her multi-faceted life is in itself a masterpiece: she is a teacher, a mentor, and a consultant; she is a sculptor, a harpist, a calligrapher, and a creator of mosaics; she is a counselor, a spiritual director, and above all, she is a servant of God to others”.

Conference 2: Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – That All May Be One: A Holy Week Retreat /w Msgr. John Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan

Conference 2: Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday – That All May Be One: A Holy Week Retreat /w Msgr. Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan – Discerning Hearts Online Retreat

Retreat Directors: Monsignor John A. Esseff and Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM

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The Paschal Mystery

Unbelief…Darkness…Betrayal…Abandonment…

Theme: The Coming of Jesus’ Hour John 12: 20-50

The Anointing at Bethany John 12: 1-8

Jesus knows He’s going to suffer and die although the

apostles and friends are unaware

Mary’s anointing, thought useless and extravagant by Judas, foretells the anointing for Jesus’ burial

Reflection: In my life, what are those events that have made me say: If only I had known, I would have………

Jesus’ Hour of Darkness John 12: 27-50

Jesus is troubled…it was for this purpose that He came to this hour

Judas betrays Jesus Luke 22: 1-6

Reflection: What is my darkness…sinfulness…sin? 1 John 1: 5-10

O Holy Spirit to reveal to me my sinfulness.

What is my hour of darkness…when have I turned away from the light? John 3: 16-21

Conference 1: Palm Sunday – That All May Be One: A Holy Week Retreat /w Msgr. John Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan

Conference 1: Palm Sunday – That All May Be One: A Holy Week Retreat /w Msgr. Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan – Discerning Hearts Online Retreat

Retreat Directors: Monsignor John A. Esseff and Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM

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Theme: KINGSHIP OF JESUS

Why does God, Who made all of creation, love US so much?

3 galaxies for every one person in the entire world…ex. keystone college telescope –

7 billion people in the world on planet earth… why is God so interested in humankind? This is a great mystery.

God leaves the 99… for example the angelic world, all creation, and comes to our human world…WHY? g. Adam and Eve – original sin

God the Father’s Plan – Ephesians 1: 3-6 – God wanted to save humans He made because He LOVES US.

Jesus – Only-begotten Son of God the Father – it is in and through HIM that we are saved.

Through the Holy Spirit, all mankind has become ONE – universality of all the living

- Jesus – the Way, the Truth, and the Life

“My kingdom is not of this world… John 18: 33-38

Scriptural References to Kingship

Isaiah 24: 23 – The Lord of hosts will reign on Mt. Zion and in Jerusalem, glorious in the sight of the elders…

Zechariah 14: 4. – Messiah would come to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives

Matthew 21: 1-11 – All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet saying: Tell ye the daughters of Sion, behold the king comes to thee, meek and sitting upon an ass, and a colt, the foal of an ass. John 12: 12-16

John 18: 33-37. Jesus before Pilate – Are you a king?

Reflections:

What is it to belong to the universal Kingship of Jesus?

Is Jesus able to enter into my heart and my life?

Commandments – Love of God…love of neighbor

The Beatitudes: – Luke 6: 11-36. OR Matthew 5: 1-12 – Who is my neighbor today?

Excerpts from: Homily on the Feast of Our Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem

“The sole conqueror of the human heart is Christ the King…there was never any king simultaneously just, a redeemer, gentle and seated on a donkey, who came to Jerusalem, unless this is He who alone is King of kings, God the Redeemer, Jesus. He is kind, gentle, and abundant in mercy for all those who call upon Him, as it is written.”

Reflection:

Is Jesus, my Lord and King, able to enter into my heart for and my life… and remain as my King?

The Third Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

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The Third Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

For the third Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Esseff discusses the importance of scrutinies in the Catholic Church, emphasizing self-examination and deliverance from sin and Satan, especially for those preparing for baptism. He highlights the role of priests and exorcists in guiding individuals spiritually, with reference to Pope Francis’s encouragement to seek help when needed. Msgr. Esseff reminds us of Jesus’s victory over sin and the anticipation of Easter’s joy.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

The Transformative Power of Self-Examination: How does the story of the woman impacted by the podcast illustrate the transformative power of self-examination and forgiveness?
The Significance of the Scrutinies: What is the significance of the scrutinies in the Catholic Church, particularly during Lent, and how do they facilitate spiritual growth and preparation for receiving sacraments?
Role of Priests and Exorcists: Reflect on the role of priests and exorcists in guiding individuals through spiritual struggles and the importance of seeking help within the Church community.
Pope Francis’s Encouragement: What is the significance of Pope Francis’s encouragement to not be afraid to consult exorcists, and how does it reflect the Church’s commitment to spiritual healing and deliverance?
Anticipation of Easter’s Joy: How does the discussion of Jesus’s victory over sin, Satan, and death contribute to the anticipation of Easter’s joy and renewal within the Catholic faith?

From the Gospel of John 4:7-30:

“There came a woman of Samar′ia to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samar′ia?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?” Jesus said to her, “Every one who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”

Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband; this you said truly.” The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain; and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ); when he comes, he will show us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

Just then his disciples came. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but none said, “What do you wish?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” So the woman left her water jar, and went away into the city, and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the city and were coming to him.”

Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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. Mother Teresa. 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, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.

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

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

For the first Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Esseff delves into the significance of Jesus’ Transfiguration, linking his divine glory with his impending sacrifice. He talks about faith in Jesus as both glorified and crucified, drawing parallels with figures like Abraham. Msgr. Esseff reminds us to trust in God’s power for healing, particularly through sacraments like confession and the Eucharist.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Understanding the Transfiguration: What insights does the Transfiguration offer about Jesus’ identity and mission?
Embracing Faith Amidst Suffering: How does Jesus’ glorified state on Mount Tabor contrast with his impending crucifixion, and what does this teach about the nature of faith?
Learning from Biblical Models of Faith: What lessons can be gleaned from the faith of figures like Abraham, Moses, and Elijah in the context of Jesus’ Transfiguration?
Trusting in God’s Healing Power: How does the podcast encourage listeners to trust in God’s power for healing, both physically and spiritually?
Sacramental Encounters with Christ: What role do sacraments like confession and the Eucharist play in experiencing the transformative power of Christ?
Personal Transformation: How does the episode inspire listeners to seek personal transformation in order to reflect Christ’s likeness in the world?

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.

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

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The First Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

For the first Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Esseff reflects on Jesus’ desert retreat, relating it to Lent’s call for repentance, prayer, and fasting. He shares his own desert fasting experience, emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s role in awakening awareness of sin. He also warns against spiritual pride and emphasizes humility in recognizing God’s grace and the Lenten journey’s focus on repentance, prayer, and embracing God’s mercy.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

Connection to Jesus’ Desert Experience: How does Jesus’ 40-day retreat in the desert parallel the Lenten season, particularly in terms of prayer, fasting, and resisting temptation?
Personal Reflection on Fasting: Reflecting on Msgr. Esseff’s fasting experience in the desert, how does fasting deepen spiritual awareness and intensify prayer?
The Call to Repentance: What does Lent’s call to repentance mean in your life? How does the Holy Spirit’s role in awakening awareness of sin manifest during this season?
Understanding Spiritual Pride: In what ways can spiritual pride hinder our Lenten journey? How can we cultivate humility in recognizing God’s grace and avoiding self-centeredness?
Embracing God’s Mercy: Reflecting on God’s infinite mercy, how does Lent provide an opportunity to deepen our understanding of God’s love and forgiveness?
The Lenten Journey’s Focus: How can we refocus our Lenten journey on repentance, prayer, and embracing God’s mercy, amidst the distractions and temptations of daily life?

Mk 1:12-15
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert,
and he remained in the desert for forty days,
tempted by Satan.
He was among wild beasts,
and the angels ministered to him.After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.