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The Immaculate Conception – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Immaculate Conception – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

On the the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Msgr. Esseff reflects on the significance of the Immaculate Conception of Mary within the broader plan of salvation history. He uses Genesis, Ephesians, and the Gospel of Luke to show us God’s eternal plan to reconcile humanity with Himself through Jesus Christ. Humanity’s fall through Adam and Eve introduced sin and death into the world, but God’s response was the plan of redemption, preordained before creation, culminating in the birth of Christ. Mary, conceived without sin, is presented as the new Eve, uniquely chosen to bring Jesus into the world. Her “yes” to the angel Gabriel is seen as a pivotal moment in God’s plan, countering the disobedience of the first parents and initiating the ultimate defeat of sin, Satan, and death.

Through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, humanity is adopted as children of God and incorporated into Christ’s body, the Church. He encourages us to see the Immaculate Conception as a profound reminder of God’s love and the invitation to holiness.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does reflecting on God’s plan for redemption before creation deepen your trust in His providence?
In what ways can recognizing the effects of original sin in your life inspire a greater appreciation for Christ’s saving work?
How does the Immaculate Conception help you understand Mary’s unique role in God’s plan and her intercession for you?
What does it mean to you personally to be adopted into God’s family through Jesus Christ?
How can you live more fully as a member of Christ’s body, united with Him and His Church?
In this Advent season, how are you preparing your heart to welcome Christ more fully into your life?
How do you experience the Holy Spirit working in your life to bring about holiness and transformation?
How can Mary’s fiat, her “yes” to God, inspire you to trust and surrender to His will in your own life?

Reading 1: Gn 3:9-15, 20

“After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree,
the LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?”
He answered, “I heard you in the garden;
but I was afraid, because I was naked,
so I hid myself.”
Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked?
You have eaten, then,
from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!”
The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me
she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.”
The LORD God then asked the woman,
“Why did you do such a thing?”
The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.”Then the LORD God said to the serpent:
“Because you have done this, you shall be banned
from all the animals
and from all the wild creatures;
on your belly shall you crawl,
and dirt shall you eat
all the days of your life.
I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will strike at your head,
while you strike at his heel.”The man called his wife Eve,
because she became the mother of all the living.”

Reading 2 Eph 1:3-6, 11-12

Brothers and sisters:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.

In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.

Gospel: Lk 1:26-38

“The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.”

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.

The Blessed Virgin Mary, Advent, and Caryll Houselander – a reflection by Deacon Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Blessed Virgin Mary, Advent, and Caryll Houselander – a reflection by Deacon Omar Gutierrez – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Join Omar Gutierrez as he explores the profound themes of Advent in Caryll Houselander’s “The Reed of God.” Focusing on the anticipation and spiritual preparation that characterize this liturgical season, Gutierrez brings to life Houselander’s unique insights into the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role during Advent. Through his thoughtful presentation, listeners are invited to deepen their understanding of Mary’s journey, mirroring the waiting and hopeful expectation central to Advent. This episode is a journey through the themes of waiting, contemplation, and spiritual awakening, as presented in Houselander’s visionary work. It offers an enriching perspective for anyone seeking a deeper spiritual experience during Advent and a renewed appreciation for Mary’s role in the mystery of the Incarnation.

You can find the book her

First published in 1944 and now a spiritual classic for Catholics across the globe, The Reed of God contains meditations on the humanity of Mary, Mother of God. British Catholic writer and artist Caryll Houselander lovingly explores Mary’s intimately human side, depicting Our Lady as a musical instrument who makes divine love known to the world.

While the Second Vatican Council led to a renewed interest in the theology and person of Mary, Caryll Houselander offered a simple yet profound reflection on the Mother of God almost fifteen years before the council began

00:00 – 05:00: Introduction to the podcast and the significance of Advent in Catholic tradition.
05:01 – 15:00: Omar Gutierrez’s insights on Advent themes in “Reed of God” and their connection to Mary.
15:01 – 25:00: Exploring the concept of waiting and spiritual preparation as portrayed by Houselander.
25:01 – 35:00: Reflections on Mary’s journey and its parallels to the Advent season.
35:01 – 45:00: Discussion on the relevance of “Reed of God” for contemporary Advent practices and spiritual growth.
45:01 – End: Concluding thoughts on integrating Houselander’s insights into personal Advent devotion.

The Evangelism Institute seeks to bring a deeper understanding of the faith to Catholic school teachers, teens, college students, and other interested adults. For more information visit eicatholic.org

The 2nd Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The 2nd Sunday of Advent – A Call to Wake Up, Repent, and Enter the Light of JesusBuilding a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

In this Advent reflection, Msgr. John Esseff turns to the figure of John the Baptist and the call to repentance that prepares the way for the Lord. He explains that John stands at the culmination of Old Testament prophecy, announcing the arrival of the Messiah and calling all people to conversion. Yet Jesus teaches that the least in the kingdom is greater than John, because Christians carry Christ within them. This means the true tragedy is not simply breaking commandments but failing to live as Christ in the world.

Msgr. Esseff then guides listeners through examples of interior patterns that separate the soul from union with Jesus. He speaks about judgmental attitudes, envy, lust, unforgiveness, gluttony, and other deep tendencies that distort the heart. Each one acts like a hidden disease that wounds the life of Christ within the person. Advent becomes a time to uncover these wounds through honest examination and to bring them to the Lord for healing.

He urges listeners to call upon the Holy Spirit, who reveals the core wound with gentleness, not accusation. The Spirit convicts with light and love, while the enemy accuses and discourages. Confession is offered as a powerful path to healing, where the cross penetrates the soul and restores union with Christ.

Msgr. Esseff encourages priests to open the confessional during Advent and calls all Christians to stop judging one another and instead direct loved ones to the Holy Spirit, who alone can reveal the truth of the heart. Advent is presented as a privileged time to awaken, repent, and prepare for the coming of the Lord, who desires to bring healing, renewal, and unity to every soul.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

What interior pattern or tendency separates me most from Christ right now?
When I examine my heart, do I hear the accusing voice or the gentle clarity of the Holy Spirit?
Where have I allowed judgment, envy, or resentment to shape my thoughts or relationships?
What wound or habit is the Holy Spirit inviting me to bring to confession this Advent?
How can I prepare my heart to welcome Christ more deeply during this season?

St. Ambrose of Milan, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Ambrose of Milan, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson

Born: 340 AD
Died: January 1, 397 AD

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor continue their discussion on the life and profound impact of St. Ambrose of Milan, a pivotal figure in Church history and a Doctor of the Church. Dr. Bunson emphasizes how Ambrose’s unexpected rise to the episcopate during a time of crisis in the Western Roman Empire exemplified his integrity and strength of character. Chosen by opposing factions who hoped to sway him to their cause, Ambrose steadfastly upheld orthodox Christian teaching, most notably opposing the Arian heresy. His tenure as Bishop of Milan was marked by his dedication to unity, deep prayer life, and commitment to scriptural study, which not only inspired his contemporaries but also profoundly influenced St. Augustine, whom he guided gently toward conversion. Ambrose’s unique method of silent scriptural reading and contemplative prayer impressed Augustine and modeled a new depth of spiritual engagement, contributing to the theological foundation of Christian mysticism.

St. Ambrose’s fearless moral authority extended to his interactions with the Roman emperors, particularly his courageous confrontation with Emperor Theodosius after the massacre of 7,000 innocents. By demanding genuine repentance from the emperor, Ambrose demonstrated his unwavering commitment to justice and the spiritual well-being of his flock, including rulers. His legacy also includes his promotion of Marian theology, the introduction of Eastern hymns to Western liturgy, and his composition of the Te Deum, reportedly written for Augustine’s baptism. Although Ambrose died relatively young at around 60, his life exemplified total self-gift to God, leaving an enduring legacy of wisdom, courage, and pastoral care. His life and teachings continue to inspire modern bishops and faithful, calling all to live with integrity, grace, and a relentless pursuit of truth.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Integrity in Leadership: How can I emulate St. Ambrose’s steadfastness in upholding truth and unity in my own roles of influence?
Prayerful Scripture Engagement: In what ways can I deepen my prayer life by absorbing scripture into my heart, as St. Ambrose exemplified?
Guiding Others Gently: How can I, like St. Ambrose with St. Augustine, accompany others on their spiritual journey with patience and wisdom?
Moral Courage: Am I willing to stand up for truth and justice, even when it requires confronting authority or making personal sacrifices?
Living the Faith Fully: How can I integrate my beliefs into daily actions to reflect Christ’s presence in the world?
Witnessing through Worship: In what ways can my participation in and promotion of sacred traditions, like hymns and liturgy, enhance my community’s faith experience?
Total Self-Gift to God: What areas of my life am I still holding back from offering completely to God’s service?
Concern for Eternal Souls: How can I show genuine love and concern for the spiritual well-being of others, even those in positions of power or authority?
Influence of the Blessed Mother: How does my devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary inspire me to grow in holiness and faithfulness to Christ?
Legacy of Faith: What steps can I take to leave a lasting impact on others by living a life of grace and virtue, as St. Ambrose did?

For more on St. Ambrose of Milan and his teachings

For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.

Dr. Matthew E. Bunson is a Register senior editor and a senior contributor to EWTN News. For the past 20 years, he has been active in the area of Catholic social communications and education, including writing, editing, and teaching on a variety of topics related to Church history, the papacy, the saints and Catholic culture. He is faculty chair at Catholic Distance University, a senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and the author or co-author of over 50 books including The Encyclopedia of Catholic History, The Pope Encyclopedia, We Have a Pope! Benedict XVI, The Saints Encyclopedia and best-selling biographies of St. Damien of Molokai and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

St. Ambrose of Milan, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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St. Ambrose of Milan, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church with Dr. Matthew Bunson

Born: 340 AD
Died: January 1, 397 AD

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor delve into the life and legacy of St. Ambrose of Milan, one of the first four Doctors of the Church. St. Ambrose, born in 340 AD to a prominent Christian Roman family, was shaped by a devout household and a comprehensive education in literature, rhetoric, and law. Despite initially serving as a governor in the Roman Empire, his unexpected appointment as Bishop of Milan arose during a contentious period marked by the Arian heresy. Despite his reluctance, Ambrose accepted the role, undergoing baptism and theological study, and embracing his mission to defend and shepherd the Christian community. His dedication to scripture, particularly the Old Testament, influenced his homiletic style and laid the foundation for practices like Lectio Divina.

St. Ambrose’s ability to bridge secular leadership and ecclesial authority brought stability to Milan and served as an inspiration for future saints like Augustine of Hippo. His profound faith and intellectual contributions include his role in opposing Arianism and shaping the Christian theological tradition. St. Ambrose’s life exemplifies the hallmark of a Doctor of the Church: profound teaching intertwined with sanctity, humility, and obedience to God’s will.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

The Role of Divine Providence: How can we recognize and embrace God’s unexpected plans for our lives, as St. Ambrose did when called to be a bishop?
Faith and Family Influence: In what ways does your family or community shape your faith journey, similar to how St. Ambrose’s upbringing prepared him for his vocation?
The Witness of Integrity: How does living a life of integrity and faithfulness to Christ impact those around you, as it did for St. Ambrose with his community?
Preparation for Mission: What steps can you take to deepen your knowledge of Scripture and Church teachings, following St. Ambrose’s example of relentless study?
Defending the Faith: How can you actively defend the truths of the Catholic faith in the face of modern challenges, inspired by St. Ambrose’s opposition to heresies?
Surrendering to God’s Will: What areas of your life require greater surrender to God’s will, mirroring St. Ambrose’s total dedication to his calling?
The Influence of Prayer: How can practices like Lectio Divina and prayerful reflection on Scripture strengthen your spiritual life and guide your actions?

For more on St. Ambrose of Milan and his teachings

For more from Dr. Matthew Bunson, check out his Discerning Hearts page.

VEC6 – Marcion – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 6 – Marcion – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina

Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss the second-century figure Marcian, a wealthy shipbuilder who tried to use his fortune to reshape Christianity according to his own ideas. Marcian believed that the God of the Old Testament and the God revealed in Christ were entirely different, and he rejected the Old Testament as the work of a hostile deity. To support this view, he cut large parts of the Gospel of Luke and edited the letters of Paul, removing passages that connected Christ and the apostles to Israel’s scriptures. When the Church rejected these teachings and returned his donation, Marcian created a parallel movement that imitated Catholic worship and structure, driven by his resources rather than fidelity to apostolic teaching. His movement spread widely and endured for centuries, creating long-lasting damage that even he could not undo near the end of his life.

Marcian’s story is a warning: Material success, autonomy, or influence do not guarantee spiritual maturity, and unchecked ideas—even those that begin small—can warp doctrine and inspire destructive traditions. Leaders and communities may delay correction because of wealth, social standing, or good intentions, which can allow harmful errors to grow. Marcian is not presented as a monster but as a person who lost his way, reminding us that spiritual conflict persists through history, and that vigilance, prayer, and true stewardship are needed to avoid repeating such mistakes.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How do I respond when I encounter ideas or teachings that conflict with what the Church has handed down through Scripture and Tradition?
In what ways might comfort, wealth, or self-reliance quietly distort my commitment to the Gospel?
Do I treat the entirety of Scripture—including the Old Testament—as part of God’s plan of salvation, or do I selectively accept only what feels agreeable?
How can I cultivate humility so that I remain open to correction, even when I feel confident in my opinions?
What steps am I taking to grow in knowledge of the faith so I can pass it on faithfully to my family and community?
When I see others struggling with error or confusion, do I offer loving correction, or do I remain silent to avoid discomfort?
How do I steward the resources God has given me—time, talent, and treasure—without allowing them to become tools of personal control or influence?

An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church

“Marcion was a rich businessman who thought he had figured out the real meaning of the Gospel. He used the power of money to found a kind of parallel church, and he was very successful for a while—which tells you a little about the state of Christianity at the time, and a lot about what you could do with money in the Roman Empire in those days.”

Aquilina, Mike. Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians. Emmaus Road Publishing. Kindle Edition.

You can find the book on which this series is based here.

**For more episodes in the Villians of the Early Church podcast visit here – Villains of the Early Church – Discerning Hearts Podcast**

Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially patristics, the study of the early Church Fathers.^[1] He is the executive vice-president and trustee of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a Roman Catholic research center based in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a contributing editor of Angelus (magazine) and general editor of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series from Ave Maria Press. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Fathers of the Church (2006); The Mass of the Early Christians (2007); Living the Mysteries (2003); and What Catholics Believe(1999). He has hosted eleven television series on the Eternal Word Television Network and is a frequent guest commentator on Catholic radio.

Mike Aquilina’s website is found at fathersofthechurch.com

WOM16 – The Internal World and External Presence of God – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts

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The Internal World and External Presence of God – The Way of Mystery with Deacon James Keating

Deacon James Keating explains that experiencing God’s love begins with grace. God reaches the heart through intellect and affection, but many miss these moments because they are distracted or constantly driven by ego. Silence allows us to perceive God’s presence—whether through beauty, acts of kindness, or gratitude. Asking God directly for the gift of knowing His love, being attentive to the movements of the heart, and recognizing that this union often begins in moments of consoling prayer. Such prayer is not confined to formal worship; it can arise unexpectedly, even outside the church. The Eucharist prepares us to make a space for God rather than forcing His action. Faith—not sensation—is at the core of sacramental life, and remaining faithful in the absence of feelings still brings genuine closeness to God.

Authentic spiritual union deepens when conscience is followed, even when it causes suffering. Acting on truth at personal cost draws us into Christ’s own obedience and sacrifice. This suffering is not a sign of abandonment but a participation in the Paschal mystery, where union with Christ matters more than comfort. Saints such as St. Bernadette, St. Edith Stein, and St. Maximilian Kolbe willingly faced hardship because intimacy with Christ outweighed fear. Daily moral decisions—large or small—are sustained not by human strength but by Christ’s presence received through prayer and the Eucharist. In these ways—consoling prayer, sacramental life, fidelity to conscience, and union in suffering—the soul begins to taste heaven on earth.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

When was the last time I slowed down to notice God reaching out to me through beauty, kindness, or gratitude?
How do I make space for silence in my daily life so that God can communicate His presence to my heart?
Do I pray not only to believe in God’s love, but also to truly know and experience it?
How do I approach the Eucharist—as a demand for spiritual sensation or as an act of faith and readiness?
Have I noticed moments of consolation in prayer outside formal worship, and how did I respond to them?
When my conscience reveals a difficult truth, do I trust Christ enough to follow it even when suffering is involved?
In what areas of life do I cling to comfort or ego instead of surrendering to God’s invitation to deeper union?
How does my experience of sacramental life shape my willingness to put others first in small, everyday sacrifices?
What fears keep me from seeking Christ’s will, and how can I bring those fears into prayer?
Where have I seen God sustain me through a painful decision, and how did that deepen my relationship with Him?

Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., is a professor of Spiritual Theology and serves as a spiritual director at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

DWG6 – Understanding Marriage and Priesthood – The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Understanding Marriage and Priesthood – “What am I to do?” The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Fr. Timothy Gallagher presents the Catholic understanding of vocation, focusing first on marriage. The call to spousal love and family is woven into human nature itself, as God created men and women for self-gift and life-giving love. When lived through the sacrament, marriage becomes an expression of Christ’s love for the Church, reflecting the unity of bridegroom and bride described in Ephesians 5. The mutual care between spouses, their fidelity, and the lives they nurture become visible signs of Christ’s relationship with His people. To illustrate this, Fr. Gallagher shares personal stories and pastoral examples that show how everyday marriages embody this divine reality.

He then outlines how religious life and priesthood differ. These paths arise not from human nature but from a supernatural invitation: a call to give up marriage for the sake of Christ and His kingdom. Such a person feels both the natural goodness of marriage and a distinct interior attraction toward celibacy lived for God. Priests give themselves to the Church as their bride, and consecrated women give themselves to Christ, bearing spiritual fruit through service, prayer, and compassion. Whether in family life or consecrated life, vocation leads to the same core reality: offering oneself in love and generating life—either physical or spiritual—within the Body of Christ.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

How does viewing marriage as a sacrament—rather than simply a life stage—change the way you understand love, commitment, and holiness?
In what ways have you experienced the natural desire for spousal love, family, or spiritual fruitfulness in your own life?
When you consider priesthood or religious life, do you notice any interior attraction or peace, even if it feels challenging to imagine?
How do the examples of saints like St. John Vianney or St. Thérèse help you see spiritual motherhood and fatherhood as real and life-giving?
What areas of your heart or personal formation might need healing so that you can better give and receive love in whatever vocation God desires for you?
How do you understand the spousal gift of self—whether to a spouse, the Church, or Christ—and how might that shape your daily choices?

From The Discernment of God’s Will in Everyday Decisions:

“Three Times in which a Sound and Good Choice May Be Made

The first time is when God Our Lord so moves and attracts the will that, without doubting or being able to doubt, the devout soul follows what is shown to it, as St. Paul and St. Matthew did in following Christ our Lord.

The second time is when sufficient clarity and understanding is received through experience of consolations and desolations, and through experience of discernment of different spirits.

The third time is one of tranquility, when one considers first for what purpose man is born, that is, to praise God our Lord and save his soul, and, desiring this, chooses as a means to this end some life or state within the bounds of the Church, so that he may be helped in the service of his Lord and the salvation of his soul. I said a tranquil time, that is, when the soul is not agitated by different spirits, and uses its natural powers freely and tranquilly.

If the choice is not made in the first or second time, two ways of making it in this third time are given below.”

Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series “Living the Discerning Life: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. For more information on how to obtain copies of Fr. Gallaghers’s various books and audio which are available for purchase, please visit his website: frtimothygallagher.org

For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s “Discerning Hearts” page

The 1st Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The 1st Sunday of Advent – A Call to Wake Up, Repent, and Enter the Light of JesusBuilding a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

On the First Sunday of Advent, Msgr. Esseff shares two deeply moving testimonies that reveal the power of love, faith, and the kingship of Christ. The first story follows a Christian couple who defied medical advice to abort their “defective” child, trusting instead in God’s providence. Their faith was rewarded with the birth of a healthy baby who grew into a successful firefighter.

In this first Sunday of Advent reflection, Msgr. John Esseff invites listeners into the season with a call to spiritual wakefulness. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, he explains Jesus’ warning that some will be united with him at his coming while others will be left behind. The key difference is union with Christ, a union formed through baptism, nourished by grace, and renewed through repentance.

Msgr. Esseff speaks about the early Church, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the ongoing need for every Christian to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” He warns that sin separates the soul from Christ and dims the light God desires to radiate through us. Advent is presented as a time to return to that light, confront the shadows in our lives, and seek healing through confession, prayer, and intentional spiritual discipline.

The episode also explores Advent’s connection to peace. Drawing from Isaiah, Msgr. Esseff prays for a world where nations turn weapons into instruments of cultivation, and where each person commits to the peace Christ brings. He shares personal experiences of confession, transformation, and encounters with families seeking deeper union with God.

As the episode closes, he encourages listeners to begin an Advent journal, undertake a sincere spiritual inventory, and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of darkness that need grace. For Msgr. Esseff, Advent is the doorway to a renewed life in Christ, a season where hearts awaken, grace deepens, and the soul prepares to welcome the light of Christmas.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

What area of my life most needs the light of Christ as Advent begins?
Where have I allowed habits or attitudes to separate me from Jesus?
What specific action can I take this week to grow in holiness and peace?
How is God calling me to make room for deeper union with him this Advent?
What step toward reconciliation or virtue is the Holy Spirit prompting in my heart?

Gospel Matthew 27:37-44

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Thanksgiving: Cultivating a Spirit of Gratitude – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Thanksgiving: Cultivating a Spirit of Gratitude – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the centrality of gratitude in the spiritual life on Thanksgiving (in the United States), using the Gospel of Luke’s story of the ten lepers and the one Samaritan leper who returned to thank Jesus. This act of gratitude not only healed him physically but also brought him into a saving relationship with Christ. True Thanksgiving is not just about material blessings or familial gatherings but about cultivating a relationship with God that transforms our relationships with others, even amidst family tensions or personal wounds.

Gratitude can resolve brokenness within families and communities, especially during the Thanksgiving holiday. There are challenges that arise in family gatherings but a heart centered on Christ allows us to love and forgive, despite past grievances. Gratitude is foundational to building a life of joy and love, as it leads to a deeper awareness of God’s presence in all circumstances.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Gratitude as a Foundation: How does recognizing all you have as gifts from God influence your approach to prayer and service?
Healing Through Thanksgiving: In what ways can gratitude deepen your relationship with Jesus, as seen in the Samaritan leper’s story?
Relationships and Brokenness: How can a spirit of gratitude help you address tensions or unresolved conflicts within your family during gatherings?
Joy and Peace in Christ: How does gratitude lead to joy and peace, even in challenging circumstances or strained relationships?
Faith and Awareness: How does faith help you become more aware of God’s gifts, and how can this awareness shape your daily actions?
Unity in Diversity: How does the Gospel call to gratitude challenge you to embrace love and unity across differences in faith, culture, or relationships?
Thanksgiving and Mission: How can you extend the spirit of Thanksgiving to include those outside your family or community, reflecting Christ’s love?
Gratitude in Worship: How does participating in the Eucharist deepen your sense of gratitude and your relationship with God and others?
Challenges to Gratitude: What attitudes or vices might be obstacles to gratitude in your life, and how can you overcome them with God’s grace?
Living the Spirit of Thanksgiving: How can you carry the spirit of Thanksgiving into your everyday life, cultivating joy, peace, and love in all that you do?

Reading 1 SIR 50:22-24

“And now, bless the God of all,
who has done wondrous things on earth;
Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb,
and fashions them according to his will!
May he grant you joy of heart
and may peace abide among you;
May his goodness toward us endure in Israel
to deliver us in our days

Gospel LK 17:11-19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten persons with leprosy met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying,
“Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
And when he saw them, he said,
“Go show yourselves to the priests.”
As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
He was a Samaritan.
Jesus said in reply,
“Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
Then he said to him, “Stand up and go;
your faith has saved you.”