Msgr. John Esseff Archives

Are You a Faithful Servant? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Are You a Faithful Servant? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on God’s promise of an eternal home, drawing from the story of Abraham as an example of trusting and following God’s word. The “promised land” given to Abraham foreshadows the true kingdom that Christ came to reveal — not an earthly territory, but eternal life in heaven. Earthly nations, possessions, and positions of authority are temporary, and those entrusted with leadership — whether in the Church, family, or public office — will be held accountable for guiding those under their care toward their heavenly inheritance. The Gospel passage urges readiness for the Lord’s return at any moment, living each day with the awareness that our true home is not in this world but in God’s kingdom of love and truth.

We need to examine our responsibilities and influence, no matter how hidden, and to lead others toward eternal life through example, prayer, and faithfulness. He challenges us to resist the pull of a secular mindset focused on this life alone, instead preparing hearts and communities for the life to come. God’s message is not one of fear, but of mercy, compassion, and hope — and to turn away from distractions and attachments, live with readiness, and guide His “little flock” toward everlasting joy, peace, and union with Him.

From the Gospel of St. Luke 12:32-48

“Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock,
for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
Sell your belongings and give alms.
Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out,
an inexhaustible treasure in heaven
that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,
the Son of Man will come.”

Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied,
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants
to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
Truly, I say to you, the master will put the servant
in charge of all his property.
But if that servant says to himself,
‘My master is delayed in coming,’
and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,
to eat and drink and get drunk,
then that servant’s master will come
on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour
and will punish the servant severely
and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
That servant who knew his master’s will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely;
and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly.
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.””

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.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

How does Abraham’s trust in God’s promise inspire you to deepen your own faith in His plan for your life?
In what ways are you preparing daily for the “true home” Christ has promised in heaven?
Who is part of your “little flock,” and how are you leading them closer to God’s kingdom?
What earthly attachments might be distracting you from living for eternal life?
How can you use your position, influence, or relationships to witness to the hope of heaven?
When the Lord returns, what would you want Him to find you doing?
How can you make acts of mercy and compassion more present in your leadership and daily example?
What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself and others that “this world is passing away”?

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 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.

When Was Your Transfiguration? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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When Was Your Transfiguration? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the mystery of the Transfiguration and its deep personal meaning for every Christian. Just as Jesus was transfigured on Mount Tabor in preparation for the suffering of Calvary, each Christian also experiences moments of radiant grace that prepare them to endure life’s inevitable trials. These moments are signs of the glory to come and serve as encouragement for the journey through suffering, death, and eventual resurrection with Christ.

Msgr. Esseff shares stories of individuals—including a father holding his newborn son, a radiant bride, his own ordination day, and a Peruvian street child named Walter—to illustrate how such moments reveal the divine presence and joy amid the hardships of life. We should reflect on our own lives to recognize these transformative experiences, which often go unnoticed amid modern distractions and lack of interior reflection.

From the Gospel of St. Mark 9:2-10

“Jesus took Peter, James, and John
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them,
and his clothes became dazzling white,
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,
and they were conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!
Let us make three tents:
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;
from the cloud came a voice,
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone
but Jesus alone with them.As they were coming down from the mountain,
he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,
except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
So they kept the matter to themselves,
questioning what rising from the dead meant.”

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

When have you experienced a moment in your life that felt like a “Mount Tabor” — a glimpse of God’s glory?
What “cross” are you being asked to carry right now, and how might God be preparing you through it?
Have you taken time recently to reflect on the sacred events in your life where God’s presence was unmistakable?
In what ways has suffering deepened your relationship with Christ?
Who or what has helped you see God’s love during your darkest moments?
Can you identify a moment when you were transformed by love, beauty, or grace?
How do distractions in your daily life keep you from reflecting on God’s work in your story?
Have you ever resisted suffering, thinking only of pain, and missed the invitation to glory within it?
What role does silence and prayer play in helping you remember God’s faithfulness?
How might your story—both the joys and the trials—be a witness to Christ for others?

SFTH-7 – The Days of Formation – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode Seven – The Days of Formation – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

In this episode of Stories from the Heart, Msgr. John Esseff joins Kris McGregor to reflect on his seminary years beginning in 1945 during the final months of World War II. He recalls the rigorous training in Latin and Greek and his deep love for philosophy, which he describes as refreshing and life-giving. The writings of Thomas Aquinas and Augustine awakened a hunger in him for truth, and the structure of disciplined study shaped his intellect and soul.

Msgr. Esseff later studied theology and Semitic languages at The Catholic University of America. There, he encountered extraordinary professors including Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Monsignor Joseph Clifford Fenton, and Fr. John Courtney Murray, whose work on religious freedom would shape the Second Vatican Council. He reflects on the vibrant discussions and theological tensions of that era, noting both the richness and the shortcomings of his formation. Though the sacraments were central, he was not taught how to pray from the heart. Over time, he came to understand true prayer as a response to the living presence of God. He encourages listeners to see prayer not as something we perform but as a loving relationship awakened by God’s own invitation.

Reflection Questions

What can Msgr. Esseff’s early commitment to becoming a good priest teach us about responding to God’s call in our own lives?
How did the structured routine of prayer, study, and sacramental life form his character, and what routines shape our faith today?
Why did the study of philosophy stir something so deep in Msgr. Esseff, and how do we nourish our minds in pursuit of truth?
How did the experience of daily Mass and weekly Confession sustain him during difficult times in formation?
What is the difference between being told to pray and being taught how to pray, as Msgr. Esseff describes it?
How can we become more aware of the presence of God in our daily life, especially in quiet moments of prayer?
Why does Msgr. Esseff say that prayer begins with God’s initiative, and how does this change our approach to prayer?
What does it mean to treat prayer as the breath of the soul, and how can we keep our spiritual life alive through daily prayer?

About the Series

In this deeply personal and spiritually rich podcast series, Msgr. John Esseff—renowned retreat master, confessor, and spiritual director—shares intimate stories of his remarkable life. Having encountered some of the most beloved and influential figures of the modern Church, including St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Padre Pio, Pope St. John Paul II, and many others, Msgr. Esseff offers listeners a living memory of the Church’s heart in the 20th and 21st centuries. This series also explores his missionary work with the poor, his years of service through the Pontifical Missions, and the profound lessons drawn from hidden saints and everyday holiness.

Hospitality of the Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Hospitality of the Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love, Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the readings from Genesis and Luke, inviting listeners to rediscover the gift of hospitality and the presence of God in daily life. He begins with Abraham’s encounter with the Lord in the form of three visitors, pointing out how acts of welcome—once instinctive in many homes—have diminished in a world grown fearful and distant. Drawing from his own heritage and childhood memories, Msgr. Esseff recalls how guests were always seen as a gift from God, echoing the Benedictine phrase, “Here comes Christ.”Whether it’s a stranger at the door or a family member across the table, he reminds us that Christ often comes to us hidden in the ordinary.

He then turns to the story of Martha and Mary, where Mary quietly receives the Lord while Martha grows anxious in her serving. Msgr. Esseff warns that we can lose sight of our identity as sons and daughters of God when we focus only on doing rather than being. The heart of the Gospel is not about performance but relationship—a truth that Mary lived and Martha struggled to understand. Paul’s words in Colossians, “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” invite each of us to carry the awareness that God is with us, not just in church, but everywhere: in the hospital room, in the kitchen, in moments of silence, and in the faces of those we serve. Msgr. Esseff closes with the reminder that God longs for us not just to serve Him, but to know Him—and to let ourselves be known.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Do I welcome others into my life with the same reverence Abraham showed to the strangers at his tent?
Can I recognize Christ in the ordinary people I meet throughout my day?
Have I made space in my life to sit quietly with God as Mary did?
Do I define myself by what I do, or by who I am as a child of God?
When I go to Mass, am I truly present to the Lord who is present to me?
Is my relationship with God something I carry into the whole day, or just certain moments?
Am I allowing God to bring peace into my heart, or am I clinging to anxiety like Martha?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Scranton. He served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta and continues to offer spiritual direction and lead retreats for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity worldwide. Msgr. Esseff also had a profound encounter with St. Padre Pio, who became his spiritual father. He has served in various parts of the world through the Pontifical Missions, a Catholic organization founded by St. John Paul II to share the Good News, especially with the poor. . Msgr. Esseff continues to lead retreats and provide spiritual direction to bishops, priests, seminarians, sisters, and other religious leaders around the world.

SFTH-6 – The Gift of Sisters – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode Six – The Gift of Sisters – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff warmly recounts memories of his two sisters, Marlene and MayAnn, reflecting on the deep familial bonds that shaped his life and priesthood. He shares vivid childhood stories, such as witnessing Marlene’s birth, their mischievous adventures, and Marlene’s loyal companionship with her brothers. Marlene was a trusted confidante and a source of joy and nurturing within the family. He also recounts MayAnn’s tender heart and spiritual maturity, culminating in her self-offering to God when her brother faced a life-threatening illness. Her acceptance of her own terminal illness became a profound moment of grace and sacrifice within the family.

Through these recollections, Msgr. Esseff reflects on how the presence of his sisters enriched his understanding of human relationships and prepared him to encounter women and men in his ministry with deeper compassion and respect. This familial experience helped shape his pastoral heart, particularly in his work with prisoners, where he learned to view each person as a true brother or sister in Christ.

Reflection Questions

How have my relationships with family members shaped my understanding of God’s love?
In what ways do I recognize the dignity and unique gifts of women in my life and in the Church?
How can I cultivate greater trust and loyalty within my own family or community?
What does it mean for me to view others—especially the marginalized—as true brothers and sisters in Christ?
How do I live out the Gospel call to sacrifice for the good of others?
What lessons about complementarity between men and women can I draw from my personal experience?
How might I better integrate the tenderness and nurturing qualities of love into my spiritual life?
In what ways am I called to offer compassion and presence to those who are suffering or facing death?
How has my family experience prepared me for my mission within the Body of Christ?
What practical steps can I take to strengthen the bonds of love and mutual respect in my relationships today?

About the Series

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

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

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the meaning of the Ascension and Pentecost, urging us to move beyond a childish, distant view of heaven. Christ’s ascension was not a departure to a far-off place, but a deeper entry into our lives through the Holy Spirit. Jesus remains present in the world through the Church and within each baptized person. Heaven is not “up there,” but within; the Trinity dwells in the heart of the faithful. The Church, then, is not merely an institution but the very body of Christ alive in the world, called to bring God’s presence into every place and relationship through love.

Msgr. Esseff further addresses the difficulty of loving those who have deeply hurt us, explaining that this is humanly impossible without Christ. It is only through union with Jesus, who lives within us, that true forgiveness and love become possible. He tells personal stories, including his mother’s near-death experience and witness to divine love, illustrating how we are called to manifest this divine presence through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and mercy. The world remains in darkness when we fail to reveal Christ within us. Each person is a tabernacle of God’s presence, and our mission is to let that divine light shine through our daily lives, even in the most painful or ordinary moments.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does understanding the Ascension as Christ entering into our hearts, rather than leaving for a distant place, change your view of heaven?
In what ways do you experience the presence of the Trinity within you through prayer and daily life?
How do you live out Jesus’ words, “I am with you always,” in your actions and relationships?
What does it mean for you personally that you are a “tabernacle” of God’s presence in the world?
Are there areas in your life where you struggle to let Christ’s love shine through you?
How can you rely more on Jesus within you when faced with people who are difficult to love?
Have you reflected on how gossip or unkind speech may obscure Christ’s presence in you?
What concrete steps can you take to make the kingdom of God more visible in your daily interactions?
Who in your life might be waiting to encounter Christ through your forgiveness or compassion?
How are you responding to Christ’s commission to “make disciples of all nations” in your own context?

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.

SFTH-5 – Fighting the Good Fight – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode Five – Fighting the Good Fight – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his formative years growing up in a Lebanese Maronite Catholic family. He shares vivid stories of his early friendships formed around the church and school, highlighting how closely tied family, faith, and community life were in his upbringing. He recounts his experiences serving as an altar boy alongside his brother, being mentored by his father, and how boxing became both a defense mechanism and a metaphor for dealing with conflict. His early encounters with schoolyard hostility and physical altercations shaped his understanding of strength and protection, which he later came to see in a new light as he matured in his priestly identity.

Later in life, Msgr. Esseff realized that the combative instincts he was taught—though meant to protect—also delayed deeper human connections. He candidly discusses how those early lessons in self-defense influenced his relationships, even into seminary. A profound spiritual awakening led him to understand that the priesthood isn’t just a role but a call to be Christ to others. He expresses regret for the harm caused by a hardened attitude and explores how true formation comes not just through education but through learning to love as Christ does.

Reflection Questions

How has your upbringing influenced the way you respond to conflict and adversity today?
In what ways do you carry unresolved fear or anger from childhood into your adult relationships?
How do you understand the call to “be Christ” rather than just “do good” as a Christian?
Have you ever used your strengths or gifts in a way that may have hurt rather than healed others?
What does it mean to you to protect someone—not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally?
Are there relationships from your past that were delayed or damaged by pride or fear, and how might God be inviting you to revisit them?
How can you teach the children in your life not only how to defend themselves, but how to build bridges of friendship and understanding?
What experiences in your life have dulled or distorted your understanding of your baptismal identity?
How do you see St. Joseph as a model for guiding others with both strength and tenderness?
In what areas of your spiritual life do you still find yourself tempted to “fight back” instead of respond with love?

About the Series

SFTH-4 – Communion Found in the Little Things – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode Four – Communion Found in the Little Things – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor explore the theme of discernment and the lifelong formation of a soul in relationship with God. One’s life is not defined solely by the present moment but by the totality of one’s journey, shaped by past experiences, cultural background, and the presence of God in each encounter. True discernment involves understanding both where a person has been and where God is calling them and the importance of seeing each human interaction as involving a divine third party. Awareness of God’s hand throughout one’s life—past, present, and future—is essential for spiritual growth.

Msgr. Esseff also shares vivid memories from his childhood growing up in a Maronite Catholic family in coal country Pennsylvania. He recalls spiritual moments of wonder—from giving away a dime to a stranger and feeling profound joy, to sensing God’s presence in nature and creation as a young boy. He speaks of his early and deep awareness of God’s presence, shaped by family, community, and the liturgical life of the Church. These formative experiences are not extraordinary but available to all who open their hearts to God’s nearness.

Reflection Questions

How does considering your whole life story, rather than just your present self, help you understand God’s plan for you?
In what ways do you see God present as the “third party” in your daily encounters with others?
Have you taken time to reflect on your past and how it has shaped your spiritual journey?
What cultural or familial influences have affected your view of God and others?
When have you most clearly felt God’s delight in you, and what were the circumstances?
How has your early family or community life impacted your experience of communion and faith?
Are there moments in creation where you have deeply sensed God’s presence?
What practices help you remain aware of God in the present moment?
How can you allow God to transform your past experiences into grace for the present?
What is one moment from your childhood where you now see God was especially near to you?

About the Series

SFTH-3 – A Grandmother’s Love, a Family’s Strength – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode Three – A Grandmother’s Love, a Family’s Strength – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the often overlooked yet deeply influential role of his grandmothers in shaping his family’s legacy. He shares how his paternal grandmother, Cecilia Oland, immigrated from Lebanon and never fully learned English, communicating primarily in Arabic with her grandchildren. Despite this, she expressed deep affection for Msgr. Esseff, even using a humorous Arabic endearment, which he later discovered translated to “my little garlic fart.” This affectionate, if unconventional, nickname highlighted the depth of love that transcends language barriers. He also recalls how his maternal grandmother endured significant hardships, including a harrowing multi-year return to Lebanon during World War I, illustrating the resilience and strength of these women in holding their families together through cultural displacement and adversity.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the vital role of grandparents in family life, contrasting the rich, intergenerational bonds of his upbringing with the isolation often seen in modern nuclear families. He fondly recounts the close-knit dynamics of his family, where his grandmother’s nurturing presence extended beyond her immediate children to include her grandchildren, creating a deep sense of belonging and spiritual connection. This reflection leads him to appreciate the theological importance of grandparents in the broader context of family and faith, noting how this generational link provides a spiritual anchor that nourishes both personal and communal identity.

Reflection Questions

How have the stories of your grandparents shaped your understanding of family and faith?
In what ways can you cultivate deeper relationships with older family members as sources of wisdom and tradition?
How might the resilience of immigrant ancestors inspire your own faith journey?
What small, affectionate memories have you inherited that remind you of the importance of family love?
How can you honor the spiritual legacy of your grandparents in your daily life?
What role do you believe grandparents play in building a strong family foundation?
How can reflecting on your family history deepen your appreciation for the Communion of Saints?
In what ways can you be a spiritual anchor for future generations in your family?
How might the experiences of past generations influence your understanding of sacrifice and perseverance?
What lessons from your family’s past can you apply to your present faith life?

About the Series

SFTH-2 – Rooted in Faith – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode Two – Rooted in Faith – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his family’s deep roots in the Maronite Catholic tradition, tracing his lineage back to Lebanon. He shares how his grandparents immigrated to Pennsylvania, where distinct ethnic enclaves formed around coal mining towns like Wilkes-Barre. He describes his grandfather’s journey from Lebanon and the strong faith that shaped his upbringing and the significance of being baptized in the Maronite Rite, which maintains a continuous connection to the ancient Christian traditions and Aramaic language used by Jesus. This connection profoundly shaped his spiritual identity, grounding him in a lineage that extends back to the earliest days of the Church.

Msgr. Esseff also recounts the colorful and sometimes turbulent story of his parents’ marriage. His father, a hard-living truck driver, found faith after a men’s retreat, marking a pivotal turning point in his life. Despite their unconventional beginnings and the cultural tensions of their respective backgrounds, his parents maintained a steadfast marriage for 60 years. This legacy of faith, family, and resilience profoundly influenced his vocation as a priest, connecting him to the deep roots of his family’s spiritual heritage.

Reflection Questions

How does your family history influence your faith and sense of identity?
In what ways have your ancestors’ sacrifices shaped your spiritual journey?
What role does tradition play in grounding your faith today?
How can understanding your spiritual heritage deepen your relationship with God?
In moments of doubt, how can you draw strength from the legacy of faith passed down to you?
How does the idea of being grafted into a spiritual family tree resonate with your understanding of baptism?
What lessons can you learn from the way Msgr. Esseff’s parents overcame cultural and familial challenges?
How can you better appreciate the spiritual impact of your own baptism?
In what ways can your family’s story inspire your faith journey today?
How might reflecting on your spiritual roots renew your gratitude for the sacraments?