Msgr. John Esseff Archives

Holy Saturday with Mary – reflections by Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts

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Msgr. Esseff calls us to deeply ponder the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary

during the Passion of Christ, but also in our own

lives as well.

Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website: “Building a Kingdom of Love”

Good Friday with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts

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Msgr. Esseff offers this special reflection on Good Friday.

Holy Thursday and the Role of the Priesthood in the Life of the Church – Discerning Hearts

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Msgr. Esseff offers a reflection on the Priesthood, particularly in the light of the Holy Thursday liturgy. The priesthood of the baptized is so very important, the role for each of us to be Jesus in the world today; however, those who have been called to the vocation of priesthood have a particular mission to fulfill. Msgr. Esseff discusses the importance of the priests relationship with God, the Father and his unique role in the celebration of the Holy Mass. He also talks of the need of prayer for priests and the value of priestly friendship.

“May Your Will Be Done” – Reflections on the 5th Sunday of Lent w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts

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Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings from the 5th Sunday of Lent. Lord, create in me a new heart.

God wants to live in you. How does that happen? We must die. What does that mean? When we come to Jesus we must completely surrender. Physically dying, in some ways, is easy. But surrendering to God, dying to

ourselves, now that is hard. If your Lenten journey has not lead you to totally surrender, then you haven’t gotten it yet, but it’s not too late. It’s ultimately about the choices we make. What will your choice be?

Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website: Building a Kingdom of Love

The 3 Levels of the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts

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Msgr. Esseff offers a teaching on the 3 levels of the heart. He begins by looking at the Sacred Heart of Jesus, then moves to

the examination of the layers of our hearts. In understanding of this is vitally important to appreciate how we make decisions and pray…if we are in our own will or God’s will.

Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website: Building a Kingdom of Love

The Darkness of Our Days vs. the Mercy and Love of God – Reflections on the 4th Sunday of Lent – Discerning Hearts

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Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent. What are the darkness of our days?

What is the message of this weekend’s liturgy? Mercy and Love! It’s not so much that God is so angry with

mankind, but that He loves us so much that He would suffer and die for us, even when we are in sin. He did not come to condemn, but to save. What is required? Faith…faith in His infinite love. What is the sign of that love? Look at the crucifix.

Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website: Building a Kingdom of Love

What is “Eternal Life”? How does this understanding affect our prayer? Reflections by Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts

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What is “Eternal Life” and why is it so important for us to understand and live it’s meaning?

Msgr. Esseff breaks open the “magnificent” Chapter 17 of John’s Gospel. He helps us to understand the “eternal” prayer of the heart of Jesus. How does this affect our prayer, especially in our appreciation of “contemplative”

prayer and contemplation? How does this affect our understanding of “time”? Msgr. Esseff discusses Purgatory in a way that takes this into account. What is death in this world? What is true life in this world?

Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website : “Building a Kingdom of Love”

The True Temple, God’s Commandents and the Danger of the False Idols – Reflections on the 3rd Sunday of Lent by Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts

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Msgr. Esseff offers a powerful reflection on the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent.

He brings together the gifts of the Commandments and the authentic understanding of the true Temple and the dangers we encounter with our false idols. Msgr. Esseff brings forward the issues of today,

such as contraception and marriage, as well as the economy and our drive for material things. He makes very concrete the teachings given in the readings… ultimately we are called to suffer, to die, and to rise with Jesus…the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

“Teach Us How To Pray” – A series on prayer with Msgr. John Esseff Episode 5 – A 90 Day Challenge – to grow in union with Jesus Christ. – Discerning Hearts

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Msgr. Esseff offers a 90 day challenge! The object of Lent and the Easter season is to become more and more transformed into Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit we may glorify the Father through our honor

and praise and obeying his Divine will, through the intercession of Mary and all the Saints, for the salvation of the World. But instead of 40 days, but to set our sights on 90 days…all the way to Pentecost. To become a 90 Day Wonder!

Remember the object is union with Jesus Christ. It’s not about a 40 yard dash, but a 24/7 marathon. What are some of the challenges that might arise, what are the remedies?

Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “B uilding A Kingdom of Love”

Pray the Liturgy of Hours

Morning PrayerMid-morningPrayerMid-dayPrayerAfternoon PrayerEvening PrayerNight PrayerOffice of Readings

“Teach Us How To Pray” – A series on prayer with Msgr. John Esseff Episode 3 – Morning Prayer – Discerning Hearts

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Msgr. Esseff teaches the importance of the Liturgy of Hours. He breaks open each portion of Morning Prayer. The Hymn, the psalm, the canticle, again the psalm … we sing praise to God with this section of Morning Prayer. Then God speaks to us in the reading. Then we respond to

with the a short psalm. Then he helps us to appreciate the power of the Benedictus. That is followed by the intentions of the Church. Concluding with the great Our Father. We then bless the Lord and give Him thanks. Jesus unites the world in our prayer of praise to the Father when we enter into the Divine Office.

Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff’s website “B uilding A Kingdom of Love”

Pray the Liturgy of Hours

Morning PrayerMid-morningPrayerMid-dayPrayerAfternoon PrayerEvening PrayerNight PrayerOffice of Readings