Msgr. John Esseff Archives

Happiness and Joy – What it really looks like – Discerning Hearts

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Msgr. Esseff reflects on the true meanings of happiness and joy. What does it really look like? How can we live a life of

happiness and joy? Msgr. Esseff discusses the beatitudes and forgiveness and the keys to a proper understanding.

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

“Christ our Hope” – Easter Morning with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts

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Msgr. Esseff reflects on Pope Benedict XVI’s Easter message.

The more we aware of our death, the more we are aware of the resurrection! In a time were the darkness seems to be spreading, Christ is the brightest

light of Truth shining shining in our times! We are called to be bearers of the light to the world. How do we do that? It is not “I” who will do it…but Christ who will accomplish the will of the Father through our surrender to Him.

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

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.