Spiritual Formation Library Archives

IP#368 – Fr. Quan Tran – The Imitation of Mary on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. Quan Tran – The Imitation of Mary on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Quan Tran joins Kris McGregor to discuss his book The Imitation of Mary: Keys to Growth in Virtue and Grace and his ministry, Fullness of Grace. Drawing on Scripture and the saints, he distills twelve Marian qualities—beginning with humility and confidence in God—and shows how grace always invites a free, active response. Each chapter ends with short, concrete practices so the teaching becomes lived: conforming our will to God’s, cultivating sacrificial love (Aquinas’ “to will the good of the other,” elevated to agape), practicing self-forgetfulness and acceptance, and removing everyday obstacles to holiness (phone habits, unguarded media, poor boundaries). He urges steady prayer and deep union with the Lord, noting that the fruits of the sacraments—especially the Eucharist and Confession—depend partly on our interior disposition.

Fr. Tran presents Mary as mother and model who faced real trials yet responded with a continual “yes.” He addresses hesitation about Marian devotion by returning to Christ’s gift of His Mother and to her role in leading us closer to Him. The book, suitable for personal use or group study, synthesizes classic spiritual themes—abandonment to Providence, docility to God’s will—into a practical path for daily growth in holiness, one intentional choice at a time.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Where is pride subtly shaping my choices, and what concrete act of hidden humility could I do today?
In what situation do I need to place fresh confidence in God rather than in my own plans?
How am I practically living Mary’s counsel to “do whatever He tells you” in this season?
What grace might be “passing by my door” because I’m not responding promptly or wholeheartedly?
Where can I practice love as sacrifice—giving up time, comfort, or preference for another’s true good?
When have I chosen self-forgetfulness over self-focus this week, and what did it free in me?
Can I accept being unappreciated for doing good, entrusting the outcome to God?
How attentive and reverent is my disposition at Mass and Confession, and how could I prepare better?
What small, specific step would deepen my daily prayer and union with the Lord?

About the Book

“Our Lord is constantly pouring out graces upon mankind, yet only a few — those closest to His heart — know how to receive them. Sadly, countless graces are left unclaimed (likely many by you!) and are thus never allowed to further God’s will on earth.

How different our lives would be if we accessed God’s grace more intentionally!

Thankfully, God in His compassion gave us a perfect model for disposing ourselves to His graces and responding to them: the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In The Imitation of Mary, Fr. Quan Tran shows you how to imitate the twelve essential qualities of Mary in order to unleash a torrent of graces in your life. He explains that, like any gift, grace must be received, opened, and used. As you learn how, you’ll begin to acquire the temperaments, dispositions, and qualities that are most pleasing to God — and you’ll serve as a channel of God’s grace for others.

You’ll also learn:

The three major obstacles to living a life of faith

What to do if you experience a crisis of faith

The four levels of happiness — and how to acquire them

How it’s possible for you to merit an increase in graces

Seven ways you can cultivate a rich devotion to Our Lady

The difference between sanctifying grace and actual grace

The four effects that grace will have on your soul”

About the Author

Fr. Quan Tran is a Roman Catholic priest for the Diocese of Orange in California. Father Tran is currently a Parochial Vicar at St. Bonaventure parish in Huntington Beach. He is also the Secretary to the Pastoral Provision for Bishop Kevin Vann.

IP#303 – Susan Conroy – Praying with Mother Teresa on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Susan Conroy – Praying with Mother Teresa on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Susan Conroy reflects on her friendship with Mother Teresa, which began when she was 21 and traveled to Calcutta to volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity. She recalls the joy and peace that radiated from Mother Teresa’s presence, describing it as an encounter with holiness that overflowed into her own service among the poor and suffering. Susan highlights Mother Teresa’s humility, noting that despite global recognition and awards, she lived with deep self-forgetfulness, seeing herself only as a simple instrument in God’s hands. This humility revealed a profound truth about sanctity: greatness is found in becoming small, gentle, and surrendered to God’s will.

The discussion also explores the themes found in Susan’s book Praying with Mother Teresa, which shares the prayers and spiritual practices Mother Teresa lived daily. Mother Teresa taught that the first vocation of every person, including her own sisters, is to belong to Christ, and from that relationship flows the mission of serving others. She invites us to see their own “Calcutta” in family, home, and community, where acts of love, patience, and kindness are most needed. Through stories and insights, Susan conveys that Mother Teresa’s legacy is not merely admiration but imitation—living a mission of love rooted in humility, prayer, and closeness to Christ.

You can get a copy of the book here

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does Mother Teresa’s humility challenge your understanding of true greatness before God?
Where do you notice “heavenly joy” arising in the midst of difficult or messy places in your life?
In what concrete ways can you “belong to Jesus” first, before any external service today?
Who in your home most needs your patience and kindness right now, and what will you do about it?
What would it look like to let God “write the story” while you remain a simple instrument in his hand?
Where is your “Calcutta” nearby—someone lonely, sick, or forgotten whom you can love this week?
How might you move from admiring holy people to imitating their virtues in daily choices?
After receiving Holy Communion, how will you allow Christ to shine through you in practical actions?
When did you last leave someone “better and happier,” and how can that become your daily habit?
Which moments at home reveal your “true colors,” and how can grace reshape them?

From the book description

Praying with Mother Teresa brings us into the heart of Mother Teresa’s prayer life! Author Susan Conroy, a personal friend of Mother Teresa, gives us a meditative look at Mother Teresa’s insights on suffering, joy, peace, humility, and poverty, and brings us right into the prayer life of one of the most beloved women of our time, Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Each prayer has been carefully, and prayerfully, selected for use in daily prayer. Mother Teresa gave Susan her blessing and approval to share these words and prayers with others “to bring them peace and joy too.”

About the Author

In the summer of 1986, 21-year-old Susan Conroy journeyed to Calcutta alone to help the Missionaries of Charity. She developed a personal friendship with Mother Teresa that lasted throughout the course of 11 years, until Mother Teresa was called home to God. Susan is the author of nine books, including bestselling Mother Teresa’s Lessons of Love & Secrets of Sanctity, and lives in Portland, Maine.

IP#313 Fr. Sean Davidson – Saint Mary Magdalene on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Fr. Sean Davidson – Saint Mary Magdalene on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Fr. Sean Davidson joins Kris McGregor to discuss his book St. Mary Magdalene: Prophetess of Eucharistic Love. Drawing from his experience serving at the Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene in Provence, France, Fr. Davidson presents Mary Magdalene not only as a historical figure but as a deeply contemplative soul. He argues in favor of the traditional view that identifies Mary Magdalene with both the repentant sinner in Luke’s Gospel and Mary of Bethany, citing scriptural patterns, patristic writings (notably from St. Augustine and St. Gregory the Great), and longstanding devotion in both East and West. He reflects on her recurring posture at Jesus’ feet as a sign of profound love and devotion, and explores how this reverent presence culminates in her being the first to proclaim the Resurrection.

Fr. Davidson portrays Mary Magdalene as a model of Eucharistic love and transformation, someone who teaches us how to approach Christ with awe and total surrender. Saints like St. Teresa of Avila and St. Catherine of Siena were inspired by her example, and her legacy offers deep hope for conversion and holiness. He expresses concern over modern reductions of her identity—both scholarly and cultural—but insists that a prayerful reading of the Gospels reveals a prophetic and saintly figure uniquely devoted to Jesus. Mary Magdalene, he says, continues to be a powerful spiritual mother and teacher, especially for those who long to grow in love for Christ in the Eucharist.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does Mary Magdalene’s unwavering presence at the feet of Jesus challenge my own posture of prayer and devotion?
What can I learn from her transformation from sinner to saint about the power of Christ’s mercy in my own life?
In what ways do I encounter Christ in the Eucharist with the same amazement and love that Mary Magdalene demonstrated?
How do I respond when others misunderstand or criticize my expressions of faith, as Mary Magdalene was often criticized?
Am I willing to be led by tradition and the Church Fathers in deepening my understanding of the saints, even amid modern scholarly debates?
How can Mary Magdalene’s bold witness to the Resurrection inspire me to share the Gospel more openly and courageously?
What gestures of love for Christ—like Mary’s anointing—can I offer in my daily life?
In what ways do I allow the opinions of others to distract me from what Christ thinks of me?
Do I see my past sins, once confessed, as potential testimonies to God’s mercy, as Mary Magdalene’s life illustrates?
How can I bring Mary Magdalene’s example into my family life and spiritual formation, especially for the next generation?

About the Book

Adoration is love, and eucharistic adoration is love of Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament. In the Gospels there are few people who understand love for Jesus as well as Mary Magdalene, which is the reason she is a prophetess of eucharistic love.

This work is an extended meditation on the life of Saint Mary Magdalene, known as the “Apostle to the Apostles” because the Risen Christ appeared to her first and then sent her to announce the Resurrection to the apostles. Based on the biblical texts traditionally associated with Mary Magdalene, this book helps readers to learn from her inspiring example and to enter more deeply into adoration of Jesus Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.

In telling the story of Mary Magdalene’s profound conversion after the Lord had to expel seven demons from her soul, this book shows how she is a shining witness to the transforming power of an encounter with Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene is the perfect model for those who have experienced the redeeming love of Christ and who seek to deepen their devotion to him and to the Eucharist.

About the Author

Father Sean Davidson is a member of the Missionaries of the Most Holy Eucharist. He spent two years serving at the magnificent Basilica of Saint Mar y Magdalene in Provence, France, where he received the inspiration for this work. He is currently serving at the Eucharistic Retreat Center in the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Long Island.

IP#504 Dan LeRoy – Why We Think What We Think on Inside the Pages w/ Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Why We Think What We Think by Dan LeRoy on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor, guest Dan LeRoy discusses his book, which explores the decline of philosophical thinking in the Western world. They discuss the importance of philosophy for fostering critical thinking and understanding cultural shifts. LeRoy critiques modern philosophy for becoming disconnected from practical realities, arguing that it has contributed to societal confusion and dissatisfaction.

They explore historical and philosophical influences, highlighting how figures like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and later, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, have shaped Western thought. The discussion emphasizes the enduring relevance of classical philosophers and the consequences of abandoning their teachings in modern times. LeRoy argues that reconnecting with these foundational ideas is essential for addressing contemporary issues and achieving true happiness, which aligns with the pursuit of virtue and truth.

LeRoy also critiques modern philosophical trends that prioritize individual happiness over communal responsibility, linking these trends to broader societal unhappiness. The conversation underscores the need for a philosophical renaissance that embraces ancient and medieval thinkers’ rigorous, virtue-oriented approach to remedying modern existential and ethical dilemmas.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

Personal Reflection on Philosophy: How does your understanding of philosophy align with the perspectives shared by Dan Leroy? In what ways can you incorporate philosophical thinking into your daily life to make more informed, virtuous decisions?
Role of Virtue: How do you define virtue in your own life? Reflect on how the pursuit of virtue can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment, as discussed by LeRoy. Are there areas in your life where you could strive more actively for virtue?
Influence of Historical Philosophers: Consider the impact of philosophers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas on your own understanding of the world. How do their teachings on truth and virtue resonate with your personal beliefs and practices?
Modern Philosophy’s Disconnect: LeRoy discusses the disconnect of modern philosophy from practical and ethical concerns. Reflect on any modern philosophical ideas or movements you are aware of. Do you agree that they are disconnected from “real-world” applications? Why or why not?
Critical Thinking in Culture: In what ways do you think critical thinking is lacking in today’s culture? How can the revival of classical philosophical principles contribute to solving contemporary problems?
Philosophy and the Catholic Faith: Reflect on how philosophy can complement your Catholic faith. How can embracing philosophical inquiry enhance your spiritual life and your understanding of Catholic teachings?
Community and Individualism: Reflect on the tension between individualism and community responsibilities as discussed in the episode. How do you balance personal freedom with communal obligations in your own life?
Pursuit of Truth and Happiness: How does your pursuit of truth impact your happiness? Do you agree with the assertion that true happiness comes from fulfilling our purpose and seeking virtue? Why or why not?
Engagement with Philosophical Texts: Are there philosophical texts or thinkers you have been meaning to explore? What might be holding you back, and how could engaging with these materials enrich your intellectual and spiritual life?
Action Steps: Based on the discussion in the podcast, what are some practical steps you can take to deepen your philosophical understanding and apply it to your life challenges?

From the book’s description:

We’re all starting to hear people ask how the world has gotten to be the way it is. Grafted onto the usual complaints about why people are so greedy, self-absorbed, and callous toward one another are new expressions of frustration about even more fundamental concerns. Why can’t we agree on concepts that used to be basic common sense? Why does our very language now seem to be a minefield that only the most wily and tactical (or cynical) among us can navigate?

The only way to understand fully how we have arrived at this state — and what, if anything, we might be able to do about it — is to embark on a journey back in time to see where we went off the rails. With candor and occasional humor, Dan LeRoy tells the sweeping story of Western thought from its beginnings to the present, revealing the souls and idiosyncrasies of its greatest thinkers. Through stirring vignettes, he tells the real story of how our customs and thought patterns developed and then relates it to our current moment of rupture.

In pages that sometimes read like an Indiana Jones adventure, LeRoy explains the detour that philosophy took nearly a thousand years ago that has led Western society to its current, dire situation. With sharp pen and clear eye, he reveals:

The roots of classical philosophy, including empiricism (Ready to wade into the water?)

How views on ethics and morality began to take shape even before Christ

The three ways to attain happiness, according to the Big Three philosophers

Four splinter groups and how their philosophies impact us today

The enduring teachings of Sts. Augustine and Aquinas, among many others

About the Author

Dan LeRoy is an author, journalist and teacher who has been the director of the Writing and Publishing Department at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Midland, Pennsylvania, since 2006. His writing about music and politics has appeared in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Newsweek, the Village Voice, Alternative Press, Esquire, and National Review Online.

HP6 – Prayer and Healing from Sin – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Prayer and Healing from Sin – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke

Fr. Eamonn Bourke reflects on the subtle yet pervasive nature of sin, comparing it to layers of grime that obscure the true beauty of a masterpiece, like the recently rediscovered Caravaggio in Dublin. Even minor faults can gradually distance us from God’s grace and we often fail to recognize our own sins, mistaking a clean conscience for an absence of grave offenses. Regular confession as a gentle, ongoing restoration of the soul, is similar to a careful art restoration, gradually revealing the inherent dignity and beauty of each person. We should approach the sacrament without fear, trusting in God’s gentle, transformative mercy, and consider spiritual companionship, like spiritual direction, in sustaining a vibrant prayer life.

The power of tears is a sign of authentic spiritual healing, reminding us that deep emotions in prayer can often signify profound encounters with the Holy Spirit. Fr. Bourke shares personal experiences from his ministry, illustrating how even the most deeply held wounds can find healing in God’s mercy.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How do small, unnoticed habits of sin gradually obscure the true dignity and beauty of our souls?
In what ways can we become “anesthetized” to our own sins, and how can we awaken to this reality?
How might regular confession serve as a gentle, ongoing restoration of our spiritual image, like an art restorer uncovering a hidden masterpiece?
Have I ever hesitated to approach God in prayer or confession out of fear or shame, and what might be holding me back?
How can I invite the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in my life that need healing or repentance?
Who in my life can serve as a spiritual companion or guide as I seek a deeper relationship with God?
How often do I examine my conscience, and what patterns of behavior might God be inviting me to address?
Do I allow myself to express deep emotions like tears in prayer, and how might this be a sign of the Holy Spirit at work?
How can I better support others on their spiritual journeys, just as Christ sent his disciples out two by two?
What steps can I take to make prayer a regular, consistent part of my daily life, as Christ modeled for us?

Father Éamonn Bourke is a priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin, Ireland and served as Vocations Director for the diocese, as well as Pastor in a number of its parishes. Trained as a spiritual director in the contemplative style, he now serves as Chaplain to University College, Dublin, the largest University in Ireland.

⇨For more episodes in the series visit : The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

HP5 – Prayer and Confession – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Prayer and Confession – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke

Fr. Eamonn Bourke shares insights from his experience as a chaplain at University College Dublin, where he serves over 32,000 students. He describes his role as a spiritual father, emphasizing the importance of authentic prayer in ministry. Fr. Bourke reflects on the challenges students face, including the isolation and distractions of a secular environment, and the need for priests to be rooted in their own prayer lives to guide others effectively. He also discusses the struggles many encounter in prayer, such as feeling distant from God, wrestling with sin, and overcoming spiritual dryness. Fr. Bourke encourages honesty in prayer, noting that even sin can become a path to deeper healing if approached with humility and trust in God’s mercy.

He further explores the battle against the distractions of modern life, drawing on the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his own experiences in pastoral ministry. Despite the noise and temptations of the digital age, cultivating silence and intentional moments of reflection can transform one’s spiritual life. Small but consistent steps, like setting aside devices or using quiet moments in daily life, are ways to reconnect with God.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can I cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual fatherhood or motherhood in my relationships, especially with those who look to me for guidance?
In what ways can I make prayer a more central part of my daily life, ensuring my ministry flows from a heart connected to God?
What are the spiritual “weak points” in my life where I am most vulnerable to temptation, and how can I strengthen them?
Do I struggle with being honest with God about my sins and wounds, and how might that honesty open me to deeper healing?
How can I create moments of silence in my busy, noisy life to better hear God’s voice and find inner peace?
When I face spiritual discouragement or dryness, do I turn to prayer and sacramental confession for renewal and strength?
How can I resist the distractions of the digital world while still using technology as a tool for spiritual growth?
In what ways can I better recognize the subtle tactics of the enemy and defend my spiritual life against them?
How can I foster a more childlike trust in God’s unconditional love, even when burdened by past sins or struggles?
Am I willing to make small sacrifices, like fasting or limiting screen time, to strengthen my spiritual fortitude?

⇨For more episodes in the series visit : The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

HP4 – Prayer and Forgiveness – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Prayer and Forgiveness – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke

Fr. Eamonn Bourke and Kris McGregor explore how prayer becomes a space of healing and transformation, especially when confronting inner turmoil, negative self-talk, and emotional wounds. Fr. Bourke shares how recognizing the voices we listen to—whether from anxiety, past wounds, or spiritual deception—is crucial in discerning what aligns with God’s truth. Prayer is an intimate encounter where one can hand over these burdens to God, who does not speak through fear or condemnation but invites us into a relationship marked by love, courage, and wholeness. Prayer is not as a place of performance, but as a safe space where one can be entirely honest and received with compassion.

Forgiveness is one of the most challenging yet liberating acts. Forgiving others often requires grace beyond our natural capacity, and how prayer can open the heart to that divine help. Forgiving does not mean forgetting or denying the pain inflicted, but rather choosing to release its power over us. Real transformation begins when we stop hiding our wounds and allow God to heal them. Through personal stories, including caring for a loved one with dementia, Fr. Bourke shows how deep, sacrificial love and consistent prayer can reshape even the hardest experiences into opportunities for grace and growth.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Do I take time in prayer to discern whether the inner voices I hear are leading me toward God or away from Him?
What recurring thoughts or feelings might be rooted in woundedness rather than truth?
How do I respond when I experience God’s love without emotional consolation—do I still trust in His presence?
In what ways have I avoided letting God touch the deeper wounds of my heart?
Have I asked for the grace to forgive someone who has hurt me, even if I still carry the pain?
What does the crucifix reveal to me personally about the nature and cost of love?
Do I resist prayer because of shame or fear that God will reject me?
Am I honest with God in prayer about my brokenness and struggles?
Is there a part of my heart I’m still withholding from God, and why?
How can I let prayer become a place of healing rather than performance or obligation?

⇨For more episodes in the series visit : The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

HP3 – The Healing Nature of Prayer – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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The Healing Nature of Prayer – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke

Fr. Eamonn Bourke reflects with Kris McGregor on the deeply personal and transformative nature of prayer. Fr. Bourke encourages a grounded, honest approach—bringing one’s full self into prayer, including brokenness, weaknesses, or wounds often rooted in life experiences. It’s a misconception that prayer is only for a spiritual elite: prayer is accessible to everyone. Using examples from the Gospels—like Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in adultery or the healing of Bartimaeus—each story illustrates how Christ meets people exactly where they are, offering compassion and healing without precondition. The heart of prayer is not performance, but authenticity: allowing God to meet us in our reality.

Prayer plays a role in healing: much of the pain people carry—whether from childhood, failed expectations, or sin—is subtle but significant. We need for self-awareness and trust in God’s presence, especially when prayers appear unanswered or outcomes differ from one’s desires. Prayer can be compared to a spiritual offering, where our joys, fears, and even resistance become gifts to God. By asking God to reveal what holds us back, and by relinquishing control over how healing unfolds, one opens the door to freedom, healing, and deeper union with God. This interior transformation, though often quiet and gradual, reshapes how a person experiences life and others.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can I allow my weaknesses and daily struggles to become a source of glory to God?
In what ways am I being invited to participate in Christ’s redemptive suffering today?
Do I trust that even my failures can be used by God when surrendered in faith?
What does it mean for my soul to be a “bridal chamber” for Christ, and how can I prepare it?
Am I open to letting Jesus dwell more fully in the hidden, ordinary parts of my life?
How does my understanding of death—physical or spiritual—affect my willingness to love and surrender?
In what ways do I resist dying to self, and how can I practice greater self-gift for love of Christ?
How does my vocation reflect the mutual love and self-giving that Blessed Elizabeth describes?
When faced with suffering or silence, do I keep my gaze fixed on Christ or turn inward in fear?
What visible or invisible realities in my life help me perceive God’s presence more deeply?

⇨For more episodes in the series visit : The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

A Special Holy Thursday Reflection – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

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A Special Holy Thursday Reflection – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects deeply on the meaning of Holy Thursday, focusing especially on Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet and the institution of the Eucharist. He describes the foot-washing as a sign of humility and love that all Christians are called to imitate, not just toward family and friends, but especially toward enemies and those most difficult to serve. This act, performed by Christ before his Passion, is framed as his last will and testament—a mandate to serve others with profound humility, as he did. Msgr. Esseff invites us to internalize this calling by examining their relationships and asking us whose feet we would struggle to wash.

There is the unity between the Eucharist and this act of service. Receiving Christ in the Eucharist, especially during the Triduum, is meant to transform hearts to love as he loves. It’s important to receive spiritual discernment in knowing when and how to engage with others in this sacrificial way. Msgr. Esseff recalls traditional Holy Thursday devotions and reflects on the Paschal Mystery—Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection—as the heart of Christian life, reminding the listener that Easter marks a beginning, not an end, in the journey of faith.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Whose feet in your life would be the hardest for you to wash, and why?
In what ways do you live out Christ’s call to humble service in your daily relationships?
How does your participation in the Eucharist transform the way you treat others, especially those who hurt you?
Are there people you need to forgive before entering into the Triduum more fully?
How do you discern when to serve and when to retreat in prayer, following Jesus’ example?
What does the washing of feet reveal to you about true greatness in the Kingdom of God?
Have you ever tried to serve someone with hidden resentment or pride—how can that change?
How does your Holy Thursday participation reflect your love for the Eucharist and your understanding of its meaning?
What spiritual traditions during Holy Thursday or the Triduum help you grow closer to Christ?

Gospel JN 13:1-15

“Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come
to pass from this world to the Father.
He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over.
So, during supper,
fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power
and that he had come from God and was returning to God,
he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.
He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
Then he poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples’ feet
and dry them with the towel around his waist.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him,
“Master, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“What I am doing, you do not understand now,
but you will understand later.”
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered him,
“Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”
Simon Peter said to him,
“Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”
Jesus said to him,
“Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed,
for he is clean all over;
so you are clean, but not all.”
For he knew who would betray him;
for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”So when he had washed their feet
and put his garments back on and reclined at table again,
he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. 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 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 and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.

HP1 – What is Prayer? – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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What is Prayer? – The Heart of Prayer with Fr. Éamonn Bourke

Fr. Éamonn Bourke reflects with Kris McGregor on the essence of prayer as an intimate relationship with God, who desires to meet each person personally. Prayer isn’t about perfection or following a strict formula, but about showing up as we are—vulnerable, broken, even ashamed or angry. He draws from Scripture and personal experience to illustrate how the heart of prayer lies in stillness, honesty, and a willingness to encounter God in the midst of life’s struggles. Whether it’s the distractions of daily life, wounds from the past, or the weight of sin, none of these are barriers to God’s love. God receives even the most faltering prayer with tenderness and transforms it with grace.

Fr. Bourke also speaks about the importance of consistency and space for daily prayer, no matter how small. Whether on a commute, during quiet moments at home, or through reflection on Scripture, these moments help us become more attuned to God’s presence throughout the day. Saints like St. Thérèse of Lisieux taught that prayer can be as simple as a glance toward heaven.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How can I deepen my awareness of God’s personal desire to be in relationship with me today?
When have I allowed shame or guilt to keep me from turning to God in prayer?
What broken or vulnerable part of myself do I need to honestly bring before God in prayer?
Do I make daily prayer a true priority in my life, or does it get pushed aside by other concerns?
How have distractions or busyness kept me from recognizing God’s presence in my day?
In what ways have I treated prayer more like a monologue than a dialogue with God?
What is one simple way I can invite silence into my day to better hear God’s voice?
Have I ever brought my anger or disappointment to God honestly in prayer? Why or why not?
What practical step can I take to create a “cell of solitude” within my everyday environment?
How might Scripture—especially a short verse—become a doorway to deeper personal prayer?