SH1 - Introduction to the Enthronement - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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Introduction to the Enthronement – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff discusses the importance of enthroning the Sacred Heart of Jesus in families and individual hearts. He emphasizes that this act is not merely symbolic but a profound relationship with Jesus, making Him the head of every family and individual life.

Msgr. Esseff explains the historical and theological significance of the Sacred Heart, highlighting how Jesus’ heart is a symbol of divine love, revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century. Jesus showed her His heart to demonstrate His immense love and to invite humanity to respond with love in return.

He also addresses the challenges faced by families today, underscoring that the enthronement of the Sacred Heart can bring unity, healing, and strength to households. Msgr. Esseff calls on listeners, regardless of their denomination, to invite Jesus into their homes and hearts, emphasizing that God’s love is universal and transformative.

Msgr. Esseff goes into the broader spiritual warfare, noting that love is stronger than hate and that Jesus’ love is the ultimate answer to the world’s suffering and division; encouraging listeners to embrace this love and to establish a deep, personal relationship with Jesus through the devotion to His Sacred Heart.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding the Enthronement: What does it mean to enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus in your home and heart, and how can this act transform your personal and family life?
Jesus’ Love for Humanity: How does the image of the Sacred Heart reveal the depth of Jesus’ love for you personally, and how can you respond to this love in your daily actions?
Historical Significance: What is the significance of Jesus’ revelation to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and how does it influence your understanding of the Sacred Heart devotion?
Family as a Reflection of Divine Love: In what ways can your family become a reflection of the divine love of the Trinity, and what steps can you take to foster this unity?
Overcoming Spiritual Challenges: How can the enthronement of the Sacred Heart help you and your family overcome spiritual and emotional challenges in today’s world?
Universal Love and Acceptance: How does Jesus’ universal love, as discussed in the podcast, challenge you to love others, including those who may be difficult to love or who oppose your beliefs?
Personal Relationship with Jesus: What practical steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus and to make Him the center of your life?
Spiritual Warfare and Love: How can you embody the message that love is stronger than hate in your interactions with others, especially in situations of conflict or misunderstanding?
Daily Reflection and Union with Christ: How can you incorporate daily reflections on your union with Jesus into your routine, and what impact might this have on your spiritual growth?
Inclusive Invitation to Devotion: What does it mean for non-Catholic Christians to enthrone the Sacred Heart in their homes, and how can this act foster greater unity among different Christian denominations?

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 serves 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.