The Danger of Serving Mammon - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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The Danger of Serving Mammon – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on Scripture readings that highlight the fleeting nature of earthly life and the danger of allowing greed to govern choices. Drawing from St. Paul, he explains that God calls everyone to salvation and to live in prayer, thanksgiving, and peace. Through personal stories of his family’s many moves, he illustrates how every home and possession is temporary, reminding listeners that nothing in this world truly belongs to us. He warns against dishonesty, corruption, and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of justice, echoing the words of the prophet Amos about exploiting the poor.

Turning to the Gospel parable of the dishonest steward, Msgr. Esseff stresses that all gifts, talents, and resources are entrusted by God and meant to be used according to His will. True discernment involves asking God how to direct one’s education, career, and vocation, rather than relying on personal ambition or financial security. From youth considering future paths to pastors leading parishes, everyone must consult God in their decisions. The heart of the teaching is clear: no one can serve both God and money. Only by entrusting everything back to God—the master of all—can one find lasting peace and purpose.

Discerning Hearts Spiritual Reflection Questions:

How do I recognize that everything I have ultimately belongs to God?
In what ways am I tempted to serve money or security over God’s will?
How am I using my talents and resources in a way that honors the Giver?
Do I bring God into my decisions about work, study, or family life?
Where have I treated temporary possessions as if they were permanent?
How can I grow in being trustworthy with small responsibilities in order to receive greater ones?
What does it mean for me personally to be a steward rather than an owner of my life?
How often do I pause in prayer to ask God, “What do you want me to do?”
What steps can I take to detach from greed and live with greater trust in God?
How do I show gratitude and offer thanksgiving in the ordinary moments of daily life?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He 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 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.