Sloth Can Separate Us from God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Sloth Can Separate Us from God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. Esseff

Msgr. Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the impact of sloth (self-reliance) on one’s relationship with God, drawing parallels with King David’s disobedience. Msgr. Esseff particularly critiques societal laziness, self-centeredness, and moral decay, urging a shift towards Jesus’ humble and sacrificial leadership. He also touches on global wealth disparity and emphasizes the responsibility to share with those in need.

Msgr. Esseff encourages prayer, repentance, and adopting a servant’s attitude, exemplified by Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, as a means to foster compassion and justice in society.

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Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

1. Self-Reflection on Sloth: How does the concept of sloth, characterized by self-reliance and disobedience, resonate with your own life and actions?
2. Learning from King David: In what ways can King David’s experience, where self-reliance led to disobedience, serve as a lesson for individuals today, especially in positions of authority?
3. Leadership in Society: Reflect on the prevalent laziness and self-centeredness in various leadership roles today. How can adopting Jesus’ humble and sacrificial leadership style bring about positive change?
4. Wealth Disparity: Consider global wealth distribution and the responsibility to share with those in need. How can you contribute to addressing the disparities and recognizing Jesus in the poorest of the poor?
5. Prayer and Repentance: In response to the discussion, how can Psalm 51 (“Have mercy on me, O God, for I have sinned”) guide your prayer and reflection on personal change and repentance?
6. Humility and Service: Reflect on the symbolic act of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. How can adopting a similar attitude of humility and service positively impact your relationships within your family, church, and community?
7. Recognizing Jesus in Others: How can the recognition of Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor influence your perspective on those less fortunate?
8. Shifting Societal Attitudes: Consider how fostering an attitude of care and service to others, rooted in humility, can contribute to positive societal change. How can you embody these principles in your daily life?

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Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St. Mother Teresa. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity. 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, sisters, seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.

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