In this episode, which coincides with Trinity Sunday, Msgr. Esseff delves into the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the significance of this doctrine, referencing the Old Testament’s monotheism and the New Testament’s revelation of the triune God. He explains the historical and theological development…

Monsignor Esseff reflects on the scripture readings of the Third Sunday of Easter. Through our sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist, who do we become? We discover the potential of Peter and the early Christian community, transformed by their Pentecost experience. In this Easter season, the Church guides us to understand and cherish th…

Who are you? Your Catholic Identity on Divine Mercy Sunday with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for Divine Mercy Sunday and it’s meanings for our lives. He discusses the identity of the Christian, and in particular, what it means to be a “Catholic”. From the NAB Reading 1 ACTS 5:12-16 Many signs and wonders were done among t…

Happy Easter!!!! Have You Encountered Jesus? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Join Msgr. John Esseff as he reflects on the mystery of Easter and our relationship with the Risen Christ. Gospel JN 20:1-9 “On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone …

A Special Good Friday Reflection with Msgr. John Esseff – Building a Kingdom of Love – Discerning Hearts Podcast In a poignant episode of the Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast, Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor engage in a deep reflection on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, drawing parallels to the personal tribulations faced by be…

Conference 3: The Holy Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday) – That All May Be One: A Holy Week Retreat /w Msgr. Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan – Discerning Hearts Online Retreat Retreat Directors: Monsignor John A. Esseff and Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM The Paschal Mystery The Last Supper…Passion…Death…Burial Theme:…

Conference 2: Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday – That All May Be One: A Holy Week Retreat /w Msgr. Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan – Discerning Hearts Online Retreat Retreat Directors: Monsignor John A. Esseff and Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM The Paschal Mystery Unbelief…Darkness…Betrayal…Abandonment… Theme: The Coming of Jesus’ …

Conference 1: Palm Sunday – That All May Be One: A Holy Week Retreat /w Msgr. Esseff & Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan – Discerning Hearts Online Retreat Retreat Directors: Monsignor John A. Esseff and Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM Theme: KINGSHIP OF JESUS Why does God, Who made all of creation, love US so much? 3 galaxies for every one perso…

The Third Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff For the third Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Esseff discusses the importance of scrutinies in the Catholic Church, emphasizing self-examination and deliverance from sin and Satan, especially for those preparing for baptism. He highlights the role of priests and exorcists in guiding…

The Second Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff For the first Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Esseff delves into the significance of Jesus’ Transfiguration, linking his divine glory with his impending sacrifice. He talks about faith in Jesus as both glorified and crucified, drawing parallels with figures like Abraham. Msgr. Esse…

The First Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff For the first Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Esseff reflects on Jesus’ desert retreat, relating it to Lent’s call for repentance, prayer, and fasting. He shares his own desert fasting experience, emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s role in awakening awareness of sin. He also warns agains…

Msgr. Esseff teaches the importance of fasting, almsgiving and the Liturgy of the Hours during the season of Lent. He shares his experience of fasting in a desert found in Peru. From this he learned the importance of FASTING and PRAYER. Msgr. Esseff challenges us to discern what the Father in Heaven is asking us to do this Lent through fasting, so …

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Anointing of the Sick, known as one of the Sacraments of Healing. He speaks of his personal experience with the sacrament and the importance of having it readily available for the faithful. Msgr. Esseff also addresses particular issues related to laying on of hands. From the USSCB: Jesus came to heal the whole person, b…

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 J…

The Urgency of Jesus’ Message to the World In this podcast episode, Monsignor John Esseff emphasizes the urgency of Jesus’ message to the world. Monsignor Esseff, reflects on the importance of responding immediately to Jesus’ call for deeper commitment and repentance. Drawing on biblical passages, he highlights the stories of disciples who left eve…

Do people see Christ in you? In this podcast episode, Monsignor John Esseff reflects on the significance of the Epiphany, a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. He begins by reflecting on the beauty of the stars and their symbolism as a guide. Monsignor explains that the Epiphany commemorates the mani…

Holy Family Sunday – Honoring Mother and Father Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the need for healing mother and father wounds, a topic that resonates with many. Monsignor Esseff, with his deep spiritual insight and experience, provided profound reflections on the complex dynamics of family life, emphasizing the crucial role of understanding and forgi…

Do you truly know how to pray? A prayer primer with Msgr. John Esseff Discerning Hearts Podcast In a profound episode of Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts, Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor delve into the essence of prayer and its central role in the Christian life. Msgr. Esseff, with decades of experience in spiritual guidance, emphasizes that…

On Christmas Eve, the grand sweeping journey of salvation history comes to an important epoch with the “yes” of a virgin named Mary. From that point, the world is transformed forever. Msgr. Esseff challenges all of us to identify the tendency or flaw that cripples us. Give whatever that is to God. Christ has the power to heal you and change you int…

What is the relationship with your Dad? – The 3rd Saturday of Advent w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast The episode begins with a reading from the book of the prophet Malachi, emphasizing the coming of a messenger to prepare the way for the Lord. This messenger, likened to a refiner’s fire, signifies a purifying force. The discussion …