Where is Jesus? A Reflection on the Ascension – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Where is Jesus? A Reflection on the Ascension – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the significance of the Feast of the Ascension and its connection to the presence of Jesus in the Church through the Holy Spirit. Monsignor John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the misconception surrounding heaven’s location and Jesus’ role after his ascension.

Jesus is present within believers, and the Kingdom of God resides within each individual. Msgr. Esseff tells us of the importance of love as the central commandment and the power of Jesus within believers to love universally, even those considered unlovable; reminding us of the need to let the light of Jesus shine through actions and words, transforming communities and the world.

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Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. Understanding the Feast of the Ascension: What misconceptions about heaven and Jesus’ ascension were highlighted in the discussion?
2. The Presence of Jesus in the Church: How is Jesus present in the Church according to the podcast?
3. The Kingdom of God Within: Reflect on the significance of the statement “the Kingdom of God is within you” in relation to personal faith.
4. The Commandment of Love: How does the podcast emphasize the importance of love as the central commandment?
5. The Power to Love Universally: Discuss the concept of loving the seemingly unlovable and the role of Jesus within believers in enabling this love.
6. Letting Jesus’ Light Shine Through: Reflect on the challenge of letting Jesus’ light shine through actions and words, as discussed in the podcast.

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Matthew 28:16-20 – Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1965, 1966 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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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 continues to serve 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.

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