We Are One Body in Christ– Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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We Are One Body in Christ– Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff discusses the kingdom of God and the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ’s kingship. Jesus came to establish the kingdom of God and to care for all of humanity, both body and soul. He reflects on the miracle of the multiplication of loaves in the Gospel, highlighting that Jesus is the source of all creation and sustenance. He urges Christians to understand their calling to live in unity and love, as described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

Msgr. Esseff reminds us that Jesus’ mission was not just to provide for earthly needs but to bring about the salvation of souls. He elaborates on the significance of the Eucharist, as Jesus presents himself as the bread of life. Calling for a deeper understanding of Jesus’ true mission and kingship, he urges believers to align their lives with God’s will and to become witnesses of Christ in the world. Through various anecdotes and scriptural references; illustrating the profound presence of Jesus in the lives of individuals and the call to live out the gospel in unity and faith.

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Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. Understanding Jesus’ Kingship What does it mean for Jesus to be the king of the universe and how does this understanding impact your daily life?
2. Unity in the Body of Christ How can you contribute to the unity of the Christian community, as described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians?
3. The Multiplication of Loaves Reflect on the miracle of the multiplication of loaves. How does this event reveal Jesus’ care for both physical and spiritual needs?
4. Living Your Calling In what ways can you live a life worthy of your calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, and patience?
5. The Significance of the Eucharist How does participating in the Eucharist strengthen your relationship with Jesus and your understanding of His mission?
6. Responding to Jesus’ Will How do you discern and respond to God’s will in your life, especially in challenging situations?
7. Witnessing Jesus in Others Can you identify moments when you have seen Jesus’ presence in the lives of others? How did these experiences influence your faith?
8. The Role of Prayer in Understanding How does prayer help you to better understand and accept Jesus’ kingship and mission?
9. Embracing the Kingdom of God What practical steps can you take to embrace and promote the kingdom of God in your local community?
10. The Eternal Kingship of Jesus How does the belief in Jesus’ eternal kingship give you hope and direction for the future?

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Reading 2 EPH 4:1-6

Brothers and sisters:
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace:
one body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.

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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 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.

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