Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts » Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff warmly recounts memories of his two sisters, Marlene and MayAnn, reflecting on the deep familial bonds that shaped his life and priesthood. He shares vivid childhood stories, such as witnessing Marlene's birth, their mischievous adventures, and Marlene's loyal companionship with her brothers. Marlene was a trusted confidante and a source of joy and nurturing within the family. He also recounts MayAnn's tender heart and spiritual maturity, culminating in her self-offering to God when her brother faced a life-threatening illness. Her acceptance of her own terminal illness became a profound moment of grace and sacrifice within the family. Through these recollections, Msgr. Esseff reflects on how the presence of his sisters enriched his understanding of human relationships and prepared him to encounter women and men in his ministry with deeper compassion and respect. This familial experience helped shape his pastoral heart, particularly in his work with prisoners, where he learned to view each person as a true brother or sister in Christ. The post SFTH-6 – The Gift of Sisters – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the meaning of the Ascension and Pentecost, urging us to move beyond a childish, distant view of heaven. The post The Ascension – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his formative years growing up in a Lebanese Maronite Catholic family. He shares vivid stories of his early friendships formed around the church and school, highlighting how closely tied family, faith, and community life were in his upbringing. The post SFTH-5 – Fighting the Good Fight – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff shares vivid memories from his childhood growing up in a Maronite Catholic family in coal country Pennsylvania. He recalls spiritual moments of wonder—from giving away a dime to a stranger and feeling profound joy, to sensing God's presence in nature and creation as a young boy. The post SFTH-4 – Communion Found in the Little Things – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the often overlooked yet deeply influential role of his grandmothers in shaping his family's legacy. The post SFTH-3 – A Grandmother's Love, a Family's Strength – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his family's deep roots in the Maronite Catholic tradition, tracing his lineage back to Lebanon. The post SFTH-2 – Rooted in Faith – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode One – The Beginning… – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff In this opening episode, Monsignor John Esseff shares the deeply personal story of his family’s immigration from Lebanon to America—fleeing persecution, carrying with them a rich Catholic faith, and planting deep roots in Pennsylvania. He reflects on growing up in a ... Read more The post SFTH-1 – The Beginning… – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent.  He discusses the Sacrament of Reconciliation and how it's key in the area of true inner healing.  The healing from the damage done by our sinful choices is more important than even physical healing.  He implores us all to see the value of this tremendous gift. The post The Fifth Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent.  He discusses the Sacrament of Reconciliation and how it's key in the area of true inner healing.  The healing from the damage done by our sinful choices is more important than even physical healing.  He implores us all to see the value of this tremendous gift. The post The Prodigal Son – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff offers insights on the Transfiguration and it's meaning for our lives today. From the NAB Gospel LK 9:28B-36 Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen. The post The Annunciation – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff offers insights on the Transfiguration and it's meaning for our lives today. From the NAB Gospel LK 9:28B-36 Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen. The post The Transfiguration and the Glory of God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Temptation and Spiritual Warfare – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love, Monsignor John Esseff reflects on the Epistle of St. James and every Christian’s daily spiritual battle. He explores the nature of temptation, emphasizing that it is the ordinary way Satan works in ... Read more The post Temptation and Spiritual Warfare – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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 we can purely and perfectly follow His Holy Will.  And he describes ALMSGIVING, and story from an experience he had with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity Sisters. The Church prepares a spiritual retreat for all of us during Lent.  The Holy Spirit is transforming you in a radical way so that you become more like Jesus Christ...the day by day exercise of Morning Prayer, the Eucharist and Evening Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving, and the other moments of contemplative prayer aids in the transformation...our ego decreases and Jesus increases in our minds and in our hearts. The post Preparing for Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the importance of the family in our lives. He shares two very personal stories to offer insight on the role of fathers in the heart of each family. The post The Beatitudes – Building a Kingdom Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the importance of the family in our lives. He shares two very personal stories to offer insight on the role of fathers in the heart of each family. The post How Do You Respond to the Father? – Building a Kingdom Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The Feast of the Holy Family - Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Msgr. Esseff discusses  honoring our parents - The reality of our society and the challenge - The wounds and the need for healing The post Holy Family Sunday: Honoring Mother and Father – Building a Kingdom of Love /w Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The post “Proclaim it to the World” – a Christmas message from Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Podcast The post The Fourth Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the start of this new Advent season in the life of the Church.  He makes suggestions on how we can make our spiritual journey more fruitful, not only for ourselves but also for the world. The post The First Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

St. Therese, the Little Flower - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff The post St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Embracing God's Will with Obedience - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Podcast The post Embracing God's Will with Obedience – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians Chapter 4 v. 20 -24: 22 Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. - RCVCE The post Christ's Healing Sacrament – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he continues his talk about the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart. In this episode, he discusses the importance of the Sacred Heart and how it plays a pivotal role in spiritual warfare within our daily lives. The post SH8 – The Sacred Heart and Spiritual Warfare – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the meaning of Good Friday for the life of every Christian.  We are closely united to Jesus in his Passion.  Who are the people who have caused you to suffer?  What are wounds that have been inflicted during your lifetime?  What are the wounds you have inflicted on others?  How can those wounds be healed?  He also proclaims how the Cross of Christ defeated the devil and continues to defeat the enemy today. The post A Special Good Friday Reflection with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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 ... Read more The post The Third Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the major area that separates us from God...it's sloth. What is the truth about sloth? What does laziness really look like? To depend on oneself more than on God...."that I can do anything", "I can do it"....the man of faith says "God can do it". Jesus said without the Father, he could do nothing. That He does only what the Father tells him. The solution to sloth is obedience...the obedience to the will of the Father. Msgr. Esseff takes a strong look at King David and his actions after he becomes king...a leader who became consumed with himself. Then he looks at a true leader...Jesus. Msgr. has a strong message and challenge for families, our country, the world and our Church. The post Sloth Can Separate Us from God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION FOR LIFE!!!  Have a relationship with God and know your identity! Msgr. Esseff asks the question, "Do you truly know how to pray?" in this Discerning Hearts Podcast.  We need to learn to listen.  How can we learn to listen? He then brings forward a basic of prayer, R.I.M.: Relationship, Identity, and Mission. He breaks this open for us in a concrete, practical way using, among other things, the "Our Father." The post Do you truly know how to pray? A prayer primer with Msgr. John Esseff Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

How Does Your Soul Magnify the Lord – An Advent Reflection from Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Podcast The post How Does Your Soul Magnify the Lord? – An Advent Reflection from Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Explore Msgr. John Esseff's profound reflections on Christian spirituality, focusing on humility, simplicity, and the true essence of Christmas, alongside insights on Mary's role, the Nativity story, and the joy in poverty The post Embracing Humility and Simplicity – Third Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff asks are you crying out, "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!" Do you believe that you have been transformed by your baptism? The post He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit! – 2nd Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff asks the question, "Are you prepared for the Lord's coming?" He challenges us to take a good look at our prayer lives and to prepare for the coming of Jesus in your life today. Gospel MK 13:33-37 Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!'” The post Are you prepared for the Lord’s coming? – First Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff helps us to see that the talents equals God's love. Knowing this, have you been the lazy servant? The post Are you the lazy servant? – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

"How can we possibly love as God expects? Only "through Him, with Him, in Him!" The post How can we possibly love as God expects? – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the scriptures and the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  He speaks of the power of the name of Jesus, the message of Our Lady of Fatima, and the many aspects which are contained in the mysteries of the Rosary.  He also talks about the legacy of Fr. Patrick Peyton. The post “FEAR NOT!” The Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the life and teachings of St. Padre Pio. He shares personal stories from his relationship with St. Pio. Gospel LK 8:16-18 Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” The post St. Padre Pio and the Healing of the Church – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff discusses Discernment: Why is it such an important aspect of our spiritual lives? What is the role of the Spiritual Director in someone’s life? What are the signs of a good spiritual director? How do we find a good spiritual director? Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese ... Read more The post Discerning the Father’s Will for Our Lives – Building a Kingdom of Love w/Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff ask us all "Why do you worry? Are you a servant of God or mammon?" in this Discerning Hearts Podcast - Catholic Spiritual Formation The post Why Do You Worry? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he introduces us to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and of its incredible importance. The post SH7 – The Sacred Heart and Abandonment – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Encountering Our True Selves in Christ - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff "He shall proclaim peace to the nations!"  Peace begins inside the hearts of each baptized Christian.  Do you know who you are?  Have you truly encountered Jesus? The post BKL490 – Encountering Our True Selves in Christ – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he introduces us to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and of its incredible importance. The post SH6 – The Sacred Heart and the Elderly – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he introduces us to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and of its incredible importance. The post SH5 – The Sacred Heart and Work – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he introduces us to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and of its incredible importance. The post SH4 – The Sacred Heart and Schools – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he introduces us to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and of its incredible importance. The post SH3 – The Gifts of the Sacred Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he introduces us to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and of its incredible importance. The post SH2 – Introduction to the Sacred Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

We begin a conversation with Msgr. Esseff about the darkness of our present age.  Then he discusses the remedy...our relationship with Holy Trinity, and in particular, with the Father in Heaven. The post The Holy Trinity and Our Relationship with God – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he introduces us to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and of its incredible importance. The post SH1 – Introduction to the Enthronement – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the great gift of the Holy Spirit to the disciples 2000 years ago and what it means for us today! The post Pentecost: “Come Holy Spirit” – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Join Msgr. John Esseff as he reflects on the meaning of Our Lord's Ascension in this Discerning Hearts Podcast. The post Where is Jesus? A Reflection on the Ascension – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on Our Lady of Fatima and the power of the Holy Rosary. It is a tremendous instrument of peace to those who pray in Our Lady's garden of prayer. Anyone seeking peace in the world, as well in their own lives, should turn to Our Lady and her Holy Rosary. The way to the face of God can be found in the Holy Rosary and all the mysteries contained in this treasury of grace. The post Our Lady of Fatima and the Power of the Holy Rosary with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Happy Easter!!!! Have You Encountered Jesus? 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 removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. The post Happy Easter!!!! Have You Encountered Jesus? – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the meaning of Good Friday for the life of every Christian.  We are closely united to Jesus in his Passion.  Who are the people who have caused you to suffer?  What are wounds that have been inflicted during your lifetime?  What are the wounds you have inflicted on others?  How can those wounds be healed?  He also proclaims how the Cross of Christ defeated the devil and continues to defeat the enemy today. The post A Special Good Friday Reflection with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.