Podcast appearances and mentions of john esseff

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for the great feast of Corpus Christi. He discusses the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The tragedy becomes when we look upon the Blessed Sacrament as a "something" instead of a "Someone". The post Corpus Christi Sunday – 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 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 – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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 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. 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. 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the teaching of the Sacred Scriptures for the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple. The post The Presentation in the Temple – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Heart 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Third Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Advent season as a time of joy, repentance, and renewal, urging listeners to recognize Christ's presence not just in history or the future but in their lives today. Drawing from scripture, he describes baptized Christians ... Read more The post The Third Sunday of Advent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Our Lady of Guadalupe – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. Esseff reflects on the profound significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her universal message of love and protection, using the historical and spiritual context of her apparition to St. Juan Diego in 1531. At a time when the Church ... Read more The post Our Lady of Guadalupe – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the Blessed Virgin Mary and her activity in our lives. He helps us to understand the Immaculate Conception. The post The Immaculate Conception – 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 reflects on the readings from the Second Sunday of Advent in this Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast The post The Second 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.

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.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Sacred Scriptures chosen for the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.  The greatest gift we have is the relationship with Jesus Christ. The post Thanksgiving: Cultivating a Spirit of Gratitude – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff shares an encounter with a couple he met while traveling home after time with family. Tom and Mary shared their important encounters with God over the course of their 36 years of marriage. Each story speaks of our times and how relevant it is for our lives to allow Christ to be King of our hearts...that is how He will reign in this world. Msgr. Esseff then reflects on how God answers prayers and why we say "Your will be done". The post Christ, the True King of this World – 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 reflects on the Gospel of Mark Chapter 13 in this Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast The post No One Knows The Day Or Hour – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the teaching of the Sacred Scriptures and on how we pray for the Poor Souls in Purgatory: Reading 1 Wis 3:1-9 The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect. The post The Poor/Holy Souls and Purgatory – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In 2011, in Paray le Monial, France, I had the chance to speak with Msgr. John Esseff at the First Sacred Heart World Congress.  Msgr. Esseff is one of the founders of the Sacred Heart Apostolate, sponsor of this event which brought laity, religious, and priests from around the world.  Talks were given by Cardinal Raymond Burke, Bishop Robert Herman, Christendom College President Timothy O'Donnell, and EWTN show host and author Fr. Mitch Pacwa, as well as many others  Why did they come to this small French community nestled in Eastern France?  Because our Lord choice this place and two very remarkably humble saints to communicate the message of his Sacred Heart.  He said to St. Margaret Mary:  "My Divine Heart is so inflamed with love for mankind ... that it can no longer contain within itself the flames of its burning charity and must spread them abroad by your means." She described that His Heart was on fire and surrounded by a crown of thorns. Our Lord told her that the flames represented His love for humanity, and the thorns represented man's sinfulness and ingratitude. Jesus informed her that her mission was to establish the devotion to His Most Sacred Heart, and He revealed twelve promises that He would bestow upon all those who practice the devotion. She had three more visions over the next year and a half in which Jesus instructed her in a devotion that was to become known as the Nine Fridays. Christ also inspired Margaret Mary to establish the Holy Hour and to receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of every month. In the final revelation, the Lord asked that a feast of reparation be instituted for the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi. Blessed Claude de la Colombiere, a holy and experienced Jesuit, arrived as confessor to the nuns, and in him Margaret Mary recognized the understanding guide that had been promised to her in the visions. He became convinced that her experiences were genuine and adopted the teaching of the Sacred Heart that the visions had communicated to her. Msgr. Esseff talks about that message, what it means for us today, and how we can live it out. The post Living in the Sacred Heart of Jesus – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Msgr. Esseff begins a series of teachings on The Holy Angels.  In this episode, he discusses our GUARDIAN ANGELS. The post The Guardian Angels – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts 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.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. He describes in detail the true horror of this means of execution and what it meant to be crucified in the time of Jesus. But he also talks about the great love that God has for us in embracing the Cross for our sake and what it means for us today. A very powerful reflection. The post Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.