Embracing God’s Will with Obedience – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Embracing God’s Will with Obedience – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the deep need for healing in the world and the importance of balancing prayer with action in the Christian life. Msgr. Esseff believes that true Christian ministry must be rooted in a solid prayer life, as actions alone, without a contemplative foundation, can lead to burnout and ineffectiveness. He critiques the focus on external religious practices, such as rituals and appearances, over the internal transformation of the heart. He uses examples to show us the importance of integrating one’s faith into both personal and communal acts of charity.

Msgr. Esseff shares a personal story about his long-standing desire to serve in Latin America, which was repeatedly denied by his bishop. This experience taught him the power of obedience to God’s will and the importance of aligning one’s desires with divine authority. He reflects on the struggle many face in balancing their commitment to serving the Church with their responsibilities to their families, and that one’s primary identity and relationship with Christ should guide all actions.

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Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. Understanding the Need for Healing: How do you recognize and address the deep internal pain that might be numbed by external distractions in your life?
2. Balancing Prayer and Action: In what ways can you ensure that your ministry and actions flow from a solid prayer life?
3. Examining External Practices: Are there external religious practices in your life that might be overshadowing the need for true interior conversion?
4. Obedience to God’s Will: How do you discern and align your personal desires with God’s will, especially when facing challenges or obstacles?
5. Integrating Faith into Daily Life: How can you better integrate your faith into both your personal life and your acts of charity towards others?
6. Balancing Family and Ministry: Are there areas in your life where your ministry or service to the Church is pulling you away from your primary responsibilities to your family?
7. Allowing God to Work Through You: How can you deepen your trust in God’s ability to act through you, rather than relying solely on your own strength and efforts?

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Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to Saint Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity. 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 Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders .

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