
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the First Sunday of Lent and the need in our lives for true prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.


Mk 1:12-15
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert,
and he remained in the desert for forty days,
tempted by Satan.
He was among wild beasts,
and the angels ministered to him.After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.


”Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

 
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. Mother Teresa.    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 Pope St. 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.    


BKL386 – The First Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Podcast

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Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast
As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.
Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”
Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…
From the Holy Gospel According to St. John 14:27-31
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you,
a peace the world cannot give,
this is my gift to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me say: I am going away, and shall return.
If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father,
for the Father is greater than I.
I have told you this now before it happens,
so that when it does happen you may believe.
I shall not talk with you any longer,
because the prince of this world is on his way.
He has no power over me,
but the world must be brought to know
that I love the Father
and that I am doing exactly what the Father told me.’
What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you,
a peace the world cannot give,
this is my gift to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me say: I am going away, and shall return.
If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father,
for the Father is greater than I.
I have told you this now before it happens,
so that when it does happen you may believe.
I shall not talk with you any longer,
because the prince of this world is on his way.
He has no power over me,
but the world must be brought to know
that I love the Father
and that I am doing exactly what the Father told me.’
What did your heart feel as you listened?
What did you sense the Lord saying to you?
Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you,
a peace the world cannot give,
this is my gift to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me say: I am going away, and shall return.
If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father,
for the Father is greater than I.
I have told you this now before it happens,
so that when it does happen you may believe.
I shall not talk with you any longer,
because the prince of this world is on his way.
He has no power over me,
but the world must be brought to know
that I love the Father
and that I am doing exactly what the Father told me.’
What touched your heart in this time of prayer?
What did your heart feel as you prayed?
What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
 but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.


Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast


St. Catherine of Siena, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

* Born: March 17, 1347, Siena, Italy
* Died: April 29, 1380, Rome
* Nationality: Italian

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss the life and teachings of St. Catherine of Siena. They highlight her maternal-like love and her profound spirituality, often likened to Mother Teresa’s. Pope Benedict XVI referred to her as a “spiritual mama” due to her embodiment of Christ’s love and willingness to suffer for others. They delve into St. Catherine’s spirituality, emphasizing her gift of tears, which Pope Benedict praised as a sign of profound sensitivity and tenderness.
They explore St. Catherine’s influence on various levels of society, from humble individuals to the Pope and entire republics. Despite her influence, St. Catherine remained grounded in prayer and humility, understanding the importance of detachment from sin and the virtues. Her writings, particularly “The Dialogue,” serve as practical guides to the spiritual life, emphasizing love, humility, and obedience.
St. Catherine’s pivotal role in urging Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy from Avignon to Rome, as well as her efforts to heal the Great Western Schism, are mentioned. Despite her failing health, St. Catherine continued to work tirelessly for the Church until her death, symbolizing her lifelong dedication and sacrifice.
Finally, they touch on the significance of Catherine’s relics and her enduring influence in both Rome and Siena. Dr. Bunson encourages listeners to explore St. Catherine’s writings and emulate her commitment to holiness and service to the Church.
For more on St. Catherine of Siena and her teachings  visit her Discerning Hearts page.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* St. Catherine’s Spiritual Maternity: How does St. Catherine’s life exemplify a maternal-like love and Christ-like compassion for others?
* The Gift of Tears: Reflect on Pope Benedict XVI’s description of St. Catherine’s “gift of tears” as a sign of profound sensitivity and tenderness. How can we cultivate a similar depth of emotion in our spiritual lives?
* Practical Spirituality: In what ways did St. Catherine balance her intense spiritual life with practical engagement in societal and political issues? How can we emulate this balance in our own lives?
* The Dialogue as a Practical Guide: Explore the practical insights offered in St. Catherine’s “The Dialogue.” How can her teachings on detachment from sin, virtues, and love be applied in our daily lives?
* Influence on Church History: Reflect on St. Catherine’s pivotal role in urging Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy to Rome. How can we, like Catherine, work to heal divisions within the Church and promote unity?
* Endurance and Sacrifice: St. Catherine continued to serve the Church tirelessly despite her failing health. How does her example inspire us to persevere in our own challenges and commitments?
* Legacy and Influence: Consider the enduring influence of St. Catherine’s relics and her impact on both Rome and Siena. How can we honor her legacy by deepening our devotion to Christ and serving others selflessly?



From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI
From the General Audience on St. Catherine of Siena
“A true and authentic spiritual family was built up around such a strong and genuine personality; people fascinated by the...

St. Catherine of Siena, Part 2 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast


St. Catherine of Siena, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson

* Born: March 17, 1347, Siena, Italy
* Died: April 29, 1380, Rome
* Nationality: Italian

Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor delve into the life of St. Catherine of Siena, a remarkable Doctor of the Church. They discuss the significance of understanding St. Catherine within the context of her upbringing in Tuscany, particularly in the vibrant city of Siena, where she was born in 1347. Growing up as the youngest of 25 children, St. Catherine was deeply influenced by her surroundings, including the prominent presence of the Dominicans in Siena. Despite her family’s expectations, she felt called to a life of prayer and contemplation from a young age, eventually joining the Dominican third order at 16.
Her spiritual journey was marked by profound mystical experiences, including a mystical marriage with Christ at age 21. Blessed Raymond of Capua, a prominent Dominican figure, became her confessor and spiritual director, validating the authenticity of her experiences and teachings. St. Catherine’s wisdom and spiritual insight attracted people from all walks of life, including kings and queens, who sought her counsel.
Throughout her life, St. Catherine remained faithful to the teachings and authority of the Church, debunking modern interpretations that paint her as a rebel against patriarchal structures. Instead, she embraced the Church’s authority and worked tirelessly for its well-being, leaving a legacy of love, service, and profound spiritual wisdom.
For more on St. Catherine of Siena and her teachings  visit her Discerning Hearts page.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* Understanding the Context: How does the setting of Tuscany and the city of Siena shape St. Catherine of Siena’s spirituality and mission?
* Early Influences and Spiritual Formation: What were some significant events in St. Catherine’s early life that contributed to her decision to join the Dominican third order at a young age?
* Mystical Experiences: Reflect on the significance of St. Catherine’s mystical marriage with Christ and its impact on her spiritual journey.
* Role of Authority and Discernment: How does Blessed Raymond of Capua’s role as St. Catherine’s confessor and spiritual director exemplify the importance of submitting to the authority of the Church in one’s spiritual life?
* Legacy and Misconceptions: Discuss the misconception of St. Catherine as a rebel against patriarchal structures in the Church and reflect on her true legacy of faithfulness and service to the Church.



From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI
From the General Audience on St. Catherine of Siena
“Today I would like to talk to you about a woman who played an eminent role in the history of the Church: St Catherine of Siena. The century in which she lived — the 14th — was a troubled period in the life of the Church and throughout the social context of Italy and Europe. Yet, even in the most difficult times, the Lord does not cease to bless his People, bringing forth Saints who give a jolt to minds and hearts, provoking conversion and renewal.
Catherine is one of these and still today speaks to us and impels us to walk courageously toward holiness to be ever more fully disciples of the Lord.
Born in Siena in 1347, into a very large family, she died in Rome in 1380. When Catherine was 16 years old, motivated by a vision of St Dominic,

St. Catherine of Siena, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast


St. Catherine of Siena: Passion for Truth – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles
Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss St. Catherine of Siena’s life and teachings. Born in 14th-century Italy during the Black Death, she dedicated herself to helping the sick and bringing peace. St. Catherine’s mystical experiences led to profound writings, emphasizing love, humility, discernment, and reliance on God’s mercy; and aligning actions with God’s will and cautioned against seeking spiritual consolations for personal gratification. St. Catherine’s insights into the spiritual life earned her recognition as a doctor of the Church.

Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:

* St. Catherine’s Life and Context: How does St. Catherine’s life during the Black Death era reflect her commitment to serving others amid adversity?
* Mystical Experiences and Writings: What insights can we gain from St. Catherine’s mystical encounters with God and her profound writings, such as “The Dialogue”?
* Virtue of Charity and Discretion: How does St. Catherine’s emphasis on charity and discretion challenge us to prioritize love in our actions and discern God’s will in our daily lives?
* Humility and Self-Knowledge: In what ways can we emulate St. Catherine’s humility and self-knowledge, acknowledging our sins and their impact on others?
* Surrendering to God’s Will: How can we apply St. Catherine’s teachings on surrendering to God’s will and resisting the temptation to seek spiritual consolations for personal gratification?
* The Father’s Love and Mercy: Reflecting on St. Catherine’s understanding of God’s love and mercy, how can we deepen our trust in God’s forgiveness and embrace His will with humility and love?


From Dr. Lilles’ “Beginning to Pray”  blog site:
Catherine of Siena: Passion for Truth

“She is an important figure for those who see a rediscovery of prayer as the force of renewal in the Church. Because she put her devotion to Christ first, she found herself with a spiritual mission to help restore the life and unity of Christ’s body. Some of her efforts met with a little success. But as she approached her death at the age of 33, her lifetime of effort in building up the Church seemed to be in vain. Corruption, scandal, cowardice – and most of all indifference – seemed to infect the Church even more. (For more on her life, go tohttp://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03447a.htm.) Yet she never lost hope and she persevered in prayer. This is because she understood the love and mercy of God.
She was uneducated, but in 1377, by a miracle, she learned to write. Even so she retained secretaries to whom she dictated most of her thoughts. Her master work on the spiritual life is known as the Dialogues. These are conversations between her soul and God the Father. God the Father reveals his deep love for his Son and his plan to build up the Church. One of the beautiful aspects of this conversation is the Father’s explanation for how each soul can come to know Jesus.
Christ is the bridge to the Father and we cross this bridge by allowing our hearts to be pierced by what the Lord has done for us. The passion of Christ reveals at once the truth about who God is and who we are in his sight. For her, among the greatest blocks to the spiritual life is ignorance. Knowledge of God and knowledge of self go hand in hand in progressing toward spiritual maturity.

BTP22 – St. Catherine of Siena: Passion for Truth – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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From the dialogue On Divine Providence by Saint Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor

Saint Catherine of Siena
Eternal God, eternal Trinity, you have made the blood of Christ so precious through his sharing in your divine nature. You are a mystery as deep as the sea; the more I search, the more I find, and the more I find the more I search for you. But I can never be satisfied; what I receive will ever leave me desiring more. When you fill my soul I have an even greater hunger, and I grow more famished for your light. I desire above all to see you, the true light, as you really are.
I have tasted and seen the depth of your mystery and the beauty of your creation with the light of my understanding. I have clothed myself with your likeness and have seen what I shall be. Eternal Father, you have given me a share in your power and the wisdom that Christ claims as his own, and your Holy Spirit has given me the desire to love you. You are my Creator, eternal Trinity, and I am your creature. You have made of me a new creation in the blood of your Son, and I know that you are moved with love at the beauty of your creation, for you have enlightened me.
Eternal Trinity, Godhead, mystery deep as the sea, you could give me no greater gift than the gift of yourself. For you are a fire ever burning and never consumed, which itself consumes all the selfish love that fills my being. Yes, you are a fire that takes away the coldness, illuminates the mind with its light and causes me to know your truth. By this light, reflected as it were in a mirror, I recognise that you are the highest good, one we can neither comprehend nor fathom. And I know that you are beauty and wisdom itself. The food of angels, you gave yourself to man in the fire of your love.
You are the garment which covers our nakedness, and in our hunger you are a satisfying food, for you are sweetness and in you there is no taste of bitterness, O triune God!


Let us pray.
Almighty God, you made Saint Catherine of Siena
a contemplative lover of the Lord’s sufferings
and an ardent servant of your church.
Grant through her prayer
that your people may be united to Christ in his mystery,
and rejoice for ever in the revelation of his glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Excerpts from the English translation of The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.


BKL386 – The First Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Podcast

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