March 25, 2025

The Annunciation – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

40 minutes

The Annunciation – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the Feast of the Annunciation, which falls in the heart of Lent. He shares how personal and significant this date is to him, as it marks the wedding anniversary of his parents. Their story, including seeking a dispensation to marry during Lent and defying an arranged marriage, mirrors the boldness and surrender exemplified by Mary’s own “yes” to God; drawing a connection between Mary’s total openness to God’s will and the Lenten call to deeper prayer, sacrifice, and discernment. Mary’s response to the angel, her understanding of Scripture, and her unwavering virginity reflect a soul in perfect union with God’s purpose.

Msgr. Esseff explores the moment of the Annunciation as a profound revelation—not only of Mary’s divine motherhood but also of the Trinity. The Father sends the Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit, marking the incarnation of God’s Word in the womb of one who had already received that Word in her heart. Her fiat—”Let it be done to me according to your word”—becomes the model of perfect prayer and surrender. He invites us to ponder God’s will in their daily lives as Mary did, suggesting that prayer is not about asking but about receiving and responding.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How does Mary’s “yes” to God challenge me to trust more deeply in His will for my life?

In what ways can I better listen to God in prayer as Mary did during the Annunciation?

Do I invite the Holy Spirit to help me discern God’s will in my daily decisions?

How does Mary’s example teach me about the meaning and purpose of obedience in the spiritual life?

What role does Scripture play in helping me understand and respond to God’s call, as it did for Mary?

How can I offer my own body, time, and choices to God like Mary offered herself?

In the midst of Lent, how is God inviting me to deeper union with Him through prayer and sacrifice?

What can I learn from Mary’s silence and pondering heart about interior prayer and reflection?

How does the mystery of the Trinity revealed at the Annunciation shape my understanding of who God is?

What does Mary’s life teach me about saying “yes” to God even when the path is uncertain?

From the NAB Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel,

“How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?”

And the angel said to her in reply,

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy, the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word.”

Then the angel departed from her.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as 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 worldwide. 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 continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters, seminarians, and other religious leaders worldwide.

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