April 06, 2025

The Fifth Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

29 minutes

The Fifth Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff explores the Gospel passage of the woman caught in adultery and Christ’s merciful response in contrast to the harsh judgment of the Pharisees. He invites us to recognize their own sinfulness and brokenness rather than focusing on the faults of others. Jesus alone offers the healing and transformation that leads to holiness. The encounter is not just about avoiding judgment but about experiencing a deep personal union with Christ, who refuses to condemn and instead offers freedom and a new beginning.

Lent is portrayed as a journey of letting go of self-reliance and past failures, and stepping into deeper trust and hope in Jesus. He cautions against the traps of envy, unforgiveness, and despair, which can hinder one’s growth in union with God. Through the sacraments and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, one is drawn more fully into the life of Christ, who alone is righteousness and peace.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How do I respond when confronted with the sins of others—do I seek mercy or judgment?

In what ways have I failed to recognize my own need for Christ’s healing and forgiveness?

What areas of my life still resist full union with Jesus?

Do I cling to past sins and failures, or do I trust in God’s power to transform me?

Am I envious of the blessings others receive instead of rejoicing in them as gifts to the Body of Christ?

How have I allowed fear or anxiety to overshadow my trust in God’s providence?

Do I truly believe that Christ alone is my righteousness and not my personal efforts?

When was the last time I allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal the deeper wounds in my heart?

Have I used the sacrament of Reconciliation this Lent to bring my brokenness to Christ?

How can I grow in the peace and serenity that come from a deeper relationship with Jesus?

From the NAB Gospel LK 15:1-3, 11-32

“Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,

but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,

“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

So to them Jesus addressed this parable:

“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,

‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’

So the father divided the property between them.

After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings

and set off to a distant country

where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.

When he had freely spent everything,

a severe famine struck that country,

and he found himself in dire need.

So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens

who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.

And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed,

but nobody gave him any.

Coming to his senses he thought,

‘How many of my father’s hired workers

have more than enough food to eat,

but here am I, dying from hunger.

I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him,

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

I no longer deserve to be called your son;

treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’

So he got up and went back to his father.

While he was still a long way off,

his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.

He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.

His son said to him,

‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;

I no longer deserve to be called your son.’

But his father ordered his servants,

‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him;

put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.

Then let us celebrate with a feast,

because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;

he was lost, and has been found.’

Then the celebration began.

Now the older son had been out in the field

and, on his way back, as he neared the house,

he heard the sound of music and dancing.

He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.

The servant said to him,

‘Your brother has returned

and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf

because he has him back safe and sound.’

He became angry,

and when he refused to enter the house,

his father came out and pleaded with him.

He said to his father in reply,

‘Look, all these years I served you

and not once did I disobey your orders;

yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.

But when your son returns

who swallowed up your property with prostitutes,

for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’

He said to him,

‘My son, you are here with me always;

everything I have is yours.

But now we must celebrate and rejoice,

because your brother was dead and has come to life again;

he was lost and has been found.’””

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

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