Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts
Msgr. John Esseff with Kris McGregor
20 episodes
2 weeks ago
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 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 Blessed 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 Bl. 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 and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.
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Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 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 Blessed 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 Bl. 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 and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.
The Gift of Nothing: Finding Everything in the Eucharist – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts
29 minutes 9 seconds
2 months ago
The Gift of Nothing: Finding Everything in the Eucharist – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast
In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love, Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor reflect on the meaning of “nothing” through a children’s story, The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell. They discuss how true humility allows us to recognize that what we have on our own is “nothing,” but when united with God, that “nothing” becomes filled with His infinite love and possibility.
The heart of their reflection centers on the Eucharist. Though it may appear outwardly as “nothing”—simple bread and wine—it is in fact the very presence of Christ, the Bread of Life. Msgr. Esseff shares that only through deep intimacy with Jesus in the Eucharist can people truly experience healing, love, and transformation. Without that personal encounter, many fail to realize the profound gift being offered.
They explore how Eucharistic adoration opens the way to intimacy with God, helping the soul hear Christ’s words: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.” This love is not abstract but deeply personal, allowing individuals to find their true worth and extend that love to family, friends, and even those most difficult to love.
The conversation also touches on the fears people have of surrendering fully to God—fearing loss of self—when in truth, giving God “nothing” allows Him to fill us with “everything.” They use the image of nuclear power to describe how Christ’s presence in the Eucharist radiates divine fire into the soul, turning a person into a living source of grace for others.
Finally, they connect this with real life: intimacy with Jesus enables transformation in marriages, families, parishes, and society. Without this living encounter, many Catholics remain stagnant, but with it, hearts are healed and renewed. The call is clear: return to the Eucharist, adore Him, and allow His love to ignite every part of life.
Discerning Hearts Spiritual Reflection Questions:
How does the story of The Gift of Nothing invite you to reflect on the meaning of humility in your own life?
What does it mean to recognize that, apart from God, we have “nothing,” yet with Him we receive “everything”?
How do you personally experience intimacy with Christ in the Eucharist or in Eucharistic adoration?
What fears or attachments might keep you from fully surrendering to God’s love?
When have you felt God speak to you personally with the words: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you” (John 15:9)?
How can the Eucharist transform not only your own heart but also your relationships with family, friends, or those who are difficult to love?
What practical step can you take this week to deepen your devotion to the Eucharist and allow Christ’s love to radiate through you to others?
Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th 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 Blessed 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 Bl. 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 and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.
