Discerning Hearts

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Msgr.-John-Esseff6-256x300.jpg) Msgr. Esseff shares some of the experience from the on-going seminarian retreat in Cleveland, OH. He reflects on the gospel reading which presents the teaching of Jesus about how it is easier for a camel to pass t(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Come-follow-me-300x198.jpg)hrough the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. What are we to make of that? How attached are we to our "things" and money? What holds us bound? How do we obtain authentic freedom? What is the unique surrender of the priest? What is the gift?

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Keating-22-293x300.jpg)Episode 2 Salvation Begins Now: Last Things First -  What is  Death?  Why do we fail to contemplate it's truth...why do we fear it?  What is Purgatory?  Why is there a need for final purgation? From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Christ-300x198.jpg) Deacon James Keating, PhD, the director of Theological Formation for the Institute for Priestly Formation, located at Creighton University, in Omaha.     (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IPF_logo-small.jpg) For more information on the "Institute of Priestly (http://www.creighton.edu/ipf/)Formation" and for oth (http://www.creighton.edu/ipf/)er material available by Deacon Keating, just click here (http://www.creighton.edu/ipf/) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Communion-with-Christ.bmp) Don't forget to pickup a copy of "Communion with Christ" , it is on (https://secure.ipfpublications.com/Products.asp?CategoryList=AudioBooks)e of the best (https://secure.ipfpublications.com/Products.asp?CategoryList=AudioBooks) audio sets on prayer...ever! (https://secure.ipfpublications.com/Products.asp?CategoryList=AudioBooks) Check out Deacon Keating's "Discerning Heart" page (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=624)

USCCA18 Chapter 17 part 2- The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Christian Life (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Archbisop-George-Lucas.jpg) Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 17: The consecrated bread has become Christ’s Body. The consecrated wine has become Christ’s Blood. Jesus Christ is substantially present in a way that is entirely unique. This happens by the power of the Holy Spirit through the ministry of the priest’s or bishop’s acting in the person of Christ during the Eucharistic Prayer. At Mass, when we are offered the Host and hear the statement “The Body of Christ,” we answer, “Amen,” that is, “Yes, I believe.” The Most Reverend George J. Lucas leads the Archdiocese of Omaha.  For other episodes in the visit our Archbishop George Luca (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=7136)s page This programs is based on: (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/United-States-Catechism-for.jpg) More information can be found here (http://www.usccbpublishing.org/productdetails.cfm?sku=5-450). We wish to thank the USCCB for the permissions granted for use of  relevant material used in this series. Also we wish to thank Susan Adams  for her vocal talents in this episode.

Episode 16 - Seeking Truth with Sharon Doran, hosted by Bruce McGregor on his KVSS  program "The Ninth Hour".   Ep 16 - The Virginity of the The Blessed Virgin Mary,(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Sharon-239x300.jpg)   Sharon Doran serves as the teaching director of “Seeking Truth.” An experienced Bible Study teacher, Sharon has a passion forscripture that will motivate and challenge you to immerse yourself in God’s Word and apply His message to your every day life.   (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Mary-and-Child-232x300.jpg)Episode 16 - Sharon and Bruce discuss the perpetual virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  How is this possible? What is the significance of Mary's silence after the annunciation? Why is the Virgin Birth so important?What do the Church Fathers have to say about this?  Where is all this found in Sacred Scripture?   (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/header.jpg)“Seeking Truth” is an in depth Catholic Bible Study, commissioned by the Archdiocese of Omaha in response to John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization as well as Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation for all Catholics to study scripture. To learn more go to:www.seekingtruth.net (www.seekingtruth.net)

Show 13 " Building a Kingdom of Love" – How does the Bread of Life help those who suffer addictions?  Addictions take on many forms...drinking, eating, gambling, work, shopping, even self-absorption.  Part of the recovery is to realize they are bigger than we are and the only healing that can truly come is from the Divine Physician, the Bread of Life...Jesus Christ! (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Msgr.-John-Esseff10-256x300.jpg) Msgr. Esseff reflects on Jn 6: 51-58 Jesus said to the crowds: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever." -NAB 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.      (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Building-A-Kingdom-of-Love-.jpg)   To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff's book byvisiting here (http://www.msgrjohnesseff.net/?page_id=736)   Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff's website "Building a Kingdom of  Love (http://msgrjohnesseff.net)"  

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and it's meaning for our lives and destiny. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Msgr.-John-Esseff4-256x300.jpg) He brings forth from the liturgy of the day the Sacred Scripture a teaching which begins with fall of man, but the redemption brought about by Jesus Christ.  And because of His Resurrection, death has no power over us.  He (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Assumption-10-244x300.jpg)explains this by sharing the death of his own sister and the prayer of his mother.  Msgr. Esseff explains Mary sinlessness as the Immaculate Conception and the purpose of the Assumption.  He discusses Chap. 12 of the Book of Revelation, as well as Our Lady of Guadalupe and Fatima and the message for us today.  Msgr. Esseff talks about our struggles with death, not only our own, but also those of our loved ones.  How we hold on sometimes to tightly to those we should let go to the Father, because of our own fears and desires...and possibly our selfishness.  We need to remember  the joys of Eternal Life and the role of Mary, our Mother, who helps us with the transition.  Be not afraid!

(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Assumption-9.jpg)Lord Jesus Christ, You have destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life in body and soul. You granted your Mother a special place in your glory, and did not allow decay to touch her body. As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary, give to us a renewed confidence in the victory of life over death. You live and reign forever and ever. Amen Day 9 O Blessed Mother Assumed into Heaven, after years of heroic martyrdom on earth, we rejoice that you have at last been taken to the throne prepared for you in Heaven by the Holy Trinity. Lift our hearts with you in the glory of your Assumption above the dreadful touch of sin and impurity. Teach us how small earth becomes when viewed from heaven. Make us realize that death is the triumphant gate through which we shall pass to your Son and that someday our bodies shall rejoin our souls in the unending bliss of heaven. From this earth, over which we tread as pilgrims, we look to you for help. In honor of your Assumption into Heaven we ask for this favor. (mention your request) When our hour of death has come, lead us safely to the presence of Jesus to enjoy the vision of God for all eternity together with you. Pray for us O Queen Assumed into Heaven, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

"His mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation" an excerpt from today's reflection by Don Schwager:(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Assumption-300x180.jpg) How strong is your hope in the promises of God? Mary is a model of faith and hope for us. And she is among "the first-fruits" of "all those who belong to Jesus" and who share in his triumph (1 Corinthians15:20-24). There is a venerable tradition dating back to the early church which marks Mary's "falling asleep" (Feast of Dormition in many Eastern churches) and her heavenly birthday when she was received into heaven. Her reception into heaven is seen as a sign to all believing Christians of the promise Jesus made that we too would be received into paradise. At the last supper Jesus told his disciples that he would prepare a place for them in his Father's house. "And when I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:3). What enabled Mary to grow in faith and to persevere in hope in the face of obstacles and trials? The Gospel of Luke reveals the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in Mary's life. When Elizabeth and Mary greeted one another they were filled with the Holy Spirit and with a joyful anticipation of the fulfilment of God's promise to give a Savior. John the Baptist, even before the birth of the Messiah, pointed to his coming and leapt for joy in the womb of his mother as the Holy Spirit revealed to him the presence of the King to be born. The Holy Spirit is God's gift to us to enable us to know and experience the indwelling presence of God and the power of his kingdom. The Holy Spirit is the way in which God reigns within each of us. Mary accepted her mission with uncompromising faith and obedience. She acted with unwavering trust and faith because she believed that God would fulfill the word he had spoken. Her great hymn of praise echoes the song of Hannah (see 1 Samuel 2:1-10) and proclaims the favor of the Lord: God exalts the lowly and he fills the hungry. The Holy Spirit is ever ready to renew your faith and hope in God's promises and to make you strong in love for God and your neighbor. Do you live in the joy and confidence of God's indwelling presence with you through his Holy Spirit? "Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me joy in seeking you more closely. Increase my faith in all your promises, my hope in the joys of heaven, and my love for You as my All." for the full reflection visit : Daily Reading and Meditation (http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings/aug15.htm)

Episode 16- Regnum Novum: Bringing forth the New Evangelization through Catholic Social Teaching with Omar Gutierrez(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Omar-Gutierrez-1.bmp) - Bl. John XXIII , Pacem in Terras (Peace on Earth) and the Natural Law (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/procession_800x600.jpg) We live at a very special time. The confluence of many things has brought forth the clear need to be able to articulate the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church in a way that is accessible and applicable. This is not to be an effort where high-minded theories are to be bandied about. Rather, this is a time of opportunity wherein we can apply the Social Doctrine to the concrete so as to bring about a New Kingdom, a Revolution. - Omar G. (http://www.regnumnovum.com/socialdoctrine/) Pacem in Terris (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_xxiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_j-xxiii_enc_11041963_pacem_en.html)(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pope-john-xxiii.jpg) (Peace on Earth) was a papal encyclical issued by Pope John XXIII on 11 April 1963.       Also visit Omar's "Discerning Hearts" page Catholic Social Teaching 101 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=40)

Lord Jesus Christ, You have destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life in body and soul. You granted your Mother a special place in your glory, and did not allow decay to touch her body. As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary, give to us a renewed confidence in the victory of life over death. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Assumption-8-245x300.jpg)You live and reign forever and ever. Amen Day 8 Mary, Queen Assumed into Heaven, we rejoice that you are the Queen of Heaven and Earth. You have given your holy fiat to God and became the Mother of our Savior. Obtain peace and salvation for us through your prayers, for you have given birth to Christ our Lord, the Savior of all mankind. Intercede for us and bring our petitions before the Throne of God. (mention your request) Through your prayers, may our souls be filled with an intense desire to be like you, a humble vessel of the Holy Spirit and a servant of the Almighty God. Pray for us O Queen Assumed into Heaven, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

St. Maximus the Confessor (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/mikeaquilina-11.jpg)lived approx. 500 years after Hippolytus.  He is one of the last fathers of the Church  and is consider one of the first of her doctors.  A beautiful writer and homelist he said this once: The sun of justice, rising into the clean mind, reveals Himself and the reasons of all that He created and will create. Love defeats those three: self-deception, because she is not proud; Interior envy, because she is not jealous; Exterior envy, because she is generous and serene. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/St.-Maximus-236x300.jpg)All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are inside our hearts hidden. Faith without love does not act in the soul the illumination of the divine knowledge. When the mind receives the ideas of things, by its nature is transformed according to each and every idea. If it sees the things spiritually, it is transfigured in many ways according to each vision. But if the mind becomes in God, then it becomes totally shapeless and formless, because seeing Him who has one face it comes to have one face and then the whole mind becomes a face of light.- taken from Speech on Love

An anti-pope (and a great liturgist...it figures doesn't it) who is considered a father of the Church and a saint. God's great (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/mikeaquilina-1.jpg)mercy knows no bounds! How does someone who was a self proclaimed pope (and considered the first (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/St.-Hippolytus.jpg)anti-pope in Church history) become a saint? The story of St. Hippolytus is a fascinating one. A greek-speaking priest who who lived in the late 100's - early 200's; his writings on the Eucharistic liturgy are some of the most beautiful of all time. Check him out Mike Aquilina's great blog The Ways of the Fathers (http://www.fathersofthechurch.com/) For more audio from Mike's visit his Discerning Hearts page (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=7487)

Lord Jesus Christ, You have destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life in body and soul. You granted your Mother a special place in your glory, and did not allow decay to touch her body. As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary, give to us a renewed confidence in the victory of life over death. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Assumption-71.jpg)You live and reign forever and ever. Amen Day 7 Mary, Queen of every heart, accept all that we are and bind us to Jesus with the bonds of love, that we may be yours forever and may be able to say in all truth: “I belong to Jesus through Mary”. Our Mother, Assumed into Heaven and Queen of the Universe, ever-Virgin Mother of God, obtain for us what we ask for if it be for the glory of God and the good of our souls. (mention your request) Our Mother, assumed into Heaven, we love you. Give us a greater love for Jesus and for you. O Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, You have destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life in body and soul. You granted your Mother a special place in your glory, and did not allow decay to touch her body. As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary, give to us a renewed confidence in the victory of (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Assumption-6.jpg)life over death. You live and reign forever and ever. Amen   Day 6 Mary, our dear Mother and mighty Queen, take and receive our poor hearts with all their freedom and desires, all the love and all the virtues and graces with which they may be adorned. All we are and all we might be, all we have and hold in the order of nature as well as of grace, we have received from God through your loving intercession. Help us dear Mother to surrender to God all that we have including our petitions. (mention your request) Our Lady and Queen, into your gentle hands, we entrust all, that it may be returned to its noble origin. O Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Amen.

Show 12 " Building a Kingdom of Love" – Why do those who trust in God sometimes suffer? Msgr. Esseff then addresses the issue of trust in the Lord as an expression in our faith...even when it's hard (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Msgr.-John-Esseff10-256x300.jpg) Msgr. Esseff reflects on Hab 1:12-2:4 Are you not from eternity, O LORD, my holy God, immortal? O LORD, you have marked him for judgment, O Rock, you have readied him punishment! Too pure are your eyes to look upon evil, and the sight of misery you cannot endure. Why, then, do you gaze on the faithless in silence while the wicked man devours one more just than himself? You have made man like the fish of the sea, like creeping things without a ruler. He brings them all up with his hook, he hauls them away with his net, He gathers them in his seine; and so he rejoices and exults. Therefore he sacrifices to his net, and burns incense to his seine; for thanks to them his portion is generous, and his repast sumptuous. Shall he, then, keep on brandishing his sword to slay peoples without mercy? (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Cross-1.jpg)I will stand at my guard post, and station myself upon the rampart, And keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what answer he will give to my complaint. Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision Clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. The rash man has no integrity; but the just man, because of his faith, shall live. -NAB 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.      (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Building-A-Kingdom-of-Love-.jpg)   To obtain a copy of Msgr. Esseff's book byvisiting here (http://www.msgrjohnesseff.net/?page_id=736)   Be sure to visit Msgr. Esseff's website "Building a Kingdom of  Love (http://msgrjohnesseff.net)"