The Fifth Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast
Summary: The Fifth Sunday of Lent – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff<br> For the fifth Sunday of Lent, Msgr. Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the Lazarus story from John’s Gospel, emphasizing belief in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit’s role in baptism. Msgr. Esseff reminds listeners the need for a deep spiritual journey in the RCIA process, not just education. They reflect on the creed’s affirmation of the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying power and hope for a renewed understanding of the Church’s holiness.<br> <br> Discerning Hearts reflection questions for this episode:<br> <br> * Belief in Jesus Christ: How does the story of Lazarus reinforce the importance of belief in Jesus Christ as the resurrection and the life?<br> * Role of the Holy Spirit in Baptism: What role does the Holy Spirit play in the baptismal journey, according to Msgr. Esseff’s teachings on the podcast?<br> * Depth of Spiritual Journey in RCIA: Reflecting on the dangers of an overly educational approach in the RCIA process, how can we ensure a deeper spiritual journey for those preparing for baptism?<br> * Renunciation of Sin and Examination of Soul: How does the podcast suggest that the examination of the soul and renunciation of sin are integral parts of the baptismal journey?<br> * Affirmation of the Creed and the Holy Spirit: Discuss the significance of the creed’s affirmation of the Holy Spirit’s role in revealing sin, driving out death, and sanctifying believers.<br> * Hope for Renewed Understanding of the Church’s Holiness: In what ways can we foster a renewed understanding of the Church as holy, Catholic, and apostolic, as discussed in the podcast’s conclusion?<br> <br> <br> Taken from Gospel of St. John Chapter 11:<br> <br> The Death of Lazarus<br> 11 Now a certain man was ill, Laz′arus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Laz′arus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.”<br> 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Laz′arus. 6 So when he heard that he was ill, he stayed two days longer[<a title="See footnote a" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11%3A1-45&version=RSVCE#fen-RSVCE-30693a">a</a>] in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go into Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any one walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if any one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 Thus he spoke, and then he said to them, “Our friend Laz′arus has fallen asleep, but I go to awake him out of sleep.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Laz′arus is dead; 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”<br> Jesus the Resurrection and the Life<br> 17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Laz′arus[<a title="See footnote b" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11%3A1-45&version=RSVCE#fen-RSVCE-30704b">b</a>] had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles[<a title="See footnote c" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11%3A1-45&version=RSVCE#fen-RSVCE-30705c">c</a>]o...
