Are You a Faithful Servant? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff reflects on God’s promise of an eternal home, drawing from the story of Abraham as an example of trusting and following God’s word. The “promised land” given to Abraham foreshadows the true kingdom that Christ came to reveal — not an earthly territory, but eternal life in heaven. Earthly nations, possessions, and positions of authority are temporary, and those entrusted with leadership — whether in ...
Aug 10, 2025•29 min
When Was Your Transfiguration? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the mystery of the Transfiguration and its deep personal meaning for every Christian. Just as Jesus was transfigured on Mount Tabor in preparation for the suffering of Calvary, each Christian also experiences moments of radiant grace that prepare them to endure life’s inevitable trials. These moments are signs of the glory to come and serve as encouragement for the journey through suf...
Aug 06, 2025•31 min
Episode Seven – The Days of Formation – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff In this episode of Stories from the Heart , Msgr. John Esseff joins Kris McGregor to reflect on his seminary years beginning in 1945 during the final months of World War II. He recalls the rigorous training in Latin and Greek and his deep love for philosophy, which he describes as refreshing and life-giving. The writings of Thomas Aquinas and Augustine awakened a hunger in him for truth, and the structure of di...
Aug 01, 2025•41 min
Hospitality of the Heart – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff In this episode of Building a Kingdom of Love , Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the readings from Genesis and Luke, inviting listeners to rediscover the gift of hospitality and the presence of God in daily life. He begins with Abraham’s encounter with the Lord in the form of three visitors, pointing out how acts of welcome—once instinctive in many homes—have diminished in a world grown fearful and distant. Drawing from hi...
Jul 20, 2025•27 min
Episode Six – The Gift of Sisters – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff warmly recounts memories of his two sisters, Marlene and MayAnn, reflecting on the deep familial bonds that shaped his life and priesthood. He shares vivid childhood stories, such as witnessing Marlene’s birth, their mischievous adventures, and Marlene’s loyal companionship with her brothers. Marlene was a trusted confidante and a source of joy and nurturing within the family. He also recounts May...
Jun 13, 2025•42 min
The Annunciation – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the meaning of the Ascension and Pentecost, urging us to move beyond a childish, distant view of heaven. Christ’s ascension was not a departure to a far-off place, but a deeper entry into our lives through the Holy Spirit. Jesus remains present in the world through the Church and within each baptized person. Heaven is not “up there,” but within; the Trinity dwells in the heart of the faithful. The ...
Jun 01, 2025•28 min
Episode Five – Fighting the Good Fight – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his formative years growing up in a Lebanese Maronite Catholic family. He shares vivid stories of his early friendships formed around the church and school, highlighting how closely tied family, faith, and community life were in his upbringing. He recounts his experiences serving as an altar boy alongside his brother, being mentored by his father, and how boxing became both a defe...
May 30, 2025•44 min
Episode Four – Communion Found in the Little Things – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor explore the theme of discernment and the lifelong formation of a soul in relationship with God. One’s life is not defined solely by the present moment but by the totality of one’s journey, shaped by past experiences, cultural background, and the presence of God in each encounter. True discernment involves understanding both where a person has been and where God ...
May 23, 2025•33 min
Episode Three – A Grandmother’s Love, a Family’s Strength – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the often overlooked yet deeply influential role of his grandmothers in shaping his family’s legacy. He shares how his paternal grandmother, Cecilia Oland, immigrated from Lebanon and never fully learned English, communicating primarily in Arabic with her grandchildren. Despite this, she expressed deep affection for Msgr. Esseff, even using a humorous Arabic end...
May 16, 2025•33 min
Episode Two – Rooted in Faith – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff reflects on his family’s deep roots in the Maronite Catholic tradition, tracing his lineage back to Lebanon. He shares how his grandparents immigrated to Pennsylvania, where distinct ethnic enclaves formed around coal mining towns like Wilkes-Barre. He describes his grandfather’s journey from Lebanon and the strong faith that shaped his upbringing and the significance of being baptized in the Maronite...
May 09, 2025•37 min
Episode One – The Beginning… – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff In this opening episode, Monsignor John Esseff shares the deeply personal story of his family’s immigration from Lebanon to America—fleeing persecution, carrying with them a rich Catholic faith, and planting deep roots in Pennsylvania. He reflects on growing up in a multi-generational Maronite Catholic household, filled with faith, love, and quiet sacrifice. He honors his grandfather, a humble deacon and “ragman,” who l...
May 02, 2025•31 min
Who Are You? Your Catholic Identity on Divine Mercy Sunday – Building a Kingdom with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for Divine Mercy Sunday and it’s meanings for our lives. He discusses the identity of the Christian, and in particular, what it means to be a “Catholic”. From the NAB Reading 1 ACTS 5:12-16 Many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon’s portico. None of the others dared to join them, but t...
Apr 27, 2025•29 min
Happy Easter!!!! Have You Encountered Jesus? – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Join Msgr. John Esseff as he reflects on the mystery of Easter and our relationship with the Risen Christ. Gospel JN 20:1-9 “On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from th...
Apr 20, 2025•28 min
A Special Good Friday Reflection with Msgr. John Esseff – Building a Kingdom of Love Msgr. John Esseff guides listeners through a meditation on the Passion of Jesus Christ, drawing upon The Passion of the Christ film and the Stations of the Cross to help internalize Christ’s suffering. He invites the listener to not merely recall Christ’s death as a historical event, but to see it as a present and deeply personal encounter—where one’s own experiences of false accusations, humiliation, abandonmen...
Apr 18, 2025•51 min
A Special Holy Thursday Reflection – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff reflects deeply on the meaning of Holy Thursday, focusing especially on Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet and the institution of the Eucharist. He describes the foot-washing as a sign of humility and love that all Christians are called to imitate, not just toward family and friends, but especially toward enemies and those most difficult to serve. This act, performed by Christ before his P...
Apr 17, 2025•55 min
Palm Sunday: Uniting Our Pain With Christ – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff passionately proclaims the resurrection of Jesus Christ not just as a past event but as a living reality. He invites all people—regardless of background or faith tradition—to hear the Good News that Jesus has conquered death and now lives, offering eternal life and peace. Merely being baptized or identifying as a Christian isn’t enough without a personal encounter with the risen Christ...
Apr 13, 2025•28 min
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...
Apr 06, 2025•30 min
The Prodigal Son – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff Msgr. John Esseff reflects on the power of God’s mercy and the transformative grace offered through the sacrament of reconciliation, especially during Lent. Drawing from the parable of the Prodigal Son and St. Paul’s message on reconciliation, he urges anyone burdened by sin—whether hidden or known—to return to God. He shares a story of a woman who struggled to forgive herself despite confessing her sins, illustrating how many ...
Mar 30, 2025•29 min
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 openne...
Mar 25, 2025•40 min
Msgr. Esseff reflects on the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent. We are called to be 100% love. He recalls a young man named Kevin, his death, and the call to repentance and to love. Don’t be secure in your own eyes, we need to have the eyes of Christ. We need to enter into the deepest parts of hearts to encounter the healing touch of Jesus. We are not captives, we are not slaves, we are God’s children and we are called to freedom. From the NAB Gospel LK 13:1-9 Some people told Jesus about the ...
Mar 23, 2025•26 min
