The Urgency of Jesus Message to the World Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff Discerning Hearts Podcasts

Published: Jan. 21, 2024, 9:27 a.m.

b'The Urgency of Jesus’ Message to the World
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\\nIn this podcast episode, Monsignor John Esseff emphasizes the urgency of Jesus’ message to the world. Monsignor Esseff, reflects on the importance of responding immediately to Jesus’ call for deeper commitment and repentance. Drawing on biblical passages, he highlights the stories of disciples who left everything to follow Jesus with immediacy.
\\nHe shares personal anecdotes, including a fire alarm experience and a plane incident involving his brother, to illustrate the significance of responding promptly to God’s call. Monsignor Esseff urges listeners, whether they are sinners, holy individuals, or those with hardened hearts, to heed Jesus’ invitation to repentance and love.
\\nThe podcast stresses the need for an immediate response to Jesus’ call in the present moment, emphasizing that the time for salvation is now. Monsignor Esseff encourages listeners to embrace a deeper union with Jesus and to let go of anything hindering their response to God’s love. The episode concludes with a reference to Saint Margaret Mary’s revelation, emphasizing the intimate and enduring nature of union with Jesus.
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\\nDiscerning Hearts Reflection Questions:
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\\n* How do you personally respond to the concept of urgency in Monsignor Esseff’s message? Do you feel a sense of immediacy in your own spiritual journey?
\\n* Reflect on a time in your life when you felt a strong call or invitation from God. How did you respond, and what impact did it have on your spiritual life?
\\n* Monsignor Esseff mentions the story of disciples abandoning their boats to follow Jesus immediately. Are there aspects of your life that you find challenging to let go of in order to follow Christ more closely?
\\n* Consider the examples of individuals with hardened hearts, such as the reference to hating Protestants. Are there areas in your own heart that need conversion or a deeper openness to God’s love?
\\n* How do you interpret the idea of union with Jesus in the context of this episode? What does it mean for you to be in intimate communion with Christ?
\\n* Reflect on the personal anecdotes shared by Monsignor Esseff, particularly the experiences involving fire alarms and a plane incident. How do these stories resonate with your own understanding of responding to God’s call?
\\n* In light of the urgency emphasized in the episode, are there areas in your life where you feel a need for repentance and a closer alignment with Jesus’ teachings?
\\n* Consider the message of love and new life that Jesus brings. How can you practically open your heart to allow Jesus to bring about newness and transformation in your life?
\\n* Saint Margaret Mary’s revelation involves feeling the thorns in Jesus’ heart. How does this imagery impact your understanding of the depth of God’s love? How can you draw closer to Jesus despite the challenges?
\\n* Reflect on the final thought about the joy of hearing God’s voice and responding to it. What practices or attitudes in your life contribute to a joyful response to God’s call?
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\\nGospel
\\nMk 1:14-20
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\\nAfter John had been arrested,
\\nJesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
\\n\\u201cThis is the time of fulfillment.
\\nThe kingdom of God is at hand.
\\nRepent, and believe in the gospel.\\u201d
\\nAs he passed by the Sea of Galilee,
\\nhe saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;
\\nthey were fishermen.
\\nJesus said to them,
\\n\\u201cCome after me, and I will make you fishers of men.\\u201d
\\nThen they abandoned their nets and followed him.
\\nHe walked along a little farther
\\nand saw James, the son of Zebedee,'