St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Msgr. John Esseff - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

St. Therese, the Little Flower – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the spirituality and life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower.” Msgr. Esseff reflects on the humble, childlike simplicity and profound love that characterized St. Thérèse’s life. Although she lived a hidden existence in a Carmelite convent and died at the age of 24, she transformed everyday moments into acts of sacrificial love for God, even embracing small annoyances and difficult people as opportunities for spiritual growth.

Her life challenges modern notions of success, showing that prayer, humility, and love for others can lead to spiritual greatness. St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” of love and trust in God has inspired countless people, and she is recognized as a patroness of missions, despite never leaving her convent. Msgr. Esseff shares personal stories of her intercession and the miraculous signs people receive, such as roses, when invoking her in prayer.

Childlike innocence, humility, and prayer are important in the Christian life. St. Thérèse’s example is presented as a model for living with love, simplicity, and faith in God’s hidden work, encouraging us to embrace prayer and spiritual intercession in our lives.

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Discerning Hearts Discussion Questions

1. The Value of Hiddenness in Spiritual Life
   How can I embrace the hidden and ordinary moments of my life as opportunities to grow in love and holiness, following St. Thérèse’s example?
2. Transforming Annoyances into Love
   Am I willing to see everyday frustrations and difficult relationships as occasions for offering sacrificial love to God?
3. Childlike Simplicity and Trust
   Do I approach God with the trust, humility, and simplicity of a child, as Jesus teaches in the Gospel?
4. Prayer and Intercession in My Life
   How can I deepen my reliance on prayer and the intercession of the saints and angels in my daily challenges and decisions?
5. Defining True Success and Attractiveness
   Do I seek recognition and approval from the world, or do I strive to cultivate inner beauty and virtue through humility and love for others?

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Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. 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 Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the poor. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests, sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders around the world.

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