The Good Shepherd and St. Pio – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast
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In this reflective episode of *Building a Kingdom of Love*, Monsignor John Esseff explores the Gospel of John’s portrayal of Jesus as the Good Shepherd during the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Drawing from Scripture, particularly the Acts of the Apostles and St. John’s First Letter, he emphasizes how the post-Pentecost Church continues Christ’s mission through healing, preaching, and martyrdom. Monsignor Esseff calls listeners to recognize their vocation as shepherds—whether as parents, teachers, priests, or laypeople—charged with protecting and guiding others with sacrificial love. He powerfully contrasts the true shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep, with the hireling who flees at danger, urging spiritual vigilance in a world increasingly hostile to Christian values. The reflection culminates in a moving prayer to St. Padre Pio, invoking his intercession for healing and a renewed devotion to the crucified Christ, the ultimate symbol of divine love and redemption.
You are called to be a shepherd in your daily life—whether as a parent, teacher, or leader—by loving and protecting those entrusted to you.
The Church is Christ in the world today; through baptism, we participate in His mission of healing, preaching, and suffering.
True discipleship is marked not by role or title, but by intimate relationship: 'I know my sheep and my sheep know me.'
The cross is the only true sign of salvation; we must reclaim its centrality in a culture that has replaced it with other symbols.
Jesus invites you back with a gentle voice—through prayer, sacraments, and the Holy Spirit—offering healing and a return to grace.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Mission of Discerning Hearts
The episode opens with a call to support the mission of Discerning Hearts through donations and prayers, introducing the host and guest, Monsignor John Esseff, a priest with deep ties to St. Teresa of Calcutta and St. Padre Pio.
The Church as Christ in the World: Post-Pentecost Power
“The church is Christ in the world in the first century, which is the Acts of the Apostles. That's what the church is from the moment of baptism.”
The Good Shepherd: Love, Identity, and Sacrifice
“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me. The voice of the good shepherd is always calling his sheep.”
Shepherding in a Dark World: Protecting the Vulnerable
“The kind of little lambs who are now being slaughtered, the unborn. The kind of little lambs who are the elderly, who are now being euthanized.”
The Intimacy of Christ: Eating His Flesh, Drinking His Blood
“I want to be so one with you, that through you, your children will come, because I want to make you father of a family, teacher of children, coach of the year, a good shepherd with me.”
“I want to be so one with you, that through you, your children will come, because I want to make you father of a family, teacher of children, coach of the year, a good shepherd with me.”
“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me. The voice of the good shepherd is always calling his sheep.”
“The kind of little lambs who are now being slaughtered, the unborn. The kind of little lambs who are the elderly, who are now being euthanized.”
Host
Guest
Jesus Christ
person
St. Padre Pio
person
Monsignor John Esseff
person
Holy Spirit
person
Discerning Hearts
organization
Acts of the Apostles
book
John 10
book
St. John's First Letter
book
St. Teresa of Calcutta
person
Pope St. John Paul II
person
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