The Good Shepherd and St. Pio – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Discerning Hearts - Catholic Podcasts27mApril 26, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

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.

Key Takeaways
1

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.

2

The Church is Christ in the world today; through baptism, we participate in His mission of healing, preaching, and suffering.

3

True discipleship is marked not by role or title, but by intimate relationship: 'I know my sheep and my sheep know me.'

4

The cross is the only true sign of salvation; we must reclaim its centrality in a culture that has replaced it with other symbols.

5

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

Chapters
0:00
5 min

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.

4:30
6 min

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.

Highlight
10:00
8 min

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.

Highlight
18:00
8 min

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.

Highlight
26:00
8 min

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.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
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.
Jesus (via Monsignor Esseff)17:56
Viral: 92.0
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.
Jesus (via Monsignor Esseff)13:40
Viral: 90.0
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.
Monsignor John Esseff12:21
Viral: 88.0
Speakers

Host

Chris McGregor

Guest

Monsignor John Esseff
Topics Discussed
The Good Shepherd95%The Church as Christ in the World90%Sacramental Life and the Eucharist88%The Cross and Redemption87%Spiritual Vocation and Shepherding85%Intercession of St. Padre Pio82%Moral Crisis in Modern Society80%The Resurrection and Pentecost78%
People & Brands

Jesus Christ

person

35xNeutral

St. Padre Pio

person

15xNeutral

Monsignor John Esseff

person

12xPositive

Holy Spirit

person

8xPositive

Discerning Hearts

organization

6xPositive

Acts of the Apostles

book

6xPositive

John 10

book

5xPositive

St. John's First Letter

book

3xPositive

St. Teresa of Calcutta

person

3xPositive

Pope St. John Paul II

person

2xPositive

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