Episode Details

The Holy Trinity: God’s Union in Love – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

In this Trinity Sunday reflection, Msgr. John Esseff invites listeners to renew their baptismal vows and enter more deeply into the mystery of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit dwelling within the baptized soul. Drawing from John 3:16 and the Church’s profession of faith, he reflects on the Father’s love, the saving mission of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit poured into the Church and the world.

Msgr. Esseff explains that baptism brings the indwelling of the Holy Trinity, uniting each person with Christ and with the communion of saints. This union also places Christians within the Church militant, where the life of God within the soul must be guarded through prayer, repentance, love and resistance to temptation.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder that the Gospel is the good news of God’s love. Salvation is not about how high humanity can reach, but how low God bends in mercy. Every person is loved by God and called into eternal communion with the Father through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit.

V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
R. I do.
V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
R. Amen.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. How often do I reflect on the Holy Trinity dwelling within me through baptism?
2. What does it mean for me to renew my baptismal vows today?
3. Where do I need to resist temptation and remain faithful to the life of God within me?
4. How does the communion of saints strengthen my faith?
5. How can I live more consciously as a child of the Father, united with Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30, 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served 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 St. Pope John Paul II to bri