Three Minutes for Abba

“In order to prevail in this battle, it must be an army that strives for holiness.” (Inner Word) This inner word goes back to St. Joan of Arc. She speaks of a “holy army,” even for our time. It likely refers to the “army of the Lamb,” that is, those who follow the Lamb wherever […]

“Five wise virgins took their lamps and brought jars of oil with them. But in the middle of the night, a cry rang out: ‘Behold, the bridegroom!’” (cf. Mt 25:4b, 6). With these words of Jesus, I conclude the series of reflections that has accompanied the short videos featuring sacred chants by Harpa Dei. It

“’Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much.’” (Mt 25:20b–21) God has given everyone gifts so they can serve His kingdom and bear fruit for others.

“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Who is not familiar with the openness of an unspoiled child? Who can resist this charm? And it is not only parents who delight in it. Unless our hearts have become completely hardened, we

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29). This is exactly what the Lord is telling us in this passage. “Our heart is restless until it rests in You,” St. Augustine tells us. Our soul seeks

“It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:33) These words are addressed to the son who stayed home and served his father. As we know, he had a hard time understanding his father’s joy and why the

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet” (Luke 15:22). Today we turn our attention to the Father in this moving story, which we know well as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. God

‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as

“Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25) Once again—as was already hinted at in yesterday’s reflection—the focus is on true life. From God’s perspective, true life is that which is united with Him and unfolds according to His will. Only here

“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) Following Christ means bringing God’s plan to life in one’s own life. This plan comes from the heart of a loving Father. Perhaps such words immediately bring to mind ideas of renouncing life and