Three Minutes for Abba

“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

“Truly, I say to you, you who have left everything and followed me will receive a hundredfold in return and inherit eternal life.” (cf. Mt 19:28–29). This is the great promise for all who wish to fully commit to following the Lord. What some may see as the “death of their life” is, in truth,

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.” (John 8:10–11) Jesus does not condemn the adulteress, but He does give her a clear warning not to sin anymore. This is how God wants to encounter

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged.” (Mt 7:1–2a) These words become clear to us when we think of our Heavenly Father. We need only observe how He treats us to learn how we should treat others. In tomorrow’s reflection, in Jesus’ encounter with the