“Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ (…) Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (Mt 6:31-32)
Very often in Scripture we are warned not to give in to worry, for then we easily lose sight of any way out. Worries can constantly accompany us, gnawing at our vitality, and we look out at the world with a “gloomy” gaze. They are already there in the morning, and they do not leave us even in the evening. Read More
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
This is the prayer that Jesus entrusted to us so that we may address our divine Father in this familiar way together with Him. Read More
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father” (Mt 6:6).
What an intimate space the Lord offers us! No matter how beautiful churches and sacred spaces may be, even when they host dignified liturgies and the communal prayer of the faithful, our Heavenly Father grants us access to Him that remains ever open. The doors of His heart never close, and He is always ready to listen to us. Therefore, we can enter into unceasing dialogue with Him. This prayer in secret is immensely valuable and does not always require outward gestures, but rather a heart open to our Father.
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.” (Mark 11:24)
Prayer is a profound conversation with God. By promising that our prayers will be answered, God gives us a great gift and shows us His love. This is actually very simple and inviting for us, if we have faith.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:8–10)
How do we attain a pure heart — a heart that, through the Holy Spirit, is able to explore its own depths in the light of God and open all darkness to Him?
The great goal of a pure heart is to do with love all that God, in His love, has entrusted to us and commanded us to do.
“You are the light of the world. (…) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt 5:14a,16)
These wonderful words are addressed to the Lord’s disciples—that is, to us! Through union with Jesus, we are not only illuminated by His light, but we ourselves become light by passing on God’s Word and learning to do His works. And since the divine Master, the Son of God, tells us this, it is no presumption.
NOTE: Today, as part of the “Father’s Reflections,” I am beginning a short series closely connected to a musical work by Harpa Dei.
Harpa Dei seeks to bring the words of our Lord Jesus to people through Gregorian chants. To this end, they will publish short videos on their channels. I am very happy to support this endeavor with my own brief meditations as part of the “Father’s Reflections,” using the words they have chosen. Since Jesus said, “He who has seen me has seen the Father!” (John 14:9b) and “I speak of what I have seen with my Father” (John 8:38), we also hear the voice of our Father in His words. Read More
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Lk 11:13).
With these words, Jesus wants us to understand how natural it is for God to hear our prayers when we ask Him for the Holy Spirit. And the Lord uses an excellent comparison: even we human beings, who are prone to evil, do not turn a deaf ear to our children’s requests when they ask us for something good.
“If you remain united to your Father through prayer, you can do everything” (Inner Word).
What a wonderful invitation! It reminds us of St. Paul’s exhortation to pray without ceasing: “Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” (Eph 6:18).
Sacred Scripture exhorts us time and again to persevering prayer, and the saints and masters of the spiritual life never tire of speaking of its importance.
“Cast off all your chains—they have long since been broken—and walk ahead in Me.” (Inner Word)
What is holding us back from moving forward on the path of following the Lord? It often seems as though invisible chains still bind us. Perhaps they are things we have long since brought before God, yet they still linger and seek to hold us back. Perhaps they are merely erroneous thoughts and fears that weigh down our path.
