“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 no longer having the freedom to choose what one thinks is necessary for a fulfilled life. However, this is based on a false image of God.
“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).
“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 sinful humanity. He wants to save them without, however, trivializing sin. Sin leads them into separation from God, so that He can no longer fill them with His love. Yet it is His love that seeks out humanity and does not want to leave it separated from Him.
“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 adulterous woman, this becomes very clear.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Mt 7:15–16a)
The Lord does not leave us in the dark about the dangers that lie in wait on our path of discipleship. It would be unthinkable for Him not to do so, for otherwise we would easily lull ourselves into a false sense of security. As a good shepherd, He not only protects us but also gives us criteria by which we can recognize false prophets.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me” (Jn 10:14)
The good shepherd—what a reassuring image this is, even though we see shepherds and flocks less and less in the wild. Yet the image speaks to us from within. Deep down, we know what the good shepherd means. He is someone who watches over us, who cares for our lives, who never loses sight of us, who warns us of dangers, and who leads us to where we belong and find good pasture.
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Mt 6:33)
How much more orderly everything in our lives would be if we would only follow this counsel of the Lord! That spiritual order—which governs all things but has, unfortunately, become so thoroughly disrupted—would be restored. Our Heavenly Father could then very easily provide us with everything, because we would be receptive to it. In a certain sense, we would already be entering into a “life beyond,” for without question, the holy will of God is the most radiant glory of all angels and saints.
“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.
