“I will feed My sheep with justice” (Ezekiel 34:16).
Beloved Father, You addressed these wonderful words to Your people Israel, showing Your deep love for Your firstborn. You always remained faithful to Your people, even though they strayed from the path so many times. At times, You had to guide them back with a firm hand and remind them of the covenant You had made with them. Yet You were always willing to forgive their sins if only they had listened to You.
Beloved Father, in today’s liturgy we encounter the devil, who dares to try to seduce Your divine Son. How presumptuous of him, for there is no “weakness” in Jesus that he could exploit for his own ends, and no one could be more faithful to You than He, Your beloved Son.
“Fasting reduces selfishness within us and opens our hearts to the poor.” (From the Preface of Lent)
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44).
PRELIMINARY NOTE: This reflection relates to today’s daily meditation (en.elijamission.net) and is probably only understandable in that context.
PRELIMINARY NOTE: During these forty days, the “3 Minutes for Abba” are presented as part of the daily meditations, which form a kind of spiritual retreat for Lent: https://en.elijamission.net/category/3-minutes-for-god-the-father/
“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Mt 6:4b)
“He will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8).
Dear Father, the day is coming when You will remind us through Your Church of the great work You have accomplished through Your Son. There on Golgotha, You destroyed death forever. Then the tears will be wiped away, for every person can receive eternal life if they believe in Your Son and recognize Your love.
“Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live” (Isaiah 55:3).
“Oh, how sweet it is to die when one has been fully devoted to the heart of the one who is to judge us.” (Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque)
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Is 12:3).
These words of the prophet convey to us the consolation that our Heavenly Father promises to His faithful people. They are taken from the so‑called “Song of Thanksgiving of the Rescued.” The fountains of salvation are overflowing.
