“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.
“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
