“Look at Me, just as I look at you!” (Inner Word)
This is our Heavenly Father’s loving invitation to walk a path of intimacy through this earthly life. What tenderness we encounter in these words! The Father’s gaze upon us humans is filled with caring love for our physical and spiritual needs. God’s love always precedes us, for He had already looked upon us before we were in our mother’s womb:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jer 1:5).
“Was it not thou that didst cut Rahab in pieces, that didst pierce the dragon?” (Isaiah 51:9)
Beloved Father, it is not always easy for us to understand why evil exists—why there is so much destruction, immeasurable suffering, senseless wars, and evil spiritual beings who live in rebellion against You. They have left fellowship with You and want to drag us humans into their lostness.
“Move forward, constantly examine everything within Me, and step out!” (inner word)
Our Father wants us to consciously walk the path to eternity and grow in faith, hope, and love along the way. God gives us this opportunity every day. When we understand and practice this, much is transformed. Eternity is then no longer an indefinite distance away—something we hardly think about or not at all. On the contrary: the more we become aware of it and the more our heart begins to long for it, the more it reaches into our daily reality. It teaches us to carry out the task set before us with greater attention. This makes us more prudent and also more decisive, and we more easily leave behind things that are not so important and focus more on what is essential.
“What defines you is my nearness.” (Inner word)
We humans often carry within us the desire to be capable of something great, perhaps even to leave behind something that has significance. This desire is not wrong, as long as it does not serve vanity or the pursuit of personal power. After all, we are called by our Heavenly Father to accomplish great things, for everything we do in connection with and on behalf of God is great. Thus, every day we have the opportunity to do what is truly great by fulfilling His will.
“In illness, one learns much, if one is willing.” (Brother Konrad von Parzham)
The spiritual fathers—among whom Brother Konrad von Parzham certainly belongs—always show us how we can grow on our spiritual journey. When our Father allows a cross—and illness is such a cross—this is generally an opportunity for people of faith to grow and mature. Aside from the fact that it can also involve the dimension of atonement, especially for the many offenses against God and humanity, our Father wants us to learn something important.
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Ps 34:1)
Our Father certainly does not need our praise and worship for His own sake, for He is perfect in Himself and lacks nothing. That does not mean, however, that it is not pleasing to Him when His children offer Him heartfelt praise.
“Remain in the light and bring it to everybody, and it will be a powerful means both to obtain conversions and to shut, if possible, the gates of hell!” (From the message of God the Father to M. Eugenia Ravasio)
“Men believe Me to be a terrifying God Who is going to cast all mankind into hell. What a great surprise it will be when, at the end of time, they see so many souls they believed lost, enjoying eternal bliss among the elect!” (From the message of God the Father to M. Eugenia Ravasio)
“I have never shied away from serving the truth. Never deny what you have recognized as truth!” (Inner word)
This word certainly applies to all people—especially to us Catholics. “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more.” (Lk 12:48)
The Soul: “O Most Gracious One, if it pleases You so much that people believe in You, then please tell me what I am to believe regarding Your ineffable goodness.” (St. Mechthild of Hackeborn)
With certain hope, you shall believe that after your death I will receive you as a father receives his most beloved son, and that never has a father so faithfully apportioned the inheritance to his only son as I will share with you all My goods and Myself.
