“If a man walks in my statutes, and is careful to observe my ordinances—he is righteous, he shall surely live, says the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 18:9)
Dear Father, we like to speak of Your love and goodness, of Your patience and mercy. Indeed, we live by them. Who could truly live and walk their path to the end if You did not carry them and lift them up again and again in their many weaknesses and falls?
“The queen of the South (…) came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.” (Mt 12:42)
Beloved Father, in this fast‑paced world with its flood of information, who still seeks true wisdom? People strive to accumulate knowledge, sometimes believing that knowledge itself brings power. But what kind of power is that? Those who pursue it in this way already show that they lack wisdom. For our part, it is better to listen to Your Word:
With good reason, beloved Father, Your Son was indignant when He saw that business was being conducted in the Temple in a way that did not correspond to the true beauty and dignity of Your House. He even said they had turned it into a “den of thieves” and drove out the sellers and money changers (Mt 21:12–13).
Your House, beloved Father, must be a “house of prayer,” a place reserved for encounter with You. For us, it can be a small foretaste of Heaven, where we will find the beauty of all beauties in the contemplation of Your glory.
“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.
