Jos. 5:9a, 10-12; Ps. 34; 2 Co. 5:17-21; Lk. 15:1-3, 11-32 The Kiss of God The parable of the Prodigal Son is probably the best known of all the parables of Jesus. It is the infinite story of people of every time: a feeling of discontent, the search for a carefree life; leaving home…. Read more »
Prayers
Third Sunday of Lent 2019
Ex. 3:1-8, 13-15; Ps. 103; 1 Co. 10:1-6, 10-12; Lk. 13:1-9 Where Is God? I’ve asked myself this question countless times in the face of catastrophies, tragedies and diseases! The people of Jesus’ day, reporting to him the news of some local tragedies, challenged him with the question “Why?” Jesus replied that there is… Read more »
Second Sunday of Lent 2019
Gn. 15:5-12, 17-18; Ps. 27; Phil. 3:17–4:1; Lk. 9:28-36 Abide with Him We have always read this page of the Gospel as a visible anticipation of the glory of the resurrection. This time, I would like to underscore a particular point that often escapes us, yet it is one of the pillars on which… Read more »
First Sunday of Lent 2019
Dt. 26:4-10; Ps. 90; Rm. 10:8-13; Lk. 4:1-13 Put to the Test To be tempted means to be tested. In this regard, a verse from the Book of Sirach is very illuminating: “My child, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal. Be sincere of heart, be steadfast. Do not… Read more »
The Lord entered her
Saint Ephrem, Hymn De Nativitate 11: 6-8)
The Lord entered her and became a servant; he Word entered her, and became silent within her; thunder entered her and his voice was still; the Shepherd of all entered her; he became a Lamb in her, and came forth bleating. The belly of your Mother changed the order of things, O you who order… Read more »
Epiphany 2019
Follow the Star The star they had seen at its rising preceded them (Mt. 2:9) I want to share with you a memory that I particularly like. Several years ago, in a television interview, a child was asked: “What do you prefer: day or night?” Unexpectedly, the emphatic answer was: night! Taken aback, the interviewer… Read more »
Feast of Mary, Mother of God 2019
Treasure Your Story Mary treasured all these words in her heart (Lk. 2:19). Perhaps you too have had occasion to treasure in your heart mysterious words you heard, events that were not very clear, unforgettable encounters, or else vibrant memories that yielded new meaning, gave rise to a fresh way of seeing things and prompted… Read more »
Christmas 2018
Make Room for Love The Word made his dwelling among us (Jn. 1:14). Perhaps you too have felt a veil of sadness settle over your heart on Christmas Day, of all times…. If we open our windows and look outside, we see artificial lights, poor people with nothing to eat, dead-end streets, children without… Read more »
Fourth Sunday of Advent 2018
Race Along the Paths of the World Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste (Lk. 1:39). Perhaps you too have found yourself racing to joyously welcome a special person without thinking about the obstacles in your way. The heart does not stop when faced with possible bottlenecks and steep ascents… Read more »
Third Sunday of Advent 2018
GIVE THE BEST OF YOURSELF Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none (Lk. 3:11). Perhaps you too have tried to find the nicest gift possible for a person who is particularly close to your heart: a special, unique, original gift–in short, one that is worthy of the situation and… Read more »