REFLECTIONS TODAY

In telling us to call God “Abba,” the commonly used Jewish word for “father” or “Dad,” Jesus designates us as God’s children. And as we are his children, Jesus is our brother.
The risen Jesus tells Mary Magdalene, “I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (Jn 20:17). And as Jesus’ brothers and sisters, we are sure that we will never be alone. For what father or brother abandons his children or siblings?
But like Jesus, we also have a responsibility to our Father in heaven—we must follow his commandments. We obey not only for God’s sake, but also for our own sake, so that we may enjoy communion with the Father.
We are precious in God’s eyes, no matter how small we think of ourselves. If we are currently experiencing great suffering in life, let us draw closer to God. And if by any chance we seem to have figured everything out, let us be a brother or sister to our neighbor who is currently struggling. We are all brothers and sisters!
Gospel • Mt 6:7-15
Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This is how you are to pray:
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.
“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.