Lent as a Journey of the Heart: Living the Desert Experience with Jesus. (Joel 2:12-18 and Matthew 6:1-18).

 

My dear Sisters and Brothers, May the Peace and Love of Christ abide with you!!!

With our fellow Christians all over the world we embark on a Forty-Day Journey with Jesus into the desert. During this time, we are invited to experience a  deeper intimacy with God, to look into the mirror of our souls, and to rediscover the boundless mercy and goodness of the Lord.  To guide us on this path, the Word of God reminds us of the attitude that we should adopt : an interior conversion that finds its expression in our outward actions. 

 “Return to Me with All Your Heart” (Joel 2:12)

When we take into consideration the present situation of the world, we realize that Joel’s prophetic call rings out with urgency and tenderness : “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” Notice that God does not say, “Return to Me with part of your heart” or “Return to Me when it is convenient.” Prophet Joel underlines this interior conversion when he says: “Tear your hearts and not your garments”. No, the Lord calls us to an all-encompassing return, body, mind, and soul. This echoes God’s commandment or what is commonly called “The Profession of Faith of the Israelites” in Deuteronomy 6:4-6.  

Why? Because God is not interested in half-measures. He desires a genuine relationship with us that transforms our entire being. He does not simply want a surface-level ritual; He wants our hearts. Our Lenten discipline must stem from a profound interior conversion, not just from external obligations.

When we receive ashes on our foreheads today, may it  remind us of our frailty, our human mortality: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” This sign of ashes is also a declaration of hope, a public confession of our need for God’s mercy and our trust that He will fill us with new life.

 “Your Father Who Sees in Secret” (Matthew 6:1-18)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches us that our acts of piety, almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, are not meant to attract human applause. Instead, they are ways to align ourselves more closely with God’s will. During Lent, the Church encourages us to take up these three spiritual exercises in a more intentional way:

Almsgiving: Jesus cautions us not to perform charity for show. Rather, we give quietly, seeking no praise or recognition other than the joy of serving Christ in our brothers and sisters. During Lent, consider how you can share your time, talent, or treasure with those who are less fortunate, remembering that our generosity should be genuine and loving.

Prayer: We deepen our relationship with God by entering our “inner room” and praying in secret. It is in the quietness of our hearts that we encounter the Lord most intimately. Whether it is participating in daily Mass when possible, meditating on Sacred Scripture, or simply spending silent moments in adoration, let us commit to a renewed rhythm of prayer this Lenten season.

Fasting: More than just refraining from certain foods, fasting is a way to purify our desires and sharpen our spiritual hunger. When we deny ourselves something we enjoy, we train our hearts to crave what truly satisfies, God Himself. Fasting can also be extended to moderating our use of social media, entertainment, or anything that distracts us from God and from loving our neighbor.

The Deep Meaning of Lent

Lent is not merely a season of “giving things up” out of duty. It is an invitation to conversion, turning away from sin and turning toward the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father. It is a forty-day pilgrimage that mirrors Jesus’ own forty days in the desert, where He wrestled with temptation and emerged ready to fulfill His mission. So too are we invited to confront our own weaknesses, trusting that the same Spirit who sustained Jesus in the desert will sustain us in our struggles.

Some Concrete Ways to Live Out Lent Daily

Daily Examination of Conscience: Before you end your day, spend a few minutes reflecting on your thoughts, words, and actions. Have you loved God and neighbor wholeheartedly? Are there moments you allowed anger, jealousy, or pride to overshadow your love?

Scripture Reflection : Consider setting aside a specific time to read and reflect on a short passage of Scripture. Let the Word of God shape your heart and guide your decisions. The Gospels or the daily readings of the Church can be a powerful way to stay connected to God’s voice.

Small Acts of Charity : Engage in at least one deliberate act of kindness each day, be it a phone call to a lonely relative, donating food to a shelter, or offering a listening ear to a co-worker in need. These small gestures have the power to radiate Christ’s love far beyond what we can see.

Simplify and Share : If possible, reduce unnecessary expenses and comforts. Simplify your meals, your possessions, or your schedule, and use the extra resources (time or money) to support charitable causes. This practice helps free our hearts from attachments and blesses those in need.

Renewed Prayer Life: Start Your Day with God: Even a brief morning offering can set the tone for the day.

Attend Mass or a Prayer Service: If you can, attend an extra Mass during the week or spend time in Eucharistic Adoration.

Pray the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet: These devotions help us meditate on the mysteries of Christ’s life and His mercy.

Practice Fasting in the Full Sense Beyond food, consider “fasting” from harsh words, complaining, gossip, or impatience. Give up any habit that prevents you from living the Gospel values in daily life. Let your fasting create more space in your soul for the Holy Spirit.

 

 A Season of Heartfelt Renewal

Dear Sisters and Brothers,  let us embrace this Lenten season not as a burdensome obligation but as a precious opportunity to rediscover the depths of God’s love and mercy. When we hear the words, “Return to me with all your heart,” let us offer God the most sincere gift we have, our repentant hearts. As we pray, fast, and give alms in secret, let us remember that our Heavenly Father sees all things and desires only our true good.

May this Lenten pilgrimage lead you ever closer to the radiant light of Easter, where sin and death have been conquered and where God’s endless mercy is revealed in the Risen Christ.

Amen.

 

Following Jesus: the Cost, the Reward, and the Promise (Mark 10:28-31)

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Peace and Love of Christ be with you!

Yesterday, we saw a man running to Jesus with enthusiasm, seeking the path to eternal life. He asked the right question, but when confronted with the radical call of discipleship, he walked away sad. Despite Jesus' gaze of love, his attachment to wealth prevented him from fully embracing the Kingdom.

Today, we find Peter voicing a concern that likely lingers in the hearts of many disciples: “Lord, we have left everything to follow you.” There is an implicit question behind Peter’s statement: "What about us?” He sees what happened to the rich man and wonders: Is it worth it? Will we receive anything in return? Is our sacrifice recognized by God?

The Promise of the Hundredfold

Jesus does not rebuke Peter. Instead, He responds with a powerful and reassuring promise:

“There is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come, eternal life.”

Here, Jesus unveils a profound truth: Whatever we give up for Him, He will multiply in abundance! The Kingdom of God does not operate on loss but on divine increase.

Yes, following Jesus may mean leaving behind comforts, relationships, or security. But in return, we are welcomed into a new, larger family, the Church, the Body of Christ. We gain brothers and sisters in faith, spiritual homes in every corner of the world, and an inheritance that is beyond anything the world can offer. This is the paradox of the Gospel: in giving, we receive; in losing, we gain.

Persecution and the Way of the Cross

However, Jesus is also honest. His promise comes with persecutions. This is not an easy path. The world may not understand our commitment to Christ. We may face opposition, ridicule, and even suffering. But in these trials, Jesus assures us that we are not alone. He walks with us, and His grace sustains us.

The Great Reversal: The First and the Last

Jesus concludes with a striking statement: “But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

This is the divine reversal of the Kingdom of God. The world measures greatness by power, wealth, and prestige. But in God's eyes, true greatness is found in humility, sacrifice, and love. Those who seem insignificant in the world’s eyes, the poor, the selfless, the faithful servants, will be exalted. And those who cling to their earthly status may find themselves last in God’s Kingdom.

What Does This Mean for Us Today? : Discipleship is a Response of Trust. Like Peter, we may wonder if our sacrifices are worth it. But Jesus reminds us: God is no one’s debtor! Whatever we surrender for the sake of the Gospel will be returned to us in ways beyond our imagination.

We Belong to a New Family: As disciples, we are never truly alone. In Christ, we gain a global family of faith. We find brothers and sisters in Christ who support, encourage, and journey with us toward eternity.

Perseverance in Trials : The Christian path is not without challenges. But our sufferings are not in vain. Jesus Himself endured rejection and suffering before His resurrection. If we stay faithful, we will share in His victory.

The Last Will Be First: Let us not seek worldly recognition. True greatness lies in humble service, in putting Christ and His Kingdom above all else. What seems like loss in this life is an investment in eternity.

A Call to Radical Faith : Peter's question is our question: Is it worth following Jesus? And Jesus' answer is our hope: Yes! Infinitely more than we can imagine.

Let us, therefore, renew our commitment to Christ today. Let us not hesitate to give all for Him, knowing that He sees, He knows, and He rewards beyond measure. If we have Him, we lack nothing, for in Him, we have already received the hundredfold and the promise of eternal life.

Lord, give us the grace to follow You wholeheartedly, trusting in Your promises and persevering in faith until the end. Amen.🙏🙏🙏

 

The Great Invitation: A Call Beyond Possessions (Reflection on Mark 10:17-27)

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Peace and Love of Christ be with you!!!

Every new day can be received as an opportunity to align our lives with God’s eternal will for us. Life is full of deep questions. At some point, every person, no matter how successful, how wealthy, or how morally upright, must ask: What is my life truly about? Where am I going? What must I do to inherit eternal life?

Some people ask these questions in quiet reflection, while others, like the young man in today’s Gospel, come running, eager for an answer. This was really a striking encounter: the young man, full of zeal, runs to Jesus, kneels before Him, and asks a question that should resonate deeply in every heart.

“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

This is the question of a soul,  the cry of a seeker, of someone who has recognized that earthly success, moral uprightness, and material wealth are not enough to experience life in full. He senses that something is missing.

But the outcome of this conversation is heartbreaking. This same man, who had come running in enthusiasm, walks away sad because Jesus asks him for something he is not ready to give, his attachments.

The Loving Gaze of Jesus

One of the most beautiful moments in this passage is this: “Jesus, looking at him, loved him.” Here is a truth that should strike us to the core: even when we struggle to let go, even when we hesitate before the radical demands of the Gospel, Jesus looks at us with love.

This divine love is not mere sentimentality; it calls us to something deeper. Jesus does not lower the standard to accommodate our hesitations. Instead, He lovingly invites us into a life of freedom, unshackled from anything that hinders us from true discipleship.

The Challenge of Wealth: A Call to Detachment

Jesus' words: “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God”, are not an outright condemnation of riches. Wealth honestly acquired is not evil in itself, but the danger lies in where our treasure is, where our security rests, and what truly holds our hearts.

The problem was not that the young man had wealth, but that wealth had him. His possessions possessed him. Jesus was offering him something infinitely greater: Himself, a life of true abundance, an inheritance in the Kingdom! But he could not let go.

This is where the Gospel speaks powerfully to us today. Perhaps not all are called to radical poverty, but every disciple of Christ is called to radical trust; to hold loosely the things of this world and to let Christ be our ultimate security.

What About Us? The Disciple’s Dilemma

This passage shakes us. It forces us to ask:

• What do I hold onto so tightly that it keeps me from fully following Jesus?
• Is my identity and security in Christ, or in the comforts of this world?
• Am I willing to let go of my “wealth”, whether it be material possessions, ambitions, status, or personal plans, if Jesus calls me to?

The rich young man walked away sad because he chose to keep what he could not keep and lost what he could have gained forever. Earthly riches will come to pass. What remains forever is life with God.

Jesus reassures us: “For human beings, it is impossible, but not for God. For God, all things are possible.”

The way of the Kingdom is not one of human strength but of divine grace. The impossible becomes possible when we surrender to Christ. The path of discipleship may be costly, but what Jesus offers is immeasurably greater than anything we leave behind.

So, will we walk away sad, or will we take the hand of the One who looks at us with love and step forward in faith? Let take time to meditate personally on this Gospel and listen to Christ voice speak to our heart.

 

Words and Actions Reveal the Heart: The Christian Call to Integrity, (Sirach 27:5-8, Luke 6:39-45, and 1 Corinthians 15:54).

 

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, on this 8^th Sunday, we are called to reflect deeply on the wisdom of God’s Word, as revealed in Sirach 27:5-8, Luke 6:39-45, and 1 Corinthians 15:54. These passages offer us profound understandings the nature of our hearts, the fruit of our lives, and the ultimate victory we have in Christ. Let us open our hearts to receive this divine message and allow it to transform us.

The Testing of the Heart: Sirach 27:5-8

The book of Sirach reminds us that just as a furnace tests the purity of gold and silver, so too does speech reveal the true character of a person. “The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does a person’s speech disclose the bent of his mind” (Sirach 27:6). Our words are not merely sounds; they are mirrors of our souls. They reveal what is hidden within us, our virtues, our vices, our faith, and our fears.

How often do we pause to consider the weight of our words? Do they build up or tear down? Do they reflect the love of Christ or the pride of the world? Sirach challenges us to examine our hearts, for what we say and do flows from who we truly are. Let us strive to purify our hearts so that our words may bring life, hope, and encouragement to those around us.

The Fruit of the Heart: Luke 6:39-45

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus echoes this truth, teaching us that a good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Here, Jesus calls us to radical self-examination. Are we blind guides, leading others astray because we have not first addressed the sin and brokenness within ourselves? Or are we rooted in Him, allowing His grace to transform us from the inside out?

Jesus reminds us that we cannot give what we do not have. If our hearts are filled with bitterness, envy, or pride, that is what will overflow into our lives and relationships. But if our hearts are filled with His love, mercy, and truth, we will bear fruit that glorifies God and blesses others. Let us, therefore, come to Him daily, seeking His healing and transformation, so that we may become vessels of His grace in a world that desperately needs it.

The Victory of the Heart: Finally, in 1 Corinthians 15:54, we are reminded of the ultimate victory we have in Christ: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” This triumphant declaration points us to the resurrection, where every tear will be wiped away, every sin overcome, and every broken heart made whole. The testing of our hearts and the fruit we bear are not in vain, for they are part of God’s redemptive work in us, preparing us for eternal glory.

This victory is not just a future hope; it is a present reality. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we have the power to overcome sin, to speak life, and to bear fruit that lasts. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, enabling us to live as new creations, reflecting His love and truth in a broken world.

What does this mean for us as Christians today? It means that we are called to live with integrity, allowing God’s Word to test and refine our hearts. It means that we must take responsibility for the fruit we bear, ensuring that our lives reflect the character of Christ. And it means that we can live with hope and confidence, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, for He has already won the victory.

Let us, therefore, commit ourselves to this holy calling. Let us examine our hearts, purify our speech, and bear fruit that glorifies God. Let us live as people of the resurrection, shining His light in the darkness and proclaiming His victory to a world in need. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of His love, and may we one day hear those glorious words: Well done, good and faithful servant.

Amen.

 

Le Royaume de Dieu: Un Don pour Ceux qui ont Un Cœur d’Enfants (Marc 10,13-16).

Chers frères et sœurs en Christ, que la grâce et la paix soient avec vous !

En ce premier jour de mars, nous commençons un nouveau mois avec gratitude envers Dieu, qui nous a soutenus au cours des jours passés et nous accorde le don d’aujourd’hui. C’est une nouvelle occasion de renouveler notre foi, de nous approcher du Seigneur et de laisser sa Parole pénétrer au plus profond de nos cœurs.

Aujourd’hui, l’Évangile nous invite à méditer sur Marc 10,13-16, où Jésus accueille les petits enfants et nous révèle le secret pour entrer dans le Royaume de Dieu. Prenons un instant pour faire silence en nous, apaiser notre cœur et permettre à l’Esprit Saint d’éclairer cette Parole.

« Des gens lui amenaient des petits enfants pour qu’il les touche ; mais les disciples les rabrouèrent. Voyant cela, Jésus se fâcha et leur dit : “Laissez les petits enfants venir à moi, ne les empêchez pas, car le Royaume de Dieu est à ceux qui leur ressemblent. Amen, je vous le dis : celui qui n’accueille pas le Royaume de Dieu à la manière d’un enfant n’y entrera pas.”
Puis il les embrassait et les bénissait en leur imposant les mains. »

Un cœur d’enfant – Une clé pour le Royaume

Quelle scène belle et bouleversante dans l’Évangile ! La réaction de Jésus est à la fois tendre et forte. Tendre, parce qu’il accueille les petits enfants à bras ouverts ; forte, parce qu’il reprend sévèrement ses disciples qui tentent de les éloigner. Ce passage ne parle pas seulement des enfants, il parle de nous, de notre manière d’approcher Dieu et son Royaume.

Jésus fait ici une déclaration audacieuse et puissante :
« Le Royaume de Dieu est à ceux qui leur ressemblent ! »

Que veut-il dire ? Affirme-t-il que seuls les enfants peuvent entrer au ciel ? Pas du tout ! Jésus met en lumière les qualités essentielles d’un enfant, des qualités que nous devons adopter si nous désirons entrer dans le Royaume de Dieu. Réfléchissons ensemble à trois attitudes fondamentales du cœur d’un enfant auxquelles Jésus nous appelle :

Un cœur de confiance

Naturellement, les enfants font confiance à leurs parents sans hésitation. Ils ne se demandent pas s’ils méritent d’être aimés ni s’ils seront nourris ; ils font simplement confiance. C’est cette foi que nous devons avoir pour entrer dans le Royaume de Dieu. Nous sommes appelés à faire pleinement confiance à notre Père céleste, à nous abandonner à son amour, à sa providence et à sa miséricorde.

C’est pourquoi Jésus nous a appris à prier en disant : « Notre Père… » Un enfant ne cherche pas à tout contrôler, il se remet entre les mains de ceux qui l’aiment. Avons-nous cette même confiance en Dieu ? Ou bien nous accrochons-nous encore à nos doutes et à nos peurs ? Réalisons-nous vraiment que nous sommes les enfants du même Père ?

Un cœur d’humilité

Un enfant ne prétend pas être ce qu’il n’est pas. Il vient tel qu’il est : faible, dépendant, vulnérable. Il ne se vante pas de ses réalisations et ne cherche pas à prouver sa grandeur.

Jésus nous enseigne que l’humilité est la clé d’entrée dans le Royaume. Un cœur orgueilleux, qui cherche à se justifier, à s’appuyer sur ses propres forces ou à exiger des reconnaissances, ne peut pas recevoir le don gratuit de la grâce de Dieu. Le Royaume n’est pas pour les autosuffisants, mais pour ceux qui reconnaissent leur besoin de Dieu.

Un cœur de simplicité et de joie

Les enfants ont une capacité naturelle à se réjouir des choses simples de la vie. Ils trouvent du bonheur dans les petits moments, dans le rire, dans l’amour. Trop souvent, en tant qu’adultes, nous compliquons notre foi. Nous nous encombrons de soucis, de doutes et de calculs, oubliant que Dieu nous invite simplement à nous reposer dans son amour.

Un enfant ne cherche pas à tout comprendre avant de croire, il fait simplement confiance. De la même manière, Jésus nous appelle à nous approcher de Dieu avec un cœur ouvert, prêt à recevoir son amour sans résistance.

Le défi : Devenir comme des enfants, sans être enfantins

Jésus ne nous dit pas de devenir enfantins, mais comme des enfants. Il y a une grande différence entre ces deux attitudes. Être enfantin, c’est faire preuve d’immaturité et d’irresponsabilité. Mais être comme un enfant, c’est avoir un cœur rempli de foi, de confiance et ouvert à la grâce de Dieu.

Notre relation avec Dieu doit être marquée par une dépendance confiante, une ouverture à sa volonté, et un cœur prêt à recevoir son amour sans réserve.

Alors, en ce premier jour de mars, en entamant un nouveau mois, posons-nous ces questions :

• Est-ce que j’approche Dieu avec confiance, ou bien est-ce que je retiens mon cœur par peur ?
• Est-ce que je me présente devant Lui avec humilité, ou bien est-ce que je m’appuie sur mes propres mérites ?
• Est-ce que je trouve de la joie dans ma foi, ou bien ma relation avec Dieu est-elle devenue une simple routine sans vie ?
• Que deviendraient nos communautés si nous adoptions les vertus de l’enfance que Jésus nous appelle à embrasser ?

Les disciples se sont trompés en considérant les enfants comme insignifiants. Mais Jésus les corrige en embrassant les plus petits et les oubliés. Aujourd’hui encore, dans notre monde, faisons-nous de la place aux pauvres, aux faibles et aux négligés ? Accueillons-nous ceux qui n’ont pas de voix et les relevons-nous, comme Jésus l’a fait ?

Une invitation personnelle de Jésus : L’image la plus belle de ce passage, c’est celle de Jésus embrassant les enfants. Voilà ce qu’Il veut faire avec chacun de nous ! Il désire nous prendre dans ses bras, nous bénir, nous serrer contre son cœur.

Mais la seule manière de recevoir cette étreinte, c’est de laisser tomber notre orgueil, nos doutes et nos peurs, et de venir à Lui comme un enfant.

Chers frères et sœurs, le Royaume de Dieu ne se mérite pas, il se reçoit. Aujourd’hui, Jésus se tient devant nous les bras ouverts, nous disant : « Laissez les petits enfants venir à moi ! »

Que nous puissions lui répondre avec simplicité, humilité et confiance, et le laisser nous conduire dans la plénitude de son Royaume.

Prions ensemble :

Seigneur Jésus, donne-nous un cœur d’enfant, un cœur qui te fait pleinement confiance, un cœur humble, un cœur qui se réjouit de ton amour. Délivre-nous du poids de l’orgueil, du doute et de l’autosuffisance, et attire-nous dans tes bras d’amour. Que nous recevions ton Royaume comme des enfants, et que nous ne soyons jamais un obstacle pour ceux qui veulent venir à toi. Amen.🙏🙏🙏

Que Dieu vous bénisse tous !

 

The Kingdom of God: A Gift for the Childlike. (Mark 10:13-16).

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Grace and peace be with you!

On this first day of March, we begin a new month with gratitude to God, who has sustained us through the past days and given us the gift of today. This is a new opportunity to renew our faith, to draw closer to the Lord, and to allow His Word to penetrate the depths of our hearts.

Today, the Gospel invites us to meditate on Mark 10:13-16, where Jesus welcomes the little children and teaches us the secret to entering the Kingdom of God. Let us pause for a moment, quiet our hearts, and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate this Word for us.

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them, and blessed them."

The Heart of a Child – A Key to the Kingdom

What a beautiful and striking moment in the Gospel! Jesus' reaction in this scene is both tender and strong. Tender, because He welcomes the little children with open arms; strong, because He rebukes His disciples for trying to keep them away. This passage is not just about children, it is about us, about how we approach God and His Kingdom.

Jesus makes a bold and powerful statement:
"The Kingdom of God belongs to such as these!"

What does He mean? Is He saying that only children can enter heaven? Not at all! Jesus is pointing to the qualities of a child that are essential for anyone who desires to enter God’s Kingdom. Let us reflect on three key attitudes that define a child’s heart and that Jesus calls us to embrace:

A Heart of Trust

Naturally children trust their parents without hesitation. They do not analyze whether they deserve love or question whether they will be fed. They simply trust. This is the kind of faith we need to enter the Kingdom of God. We are called to trust our Heavenly Father completely, to rely on His love, His providence, and His mercy. This is the reason why Jesus taught to pray by calling God “Our Father…” A child does not try to control everything, he simply places himself in the hands of those who love him. Do we trust God with the same confidence? Or are we still holding on to doubts and fears? Do we really realize that we are children of the same Father?

A Heart of Humility

A child does not pretend to be something he is not. He comes as he is, weak, dependent, vulnerable. He does not boast of his achievements, nor does he seek to prove his greatness.
Jesus teaches us that humility is the key to entering the Kingdom. The proud heart that seeks to justify itself, to rely on its own strength, or to demand recognition, cannot receive the free gift of God's grace. The Kingdom is not for the self-sufficient, but for those who recognize their need for God.

A Heart of Simplicity and Joy

Children have a natural ability to delight in the simple things of life. They find joy in small moments, in laughter, in love. Too often, we as adults complicate our faith. We burden ourselves with worries, doubts, and calculations, forgetting that God invites us to simply rest in His love. A child does not demand to understand everything before believing; he simply believes. In the same way, Jesus calls us to approach God with open hearts, ready to receive His love without resistance.

The Challenge: Becoming Childlike, Not Childish

Jesus does not say that we should become childish, but childlike. There is a difference between the two attitudes. To be childish is to be immature and irresponsible. To be childlike is to have a heart full of faith, trust, and open to God’s grace. Our relationship with God should be marked by dependence on Him, an openness to His will, and a heart that receives His love without doubt.

So today, on this first day of March, as we begin a new month, let us ask ourselves: Do I approach God with trust, or do I hold back in fear? Do I come before Him with humility, or do I rely on my own merits? Do I find joy in my faith, or has my relationship with God become routine and lifeless? What would our communities look like if we embraced the childlike virtues Jesus calls us to?

The disciples’ mistake was in seeing children as insignificant. Jesus corrects them by embracing the least and the overlooked. In our world today, do we make space for the poor, the weak, and the neglected? Do we welcome those who have no voice and lift them up as Jesus did?

A Personal Invitation from Jesus

The most beautiful image in this passage is Jesus embracing the children. This is what He wants to do with each of us! He desires to take us into His arms, to bless us, to hold us close to His heart. But the only way to receive this embrace is to let go of our pride, our doubts, and our fears, and to come to Him as a child.

Brothers and sisters, the Kingdom of God is not earned, it is received. Today, Jesus stands before us with open arms, saying, “Let the little children come to me!”

May we respond with the simplicity, humility, and trust of a child, and allow Him to lead us into the fullness of His Kingdom.

Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, give us a childlike heart, one that trusts You completely, one that embraces humility, one that rejoices in Your love. Remove from us the burdens of pride, doubt, and self-sufficiency, and draw us into Your loving arms. May we receive Your Kingdom as little children, and may we never hinder others from coming to You. Amen.🙏🙏🙏

God bless you all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Le Trésor de la Véritable Amitié (Siracide 6,5-17)

 

Chers frères et sœurs en Christ,
Que la paix et la grâce de notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ soient avec vous tous !

Nous poursuivons notre méditation sur le livre du Siracide. Aujourd’hui, nous nous concentrons sur l’amitié en tant que forme essentielle de relation humaine. Dans notre société moderne, l’amitié semble souvent superficielle, la loyauté se fait rare, et de nombreuses personnes ressentent une profonde solitude, bien qu’entourées de foules. N’est-ce pas un paradoxe ? Le texte d’aujourd’hui nous invite à redécouvrir les fondements de l’amitié authentique, enracinée dans la sagesse, la fidélité et la crainte du Seigneur.

La beauté et le défi de l’amitié

Le Siracide commence par nous rappeler qu’une langue douce multiplie les amis (Si 6,5). Comme cela est vrai ! Les mots ont un pouvoir immense. Une parole bienveillante peut ouvrir des portes, bâtir des ponts et guérir des blessures, tandis qu’une langue acerbe peut détruire des relations en un instant. Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, nous devons être attentifs à la manière dont nous parlons les uns aux autres, que ce soit dans nos familles, nos lieux de travail ou nos communautés. Un cœur rempli d’amour et de sagesse prononce des paroles qui édifient, et non qui détruisent. Nous pouvons ici nous rappeler les paroles de saint Paul :

« Qu’aucune parole mauvaise ne sorte de votre bouche, mais seulement celle qui est bonne, propre à édifier selon le besoin, et qui apporte une grâce à ceux qui l’entendent… » (Éphésiens 4,29-32).

Cependant, le Siracide nous met aussi en garde : tous ceux qui se disent amis ne sont pas de véritables amis. Nous vivons une époque où l’amitié est parfois (sinon souvent) basée sur l’intérêt. Beaucoup se rapprochent lorsque tout va bien, mais disparaissent dans les moments d’épreuve. Le Siracide avertit :

« Un ami fidèle est un refuge sûr ; celui qui l’a trouvé a trouvé un trésor » (Si 6,14). Certains ne réalisent la valeur d’un véritable ami qu’après l’avoir perdu.

La véritable amitié : un don rare et précieux

La sagesse du Siracide nous enseigne que l’amitié véritable n’est pas quelque chose de superficiel ; c’est un lien profond basé sur la confiance, la loyauté et des valeurs partagées. Un véritable ami est celui qui reste à nos côtés dans les tempêtes de la vie. Un tel ami :

• Aime en tout temps, et pas seulement quand c’est facile.
• Dit la vérité avec douceur, même quand elle est difficile à entendre.
• Nous élève spirituellement et nous aide à marcher dans la droiture.
• Reste fidèle et ne nous abandonne pas dans nos moments de faiblesse ou de souffrance.

Combien d’entre nous peuvent dire qu’ils ont de tels amis ? Plus encore, combien d’entre nous peuvent dire qu’ils sont eux-mêmes de véritables amis pour les autres ? Ce passage nous invite à réfléchir non seulement aux amitiés que nous recevons, mais aussi à celles que nous offrons.

La clé des amitiés durables : la crainte du Seigneur

Le Siracide 6,16-17 nous donne un enseignement fondamental :

« Un ami fidèle est un élixir de vie ; ceux qui craignent le Seigneur le trouveront. Celui qui craint le Seigneur orientera bien son amitié, car tel il est, tel sera son ami. »

Voici le secret des amitiés véritables et durables : la crainte du Seigneur. Qu’est-ce que cela signifie ? Cela signifie vivre dans le respect de Dieu, rechercher Sa sagesse et marcher dans la droiture. Lorsque nous plaçons Dieu au centre de notre vie, Il nous bénit avec des amitiés qui reflètent Son amour. Les relations les plus solides sont celles fondées sur la foi, où les amis s’encouragent mutuellement à grandir en sainteté.

Cette sagesse est d’autant plus nécessaire dans notre monde aujourd’hui. Beaucoup de relations s’effondrent parce qu’elles sont bâties sur des intérêts passagers plutôt que sur la vérité de Dieu. Si nous voulons expérimenter une véritable amitié, nous devons d’abord être fidèles à Dieu, car Il est le plus véritable des amis.

Jésus, notre parfait ami

En méditant ce passage, nous ne pouvons qu’y voir son accomplissement en Jésus-Christ. Jésus est l’exemple parfait de l’ami fidèle, Celui qui aime sans condition, qui dit la vérité avec amour et qui ne nous abandonne jamais. Il a dit à Ses disciples :

« Je ne vous appelle plus serviteurs, mais amis » (Jean 15,15).

Il a prouvé Son amitié en donnant Sa vie pour nous, nous montrant ainsi que la véritable amitié est un amour sacrificiel. Aimer véritablement comme Jésus nous rend vulnérable.

Si nous voulons être de véritables amis pour les autres, apprenons de Jésus. Soyons des personnes intègres, pleines d’amour et de fidélité. Choisissons nos amis avec sagesse, investissons dans des relations qui glorifient Dieu, et surtout, efforçons-nous d’être des amis qui conduisent les autres vers le Christ.

Chers frères et sœurs, je voudrais conclure cette méditation par quelques questions : Nos amitiés sont-elles bâties sur la confiance et la sagesse divine ? Cultivons-nous des relations qui nous rapprochent du Christ ? Sommes-nous des amis fidèles envers ceux que Dieu a placés dans nos vies ?

Prenons ce message à cœur et demandons au Seigneur de nous guider dans la formation d’amitiés profondes, durables et centrées sur le Christ. N’oublions jamais qu’en Jésus, nous avons un ami qui ne nous trahira jamais, ne nous abandonnera jamais et marchera toujours à nos côtés.

Prions :

« Père céleste, merci pour le don de l’amitié. Aide-nous à choisir avec sagesse des amis qui nous rapprochent de Toi. Rends-nous fidèles, aimants et bienveillants dans nos relations, à l’image de Jésus, notre véritable ami. Remplis nos cœurs de Ton amour, afin que nous soyons une source d’encouragement et de force pour les autres. Nous Te le demandons au nom de Jésus. Amen. »

Que le Seigneur vous bénisse et vous garde toujours dans Son amour. Amen !🙏🙏🙏