XL. Given the expanse of the parables, Benedict focuses on three of them from Luke’s Gospel: the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and...

XXXIX. The parables, then, are a familiar teaching method, using examples and illustrations to reveal deeper layers of meaning hidden in...

We each have an image of a good father, recognizing those characteristics even if our own experiences did not reach the ideals we hold....

XXXXIII. In Chapter Seven of Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict next turns to the parables of Jesus. These are the heart of Jesus’...

XXXVII. The lists of the Apostles in the four Gospels varies a bit in name, usually explained by Hebrew and Greek versions or –as with...

XXXVI. In addition to “making” the Apostles as a reference to the Old Testament appointment of priests, the number – twelve – is of...

Pope Francis writes: “With a father’s heart: that is how Joseph loved Jesus, whom all four Gospels refer to as “the son of Joseph.”...

XXXV. Chapter Six of Jesus of Nazareth pauses the Gospel narrative to consider the disciples of Jesus. While the invitation to the...

XXXIV. “But deliver us from evil,” the Lord’s Prayer concludes. This clause is closely linked to the previous one and gives it the right...

XXXIII. “And lead us not into temptation,” Jesus continues. Of course God does not set us up to fail, and God does not tempt us, as even...

XXXII. Two related references to forgiveness follow in the fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive...

XXXI. “Give us this day our daily bread.” This petition is most practical, a realistic awareness of our basic human needs. It also makes...

Last December 8, Pope Francis declared a Year of St. Joseph to be observed until December 8, 2021. The occasion for this declaration is...

XXX. “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” the Lord’s Prayer continues. This implies that God has a definite will, a plan, for...

XXIX. The next phrase, “Thy Kingdom come,” recalls the previous discussions of the meaning of the Kingdom of God proclaimed by Jesus. We...

XXVIII. A further implication of Jesus’ prayer – Hallowed by Thy Name – is that God makes Himself available to us for relationship. To...

XXVII. Next, the Lord’s Prayer acknowledges the holiness of “our Father”: “Hallowed be Thy name.” This connects us to the Second...

XXVI. Continuing to reflect on the Lord’s Prayer: having considered the term “Father” as used by Jesus, Pope Benedict considers the...

XXV. In his characteristic way of encountering secular culture and its questions about the Faith, Pope Benedict also addresses the...

XXIV. How do we come to know the Father? This was implied in Philip’s request to Jesus at the Last Supper: “Show us the Father, and that...