When speaking of the Father, Jesus calls Him Abba. “Abba” is an Aramaic expression, which has been kept in the Greek text of Mark’s Gospel (14:36). Abba, signifies a deep and trusting relationship between the father and the son. It is a child’s way of calling his/her father as ” daddy” or “papa”. Jesus would always call the Father as “Abba”, because He is the begotten Son of the Eternal “Abba”.

Biblical examples: The phrase “Abba! Father!” appears in three key passages:

Mark 14:36: Jesus prays to God, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You”. 

Romans 8:15: The Holy Spirit enables believers to cry out, “Abba, Father”. 

Galatians 4:6: Again, in the context of adoption, the Spirit of God’s Son cries out in our hearts, “Abba, Father”. 

These passages show us the intimate relationship of Jesus with the Father. Showing each of us a great example of confident trust in the One who created us and the world.

It is important that we remind ourselves this important truth. In a world where disasters, man-made and natural happened in great frequency and intensity , we are all overwhelmed and enveloped in fear, uncertainty and great want. We are surrounded by destruction and losses (properties and life). ABBA, FATHER…. hear our cries…

Advent gives us this opportunity to call on God, as our Father. To look up, and kneel down in prayer. To hear the murmurs of our hearts , screaming for help. And listen to that soft whispers of assurance from Abba, that He is here.

We, the Poor Clare Sisters, are one with you in crying to God, our Abba, to hold us and embrace tightly our weakening spirits in the face of all that has happened and happening. We hold all your intentions and bring them all to God, our Abba, to smooth all the rough edges and grant our needs.

Le us never lose hearts. Let us rise stronger because of our faith in the God whom we call “ABBA, FATHER.