treasure for himself

October 21, 2019 6:00 am

“Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” (LK 12: 21) 

Self-centered persons are never happy. There is always more to achieve, more to have, more things needed to make us happy. The world seen from the ego-perspective is full of demands, lack of respect, and gentleness. What we would like to do is to change ourselves: make us givers, not demanders, and altruists, not egoists. And this is a totally different world. 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” (Gospel Acclamation)   

He remains faithful

October 13, 2019 6:00 am

“If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.” (2 TM 2: 11-13) 

Our Lord always remains faithful, even if “we are unfaithful,” because He “cannot deny himself”; He knows Who He is. When we truly and fully recognize our identity—I am husband/I am wife—it is easier for us to take actions which help us to remain faithful. 

“In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

Hear the word of God and observe it 

October 12, 2019 6:00 am

“While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him,
‘Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.’ He replied, ‘Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.’” (LK 11: 27-28) 

Every word of God has one purpose —to lead us to heaven; words of caution or inspiration, words of criticism or amusement are for keeping us safe and going in the right direction. When we are called to be spouses, we go to Heaven loving each other and protecting our love. This is how we put into action God’s word.

“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

seven other spirits more wicked

October 11, 2019 6:00 am

“When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.” (LK 11: 24-26)

The most important thing in married life is perseverance. Loving the same person, day after day, for good and for bad, when we are healthy and young and when we are older, needs a lot of perseverance. Love, to be true, needs to grow daily, not only from time to time. When we stop growing and when we stop taking care of our relationship, we put love in danger. With the Program’s strategies, we have rituals which can help us to grow daily – without excuses and exemptions.  

“The prince of this world will now be cast out, and when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all to myself, says the Lord.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

greatly displeased that God did not carry out the evil

October 10, 2019 6:00 am

“Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry that God did not carry out the evil he threatened against Nineveh.” (JON 4: 1-2) 

It sounds crazy, but we will use God to achieve our plans if we only could. This is a main problem with today’s civilization—it is utilitarian. We are used and we use others. When we look for spouses, we look for somebody who can make us happy; when our relationship is in crisis, we look for divorce and new partners, because we have a right to be happy, etc. Fortunately, God knows better and can protect us even before we can protect ourselves.

“You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!” (Gospel Acclamation

greatly displeased that God did not carry out the evil

October 9, 2019 1:31 pm

“Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry that God did not carry out the evil he threatened against Nineveh.” (JON 4: 1-2)

It sounds crazy, but we will use God to achieve our plans if we only could. This is a main problem with today’s civilization—is utilitarian. We are used and we use others. When we look for spouses we look for somebody who can make us happy; when our relationship is in crisis we look for divorce and new partners, because we have right to be happy, etc. Fortunately God knows better and can protect us even before ourselves.

“You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!” (Gospel Acclamation)

The Better Part

October 8, 2019 6:00 am

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” (LK 10: 41-42) 

We always have some options; we always need to decide what to choose. Sometimes “there is need of only one thing”: to protect our relationship and spend the most important time during the day with our spouses. Whenever we choose “the better part,” we are doing something important for our future. 

“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

Flee to Tarshish away from the Lord

October 7, 2019 11:41 pm

“‘Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and preach against it; their wickedness has come up before me.’ But Jonah made ready to flee to Tarshish away from the LORD.” (JON 1: 2-3)

To travel from Joppa to Nineveh (today Mosul in Iraq) was 550 miles north-east; from Joppa to Tarshish (southern Spain, due north of Gibraltar) was 2500 miles—that means really “away from the Lord.” We have our own excuses and reasons why we don’t want to do what is recommended for us or even ordered to us. When our marriage is in crisis, we escape from difficulties into our work or being busy with children, or… just to be busy being busy to have an excuse not to work on improving our own relationship. God wants only the best for us; it is good to trust Him. 

“I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.” (Gospel Acclamation)  

Stir into flame the gift of God that you have

October 6, 2019 6:00 am

“I remind you, to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” (1 TM 1: 6-8)

The sacrament of marriage is powerful, not because of our strength or our dedication, but because it is His sacrament, Our Lord’s gift to us. He gave to spouses “not a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” When we use all these gifts that we have received – “the strength that comes from God”— and when we cooperate with His grace, we can make miracles. Our rituals bring self-control, self-control supports love, love is powerful and “stirs into flame the gift of God.” 

“The word of the Lord remains forever. This is the word that has been proclaimed to you.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

Ten Times the More

October 5, 2019 6:00 am

“Fear not, my children; call out to God! He who brought this upon you will remember you. As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God, turn now ten times the more to seek him; For he who has brought disaster upon you will, in saving you, bring you back enduring joy.” (BAR 4: 27-29)

For spouses, the way to God and the way to heaven goes through wife or husband. When we take care of our relationship, we take care of our vocation. When “ten times the more” we protect our daily rituals, our gentleness, and our respect toward our spouses, we “seek Him” and He will “bring you back enduring joy.” 

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” (Gospel Acclamation)