Follow me. 

September 30, 2020 3:00 am

“And to another he said, ‘Follow me.’” (LK 9: 59)

Several meetings, several requests, and many different answers. Sometimes we have our own idealistic vision, sometimes it looks like Our Lord expects too much, or maybe we have another conception for being fully involved and still having some room for ourselves. This is life and this is why Our Lord asked us to pray for vocations, to pray for people who can answer His call and follow Him totally. 

“I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

There is no duplicity in him

September 29, 2020 3:00 am

“Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” (JN 1: 47)

It will be so nice to hear one day about ourselves: “there is no duplicity in him.” How often it is so difficult for us to have the same face in two different environments, like home or work. We can ask our angels for help; they are all the time focused on God, looking at Him, and, at the same time, watching us, protecting us, and following God’s will for us. And probably this is the answer: whenever we do God’s will, we are united, integrated, and there is no duplicity in us. 

“Bless the LORD, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Which of them was the greatest

September 28, 2020 3:00 am

“An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest.” (LK 9: 46) 

Rivalry and intolerance are the common weaknesses among us as human beings; we are used to comparing, to competing, and we don’t like people who are different. It was a problem with “the disciples”; it could be also be a problem for us when, for example, we think: I am better for this position than the other person. Fortunately for us, our positions mean just more work, more responsibility, but no greater income or prestige. We are to serve, like Our Lord. 

“The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Which of the two did his father will

September 27, 2020 3:00 am

“‘Which of the two did his father’s will?’ They answered, ‘The first.’” (MT 21: 31)

It is interesting to note that neither one was perfect: neither the first nor the second. The first started with rejection but later corrected himself; the second started with a positive answer but later changed his mind. Jesus didn’t give us perfect examples. He gave us human dilemmas, examples of human mistakes, and ways to grow. 

“My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

All amazed at his every deed

September 26, 2020 3:00 am

“While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.’” (LK 9: 43-44)

It happened to the Apostles and it could happen also to us; they were amazed at his deeds, but they didn’t recognize the mystery of the cross. With every deed as an act of love, Our Lord came closer and closer to the most generous, unconditional act of love—to give His life for us. “Jesus destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.” 

“Our Savior Christ Jesus destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

Praying in solitude

September 25, 2020 3:00 am

“Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’” (LK 9: 18)

“Praying in solitude” brings good questions and brings good answers. It is good for us when we can organize our time and protect some time for “praying in solitude.” Solitude is never empty, without meaning, just nothing. Solitude is more like a blank sheet of paper, which gives us the potential to write or draw something. God is always with us, and His love is always with us and protecting us. With God’s presence and God’s love, we can ask the right questions and receive the right answers. 

“The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

And he kept trying to see him

September 24, 2020 3:00 am

“‘John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?’ And he kept trying to see him.” (LK 9: 9)

Herod was an evil man, and yet he “kept trying to see him.” It shows that good is always more attractive than evil, and the beauty of the Gospel and the beauty of teaching about God’s plan for marriage and family is always more powerful than the message of this contemporary culture. We have a big mission, to proclaim the good news about marriage, about our role as couples, parents, and friends in this world; knowing that force is not ours, it comes from Our Lord and His love for this world.

“I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

From village to village

September 23, 2020 3:00 am

“Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.” (LK 9: 6)

The evangelization and any progress in our Programs is not based on massive actions or big events; it is always the same strategy—“from village to village,” from one house to another house, from one family to another family, from one couple to another couple. This is the best way to make a small community of people who think and believe the same and can support each other. Even when we have bigger Programs (like for 30 or 40 couples) still we work in small groups of 6 couples. Two people (a couple) can initiate a movement and 12 people are a good standard for starting a community. 

“The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

My mother and my brother

September 22, 2020 3:00 am

“He said to them in reply, ‘My mother and my brothers  are those who hear the word of God and act on it.’” (LK 8: 21)

Our Lord shows us a different way of being related. We have a family of origin, but our friends become our family by choice. People we chose to be important for us become our friends, advisors, comforters, and inspiration. This is also true for those who share the same faith and vocation, who are growing as couples and make wise decisions about time and for whom they want to have time. 

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

He saw a man named….

September 21, 2020 3:00 am

“As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.” (MT 9: 9)

How many of us have survived because we have met Jesus’ eyes? How important was the moment when “He saw” us? Only Our Lord can see hearts, their beauty, and the potential hidden from others. Our Lord can reveal our vocation and our gifts. Too often, our environment can see only our limitations, our weaknesses, and no potential at all. Thank God, there is always Our Lord Who sees. 

“We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.” (Gospel Acclamation)