The sabbath was made for man. 

January 19, 2021 3:00 am

“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.” (MK 2: 27-28)

The sabbath and the Sunday, and every day of the week, were made for us, human beings. God lives beyond any limitation, like space or time. But for us, for our life on Earth, time is our space for growing in love—from experiencing (to have), to sharing (to do), and finally to being a love (to be). Every day, every hour, and every minute is important, especially because of this: growing in time to be love.

“May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

Accustomed to fast. 

January 18, 2021 3:00 am

“The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast.” (MK 2: 18)

We have spiritual practices like fasting, meditation, and prayers (like litanies), as well as combinations such as meditation+prayer (like Rosary) and adoration, reflections on God’s Word, and many others, like songs, stations of the cross, etc.  These are our spiritual rituals. They are important. We also have our own marriage rituals to protect our relationship. They are also important because we go to heaven as spouses. Like spiritual rituals, we can have many of them; the only important thing is to practice them. Sometimes they could change from walking long walks to time with a hot tea at the fireplace, but the essence is important—stay together, stay close, communicate your love, and be love. 

“The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

It was about four in the afternoon. 

January 17, 2021 3:00 am

“It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.” (JN 1: 39) 

Time is important. For now, because in heaven there is no time, we are using this realm and structure to reach heaven. An important part of our reality is time and how we make use of it. Is our time dedicated to being more loving or more working, more giving or more demanding, more respectful or more blaming? Do we have time for our rituals or are other things more important? More important for what? Are they bringing us closer to each other or making us better for our spouses? 

“We have found the Messiah: Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

To call sinners. 

January 16, 2021 2:57 pm

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (MK 2: 17) 

Whenever Our Lord sees weakness or sin, He comes with support. If we are focused on seeing our spouses’ mistakes and sins, naturally, Jesus will leave us (as “those who are well) and will go to our spouses (because He “did not come to call the righteous but sinners”). Our idea of extreme ownership helps us recognize our own mistakes, our own sin, and protects our relationship from our spouses’ idealistic vision.

“The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

Unable to get near Jesus

January 15, 2021 3:00 am

“Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him.” (MK 2: 4)

Sometimes it also happens with our spouses and us. We are “unable to get near”; maybe stress at work, maybe our last “conversation” or his night rituals (not with me, but with a bottle of wine and TV) or … many other things. But “unable” doesn’t mean impossible; it just means—be more creative. There is always something not conventional (like coming by a roof, not by doors); it is only a matter of our creativity and determination. When we really want to “get near,” our hearts will lead us to how to do it.   

“A great prophet has arisen in our midst, and God has visited his people.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

He remained outside in deserted places.

January 14, 2021 3:00 am

“He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.” (MK 1: 45)

One of the places Our Lord wants to be found is “deserted places.” Especially now, when we live locked down, our homes suddenly become offices and schools, and being just a family at home is more complicated. So it will help make some “deserted places” at homes, places without phones, screens, and headphones. Deserted from distractors and open for relationships.

“Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.” (Gospel Acclamation)