Gospel of the Day

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew 23:1–12

At that time, Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying:
“The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe whatever they tell you, but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
They tie up heavy burdens, hard to carry, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen by others. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. They love the places of honour at banquets, the seats of honour in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the title ‘Rabbi.’
But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth your ‘Father,’ for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘Master,’ for you have one Master, the Messiah.
The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

The Missing Chapter

Wouldn’t it be better to simply witness that it is God who does everything?
Once again, Jesus redirects our actions towards love and truth, offering two guiding principles:
“The greatest among you must be your servant.”
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
These are two essential keys for marriage. One who does not serve is of no use. And secondly, I cannot exalt myself, because claiming merit for myself is taking it away from God.
Wouldn’t it be better to simply testify that it is God who accomplishes everything? Only God exalts, and He exalts the humble.

Applying It to Married Life

Juanjo (Catechist): Mmm… this dessert is delicious! Well… (getting up from the table) meal finished, gathering over!
Marta: And the dishes? Who’s clearing the table? Am I doing it alone?
Juanjo: Marta, I have so much to do. I’m teaching catechesis tomorrow, and I haven’t even finished preparing my lesson.
Marta: One day, I really need to discover the mystery of how to love without clearing the table. That chapter isn’t in my Bible…
Juanjo: You’re right, Marta. Forgive me. Go and rest a while—I’ll take care of everything. Tomorrow’s catechesis is not more important than the dignity of serving you.
Marta: Thank you, Juanjo. And forgive me—I was a bit ironic with you, and irony is far from love. I feel ashamed, because irony always places oneself above the other, and in doing so, I disregarded you. I should have spoken to you with love, thinking of you rather than myself.
Juanjo: Either way, it worked. Thank you for bringing me back to my place.
Marta: And thank you for reacting so well and bringing me back to mine.
(They embrace.)

Mother,

You teach us this as well in the Magnificat:
“He has shown might with His arm, scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.”
This is the Heart of the Father, and this is how you reveal Him to us. How important it is to know the heart of God!
Thank you, Mother, for showing it to us. Blessed are you. Amen.