Gospel
At that time: Jesus told his disciples a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.’
Today the Lord teaches us that we recognise His Kingdom among us by its fruits. And He desires that His Kingdom be lived here and now—in our marriage and in our family.
That is why it is so important to look honestly at what is happening around me: Are there fruits of the Good Spirit?
As Saint Paul says in Galatians 5, these spiritual fruits are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, humility…
So I need to pause and examine myself in the light of God:
– Am I in communion with my spouse?
– Do my words towards my spouse reflect charity?
– Do I live humility rather than pride?
– And each time my spouse falls, do I see it as an opportunity for me to grow in the opposing virtue?
When I truly see in my spouse the one God has chosen so that we may reach Heaven together—and live a foretaste of Heaven here on earth—then our marriage and family will bear fruits of eternal life.
Applied to Married Life
Isla: Peter, I think we really should go to Mass together.
Peter: I think so too, but Isla… it’s so difficult at the moment.
(Later that afternoon)
Isla: Peter, I’m going to Mass. You do as you wish, but I’m going.
Peter: I can’t today. Go on your own.
Isla: Well, suit yourself… but if you don’t come, that’s on you.
(On her return from Mass)
Isla: Hello, my love. You know, during Mass I was thinking about what we prayed in last week’s catechesis with our Marriage Project group: that the Lord died on the Cross, shed every drop of His Blood, and remains with us in the Eucharist to establish our sacrament. And by speaking to you so harshly… I was despising that gift and trampling upon it. Forgive me, Peter.
Peter: No… on the contrary, thank you, Isla, for reminding me how important the Eucharist is—and how going together always helps us live it better and deepens our communion.
Isla: Well, perhaps we can plan it out—maybe we could go together on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, since you work from home those days.
Peter: That sounds perfect, my love. I thank God for you—because you always help me refocus on what truly matters.
Mother,
Show us your Son, Jesus—blessed fruit of your womb. May His will be done here on earth, so that we may live His Kingdom now. Blessed and praised be the Lord forever!