From the Gospel according to Mark 6:1–6
Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Loving in Silence
Jesus, how is it that they are surprised in Nazareth by Your wisdom? Did they not know You throughout Your whole life there? Surely You went unnoticed, doing good without seeking any prominence loving and giving Yourself in silence, in small things, in those details that only the one who receives them notices. And sometimes not even the one who receives them. Since then, You have spent almost 2,000 years “hidden” in the Eucharist loving, giving Yourself every second, but in silence.
Do I love like that? Do I give myself like that? without it being noticed, only for Your love, only for love of my spouse, only for love of others, to make their lives better, even if I am not thanked. That is how You want me to love, Lord. But it seems impossible to me. I find it hard to love, and when I manage to do it, I want it to be noticed. And You tell me that it is enough that You see it, that that is where it has the greatest value. I know that with my own strength it is impossible. Then I hear this phrase: “He could not perform miracles there because of their lack of faith.” Oh! What if You cannot work that miracle in my heart because of my lack of faith? Jesus, increase my faith. And I know You tell me: “Pray more and trust in Me.”
Applied to Married Life:
Josh: I can’t take it anymore! I’m fed up! What’s the point of my prayer, my sacrifices, my self-giving? I don’t change, and I don’t see you change. It hurts me so much when you speak to me like that!
Mia: Forgive me, Josh, don’t be angry. I’m so sorry. I’m trying to overcome my anger, but sometimes I still fall. I do see your progress. Of course prayer is changing you! You’re happier, kinder. I see your struggle, those moments of silence where you used to react… I’m so grateful to God! You’re being very persevering, and your heart is changing.
Josh: Mia, I thank God so much for you! Forgive me. I also see your struggle so many times you keep quiet, loving in silence. I know I am very weak, and it frustrates me. But I know that in that weakness the Lord wants to do His work. Please forgive me and keep pulling me along you know how hard it is for me. I need you.
Mia: And I need you. The Lord wants to do a great work in our marriage. He has given His life for it. But He needs our “yes,” expressed in perseverance in prayer, in the sacraments, and in sacrifices of self-giving love. That’s where we must help each other, to keep going with all our strength. He will do the rest. How great the Lord is!
Mother,
Teach us to love as you love, without noise, in everything. Lead us to your Son. Blessed and praised be the Lord!