When we allow the prince of this world to enter our marriage, discussion, coldness, suspicion and judgement inevitably begin to grow. And then two very clear paths present themselves to us: to react from our woundedness or to choose to love, because we love the Father and desire to respond to His love. It only takes one of the two to break that spiral: to renounce being right, to take the first step, to approach with humility and ask forgiveness, to embrace with tenderness, to say a sincere “I love you”… Then something changes, because grace breaks through. And peace comes to that home. Not a superficial peace, but the peace of God: the peace that enlarges the heart, that heals, that restores true joy. A peace that does not depend on circumstances, and which the world can never give us.

Laura and Matthew had argued over their children’s summer camp. Laura was certain that the best option was to repeat the same one as every year, trusting what was familiar; Matthew, on the other hand, was convinced that they needed something new, to face different people and situations in order to grow in strength. Both defended their positions firmly… until the argument erupted. Voices were raised, words became sharper, and suddenly, silence. A tense, uncomfortable silence that drove them apart, each to opposite ends of the house, hearts heavy. Both knew what had happened. They had given in to temptation: where there should have been communion, division had entered. And this pained them deeply. Separately, they turned to prayer. In the hidden place of their hearts, they allowed the Holy Spirit to show them the path of Love: a path that involves surrendering one’s own judgement, obeying the one we love, seeking communion… and above all, desiring the true good of their children (precisely that for which they had begun to argue). For there is no greater good for a child than to witness the love between his parents. They still did not know what decision they would make. But they both knew that this was not the way. And then, almost at the same time, both stood up. Each, from their own place, decided to move towards the other. And unexpectedly, they met in the middle of the hallway. They looked at one another. They stopped. And on their faces, still weary from the struggle, there appeared the beginning of a smile that surprised them both; the Spirit also draws forth smiles. They each took another step… and embraced. And in that moment, without yet having decided on the camp, they had already chosen what mattered most: to love one another above all else.

Mother,

Teach us that the will of God always passes through sacrificial love and unity. Praised be the Lord!