From the Gospel according to Matthew
6:7-15
Jesus said to his disciples:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are to pray:
‘Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.’
“If you forgive others their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
The Path of Marriage
It is the prayer that Christ left to His bride, the Church, and thus it encompasses everything about marriage. It teaches us to recognize that God is the center of our marital and family life. It also teaches us to seek His will and not our own. It teaches us to ask for and give nourishment every day, especially the nourishment of the soul to give love. It also teaches us to ask for forgiveness and forgive one another between spouses. And it teaches us to strive together so that we do not fall into temptations that break our communion.
Applied to Married Life:
Estela: Edwin, how could your mother say in front of everyone yesterday that I don’t bring anything when she invites us to eat? When you know that’s not true. I can’t forgive her for that.
Edwin: I understand you’re upset. Sometimes, not being able to tell me things like before, makes her jealous and to speak with anger.
Estela: So, you’re taking her side?
Edwin: No, Estela. I always want to be with you. But not forgiving her isn’t going to help you. Show her your forgiveness, and God will reward you with His forgiveness for you. That will start changing my mother.
Estela: Thank you, Lord, for giving me this proper help. Without Him, I would never reach You.
Mother,
Thank you because You teach us to act from mercy and forgiveness, as You did with those who condemned Your Son. Blessed be He forever.