‘I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.’
Matthew 10:34-11:1
‘Whoever receives you, receives me, and whoever receives me, receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.’
When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.
In our daily lives, we often find ourselves concerned with our relationships—with our parents, wondering if we’re doing enough for our in-laws, if we’re truly looking after them. We think about our siblings and how wonderful it would be if they discovered the journey of faith we’re on…
But where is the Lord in all of this? And where are we? Do I truly know myself as a child of God and act accordingly? Do my spouse and I live as children of the Father?
Today, Lord, You remind us that above all else—and before dealing with anyone—we must begin with Love. That means living as Your children. As spouses, let us come before You together, as children of God the Father. You have promised to pour out Your grace upon us through our sacrament.
So, if I struggle to love, let me love with Your love. If I long to persuade someone, let me ask the Father in Your name. If I am hurt by how others treat me, let me offer it up to the Father as You did.
Before going anywhere ourselves, may we go in Your name, with You, and through You.
Through Christ, with Him, and in Him, to You, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Applied to Married Life:
Frank: I keep wondering if I’m loving my mum enough.
Angela: Why do you say that?
Frank: I don’t know if I’ve been visiting her as often as I should. It’s been a while since we saw her.
Angela: I think we visit her enough—if we don’t make time for us and our home, then when do we?
And just like that, Angela and Frank realised they were both acting on their own personal criteria. So they decided to take it to prayer.
The next day, after having prayed about it, they each decided to focus more on the other than on themselves…
Angela: Shall we go see your mum this Sunday? I know I need to love her, even when it’s hard for me.
Frank: Thank you so much, love. I know it’s not easy for you, and I really appreciate it. How about we have lunch with her, and come home a bit early so we can still go for a walk together—just the two of us? How does that sound?
Angela: Oh, that sounds perfect!
Both together: Thank You, Lord, for revealing Your will when we place things in Your hands.
Mother,
Thank You for showing us the way, for reminding us we are Your little children, always in need of the Father’s love.
Praised be the Lord!