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GOSPEL

Useless servant we are, we have fulfilled our duty

From the Gospel according to Luke: 17:7-10

Jesus said to the Apostles:

“Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

“What I demand from you and do not receive”.

All goodness comes from God. Let me reiterate: every good thing comes from God! The moment I convince myself that something positive originates from me, pride creeps in, and I demand a “reward” from the “loved” person…

That’s why humility is indispensable on the path of Christian love, allowing the grace of God and the Holy Spirit to act, not me.

Applied to married life:

Sharon: Have you noticed that we consistently demand acts of love from each other?

Andy: yes, I have. But I’m aware that, in my case, it’s pride. I demand that you do for me what I don’t receive, and I don’t let anything slide to get back at you for not letting anything slide with me. And so we continue… I am certain that until I begin to act with humility toward you and acknowledge that I don’t inherently deserve anything, I won’t make progress. I pray to the Lord to grant me the grace and strength to embrace this.

Sharon: I pray for it too, Andy. Let’s unite in seeking it together every night. What do you think?

Andy: That sounds very good and very healing.

Mother,

How destructive pride can be. How it insidiously infiltrates, conceals itself, and erodes our relationship… Deliver us from this evil, Father. Do not let us succumb to temptation. Amen.”

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Gospel
If seven times in a day he returns to say to you, “I repent,” you shall forgive him.

From the Gospel according to Luke
Lk 17:1-6

Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.

Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day
and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.” And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

The Gospel of the Lord

From setting a negative example to becoming a witness.

And who among us has not, at some point, caused offense to one of our young ones or our neighbour? We find ourselves collectively in a prolonged queue, each with a metaphorical millstone fastened around our necks, perched at the precipice, awaiting the well-deserved nudge. It is for this reason that the apostles implore the Lord for greater faith, for salvation lies solely in faith, and it is through faith alone that the essential transformation within us becomes possible, transitioning us from being a source of scandal to becoming witnesses of God’s love.

Applied to marital life:

James: Today, I feel compelled to extend my apologies to our children. I am aware of the numerous instances where I have inadvertently caused them distress over the years.

Kate: That is a commendable decision, James. Undoubtedly, you have been an authentic example in many respects, but there have been instances where your conduct fell short of setting a positive example. Therefore, by seeking forgiveness, you are poised to cease being a negative influence and once again assume the role of a witness to Christ’s love for them.

James: Thank you, Kate. Your words are reassuring, as I am burdened by a profound sense of guilt.

Kate: You are most welcome, James. I, too, shall take this opportunity to seek forgiveness, recognizing my own shortcomings. Thank you for sharing with me this inspiration from The Holy Spirit.

Mother,

The Lord accords significant importance to the adverse examples we present to others. Mother, even if solely motivated by this consideration, let us summon adequate strength and graciously embrace the divine favor to resist succumbing to the temptation of lovelessness.

Praise be to the merciful God.

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GOSPEL

From the Gospel according to Matthew
Mt 25:1-13

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins
who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
The foolish ones, when taking their lamps,
brought no oil with them,
but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.
Since the bridegroom was long delayed,
they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight, there was a cry,
‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise,
‘Give us some of your oil,
for our lamps are going out.’
But the wise ones replied,
‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you.
Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’
While they went off to buy it,
the bridegroom came
and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.
Then the door was locked.
Afterwards the other virgins came and said,
‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’
But he said in reply,
‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’
Therefore, stay awake,
for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Message from the Lord.

Absolutely Capable.

Thanks to Christ’s Redemption, we’ve been granted Sanctifying Grace, allowing us to attain supernatural merits beyond our natural abilities. The Lord graciously shares the benefits of His redemption through sacraments—a remarkable gift! Shouldn’t we stay attentive and welcome all the grace God wishes to offer? Failing to receive such an undeserved gift would be the height of ingratitude.

Applied to marital life:

Emma : I apologise. I recognize my mistake in not informing you about my delayed arrival, making you wait. However, let’s calm down and appreciate the grace bestowed upon us through our marriage.
Alex: I can’t. I’m truly upset with you.
Emma: Yes, you can. Our Lord sacrificed Himself to provide you with the grace necessary to continue loving me. Come on, my love. I genuinely repent, and I’m immensely proud of you because you’re a good man capable of loving me with the love you’ve received from God.
Alex: (Taking a moment to appreciate the greatness and beauty of his wife, he thinks: Thank you, Lord, for this incredible wife. She’s invaluable. With a different perspective, he says to her) You’re right, Mar. Pride is destructive. Thank you for guiding me to embrace God’s grace.
Emma: That holds great significance in God’s eyes, Alex. Congratulations.

Mother,

May our entire beings be prepared to welcome God’s grace fully, leading us to the holiness He desires for us. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

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GOSPEL

From the Gospel according to Luke
Lk 16:9-15

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth,
so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
The person who is trustworthy in very small matters
is also trustworthy in great ones;
and the person who is dishonest in very small matters
is also dishonest in great ones.
If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth,
who will trust you with true wealth?
If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another,
who will give you what is yours?
No servant can serve two masters.
He will either hate one and love the other,
or be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.”

The Pharisees, who loved money,
heard all these things and sneered at him.
And he said to them,
“You justify yourselves in the sight of others,
but God knows your hearts;
for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.”

Message from the Lord:

Consistency from the Minor to the Major.

The person who displays faithfulness in small matters will also exhibit fidelity in more significant aspects of life. This is truly commendable! In essence, it’s a straightforward concept. Your character influences your conduct, whether dealing with minor or major affairs. Hence, it holds paramount importance to remain loyal in worldly affairs, thereby positioning ourselves favorably for matters concerning God.

Let’s cultivate the practice of natural virtues in the trivialities of daily life, fostering kindness toward our spouses, with the ultimate aim of acquiring supernatural virtues that raise us to God through His grace.

Applied to marital life:

Kevin: Vicky, what’s going on? You’ve been arranging my toiletries for quite some time.
Vicky: I’m preparing my heart for when you might need me in more substantial matters. Currently, I’m assisting you in organizing your belongings, and eventually, I’ll be poised to assist when God calls on me to help arrange your heart.
Kevin: You’re truly lovely. Training yourself in the minor aspects to be ready for more significant acts of love. There’s no one else like you. How can I adequately express my gratitude to God for everything He has blessed me with through you? Praise be to God.
Vicky: Praise be to Him through you.

Mother,

May our awareness persist in staying faithful to the seemingly insignificant tasks. Praise be to the Lord for continuously guiding us in the practice of love through His Word.

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GOSPEL

From the Gospel according to Luke
Lk 16:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward
who was reported to him for squandering his property.
He summoned him and said,
‘What is this I hear about you?
Prepare a full account of your stewardship,
because you can no longer be my steward.’
The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do,
now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me?
I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg.
I know what I shall do so that,
when I am removed from the stewardship,
they may welcome me into their homes.’
He called in his master’s debtors one by one.
To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’
He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note.
Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’
Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’
He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’
He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note;
write one for eighty.’
And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.
For the children of this world
are more prudent in dealing with their own generation
than the children of light.”

Message from the Lord.

Winning Souls for God

This Gospel passage can be somewhat perplexing at first glance. It might seem like someone who acts improperly is being commended. However, Jesus is actually encouraging us to utilize the gifts given by God to attract the love and devotion of many people. He’s urging us to make the most of what God has provided so that we can help reduce or eliminate any spiritual debts our loved ones may have to God. God doesn’t desire that anyone carries burdens of debt to Him, and He’s willing to give generously, even offering His own Son, to bring about reconciliation and peace. So, what is our role in this?

The Devil is a cunning tempter who lures and deceives by disguising his ways as appealing. In response, we need to be clever and strategic in our efforts to lead our loved ones closer to God. The Devil doesn’t force anyone; he allures and seduces. Therefore, we must exert a stronger, more attractive influence on our loved ones to guide them towards God, for God’s power is always superior.

Relating this to married life:

Helen: Andrés, I sent you a link about Father Pio. Have you checked it out?
Andrew: No, Marta, I haven’t had a chance to see it.
Helen: It seems like you find time to watch all sorts of videos, but when I send you something profound, it doesn’t seem to pique your interest.
Andrew: Marta, I’m getting tired of the dull videos you send me. I’m not sure why I feel obligated to watch them…
In prayer, the Lord says: Marta, Marta… I have endowed you with all your unique qualities as a woman so that you can captivate your husband’s heart for Me. I understand your nature. Embrace your femininity, your sweetness, and your charm. Stay connected to Me through your prayers and sacraments, and continue offering sacrifices on his behalf. In due time, I will work in his heart. My daughter, place your trust in Me. I need you. I need your words, your actions. When your husband sees you, it should be Me that he sees in reality. Love him as I love you, and employ your natural allure to bring his soul closer to Me. This is the greatest gift you can offer him if you love him, and it’s the greatest gift you can offer Me if you love Me.
(After waiting a few days not to overwhelm Andrew)
Helen: Darling, would you come over here with me? I’m feeling a bit chilly.
Andrew: Of course, I’ll warm you up.
Helen: I’m aware there’s a series you enjoy. Would it be alright if I watch a couple of episodes with you, and afterward, we can have a nice chat?
Andrew: Well, alright… My series? Sure, I appreciate you sharing this with me.
(After a couple of episodes)
Helen: I enjoyed watching your series with you. Would you be open to me sharing something with you as well? I need you.
Andrew: Yes, of course.
Helen: Look, I’d like us to experience something meaningful together, something that goes beyond daily chores and household matters. I want to know you better, and I’d like you to know me…
(After a while of conversing while Helen gently caresses Andrew’ chest, knowing his preferences…)
Helen: What I’m feeling is akin to that Gospel message that says…
(And so, Helen, gently and artfully, led Andrew into a conversation about matters of God. There was no imposition, just a focus on his comfort and the enjoyment of a pleasant time. Finally, Helen was skilfully making use of the gifts that God had given her).

Mother,

I admire your subtlety, your simplicity. You’ve masterfully guided me towards God and won my heart. I hold you dear, Mother. How can I ever repay you? Praise be to the Lord, who entrusted me to His Most Holy Mother to welcome me in His name. Amen.