• Adultos: 320 € por matrimonio.

Suplemento económico para ayuda a otras familias: Podéis aportar una cantidad adicional, a voluntad, que es muy importante para ayudar a otros matrimonios con dificultades económicas que quieren hacer el retiro.

Subvenciones: Si alguna familia no puede asistir por problemas económicos que nos lo comente, por favor.

• Adultos: 290 € por matrimonio.

Suplemento económico para ayuda a otras familias: Podéis aportar una cantidad adicional, a voluntad, que es muy importante para ayudar a otros matrimonios con dificultades económicas que quieren hacer el retiro.

Subvenciones: Si alguna familia no puede asistir por problemas económicos que nos lo comente, por favor.

To see upcoming RETREATS AND MISSIONS click HERE

GOSPEL

Do not follow their example.
Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Not knowing who I am.

Any self-exaltation is a form of pride. Sometimes we believe that we are better than others just because we pray or go to Mass, or because we are faithful to our marriage. And does that give me the authority to dismiss those who are not, or to believe that I am superior? But weren’t we in agreement that it is God who does it? Ultimately, it all comes from not knowing who God the Father is and what I receive from Him, not knowing the Holy Spirit and what He works in me, not knowing His mercy and the grace I receive from Jesus Christ through His resurrection and death. Ultimately, my pride comes from not knowing the Holy Trinity.
All glory belongs to God, the Father, and to Christ, the only Messiah.

Applied to married life:

Ramón: Marta, could you please put your phone down while I’m talking to you?
Marta: I’m not on my phone. I’m praying. Unlike you, who never prays, that’s why things aren’t going well for you. I’ve said three rosaries today and fasted.
Ramón: It seems quite inconsistent that you pray so much but don’t even have the courtesy to put your phone down when I’m speaking to you.
Marta: Well, having another one of your superficial conversations is a bit of a waste of time, to be honest.
Ramón: Alright then, keep praying…
(At night, during the examination of conscience, Marta realizes that she is no better than Ramón just because she prays more)
Marta: I’m sorry, Ramón. You were right. I shouldn’t have been on my phone while you were talking to me. You’re very important to me.
Ramón: That’s one thing I admire about you. You always acknowledge things and ask for forgiveness.
Marta: It’s not me, it’s the Lord who makes me see it and pushes me to apologize.

Mother,

Those who belong to God demonstrate it by not exalting themselves but by exalting God. They always point to the one to whom all glory belongs. Praise be to my Lord.

To see upcoming RETREATS AND MISSIONS click HERE

GOSPEL

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 14:1, 7-11

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.

He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
‘Give your place to this man,’
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Natural and Supernatural Virtue

For every natural virtue, there is a supernatural virtue that comes from Grace. The interesting thing is that acts that come from natural virtues have no supernatural value; they have no value for eternal life. So, we may think we are very good, but in reality, we have no merit, and furthermore, we become proud by thinking highly of our own actions. The reality is that without the Lord, I can do nothing. Even if I could… without Charity, I can do nothing.

For grace to act, we must first be in a state of grace and then welcome the actual grace that God gives us in every situation. The merits that come from His grace are the ones that have value for God and eternal life. This way, when I humble myself, grace can act, and it is grace that elevates me to God.

Applied to married life

Marta: I have always had good intentions. As a child, I was good. I didn’t wish harm upon anyone. As an adult, I’ve always cared for others. I’ve felt a lot of compassion.

Andrés: Yes, your mother always says you were a very good girl. And now, it’s true that you are very dedicated to others.

Marta: But something is wrong with me, and it’s that all of this has made me proud: I’ve demanded that others treat me as I would according to my natural talents. The result is that I’ve become very demanding with you and others. And, furthermore, I’ve believed I am better.

Andrés: Well… that’s also true. It’s your dominant vice.

Marta: The problem is that everything good I do has no value if it’s not God’s grace working through me. And for that, I have to be humble so that He can act. Will you help me?

Andrés: Count on me, my wonderful wife. Don’t worry, this attitude you have now is one of humility. If you maintain it, the Lord will make you not just good, but holy.

Mother,

Help us understand that without humility, we won’t get anywhere, because everything is the work of grace. Help me always take the lowest place. Blessed be God who desires to exalt us.