GOSPEL

The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.

From the Gospel according to Mark 2:23-28

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat,and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

More than Self-Love.

Understanding is the faculty of intellectual knowledge. Essentially, it allows us to discern, to choose what is central, what is essential. Understanding is also affected by concupiscence, making it difficult for us to discern the best choice, something that should be automatic. But our understanding is conditioned by educational, sensual, and and various experiences that make us look without truly seeing, hear without fully understanding.

Therefore, our understanding must be purified. This purification is done with the light of the Holy Spirit in prayer and by forming our consciences based on the Church’s doctrine and teachings, where the Holy Spirit has illuminated numerous saints over many centuries, providing profound insights. With this awareness, should I rely on my own criteria? That’s what the Pharisees did, sought to correct the Son of God. Let us not be like them; let us be more humble.

Applied to married life:

James: Every action throughout my day should be subject to the law of love. If I think we shouldn’t buy something, it’s not the right time for a home renovation, or if the priority is to eat (because it’s mealtime) instead of doing laundry, but you have a different opinion, shouldn’t I be delighted to please you out of love even against my own judgment?

Anne: Well, it’s true that if we love, our actions should contribute to a common good. That’s what needs to be discerned.

James: I have to admit that most of the time it’s my stubbornness that prevents me from yielding. So, if my stubbornness is stronger than my love for you, I’m on the wrong path. That’s why I want to change my behaviour. I love you too much to let my self-love prevail. I want to be able to say to you: I love you more than I love myself!

Anne: Well, that sounds intense, but it’s true that it happens to us. To me too, and I’m not willing to allow self-love to be more than my lover for you and, therefore, my love for the Lord.

Mother,

May our love for God and our spouse truly be the first and foremost priority in our lives.  Praise the Lord whom we love so much.