GOSPEL

Whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.

From the Gospel according to Mark 3:7-12

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem,
from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.

The Gospel of the Lord

They comfort me.

It’s true that we have a certain respect for the power of concupiscence over us. It may seem like we are dominated by our disorders, leading to a feeling of hopelessness. Hooweve, in today´s Gospel, we witness the profound fear that evil spirits have of the Lord—they bow before Him, screaming terrified that He might issue an order they’d have to unquestionably obey. So why worry so much? I should pray as David did in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Applied to married life:

Marcus: Helen, I am very concerned about my pride. I realize the harm I’m causing you. I genuinely don’t want it. t, Yet, I find myself reacting in ways that dominate me, and I’m not in control of my thoughts or my aggressive way of speaking to you.

Helen: I understand, Marcus. I experience the same with resentment towards you. Unconsciously, dark thoughts come to me about things you did in the past that hurt me.

Marcus: What do you think if we pray for each other before the Lord regularly? Our sacrament has great power. I’m sure the Lord will act in us as ministers of grace for each other.

Helen: That sounds wonderful, especially considering that God’s grace has much more power than all the advice we give each other. I feel very reassured that we are placing ourselves in His hands.

Mother,

We trust in the Lord. We want to be united to Him like branches to the Vine. His rod and His staff comfort us. Praise Him forever