GOSPEL

Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command? Luke 6:43-49
Reading of the holy gospel according to Saint Luke.

Jesus said to his disciples : “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.

For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles.

A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.

Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command?

I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them.

That one is like a person building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built.

But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation.

When the river burst against it, it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed.”

The word of the Lord.

Dessert or ham.

How is our spiritual life measured? By charity, because charity is the love of God through us. If He is not in us, if we have not become intimate with Him and allowed him to rule our hearts by removing all barriers, we will not be able to perform acts of charity. But acts of charity have several peculiarities: First and foremost is that the person who does them recognizes that this act does not come from him; secondly, that they do them with joy and kindness; thirdly, that the person who does them does not tire of doing them…; and fourthly, all the other things that Saint Paul says in the hymn to charity. And the fruits of these acts are the fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… What? Is there spiritual life in you?

Applied to married life:

Álvaro: This ham is really good, isn’t it? Iberian and acorn-fed. It’s curious how the breed and what a pig eats can affect its flavor, its texture… In the case of meat, its quality is imparted by what it consumes. However, in the case of the soul, its quality is demonstrated by what comes out of it. The acts and what comes out of the mouth… Have you ever thought about it?

Alba: Honestly, I don’t usually think about those things while I’m eating a ham like this, but since you bring that up… I’m listening. Go on, go on… I’ll continue with the ham.

Álvaro: I mean, the Holy Spirit is at the center of our soul, and what comes out of the soul demonstrates the presence and intimacy I have with Him. Depending on that, will be my words and acts. There can be no deception in that.

Alba: Right. Well, there are times when what comes out of my mouth is not exactly pleasant, so I really need to step up my game.

Álvaro: No, but you have changed a lot. Before, you only talked about yourself, and now you almost always talk about the Lord. It’s clear that He is very present in you.

Alba: Thank you, Álvaro. You’ve moved me. Phew! I can’t take any more! With so much ham, I don’t have room for dessert.

Álvaro: I, on the other hand, have a looot of space… Mmm! It looks so delicious! Now it’s your turn to speak, and I’ll take care of this delicious chocolate dessert… Haha!

Alba: That’s it. Go ahead. You go ahead. Let’s see, with so much chocolate, if you become a pata negra (a high-quality ham produced in Spain)… Haha

Mother,

May we strengthen our married life based on the Gospel. Jesus came to show us the way. Thank you, Lord!