GOSPEL

“For they were like sheep without a shepherd”

From the Gospel according to Mark 6:30-34

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things

The Gospel of the Lord

Lacrimosa.

It is indeed important to find moments to be alone with the Lord. Without such moments, we will offer little help to others, and our actions may reflect our own sense of justice rather than God’s. However, at the same time, if we pray a lot and this does not translate into attitudes like compassion and love, our prayers are of no use. Either we are not truly praying, or we are not praying properly, because the Lord will always lead us to the greatest virtue, which is charity.

Applied to married life

Susan: Well, another grandchild on the way. They seem to be coming one after another, don’t they?

Harry: Yes. We’ll have to give them a hand as much as we can. I don’t know if you see it the same way, but since I retire, it feels like I’m working even more than before. With our role as grandparents, the missions of Project for marital Love, and our journey of marital spirituality, we’ll barely have time to eat.

Susan: True, but marital prayer, the Eucharist, and the rosary are sacred. Okay? We may not have time for meals, but we’ll pray, no matter what. Hey, what are you doing with that little jar?

Harry: Collecting a tear that’s falling. I got emotional seeing how in love you are with the Lord and how you help me stay faithful.

Susan: (Takes his hand and squeezes it) It’s God who gives me this love for Him. And what are you doing with that little jar now?

Harry: I’m labeling it and placing it in this display case. Look, here’s the tear from the day I converted. Here’s the one from the day I discovered the greatness of our marriage…

Susan: And what do you call your collection?

Harry: It’s my “emotional” collection. You know I like to keep the significant moments in my heart to thank God. I sit here occasionally, remembering each moment while listening to Lacrimosa Mozart’s Requiem.

Mother,

May our prayer help us grow in love. Praise be to God.

GOSPEL

“For my eyes have seen your salvation”

From the Gospel according to Luk 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce— so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

The Gospel of the Lord

Cheese wrap.

The only offering that is pleasing to God and deserving of Him is the one involving His Son. Our good deeds hold no value unless we are in unity with Him, aligning them with His will and performing them in His name.. Today we commemorate the day when Our Mother offers Her Son to God the Father for the first time. Later, He offers Himself on the Cross, and now we participate in that offering in every Eucharist and in every sacrifice of ours where we unite as part of Him. It is the great offering to which the Father cannot resist.

Applied to married life

Charles: Ana, I’m going to ask you and the kids for a favor.

Ana: Yes, of course, whatever you need. We’re here for you.

Charles: (Lies down on the floor on a rug and says) Look, I want you to wrap me up in this rug, with my arms close to my body, and then unroll me in 15 minutes.

Ana: Well, if that’s what you want, we’ll do it. Kids! Come help me wrap up Dad in the rug. And why do you need us to do this?

Charles: Because I’ve promised the Lord to offer him 15 minutes without doing anything, and I can’t manage it. By the time I realize it, I’ve already gotten up to do something around the house. So, inside the rug, I’m completely immobilized.

(Ana and the kids wrap Charles in the rug amidst laughter and playful banter)

The kids: Look, a hot daddy. Hahaha. It’s like a hot dog but with a Dad sausage inside. Hahaha. Mom, can I put ketchup on his head?

Ana: No, kids, it’s sacrifice enough for him already. Let’s all pray instead, so the Lord may unite Dad’s sacrifice with His for the greater glory of God. Okay? Our Father, who art in heaven…

Kids: Okay. But if we add some cheese slices, it could be a cheese wrap. Hahaha. What if we add some flowers? Then it would be a spring roll. Hahaha.

(And amidst laughter, Carlos was able to offer his sacrifice united with that of Christ. Glory to God.)

Mother,

What an impressive offering the Eucharist is. What an immense gift the Lord has left us through the hands of our priests. Praise be to God.

Gospel
From the Gospel according to Mark
Mk 6:7-13

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick
–no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

The word of the Lord

Everything is in order.

In the recent scripture, God reprimanded King David for assessing his military might, emphasizing the importance of trusting that God is the ultimate victor. This lesson applies to my life, particularly in my marriage and evangelistic endeavors. I act in His name, recognizing that He is the true force behind my actions.

So, who is the architect of my marriage? It is Him. Relying solely on my abilities will lead to hardship for both me and my family. Building a united marriage, forging one heart and soul, is an audacious endeavor. It’s beyond human capability. Hence, a couple without the Sacrament cannot achieve it. We firmly believe in the Sacrament of Marriage as the sole genuine means of unity.

Reflection for Marriage life:

Lorena: Marino, shall we embark on our mission?
Marino: Indeed. Have you gathered everything, Lorena?
Lorena: Yes, I have notes, a guitar, a rosary, and a prayer book for the Holy Sacrament. What about you?
Marino: I’ve got an app linked to my glasses identifying attending couples, a webcam gauging their attentiveness, an earpiece adapter correcting my lines, and a laser device to playfully shut your mouth if you exceed the time. We’re also accompanied by our virtual assistants: Alexa, Siri, Cortana, and OkGoogle. I believe I have everything in check.
Lorena: Haha. Aren’t you forgetting the Holy Spirit?
Marino: Ah, a brilliant suggestion. Where can I download that?
Lorena: You’re one of a kind, Marino. Check ES.es for that… Haha. Stop the banter and get in the car; we’re running late.
(They enter the car, and just before starting the engine)
Marino: Where are the keys?
Lorena: I didn’t take them.
Marino: Neither did I. Just a moment…
(Marino starts dialing on his mobile)
Lorena: Who are you calling?
Marino: Saint Peter; he has the keys, doesn’t he?
Both: Haha

Mother,

We trust in the Sacrament of Marriage and in our mission for marriage and family. With your guidance, we feel fully equipped. Praise God for providing abundantly more than we require.