From the Gospel according to John

Jn 15:18-21

Jesus said to his disciples:

“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.

If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;

but because you do not belong to the world,

and I have chosen you out of the world,

the world hates you.

Remember the word I spoke to you,

‘No slave is greater than his master.’

If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.

If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,

because they do not know the one who sent me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Worldly to God.

The problem isn’t the World, but being worldly: From the worldly perspective, someone without ambition is a failure, someone who humbles themselves is foolish, someone who serves is weak, and someone who seeks inner growth is either a burden or enlightened. But blessed be God, because to them, to the “foolish, weak, enlightened…” belongs the Kingdom of Heaven in their marriage and in their home. They are the ones who can expect more. You, Lord, urge us towards a greater, eternal aspiration.

Applied to married life:

Antonio comes home late every day, and when he arrives, his heart and mind are still at work. There are rumours of a promotion, and he wants it.

Marta, his wife, was chosen by the Lord, taken away from the world three years ago. She no longer has her heart set on fashion, decoration, or herself. Additionally, she requested reduced hours to spend more time with her family.

No one around her seems to understand her. Her friends criticise her and constantly tell her that religion is fine, but there’s no need to take it too seriously. Her own family doesn’t approve of her giving up her career while Antonio keeps climbing the corporate ladder. They worry that he might look down on her and meet someone more ambitious, leaving her with nothing.

Marta finds consolation in prayer, realising that Jesus experienced misunderstanding, criticism, even persecution… This comforts Marta and helps her understanding that it’s part of building a Kingdom based on love, service, and surrender… in the centre of this world. Marta has kept Jesus’ words in her heart and shares them with Antonio. Antonio respects her, but he hasn’t quite kept Jesus’ words in his heart.

When Marta talks to him about not letting his heart be so focused on work and how his family needs him, Antonio shows a dismissive attitude… Marta doesn’t get angry; she understands that her husband doesn’t see it. She has also seen Jesus asking the Father for forgiveness for those who are blind, unable to see Him. Marta trusts in Jesus. She knows He is the way and offers her pain with a smile, all for her husband’s conversion.

After two years, Antonio begins to pay attention to the Word of God more and more. Months go by, and Marta has seen him reading it and seeking answers for himself. Over time, Antonio listens to Marta, and Marta listens to Antonio. They both speak the language of Love now; it’s the power of the Holy Spirit that makes any sacrifice possible… Glory to God!

Mother,

I thank you because the Lord has chosen us. Blessed be You, Lord, for all the good You give us. I ask that You also choose (name marriages in need). Amen.