GOSPEL
From the Gospel according to John
Jn 16:20-23

Jesus said to his disciples:
Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn,
while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived;
but when she has given birth to a child,
she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy
that a child has been born into the world.
So you also are now in anguish.
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
On that day you will not question me about anything.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

Word of the Lord.

Precious confluence

When we talk about the path of purification, of renunciations, sacrifices, and selflessness, it can generate rejection and even scandalize many. But the path that God has established to reach glory is the way of the cross. One must pass through the cross to reach resurrection. One must pass through humiliation so that the Lord can lead us to holiness. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him.

Applied to married life:

Ana: I dreamed that you and I would live in communion, that we would understand each other, that there would be one will between us. But reality is proving difficult and demands great suffering.
Antonio: I’m sorry, Ana. I’m sorry to be a source of suffering for you. I want that communion for us too, but it seems that the only way to achieve it is through that internal battle that arises from the clash of intellects, wills, and emotions between two so different as you and I.
Ana: Selflessness. That’s the way. St. John Paul says that from mutual submission, a precious confluence is born. So let’s start there, and the communion will be built by the Holy Spirit.

Mother,

The narrow gate is at the beginning. Then the path becomes more and more beautiful. Help us to walk it, blessed Mother.”