Gospel
From the Gospel according to Mark. Mk 13:24-32
Jesus said to his disciples:
“In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
“And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.
“Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.
In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates.
Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
The Gospel of the Lord
The Bad Will Pass.
The devil continues to sow tares, and he will eventually destroy this world. Little by little, he’s succeeding, but he and the death he brought us are coming to an end. However, the Word of God will not pass away. Do we know the power of Christ’s merits? Through His merits, we remain saved in Him, and nothing will separate us from His Love.
Let us not be troubled in bad times, nor be afraid.
Applied to Married Life:
Chris: “Tim, when we have problems between us, it feels like the world is falling apart. Everything darkens for me, and I feel like there’s no solution anymore.”
Tim: “But, Chris, that’s because we lack faith. What helps me in those moments is remembering that all of that will pass. The Lord will come to us with His grace, and if we receive it, He will bring us back to the light. We confess, we ask for forgiveness, and He makes everything new.”
Chris: “I know He forgives us, but our marriage still feels wounded. It’s like there are traces of hopelessness left behind. It feels like we’ll never fully get out of these situations.”
Tim: “You said it: ‘It feels like it,’ but those are deceptive feelings. Heaven and Earth will pass away, but the promise the Lord made to us the day He committed to us in our Sacrament of marriage—that promise will not pass away. He is more powerful than our evil, I assure you. Let’s strive and trust in His power, okay? Also, lately we’ve seen beautiful green shoots between us, haven’t we?”
Chris: “Thank you, Tim. You’ve helped me so much. There are times when I’m a bit impatient, and I drown in my own anxiety. Thank you for helping me regain the hope that the Lord gives us.”
Tim: “Cheer up, Chris, because you are the most precious gift God has given me.”
Chris: “I love you, Tim.”
Mother,
The Lord will come with all His power and glory. And nothing and no one will be able to stop the sanctification of the world. Blessed be He with His power and glory.