GOSPEL OF THE DAY

From the Gospel according to John

Jn 14:23-29

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Whoever loves me will keep my word,

and my Father will love him,

and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;

yet the word you hear is not mine

but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you.

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,

whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you everything

and remind you of all that I told you.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives do I give it to you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

You heard me tell you,

‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’

If you loved me,

you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;

for the Father is greater than I.

And now I have told you this before it happens,

so that when it happens you may believe.”

The word of the Lord

 

Give me what You command.

The Lord grants us peace through the wounds of the cross upon His body. That is why He tells us not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid. We might worry, but thankfully, the Spirit will show us the way in all those situations where, despite suffering, we must love as He has loved us.

 

Applied to married life:

Juanjo: Some people are not open to listening to the Lord because they fear what He might ask of them. Do you fear that?

Marta: Well, I do worry that I may not be up to the task He asks of me, but I trust that the Holy Spirit will assist me in what I need.

Juanjo: Yes, as Saint Augustine said: “Give me what You command, and ask of me whatever You will.”

Marta: Exactly. With that confidence, I present myself before the Father.

 

Mother,

Grant me the gifts of the Holy Spirit that I need to be one with my spouse, as this is the mission God has entrusted to me. Thank You, Mother.