GOSPEL OF THE DAY

From the Gospel according to Matthew 8:18-22

When Jesus saw a crowd around him,
he gave orders to cross to the other shore.
A scribe approached and said to him,
“Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”
Another of his disciples said to him,
“Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”
But Jesus answered him, “Follow me,
and let the dead bury their dead.”

The word of the Lord

Lord, we want to follow You

So often the past holds us back—it keeps us from being close to the Lord because we cling to what we did, to how poorly we lived out our marriage for so many years, to the fear of falling again. We look at ourselves, our own strength, our own ideas and plans. We lick our wounds. And we lose hope.

Today the Lord tells us to leave behind our “dead”: our bad experiences, our sins, our lack of love and tenderness—and to look at Him. To begin again, with renewed desire to live out our marriage as the Father intended. Now it’s different, because we are walking hand in hand with Him—His hand wounded by love—and filled with the joy of having found Him. Yes, Lord, we want to follow You and not remain behind burying our dead.

What great joy it is to walk this path with You. Blessed are You, Lord. You are our Love.

Applied to married life:

Sara: Husband, I see you’re sad.

John: Yes. Sometimes I remember the years we lost in destroying our marriage, how much we made each other suffer, and I feel sorrow.

Sara: It’s true, we went through very hard years. But now, with this new way we see one another, with this joyful hope to rebuild our marriage, and with Jesus present in our lives, the truth is that each day should be filled only with praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.

John: Thank you, Sara. You help me so much. You know I have a bit of a melancholic temperament, and I feel like the devil pokes right there to make me lose hope and joy.

(And J and Sara looked back to the Lord, following Him along the way, singing and praising Him—delighted by His call to live marital charity.)

Mother,

Help us to look at Jesus—to be filled with joy each day for the beautiful path He has opened for us to live our marriage as the Father intended. Praised be He for showing it to us.

From the Gospel according to Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippihe asked his disciples,“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”Simon Peter said in reply,“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter,and upon this rock I will build my Church,and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Sure! Here’s a paraphrased version of the text in more accessible and contemporary language, while keeping the original meaning and tone:

Listen closely.

You are the Messiah, the Savior, the Son of God.
Lord, and who am I to you?
And I pray that you say to me:
“You are a child of God in me, and your mission is the same as mine. I love you endlessly, and I want you to be united with me. Your purpose is to give yourself with me, to seek only the Father’s will, to love as I love… and together, we will help save the world.”
But Lord, that sounds too big for me!
“It’s supposed to be! Because you are our child, a child of God, meant to live forever with us, called to love as we do. So why wouldn’t your calling be something great?”
So that’s what you’re inviting me to! How amazing! And… how do I do it?
“Listen to my Word, live it out, let go of your ego, carry your daily cross, and follow me. With prayer, the sacraments, and sacrifice, trust that we’ll do this together.”

Applied to married life:

Ana: I can not take It anymore.  I keep trying, but it’s not working. He doesn’t listen, does his own thing, and leaves me to deal with everything. I’m overwhelmed. And now our kids are starting to act like him too—ignoring everything. I don’t know what to do anymore—maybe give him an ultimatum or stop doing my part for a while so he sees what it’s like…

Mentors: Ana, I’m really sorry you’re going through this situation.  Please, bring this to the Lord, and to the Virgin Mary—ask your self how would they act in your shoes.

Ana: well they are God and Virgin Mary, And Saint Joseph wasn’t like my husband…

Mentors: That may be true, but we’re all human, we all fail—and still, the Lord loves us, forgives us, waits for us. Please, pray about it. Then we’ll talk.

(The next day, Ana calls back…)

Ana: Thank you so much. I sat at the foot of the Cross and looked at Jesus. He gave me everything—his life, his forgiveness. And I realized he’s asking me to love Juan, to forgive him, and to learn to truly love. I tend to focus too much on myself, but Jesus was all about others. Juan is struggling right now—he’s stressed and doesn’t realize how much I need help. So I’m going to ask for his help gently. And where he can’t reach, I’ll fill in with love. It’ll be hard, because I’m used to thinking about my own needs… but with God’s help, with prayer, the Eucharist, and strength from our marriage sacrament—I believe I can do it.

Mentors: That’s beautiful, Ana. Your kids will see their mom loving their dad even when it’s hard—and that kind of witness is incredibly powerful. Every little act of love you offer “through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ,” through your marriage, has eternal value. It becomes a source of grace and Christ’s love for both of you.

Mother Mary,

Help us listen to your Son and give ourselves as you do—not thinking only of ourselves.
Through Christ, with Him, and in Him.
Praise to Jesus crucified.

From the Gospel according to Luke 2:41-51

His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.  And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.  When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;  but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.  Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.  And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.  So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.

Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

When we read this Gospel passage, it’s clear that Joseph and Mary never blamed each other for losing Jesus. Even in their worry, they searched for Him together. Our children—and everyone around us—need to see us united as a couple, living out God’s will. More than words, they learn from the way we live our faith.

Today we remember the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She was humble and small in the eyes of the world, but the greatest of all because she became the Mother of God. We’re called to become Her servants, just as She was a servant of the Lord. Like her, we should always seek God’s will, no matter the situation.

As married couples, we can serve each other in love. Not to push our own opinions, but to grow in humility—trusting that the Holy Spirit works through both of us. By doing this, we build true unity. And what better way to do that than by giving our hearts and our marriage to Mary?

Mary was the first to carry Jesus within her. She received Him fully into her body and heart, which makes her the perfect guide for us. St. Louis de Montfort said in his True Devotion to Mary that Mary is the easiest, shortest, and surest path to Jesus. That’s why we invite you to consecrate yourselves to her—to let go and trust in her, so she can lead you closer to Christ.

Applyed to Married Life:

Dan: I was thinking we could take a trip to the beach this weekend. How does that sound?
Mary: (She thinks: we had actually planned a mountain hike because of the heat…) That sounds like a great idea, love! I’ll get the swimsuits and towels ready.
Dan: I don’t know if it’s just me, but lately it seems like you agree with me on everything. We used to argue over what to do…
Mary: You’re right, Dani. A month ago, I made my consecration to the Virgin Mary, and I’m trying to live like she would. Before I respond or make a decision, I pray and ask what she might do. It’s becoming easier, and I feel more at peace.
Dan: I’ve tried it before, but I find it hard to stay committed. I lose motivation.
Mary: What if we do the consecration together?
Dan: But you already did it. Would you really do it again?
Mary: Of course! First, because we should renew our consecration every day. And second, doing it with you would be so meaningful—it would give us more time to pray together.

Mother Mary,

Help us to become your faithful servants, so that we may have a heart like yours— a heart that treasure and pray over the plans God has for our marriage.

GOSPEL

From the Gospel according to Matthew 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples:”Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’will enter the Kingdom of heaven,but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.Many will say to me on that day,’Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?Did we not drive out demons in your name?Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’Then I will declare to them solemnly,’I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on themwill be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came,and the winds blew and buffeted the house.But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.And everyone who listens to these words of minebut does not act on themwill be like a fool who built his house on sand.The rain fell, the floods came,and the winds blew and buffeted the house.And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
When Jesus finished these words,the crowds were astonished at his teaching,for he taught them as one having authority,and not as their scribes.

The Gospel of the Lord

Shepherd and Nourishment

As a wife/husband,  I often find it hard to truly live out Jesus’ words. In practice, I end up putting myself at the center—interpreting His message in my own way and telling my husband/wife what he or she should or shouldn’t do “in Jesus’ name.” It’s a subtle difference, but one that can deeply damage our marriage.

Sometimes I fall into thinking that because I follow Jesus as my Shepherd, I know what’s best for my family. But I forget that Jesus is not only a guide—He’s also our nourishment. It’s His presence that makes His word grow in my heart and allows Him to care for my husband/wife through me.

Instead of clinging to our own convictions, let’s open our hearts to Him in prayer. Let Him truly see and know us.

Applied to married Life :

Laura: (gazing at her husband with affection) While I was praying today, Jesus placed something really clear in my heart… I realize that sometimes I act like I’m in charge of everything in our family, like I know exactly what God wants you to do.

Peter(taken aback):Does that bother you?

Laura: It’s not that it bothers me… but I see now that instead of giving God space to speak to you, I end up speaking for Him—like I know His will better than you do.

Peter (thoughtfully): I’ve felt that too. Honestly, sometimes your words sound more like orders than support. But I do believe you’re trying to help, and I try to see your heart in it.

Laura: I’m sorry. I’m learning that following Jesus isn’t about trying to lead you—it’s about letting Him change me. My prayers shouldn’t just be about asking things for you, but about letting Jesus nourish me so He can work through me.

Peter: I love that… thinking of Jesus not just as our Shepherd, but also as our daily nourishment. If we both let Him feed us, maybe He’ll help us grow together.

Laura (holding his hand): Want to pray together? Not to ask for anything—just to listen?

Peter:  I’d love that. Let’s make Him our focus, not our expectations.

Mary,

You who carried our Savior within you, teach us how to let His word take root in us. Thank you for loving us so deeply.

Gospel

From the Gospel according to Matthew7:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples:“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing,but underneath are ravenous wolves.By their fruits you will know them.Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?Just so, every good tree bears good fruit,and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.A good tree cannot bear bad fruit,nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut downand thrown into the fire.So by their fruits you will know them.”

The Gospel of the Lord

The Tree of the Heart

Jesus teaches us that a healthy tree produces good fruit, while a rotten tree gives bad fruit. So how is my heart? Not just my surface emotions, but deep inside—what part of me is wounded? Because that’s what prevents me from bearing good fruit.

Lord, today You remind me how important it is to be aware and not fooled by appearances. It’s not my husband’s actions, the circumstances, or outside difficulties that stop me from producing good fruit—it’s my own wounded heart.

What am I doing about it? Am I turning to Your grace, working with the Holy Spirit to heal my heart so I can bear good fruit? Am I supporting my husband in healing the broken parts of his heart? You, Lord, love us deeply and want our marriage to overflow with good fruit. You’re warning us not to be deceived and to look honestly at what flows from our hearts.

I want to do all I can to heal my heart and help my husband heal his too—so that our marriage will grow and flourish.

Applied to marriage Life:

(Sandra remembers a past moment with her mother-in-law and speaks with Hector)

Sandra: Love, I need your support. I keep thinking about what your mom said, and it’s making me upset. I feel like I should have said something back…

Hector: Sweetheart, it’s just a temptation. I’m so proud of you. I saw how hard it was for you to stay quiet, and I know how much effort you make to love and accept my mom.

Sandra: I know, but still…

Hector: Why bring it up again? That’s in God’s hands now. I know there’s a wound in your heart, but with God’s grace, it will heal and bear beautiful fruit.

Sandra: Thank you so much for supporting me. I don’t know what I’d do without you. And I’m sorry for dwelling on the past again!

Mother Mary,

Teach us to be alert and caring, just like you always were. Blessed are you forever!