From the Gospel according to Luke. Lk24:46-53
Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.
They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.
The Gospel of the Lord
Witnesses of the Resurrection
Christ ended His earthly life by blessing us, ascending into Heaven, and promising us the coming of the Holy Spirit. That’s why, even though He was leaving, His disciples returned filled with great joy.
This is the kind of joy all married couples are called to live. Our lives and our marriages aren’t meant to be sad journeys. Even with challenges—even with the cross—Christ is always among us. Our “almost nothing” lies in making Him present through daily prayer, allowing Him to work in us. And in return, He gives us His “almost everything”: a deep joy that flows from the heart of the ones who recognize the call to eternal love and communion—with Him and with their spouse.
Applied to Married Life:
Louise: What an amazing change we’ve gone through, haven’t we? Do you remember how there used to be so much sadness in our home?
Joe: Of course I do. Now, whenever I see a couple in crisis, I don’t just feel sorry for their pain, I feel even more for what they’re missing out on, what we’ve started to experience now.
Louise: Well, well… Let’s not forget how long it took us to truly understand and start building our marriage for real.
Joe: Yeah, no doubt. But everything started to change when we began praying. Little by little, the Lord found His way into our lives and into our marriage.
Louise: No doubt. But we can’t let our guard down, right? We haven’t done our couple’s prayer yet today, so since we’re already kind of “lifted up,” let’s take the opportunity and start now.
Joe: You never miss a beat. I’m so lucky to have you. You’re the one who’s lifted up for real!
Mother,
Help us to keep our eyes on the heavenly gifts the Lord promises, and to become living witnesses of His presence in our sacrament. Thank you, Mother.