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.