Gospel
From the Gospel according to Matthew. Mt. 10:7-15
Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Peace at Home
In married life, this “being sent” can be understood as the mission we have to bring the Kingdom of God into our home, into our marriage.
We often wait for the other person to change, but we need to be clear: that’s not what Jesus asks of us as husbands or wives. He wants each of us, regardless of how the other is acting, to announce through our actions that the Kingdom is near. He is present and active in the midst of human love, and it’s up to us to show that, first and foremost to our spouse, and then to others.
Do we show that the Kingdom of God is near in the way we look at each other, treat each other, or speak about our spouse,?
Our home is that “house” that can either welcome God’s peace or reject it. Let’s welcome His grace, so that the peace we long for is always present in our marriage.
Applied to Married Life:
Sharon: Andy, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the kind of example we give to others. Do you think people can feel the “fragrance of Christ” when they’re around us?
Andy: Honestly? Maybe not. I care too much about what people think, and I’m not really living out the kind of testimony Christ is asking from me.
Sharon: Do you think we act differently in front of God than we do in front of other people? Aren’t we supposed to be an authentic couple that always lives with God in mind?
Andy: Well… now that you mention it and I stop to think about it, I guess I’m not really living that way. I worry too much about appearances. I’m sure I could do a lot better.
Sharon: Hey, don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ve told everyone you’re doing Confirmation classes, and you’ve shared with a bunch of people that we’re part of Proyecto Amor Conyugal.
Andy: That’s true. Maybe I’m not that bad. [laughs]
Sharon: Andy, you’re not bad at all, and definitely not in God’s eyes. But it’s good that we reflect on these things often. So we don’t forget where we are, where God wants us to be, and what He wants from us, don’t you think?
Andy: Absolutely. Thanks for reminding me, and for reminding me, too, that I’ve already changed for the better by God’s grace. More and more, I’m seeing clearly that you’re exactly what I need to help me get to heaven. Thank you, love.
Mother,
Help me to follow your example of detachment from worldly things, carrying neither silver nor gold, nor extra tunic or sandals, so I can fulfill God’s will. May He be praised forever.
Help me to follow your example of detachment from worldly things, carrying neither silver nor gold, nor extra tunic or sandals, so I can fulfill God’s will. May He be praised forever.