In the same way, He speaks to us today, in our own time. And in our vocation as spouses, to live the first commandment we necessarily have to live the second and vice versa.
We cannot love our spouse if we don’t first love God, who is the very source of Love. And we cannot say we love God if we do not love our spouse. The way I love my spouse is the way I reflect God’s Love. Because the one who says he loves God but does not love his spouse (his closest neighbor) is fooling himself.
Ethan: Good morning, love! Since it’s Sunday, I’m going to Mass and then I told Oscar I’d play a game of tennis with him. Is that okay?
Claire: Wait, what? Ethan, the other day we agreed that today, after Mass, we’d spend some time together. It’s one of the few days we can actually relax…
Ethan: I know, Claire, but Oscar told me he’s going through something and wanted to meet up to talk. So I don’t know what time I’ll be back.
Claire: Well, I don’t really like it, but if you think it’s necessary…
(Later, when he comes back home after Mass)
Ethan: Love, forgive me. While I was praying at Mass, the Lord made me realize that this morning I wasn’t really loving you. And if I truly want to love God, I have to do it through you. You know what? I’m going to tell Oscar that we already had plans, and if he wants, we can meet some other day for lunch or something. Okay?
Claire: Oh, thank you, Ethan! Finally, we’ll get some quiet time together. We’ve been so busy lately. I love you.
Ethan: Thank you, Claire, for helping me draw closer to the Lord through you.
Praise be the Lord forever!