Monthly Archives: August 2025

Witnesses to His Glory. Reflection for married couples. Luke 9:28b-36

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GOSPEL
‘As Jesus was praying, the appearance of his face was altered.’

Luke 9:28b-36

At that time: Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah’ — not knowing what he said. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!’ And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

The Gospel of the Lord

Witnesses to His Glory
In today’s Gospel, we once again see how the Lord withdraws from the world to pray—He physically goes up the mountain in search of the Father. It’s so meaningful to witness that need for total communion with the Father. That should be the rhythm of our own lives too. Today we celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord. But what does that really mean? According to St. Thomas Aquinas, the divine glory of Christ briefly shone through His human body. Can we even begin to grasp what that must have looked like?
Jesus chose to take three of His disciples with Him—those whose hearts were open and ready to see and understand what was about to unfold. He wanted to illuminate their hearts so that, like a foretaste of the resurrection, they would always know where to turn when darkness came: to the Light.
To grow in our marriage, we too need prayer. We must go in search of the Father, aligning our hearts little by little with the Heart of the Lord. That’s how we begin to understand what we’re truly called to. Only then can we help our spouse on the path to holiness—a goal far beyond our own efforts, but by God’s grace, one we can reach together.

Applied to Married Life

Samuel: Sophie, I love watching you serve other couples when they’re going through tough times.
Sophie: What do you mean?
Samuel: I mean when we help out on a Marriage Mission retreat or spend time with couples in need. In those moments, the Lord gives me a special grace—I see you through His eyes. You shine. I see the woman you were created to be. And it draws me even closer to you.
Sophie: I know exactly what you mean, darling. I feel the same when I watch you speak about God to husbands who don’t yet know Him. You know what? Every day during prayer, I ask the Lord to help me see you that way—always, in every moment we spend together.
Samuel: Could you have imagined, on our wedding day, that we’d ever see each other like this?
Sophie: Honestly? No. But now, after seeing how the Lord has transformed our hearts, I’m convinced His love truly has no limits. And that’s how my love for you must be—without limits.

Mother,

Help us allow the Lord to shape us, just as you always do. That we might see each other through His eyes. Praised be the Lord, who allows us to witness His glory.

Today He says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid!”. Reflection for married couples. Matthew 14:22-36

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GOSPEL

‘Command me to come to you on the water.’

Matthew 14:22-36

After the crowd had eaten and were satisfied: Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
  And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognised him, they sent word around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

The Gospel of the Lord

 

Today He says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid!”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes it clear: live in peace. And if I find myself disturbed, it’s the right moment to ask: Am I living this with faith, trusting that if He wills it, I too can walk on stormy waters? Or am I fixating on the wind, sinking under the weight of my own thoughts, my doubts, my reasoning? Peter walked on water only when he trusted in Jesus. If we don’t feed on Christ, we can do nothing.
Today, with these words, Jesus Himself invites us to trust Him—even when it feels like He’s asking us to “walk on water.” If He’s asking, it’s because, with faith in Him, we will be upheld. He will never abandon us. We must remain certain that He is behind all that is good, and even behind what might not appear good to us. Let us accept this invitation from Jesus—and stop looking at ourselves, our own criteria, our reasons, our pride. Let us renew our purity of intention with a simple cry: “Lord, save me. Without You, I am lost.”
Applied to Married Life

James: I spoke with one of the couples we accompany today. He told me he’s had enough—after everything his wife has done, he wants to separate. He just kept saying, “This isn’t going to change. It’ll never change.”
Margaret: Poor thing. I understand him. He’s been fighting for so long—it’s only human to feel hopeless. But what man cannot do, God can. Where we fall short, the grace of God can reach. Look at us, James: today we celebrate 20 years of marriage, and we’ve also gone through moments of doubt—doubt about each other, about our future. Before we started living our faith deeply within our marriage, I was so easily tempted by the enemy. It was always easier to spot the speck in your eye than to acknowledge the plank in my own heart. But now, when I’m in turmoil—when the “winds” blow with suspicion or fear—I simply say to the Lord: “Save me from my misery. Help me to trust in Your plan for my marriage.” And I assure you, since we began the Marriage Mission journey, our marriage has completely changed.
James: You’re right, Margaret. What you’ve said brings so much light. That husband you mentioned is spiritually starved—he hasn’t been feeding on the Lord or surrendering to Him. He’s too focused on his own feelings and fears—seeing only the wind. I need to tell him to deepen his prayer life, so he can begin to see his wife through the eyes God sees her with. Thank you, love, for always bringing me back to what matters.
Margaret: And thank God for our wedding anniversary today—and for the light He has brought into our lives in these recent years.

Mother,

Teach me, like you, to fix my gaze only on God, so that I too may walk upon any stormy sea.  Praised be the Lord!

A Holiday at Zero Cost. Reflection for married couples. Matthew 14:13-21

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GOSPEL

‘They all ate and were satisfied.’
Matthew 14:13-21
At that time: When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ But Jesus said, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They said to him, ‘We have only five loaves here and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
The Gospel of the Lord

A Holiday at Zero Cost
A great crowd goes out to meet Jesus, leaving behind their villages without a thought for where they might sleep or what they’ll eat. And in that encounter, they end up resting on the grass, healed and satisfied.
Can you imagine it?
In the heat of August, lying on cool green grass, healed of your wounds, your needs fulfilled (not stuffed, just satisfied) — and all at zero cost. Now that’s a proper holiday.
But watch out for the fine print:
Uncertain destination: you don’t choose it — your spouse does. Where he is, there you will be (and your rest too).
Full board: you’ll get what you need, not necessarily what you fancy. If you want steak and your husband wants fish… guess what’s on the menu.
“Total Gift” package included: you’ll go last in everything, giving up every privilege for your spouse’s sake.
And then, come September, you’ll return truly renewed.
As though those three weeks had been multiplied.
And you’ll long to keep resting… not just at weekends, but every day — in the love of Christ who feeds you, heals you… and calls you to feed your spouse.

Applied to Married Life:

(Madeleine and Daniel are in the sitting room. Daniel is holding a notepad, and Madeleine is on her phone.)
Daniel: So, shall we confirm the dates? Three weeks — 5th to 26th. Now we just need to pick where we’re going. I’d like something a bit more organised this year.
Madeleine: What if we leave it more open? Somewhere quiet, no schedule. Just you and me.
Daniel: You know I find it calming to have things sorted ahead of time. And if we don’t plan, we might end up anywhere — no place to sleep, grabbing whatever food we find.
Madeleine (smiling): Well… what if that’s okay? What if, in the end, it’s not about the place or the food… but how we are?
Daniel (half-joking): You’re deep today… has the fresh air got to you?
Madeleine (laughing): Maybe. Or maybe I’m hungry… for something else.
Daniel: Hungry for what?
Madeleine: For being really with you. No clock. No pressure. Just you and me. Resting — not from the routine, but from ourselves. From our habits, our demands.
Daniel (slowly lowering his notepad): That… wasn’t on my list. But it sounds… different.
Madeleine: And if we find a place where all we get is bread and tomatoes… we’ll share it.
Daniel: And if you want the seaside and I want the mountains… what then?
Madeleine: We’ll find a river.
(Pause. They look at each other. They smile.)
Daniel (closing the notebook): What if this is the holiday we’ve been needing all these years?
Madeleine: No photos. No agenda. Just you, me… and God — who knows what we really need.
Daniel: Shall we pray and see where He leads?

Mother,

You who found your rest in your Son, teach me to rest in Him by giving myself to my spouse. Praised be the Lord!

Living in Sin. Reflection for married couples: Matthew 14:1-12

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From the Gospel according to Matthew 14:1-12

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus
and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist.
He has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”

Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison
on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,
for John had said to him,
“It is not lawful for you to have her.”
Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people,
for they regarded him as a prophet.
But at a birthday celebration for Herod,
the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests
and delighted Herod so much
that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.
Prompted by her mother, she said,
“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests who were present,
he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.
His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl,
who took it to her mother.
His disciples came and took away the corpse
and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

 

Living in Sin

Today, we reflect on Herod and Herodias, living in an illicit union—in sin. We see how this situation, far from bringing them closer to each other or to God, drags them deeper into the mud. Herod lives in fear, constantly worried about what others think, unable to forget the terrible injustice he committed—when he hears about Jesus, he thinks John the Baptist has risen from the dead. Herodias goes as far as manipulating her own daughter, dragging her into participating in John’s murder. How important it is to live in a state of Grace! To pray and draw near to the sacraments—especially for married couples: the sacrament of Matrimony, the Eucharist (the center), and frequent Confession. In this way, the Lord helps us purify our hearts and gives us the strength to help others draw closer to Him as well.

 

Applied to Married Life

Ángela: (shouting) Who left the toothpaste cap off again? Seriously… it’s exhausting. I’m the only one cleaning up while the rest of you are turning the house upside down. Ramón, you’re worse than the kids. I can’t take it anymore! Lord, give me patience, because if You give me strength…

(Later during personal prayer)

Ángela: Lord, once again I let myself be carried away by exhaustion and focused only on myself. I keep falling over and over again. I don’t know what to do… it hurts so much, the way I spoke to my husband in front of our children. What can I do? Ah! Of course—my perspective is clouded. I’m going to go to confession! Thank You, Lord.

(That night during family prayer)

Ángela: I want to ask your forgiveness for the way I spoke to you this morning, especially to Dad. I’ve been praying about it and I also talked with our parish priest, Father Antonio, after confession. I know I need to keep working on how I give myself to our family. I ask you to help me when you see me getting tired—that’s when it’s hardest for me. Thank you, Lord, for giving me such a beautiful family. May we all reach holiness.

Ramón: Amen, Ángela. Thank you for your constant dedication to our family and for teaching us to ask for forgiveness—you’re an example of humility and perseverance. Lord, thank You for such a wonderful wife. From now on, we’ll each be more mindful about picking up after ourselves. It’s important that we all do our part.

 

Mother,

You are our model. Today I see you giving yourself silently and humbly in the task of making your house a home. With what sweetness you must have carried out every small act of love—cooking, tidying up, making the beds… Help us to put love into everything we do, especially with our families. Glory and praise to our Lord forever!

Leaving a Mark. Reflection for married couples: Matthew 13:54-58

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From the Gospel according to Matthew
13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.
They were astonished and said,
“Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?
Is he not the carpenter’s son?
Is not his mother named Mary
and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
Are not his sisters all with us?
Where did this man get all this?”
And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and in his own house.”
And he did not work many mighty deeds there
because of their lack of faith.

Leaving a Mark

Sometimes, in our marriage, no matter how much we do or say, it seems like it’s not enough or like it doesn’t make any difference. But without realizing it, we are leaving a mark through what we say, in the way we behave, and in the things we do. It may seem like, in His own town, no matter what Jesus said, it didn’t have much effect. Yet surely many were silently converted—they kept His example and His words in their hearts, and without noticing it, He had changed their lives.

Let us not worry if people don’t listen to us, if they ignore us, or even despise us—everything we do is to manifest what we carry within. God is present in our marriage; it must be evident in all we do, in what we say. It is always the Lord acting through us, and He is the one who should receive all the glory through our actions. Let us leave a mark of God’s love within us. Let us not be ashamed to stand up for the Lord—through our love, our joy, our surrender, and our sacrifice, that is how God reveals Himself to others. Let that phrase of Saint John Paul II resonate in our hearts: “Love is always victorious.”

Brought into Married Life:

Pilar: (Thinking) “I’m going to suggest to Álvaro that we pray the rosary together—it’s so good for both of us. Although, come to think of it, I might be coming on a bit strong lately, so maybe I’ll just pray it on my own for him, and trust that the Lord will gradually place in his heart how important it is to pray together.”

Álvaro: (Coming home tired from work, thinking) “I’m exhausted after a long, hard day, and now Pilar’s probably going to ask me to pray the rosary. It’s hard for me because it feels a bit burdensome, but I’ll offer it up for her because I know it’s actually really good for me.”

“Hi, love. How was your day? I’m wiped out—give me a minute to get into something more comfortable, and if you’d like, we can pray the rosary together.”

Pilar: “What a joy to hear you say that! I have to ask your forgiveness because I doubted you. I already prayed it, but I’m sure Our Lady would be delighted if we pray another one together.”

Álvaro: “Yes, it’s true that it’s tough for me, but through your example and your persistence—even when I get upset—I’m starting to see how much it helps me to pray and to draw closer to the Lord. Thank you for always wanting what’s best for me.”

Pilar: “It amazes me how little by little, what the Lord places in my heart, I’m able to share with you—and how gently you receive it. I’m realizing more and more that we truly are becoming one flesh, and that helps me a lot.”

Álvaro: “Thank you for being so persistent—your perseverance brings me closer to the Lord and to you every day. I love you so much.”

Mother,

Under your mantle and protected by your Immaculate Heart, may we always act with Him, for Him, and in Him, always leaving a mark of God’s love.

Blessed and praised be the Lord.