From the Gospel according to Luke 12:1-7
At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven that is, the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Part of the Plan
In today’s Gospel, the Lord reminds us that even the hairs on our head are all counted. Nothing escapes Him. In our day-to-day lives, there are no coincidences, nothing is left to chance by God the Father. Everything is part of His plan of salvation for us. And for us as spouses, the Lord has a very specific plan: that plan is my spouse. He is counting on my spouse for my salvation and on me for hers/his. In a way, He makes us co-redeemers! That means my talents and my spouse’s talents are there to be given away. And so are our weaknesses and failures, because it’s through those challenges and trials that we both grow. By receiving my spouse even in his/her sin or struggle, our marriage is strengthened and refined in the fire of testing.
There’s nothing greater or more exciting than knowing the Lord invites us to be part of one another’s salvation!
Apply to married life:
Sam: Hey Mary, love, could you bathe the little one today?
Mary: Sam, I’m so tired. I just finished work and I still need to make dinner!
Sam: Well… maybe you could stop work a bit earlier so you’re not so tired?
Mary: (pauses, thinking…)
This is the moment the Lord is giving me to receive His grace and to receive Sam in his weakness.
This is my opportunity to keep purifying my heart.
So… I’ll choose to welcome God’s grace and grow in humility.
This is the moment the Lord is giving me to receive His grace and to receive Sam in his weakness.
This is my opportunity to keep purifying my heart.
So… I’ll choose to welcome God’s grace and grow in humility.
Mary: Sam, my love, I’ll bathe the baby. You go rest, I know you’ve had a tough day.
Sam: Love, you have no idea how much it means to me that you understand me. Thank you, muah!
Mary: Of course. Let’s both thank God, because He’s the one changing our hearts and our marriage. Sound good?
Sam: Absolutely, love!
Mother,
You said “yes” to God’s plan. Teach us to say “yes” in every situation, even when we don’t understand. Praised be the Lord forever!