From the Gospel according to Luke 18:9-14

Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
“Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity —
greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The Gospel of the Lord

Love That Goes Beyond Reason

The Pharisee compares himself to others and “thanks God for how good he is,” stepping into a world of duties and achievements — where everything has a price… and every one else, his contempt.
The tax collector, on the other hand, looks within and trusts in God’s goodness — the doorway to a life of gift and grace.
And we, couples of Proyecto Amor Conyugal — what about us? Are we Pharisees, grateful because we’re “doing well” and have “already arrived”? Or do we still long for more?

Applied to married life :

Luis: Today, during prayer, God stirred something very deep in my heart.
Moira: Really? What happened?
Luis: When we did the Proyecto Amor Conyugal retreat, we began a journey that truly rescued us. But I feel Christ is asking for something more. We live a good, responsible faith… but maybe one that’s become too reasonable. We seek our own good, and that’s fine. But…
Moira: But what?
Luis: What about His heart? I realize I’ve been focused on our well-being. But how is His heart?
Moira: God is amazing… you’ve just confirmed something that’s been on my mind, and I asked Him for a sign. You just gave it to me.
Luis: Really?
Moira: Yes. Being so focused on our spiritual journey has made us a bit self-centered. Sometimes, without meaning to, we even judge those who don’t live like we do.
Luis: Without realizing it, we’ve been living our marriage according to our own plans. We need to make room for Him — to step out of our logic, stay more attuned to Him, and respond to what He asks of us.
Moira: Let’s pray then, so He can show us the “next steps.”
Luis: (laughs) Sounds like you just came out of a work meeting.

Mother,

teach us to “desire more,” for our hearts long for the infinite, and only your Son can fulfill that longing.
Blessed and praised forever be Jesus, who redeemed us with His Blood.