Gospel of the Day
From the Gospel according to Saint Luke 13:31-35
Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
“Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.”
He replied,
“Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Unity is the Fruit
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you!” What a terrible thing if the Lord said this to me as He said it to Jerusalem! We might think that we have done nothing of the sort: killed or stoned; but what if it turns out that I am doing it? How? By killing and stoning my husband when I do not receive him, do not love him, see him as a nuisance and even an impediment to “loving my God”.
God’s love always bears the fruit of unity. If something separates me from my husband, then it is not from God. It is the devil who sows division. God wants to gather us under His wings, as a hen gathers her brood and gives them warmth and protection.
Let us be clear: we will hardly see God if we do not discover Him in our husband, because he is the one sent in the name of the Lord to be our suitable help.
Applied to Married Life
Charles: Marta, that look of happiness — what’s it down to?
Marta: Darling, it’s incredible how grace has changed my view of you. Before, I saw you as a brake, as an impediment to growing in my relationship with God.
Charles: And now? What’s changed? Because it’s true I notice you’re different.
Marta: I’m so glad you’ve noticed. Simply that I’ve discovered you are a gift from God to me — that we are sent to each other to be a path towards Him. That you are the task and the help God gives me to grow in holiness, in union with Him, growing in love and unity with you to reach communion and Heaven.
Charles: What a wonder! I love it! I’m in on this task too. And I’ll try to make it easier for you, I know sometimes I make it complicated. Thank you, darling. You’re a blessing. I love you.
Marta: I love you too, and going together — this is going to be amazing!
Mother,
teach me to discover in my husband the gift of God for me.
Praised be the Lord for ever!