Gospel of the Day
From the Gospel according to John 3:16–21
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.
And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
I trust in You, Infinite Love
“So much did God love the world that he gave his only Son.”
How can I sometimes doubt, good Father, your Love?
How can I not feel loved?
You, the Almighty God, love me to the point of giving your only Son for me.
Is there any greater proof of love?
And you give your Son so that I may “have eternal life”,
so that I may live forever with you,
enjoying you, a child in the Son.
What do I choose: the smallness of the world or the fullness of your Love?
My selfish self or the beauty of giving myself to you?
Darkness or Light?
Forgive me for having chosen so many times the small comforts of the world—
mere appearances, immediate satisfaction that can never truly fill me.
I choose You, Father, Infinite Love.
You know everything, You can do everything, You love me infinitely.
I trust in You.
You know what I have been through and what I am going through.
You are always with me. You know better.
Even if I cannot see, I know your Love sustains me,
and that you will bring something very great out of this.
What must I do?
Listen to You. Listen to your Word.
And make it my life:
“Whoever wants to follow me must deny himself,
take up his cross each day, and follow me.”
Let your Will be done, not mine.
Thank you very much, good Father.
Applied to Married Life
Myriam: When I read the Word of God, everything is clear. God is my good Father, He loves me infinitely, and with Him I fear nothing… But then, in daily life, many things overwhelm me, and I fall again… I don’t know what to do.
James: Myriam, the light of the Spirit is visible in your words. God is our Father who loves us infinitely. We need to listen to His Word, take it into our hearts, and see how to live it out. And we do this by persevering on this path of prayer and the sacraments, through formation in community, and through acts of love that purify our hearts.
Myriam: Thank goodness I have you by my side. You give me the light I lack. I can see clearly that my light fades when I do not persevere—when I become weak in prayer and in living it out.
James: We will continue to fall because we are very small. But if we persevere—discovering each day the Love of God, recognising the attachments that bind us to the world and prevent us from doing His Will, and living out His Word—we will begin to live Heaven here on earth.
Myriam: Yes… sometimes I deceive myself into thinking things will work out without giving myself, without striving. I know God will act, but He needs my “yes”, my determination in concrete steps. Let’s go for it! No excuses! Thank you, my love. Thank you, Lord.
Prayer
Mother,
please help us to persevere.
You long for our happiness,
but you need our “yes” and our determination.
Thank you very much, Mother.
Blessed and praised be God!