Gospel of the Day
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew 10:7–13
“As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons.
You received without payment; give without payment.
Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food.
Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave.
As you enter the house, greet it.
If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.”
I Have Been Given So Much…
God sends us to give freely what we ourselves have freely received. The challenge is that I have received so much… and therefore, I have so much to give.
In marriage, spouses give themselves completely and freely to one another — especially the love we have received from God. In this way, we share His peace. And if that peace is not welcomed, may I not lose my peace, but allow it to return to me. After all, I can only give what I have first received freely.
Applied to Married Life
Andrew: Darling, I’d like to invite you to start going to the Eucharist daily.
Marisa: Andrew, here we go again… Why are you always trying to make me do the same things you do? Honestly, it feels excessive. It’s not necessary to go that far.
Andrew: No, Marisa, I’m saying this because I want what is best for you.
Marisa: If it’s really for my good, then help more with the housework instead of disappearing to Mass every evening.
Andrew: Fair enough. I’ll go to the 7 a.m. Mass with the sisters instead. Then in the afternoon I can pick you up from work, and if you’d like, I’ll take you to Mass while I go home and take care of everything — the ironing, dinner, bathing the children…
Marisa: You would really do that for me? You’ll end up exhausted.
Andrew: For you — and so that you may receive the graces God wants to give you — I would do whatever is needed.
Marisa: Now I truly believe you’re inviting me to the Eucharist out of love. Forgive me for judging you unfairly. I love you, Andrew.
Mother,
It is true that deep down, many of the corrections we make towards our spouse are often mixed with some benefit for ourselves — and eventually, our selfishness becomes obvious. Now I understand why true love must be freely given. Praised be the Lord.