Gospel of the Day
And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.’
In this Gospel, the centurion’s humble faith offers us a precious light for married life. When he says, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof,” he humbly acknowledges the greatness of the One standing before him. Spouses, too, are called to recognize that their husband or wife is a sacred mystery, holy ground inhabited by God. Today we might say to our spouse, “I am not worthy to step onto your holy ground.”
How important it is, before judging or making demands, to “remove our sandals” before our spouse, for we stand on holy ground, before a child of God, a temple of the Holy Spirit. We can imagine Jesus marveling when husbands and wives look upon one another with reverence, when they respect each other’s pace and weaknesses, recognizing that God dwells within the other.
Today, dear spouses, we invite you to reflect in prayer: Do I enter my spouse’s life with respect and reverence? Do I remove my sandals before the mystery God has placed within him or her? Do I recognize that I stand before a living temple of the Holy Spirit?
Brought Down to Married Life
Isabel: William, I’ve noticed that you’ve seemed different lately. You’ve been coming home very late from work because you’ve been spending time with your colleague, and it has made me feel insecure.
William: Different? Honestly, no. She’s just a coworker. We’ve been talking more because she’s going through a difficult season.
Isabel: Right… “just a coworker.” But in the end, you’re always there for her, and I feel as though I’m being left on the sidelines.
William: It’s not fair to think that of me. Truly, nothing is happening like you’re imagining.
Isabel: Forgive me, William. I realize that I’m judging you instead of recognizing the good you’re trying to do by helping her.
William: Isabel, what you said hurt me. I felt that you didn’t trust me and that you drew conclusions without listening to me.
Isabel: William, you’re right. Instead of calmly asking and truly listening, I created a story in my own mind and judged you, and that isn’t fair to you.
William: Isabel, thank you for recognizing that, because I felt deeply misunderstood. Next time, I promise I’ll tell you sooner about what’s going on so that unnecessary doubts and worries don’t take root. Would you like me to explain everything now?
Isabel: Yes. I’d like to listen properly this time, without interrupting or making assumptions.
William: She’s going through a very difficult time in her marriage and asked for support because she knows that we’ve been accompanying couples who are struggling.
Isabel: William, thank you for explaining it. I understand much better now. And if you think it might help them, perhaps the four of us could meet one day and share our testimony with them.
William: I think that’s a wonderful idea. It could truly do them a lot of good.
Isabel: Thank you for your generosity and for being a light to those who need it, and to me as well.
Teach us to look upon our spouse with your eyes, recognizing in him or her the holy ground where God dwells. Blessed and praised be the Lord forever.