Gospel of the Day
From the Gospel according to Luke 8:19–21
The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him
but were unable to join him because of the crowd.
He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside
and they wish to see you.”
He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers
are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
Do You Say You Love God?
Jesus reveals where Mary’s true greatness lies and the source of the communion between them: Mary is the one who listened to the Word of God and lived according to it. The fruit of this is communion and intimacy with Him. Jesus invites all of us to become intimate with Him by living according to His Word.
What kind of love do we have for God if we listen to His Word but do not want to embody it in our lives? Let us examine our hearts and ask ourselves whether I act according to the will of God or react from my wounded heart.
We must be very attentive: we may pray together as a married couple, help at retreats and go to the Eucharist, yet still not allow the “Word” to become incarnate in us as the Word became incarnate in Mary. To love God is to do His will, even when it does not coincide with our own.
Applied to Married Life
Laura is going through a marital crisis that requires a process of healing, patience and forgiveness. She has called her mentor and told him that she no longer wants to continue.
Laura: I’m tired. Tired of forgiving, of giving in, of always being the one who loves… I don’t want to carry on anymore.
Edward: And what do you want to do?
Laura: Think about myself. Let him change. I’ve already done enough; now it’s my turn to be happy.
Edward: That isn’t the way, Laura. Not if you want to follow Christ.
Laura: I want to follow Christ, yes, but not my husband.
Edward: To love God is to do His will. “Whoever loves me will keep my word.” Do you remember these words from the Gospel? Don’t allow yourself to be deceived by the devil. What you are doing is standing before God and saying: “I don’t want to do Your will. I don’t believe Your way will lead me to happiness, so I’m going to do things my way, not Yours.” Do you see?
Laura remains silent.
Edward: This is the moment to do God’s will, even when it is contrary to your own. We know that our will, distorted by sin, leads us to death, while His will leads us to life.
Laura: But I can’t take any more.
Edward: I already told you that, when the time came, we would carry you in our arms, on a stretcher, however necessary — and that is what we will do. Will you let us?
Laura smiles.
Laura: How could I say no to God?
Mother,
Give us your obedience to the Word of God and your humility, and we will be blessed with you.
Praise be to the Lord!