As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.
Today, out of love for us, Jesus warns us: “Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held to account.” Woe to you who do not enter yourselves and prevent others from entering!
Today is a day for me to examine myself: What is there in my heart and in my behaviour that prevents me from entering the Kingdom of Heaven and living in a state of grace? What makes it difficult or prevents my husband and children from entering, too?
Perhaps it is my desire to control everything and always be right, my outbursts of anger, my thoughtlessness and harsh manner. Perhaps it is my temperament, which, instead of welcoming and encouraging others, leaves them feeling disheartened and sad.
Thank You, Lord, for waking me up! Blessed are You! How deeply You love me!
(That evening, during their prayer together as husband and wife.)
George: Catherine, please forgive me. I’ve been unbearable today, in a bad mood and snapping at the slightest thing. I’ve spent the whole day dwelling on the “nasty little mess” in my heart. And what hurts me most is that I’ve made you feel bad, too.
Catherine: George, yes, it’s been a difficult day. And instead of welcoming you in your weakness and sin, I’ve added my own sin to yours. We’ve hurt each other, and we’ve hurt the Lord, too.
George: I want to help you experience a foretaste of Heaven here in our home, with the two of us united to the Lord. How deeply I long for that intimacy between the three of us!
Catherine: What a wonderful gift our Sacrament of Marriage is! How Jesus rescues us, time and time again.
George: Tomorrow, I’ll ask the children to forgive me, because I exasperated them today.
Catherine: My dear husband, you have such a beautiful heart.
Mother,
With you, my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.
Praise be to the Lord!