Gospel of the Day
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 18:1–8
Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, “There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.’”
The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Persevering in Prayer
Dear married couples, today Jesus invites us to pray always and never lose heart. As husbands and wives, we are called to persevere in our friendship with God, to seek Him together and not to allow difficulties, tiredness, lack of time or distractions to draw us away from His presence.
Like the widow, we must turn to Him with trust and perseverance, confident that He listens and acts, even if He does not always do so according to our timing.
What a great treasure we have in prayer as husband and wife! More than simply asking for what we need, it is about opening our hearts together to the Beloved, allowing Him to gaze upon us and transform us.
When we pray, Christ gradually purifies the way we see one another, heals our selfishness and teaches us to welcome our spouse as a gift, not as a possession. Little by little, our will becomes united with His, and we learn to love with His very own Heart.
Jesus’ final question also challenges our marriage today: Will He find faith in us? Will He find us persevering together in love?
May we never stop seeking Him, because when God dwells in our hearts, He Himself becomes the bond that unites us, transforms us and leads us towards holiness.
Applied to Married Life
Robert: Rose, there just aren’t enough hours in the day! Between work, the housework and making dinner… When are we supposed to pray?
Rose: I know… I feel the same. But if we wait until we have some spare time, we’ll never pray. We need to set aside that time for God.
Robert: Yes, but these vegetables aren’t going to wash themselves!
Rose: Come on, pass them over. We can start right here: Lord, we offer You this work for our family.
Robert: Can we pray while we’re preparing dinner too?
Rose: Of course, Robert, if we do it united with Him, out of love. Just like our Mother, the Virgin Mary, in her everyday tasks.
Robert: Well, when I’m sweeping the floor, I’m usually thinking about who’s made a mess again…
Rose: Me too… But we can use that moment to say, “Jesus, cleanse my heart too; teach me to serve without complaining.”
Robert: And without expecting everyone to thank me for everything, right?
Rose: That too.
Robert: Rose, but this doesn’t replace our time of prayer together.
Rose: No, it extends our prayer throughout the day. We also need to stop what we’re doing and simply spend time with Him.
Robert: Then let’s make time to pray together after dinner. What do you think?
Rose: Yes. I need that too.
Robert: Darling, pass me the apples now. You’ve been on your feet all day. I’ll finish up. Today I want to prepare this dinner with you and with Him.
Mother,
Take us by the hand so that we may never stop seeking Jesus and may learn to love one another, as you do, with His very own Heart.
Blessed and praised be You for ever, O Lord.