Between longings and desires. Reflection for marriages. John 15, 1-7

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Gospel

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

From the Gospel according to John. Jn 15, 1-7.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, neither can you, unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
The Gospel of the Lord

Between longings and desires.

Remaining in the Vine as branches has to bear two necessary fruits: 

Firstly, our soul must be alive, our longings for God and His plan must be well nourished, and the gifts of the Spirit must be active within us.

The second fruit is that this must necessarily lead us to perform acts of love, especially with our spouse.

If either of these aspects is lacking, we must examine our spiritual life.

Applied to Married Life:

Jack: Jessica, I realize that there are two types of needs in my heart. One is very deep, the longings that God has planted and nurtures when I am close to Him, and the other is the more superficial desires that intensify when I engage with the world.

Jessica: How interesting. I had never considered the difference between these two types of needs: the deep longings and the concupiscent desires. It will help me observe myself and distinguish them in my day-to-day life.

Jack: Yes, seeing how they affect me helps me determine whether I am connected to the Lord or not. My goal is to always be in Him.

Jessica: I love that. Yes. Thank you for sharing it with me.

Mother,

We want to always be united to the Lord, always in His presence, always in Him. Praise be to God who nourishes the longings of our soul.

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