GOSPEL
From the Gospel according to Matthew
Mt 7:21, 24-27

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

The Gospel of the Lord:

Certainly, and that’s final.

Adhering to God’s Word isn’t a walk in the park for us, but in this situation, we must fully commit or face significant consequences. We’re putting everything on the line, and by everything, I mean absolutely everything. So, I need to step up and embrace that specific decision, which will be crucial, conclusive, and impactful. I could express it more loudly, but not more clearly. Therefore, I say yes, and when I say yes, it means yes. There’s nothing more to add.

Applied to marital life:

James: Luisa, will you marry me?
Lucy: We got married 30 years ago.
James: Yes, but I want to fully grasp the commitment I made to you and to the Lord. What I conveyed to you that day is profoundly significant, and my entire credibility, dignity, future, happiness, salvation… everything hinges on fulfilling that commitment. Absolutely everything depends on me dedicating myself to you and accepting you just as you are. So, I’ll state it again, yes! I love you, I’ll do whatever it takes for you and your salvation, and I couldn’t care less about anything else because you’re my sole concern.
Lucy: I adore your personality, James. Your determination is wonderful. I’m certain the Lord admires you too.

Mother,

Certainly, and that’s final. Praise be to the Lord.