Gospel

‘Is not this the carpenter’s son? Where then did this man get all these things?’
From the Gospel according to Matthew 13:54–58

At that time: Coming to his home town Jesus taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’ And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honour except in his home town and in his own household.’ And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

The Gospel of the Lord

Faith

With just a single glance, Jesus could transform even the hardest of hearts. Yet many of the people from His own town, those who were closest to Him, failed to recognise Him. Although they listened to Him and were amazed by what He said, they did not understand His words because they did not receive them with faith. How difficult it is to recognise Jesus’ saving message without faith! Indeed, it is impossible. The same can happen with our spouse. We may fail to recognise their role as God’s instrument precisely because they are so familiar to us. We know their weaknesses, their failings and even their sins, and so it can seem impossible that the Lord would use them to help us attain holiness. Yet this is precisely their unique role through the Sacrament of Matrimony. That is why we must ask the Lord to increase the faith He gave us on the day of our Baptism, so that we may recognise His redeeming hand in every event of our lives.

Applied to Married Life

Margaret: I find it incredible that your sister now wants to give us advice about marriage. They nearly got divorced! Twice! And now she comes across as though she’s a saint…
Thomas: I used to think the same, but have you noticed the way they look at each other? The tenderness with which they treat one another—that really is incredible! And my sister has always been a force to be reckoned with.
Margaret: Yes, I have to admit, the way they look at each other is remarkable…
Thomas: Ever since they went on that Marriage in Love Project retreat, they’ve changed so much.
Margaret: Marital Love Project? She sends me the Gospel reflection for married couples every day, but I’ve never even opened it.
Thomas: Well, what if we read it? They say it’s good to read it together, then listen to what the Lord wants to say to us and share it with one another. Why don’t we give it a try?
Margaret: I think that’s a wonderful idea. As soon as you said it, I felt such a deep joy in my heart. I’m going to get my phone right now!
Thomas: Blessed be God! Let’s place ourselves in His presence, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Mother
Help us to recognise in our spouse the means God has given us to journey together towards holiness. Be our model of humility and faith, so that we may receive all the grace the Lord desires to give us. Blessed be the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, Your beloved Son! Blessed and praised be He for ever.