From he Gospel according to Luke 11:47-54
The Lord said: “Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’ in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets hed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.
Today, Jesus, because He loves us, gives us a warning: “Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held accountable.” Woe to you who don’t enter in, and who block others from entering! Today is a day to examine myself: What is in my heart and in my behavior that keeps me from entering the Kingdom of Heaven and from living in a state of grace? And what in me might be making it harder, or even impossible, for my spouse or my children to enter? Maybe it’s my need to control everything and always be right… Maybe it’s my bursts of anger, my lack of patience, or the way I speak harshly. Maybe it’s my attitude when rather than welcoming and encouraging them, I bring discouragement and sadness.
Thank You, Lord, for waking me up! Blessed are You how deeply You love me!
(At night, during conjugal prayer)
Tim: Carmel, forgive me. I’ve been unbearable today, grumpy, snapping over every little thing. I’ve been stuck all day in the mess inside my heart. And what hurts the most is knowing I dragged you down with me.
Carmel: Tim, yes… it’s been a tough day. And instead of receiving you in your brokenness, I added mine to it. We hurt each other and we hurt the Lord too.
Tim: I want to help you live a little piece of Heaven here with both of us united to the Lord. I long for that deep intimacy, the three of us together.
Carmel: Our Sacrament of Marriage is such a gift. How many times Jesus rescues us through it.
Tim: Tomorrow, I’m going to ask the kids for forgiveness. I really pushed them too far today.
Carmel: My dear husband… you have such a beautiful heart.
With you, my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Praise be the Lord!
