GOSPEL

“For they were like sheep without a shepherd”

From the Gospel according to Mark 6:30-34

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things

The Gospel of the Lord

Lacrimosa.

It is indeed important to find moments to be alone with the Lord. Without such moments, we will offer little help to others, and our actions may reflect our own sense of justice rather than God’s. However, at the same time, if we pray a lot and this does not translate into attitudes like compassion and love, our prayers are of no use. Either we are not truly praying, or we are not praying properly, because the Lord will always lead us to the greatest virtue, which is charity.

Applied to married life

Susan: Well, another grandchild on the way. They seem to be coming one after another, don’t they?

Harry: Yes. We’ll have to give them a hand as much as we can. I don’t know if you see it the same way, but since I retire, it feels like I’m working even more than before. With our role as grandparents, the missions of Project for marital Love, and our journey of marital spirituality, we’ll barely have time to eat.

Susan: True, but marital prayer, the Eucharist, and the rosary are sacred. Okay? We may not have time for meals, but we’ll pray, no matter what. Hey, what are you doing with that little jar?

Harry: Collecting a tear that’s falling. I got emotional seeing how in love you are with the Lord and how you help me stay faithful.

Susan: (Takes his hand and squeezes it) It’s God who gives me this love for Him. And what are you doing with that little jar now?

Harry: I’m labeling it and placing it in this display case. Look, here’s the tear from the day I converted. Here’s the one from the day I discovered the greatness of our marriage…

Susan: And what do you call your collection?

Harry: It’s my “emotional” collection. You know I like to keep the significant moments in my heart to thank God. I sit here occasionally, remembering each moment while listening to Lacrimosa Mozart’s Requiem.

Mother,

May our prayer help us grow in love. Praise be to God.