From the Gospel according to Matthew
13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.
They were astonished and said,
“Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?
Is he not the carpenter’s son?
Is not his mother named Mary
and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
Are not his sisters all with us?
Where did this man get all this?”
And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and in his own house.”
And he did not work many mighty deeds there
because of their lack of faith.

Leaving a Mark

Sometimes, in our marriage, no matter how much we do or say, it seems like it’s not enough or like it doesn’t make any difference. But without realizing it, we are leaving a mark through what we say, in the way we behave, and in the things we do. It may seem like, in His own town, no matter what Jesus said, it didn’t have much effect. Yet surely many were silently converted—they kept His example and His words in their hearts, and without noticing it, He had changed their lives.

Let us not worry if people don’t listen to us, if they ignore us, or even despise us—everything we do is to manifest what we carry within. God is present in our marriage; it must be evident in all we do, in what we say. It is always the Lord acting through us, and He is the one who should receive all the glory through our actions. Let us leave a mark of God’s love within us. Let us not be ashamed to stand up for the Lord—through our love, our joy, our surrender, and our sacrifice, that is how God reveals Himself to others. Let that phrase of Saint John Paul II resonate in our hearts: “Love is always victorious.”

Brought into Married Life:

Pilar: (Thinking) “I’m going to suggest to Álvaro that we pray the rosary together—it’s so good for both of us. Although, come to think of it, I might be coming on a bit strong lately, so maybe I’ll just pray it on my own for him, and trust that the Lord will gradually place in his heart how important it is to pray together.”

Álvaro: (Coming home tired from work, thinking) “I’m exhausted after a long, hard day, and now Pilar’s probably going to ask me to pray the rosary. It’s hard for me because it feels a bit burdensome, but I’ll offer it up for her because I know it’s actually really good for me.”

“Hi, love. How was your day? I’m wiped out—give me a minute to get into something more comfortable, and if you’d like, we can pray the rosary together.”

Pilar: “What a joy to hear you say that! I have to ask your forgiveness because I doubted you. I already prayed it, but I’m sure Our Lady would be delighted if we pray another one together.”

Álvaro: “Yes, it’s true that it’s tough for me, but through your example and your persistence—even when I get upset—I’m starting to see how much it helps me to pray and to draw closer to the Lord. Thank you for always wanting what’s best for me.”

Pilar: “It amazes me how little by little, what the Lord places in my heart, I’m able to share with you—and how gently you receive it. I’m realizing more and more that we truly are becoming one flesh, and that helps me a lot.”

Álvaro: “Thank you for being so persistent—your perseverance brings me closer to the Lord and to you every day. I love you so much.”

Mother,

Under your mantle and protected by your Immaculate Heart, may we always act with Him, for Him, and in Him, always leaving a mark of God’s love.

Blessed and praised be the Lord.