GOSPEL OF THE DAY
From the Gospel according to Mark 4:21-25
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket
or under a bed,
and not to be placed on a lampstand?
For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;
nothing is secret except to come to light.
Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”
He also told them, “Take care what you hear.
The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you,
and still more will be given to you.
To the one who has, more will be given;
from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
The Word of the Lord
Listen.
The Lord calls us; we must stay attentive and listen to what He tells us. He gives us gifts so that we may place them at His service — not to keep them for ourselves or use them only according to our own needs, but to bring light to the world by handing on what we have received.
The sacrament of marriage is a gift from the Lord, given so that through our self‑giving we may show the love of God. As spouses, we have the mission of showing the world the greatness of this gift and of being a lamp that gives light through our offering of ourselves.
Let us begin by listening to one another, so that we may reveal God’s love to all and show the beauty of our sacrament.
Applied to married life
Rachel: Many happy returns, my love.
Patrick: Thank you so much. What a lovely gesture — the day has barely begun, it’s only just struck midnight.
Rachel: I know you love celebrating your birthday; you’ve told me so many times, and I didn’t want to miss the chance to be the first.
Patrick: For me, you’re always the first in everything. I thought that when I mentioned celebrating my birthday you hadn’t really heard me — in fact, I got the impression you weren’t paying attention.
Rachel: Of course I was listening. I’ve learnt to pay more attention to what you tell me, so I can be closer to you.
Patrick: Thank you, truly. You know how much it helps me to know you’re attentive to what I say, even with all the silly things I sometimes come out with.
Rachel: Nothing you say is silly — everything about you matters to me. Besides, your birthday is a day to give thanks to God especially for you.
Patrick: Then let’s celebrate by beginning with giving thanks together for our marriage.
Rachel: Let’s do that — and then off to bed, because tomorrow we’ve got plenty more celebrating ahead.
Mother,
Help us to remain attentive to what your Son tells us through our spouse. Blessed be the Lord.