A Trust in God. Reflection for marriages. Saint Matthew (2:13–15, 19–23)

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Gospel of the Day

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew (2:13–15, 19–23)
After the wise men had left, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
“Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod intends to search for the child and do away with him.”
So Joseph got up, took the child and his mother with him by night, and left for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod was dead. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: Out of Egypt I have called my son.
After Herod’s death, the angel of the Lord again appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said,
“Get up, take the child and his mother with you and go back to the land of Israel, for those who wanted to kill the child are dead.”

So Joseph got up, took the child and his mother with him, and went back to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as ruler of Judaea, he was afraid to go there; and being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee and settled in a town called Nazareth. In this way the words spoken through the prophets were to be fulfilled: He will be called a Nazarene.

 

Trust in God
Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, it is beautiful to see the communion that existed between Joseph and Mary, and between them and God. Faced with the signs that reached them through various mediations, both acted swiftly and in unity, following God’s plan with total trust.
Our marriage is called, one day, to be like this—to grow into an ever more perfect communion. What prevents us from reaching it? Our sin. Every time we allow ourselves to be led by our passions and attachments; every time I choose myself instead of God’s plan in the concrete realities of daily life, we move a little further apart—until everything breaks down.

But if we live believing that everything forms part of God’s plan, that each day is full of details and mediations to help us grow and move forward—opportunities such as choosing what my spouse likes instead of what I like, giving up going out for drinks with friends or for coffee with friends in order to be with my family, welcoming my spouse when he is tired or in a bad mood, cooking the meal, clearing the table… All these mediations, pleasant or unpleasant, unite me to Jesus, who comes to give Himself for us. Then our marriage soars towards Him, and we live a little piece of heaven on earth.

 

Applied to Married Life

 

John Charles: Bea, I have to admit that I really don’t feel like going out for lunch with the group. Every day I feel more distant from them.
Bea: I know, Charles. I don’t really feel like talking about clothes and outfits either, but I think it’s good that we go. The Lord wants us to be in the world without belonging to the world.
John Charles: That’s true. We have to bring His light and His warmth to cold hearts, and our friends really need us to show them what the Lord has done in us.
Bea: Exactly. And besides, last time Adela was very interested in what had changed us so much and why we now seemed so well.
John Charles: Now that you mention it, more than one person said the same to me.
Bea: And what did you tell them?
John Charles: That the Lord was winning over our hearts and our marriage, and that I now see my wife as the help God gave me—and that helps me to love you more.
Bea: You’re so lovely! That’s why we have to go and be light in the midst of that darkness, even if we don’t feel like it.

John Charles: Yes. I don’t think Mary felt much like going to Egypt either, and she did it because she knew it was God’s will. He asks us to go out for lunch and we complain. So—no more complaints! But first, let’s go to the Eucharist, so that we go with hearts full of the Lord.

 

Mother,
Cover our families with your mantle, so that they may be joyful and radiant families, reflecting the light of the Lord.
Blessed and praised be the Lord for ever!

A Heart in Love. Reflection for marriages. Saint John (20:1a, 2–8)

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Gospel of the Day
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint John (20:1a, 2–8)
Early on the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said,
“They have taken the Lord out of the tomb and we do not know where they have put him.”
So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in.
Simon Peter, following him, also came up, went into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself.

Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and he believed.

A Heart in Love
Even in the midst of darkness, Mary Magdalene runs. She runs because her heart burns with love, with faith, and with a deep desire to encounter the Bridegroom, recognising that meeting Christ is the most important thing, the source of meaning and fulfilment in her life. She is not held back by confusion, fear, or uncertainty; her impulse is born of love—love that hopes in all things and sustains all things.
Each of her steps reminds us that true love between spouses requires decision, self-giving, and perseverance: not waiting for perfect conditions to meet one another, but, despite darkness, moments of trial, misunderstandings, betrayals, and silences between us as spouses, choosing to trust.
Just as Mary Magdalene ran to the tomb, we too are called to run towards our spouse and, together, towards Christ, aware that He renews our lives. On reaching the tomb and finding the cloths empty, Mary Magdalene reaches her goal: the encounter with the Risen Christ. How beautiful it is for us as spouses to see that when we give our hearts with generosity and fidelity, love is renewed, brings joy, and transforms everyday life into an experience of grace.
Applied to Married Life
May: George, honestly, these Christmas days have been terribly tense. How hard it is for me to welcome your mother when she keeps correcting me—because the food is not to her liking, because she thinks we are not educating the children properly… I truly cannot stand it, and on top of that you stay silent, which makes me even more upset.
George: May, I see that you fill up with anger and create very uncomfortable moments. Your face says it all, and the tension you generate is overwhelming.
May: Oh really? Are you saying that I create the uncomfortable situations? Look, George, if your mother were a bit quieter and more grateful for what I do for them, those uncomfortable moments would surely not happen and the atmosphere would be much more pleasant.
George: May, you are right that my mother is not very tactful in her comments. But if there is one thing we are learning on this journey, it is that we are called to give ourselves. That is where the Lord is asking us to love more—to embrace moments of difficulty and to love. And then we will make our home a reflection of the joy of the birth of the Child Jesus.
May: George, thank you for helping me see that, in those moments of anger, I only look at myself… you are absolutely right! I can only thank God for having you, for bringing me into the light, and for teaching me that together we can transform every difficulty into an opportunity to truly love.
George: You are wonderful, May. I love how, together, we can help each other so that our everyday life is filled with grace and joy.
May: George, on New Year’s Day I promise I will truly give myself and love your parents. And if you see that my face is not showing joy, remind me gently.

George: I will, my love.

 

Mother,
Teach us to rest our difficulties in the side of Your Son and to trust in Him as Saint John did.
Blessed and praised be the Lord for ever.

A Direct Witness. Reflection for marriages. Saint Matthew (10:17–22)

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Gospel of the Day

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew (10:17–22)
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be on your guard against men: they will hand you over to courts, scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as witnesses before them and the pagans.
But when you are handed over, do not worry about how to speak or what you are to say: what you are to say will be given to you at that moment, because it is not you who will be speaking; it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking in you.
Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name; but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

A Direct Witness
The Lord speaks to us about persecution for bearing witness to the Truth, because God’s way of teaching is not the way of the world.
Marriage was instituted by God, according to the laws of Love, and He instituted it as indissoluble. Therefore, we must not allow ourselves to be guided by anything other than the will of God, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
And so, when my husband is angry and I hear an inner voice saying, “Answer him sharply, he does not deserve better…” I must turn to prayer in order to listen to the voice of the Father who says to me, “Love my beloved son more.”
And when my husband answers me harshly, I must recollect myself so as to hear God’s voice saying, “Welcome him; my son is tired.”
So the question is this: Will I behave as a child of God, made in His image and likeness? Will I treat my husband as a child of God?
In this way, those around us—family or friends—may not understand us, as the Lord says; yet we shall be witnesses to Love with a capital L.

Applied to Married Life
Catherine: Charles, everyone around me keeps insisting that I should not put up with your working hours, or with your being absent at home…
Charles: Oh really? Forgive me, my love—I do not even realise it.
Catherine: Don’t worry. A while ago it would have affected me deeply. But now that we are walking this path of Proyecto Amor Conyugal, I have learned that loving you means welcoming you in every circumstance.
Charles: My love, how grateful I am for your understanding.
Catherine: And I am grateful that you have embraced this journey, even knowing how hard it is for you.
Charles: How could I not, with how much I love you? Thank you!
Catherine: Then let us give thanks together to the Lord for all that He is doing in us.

Mother,

You welcomed the will of the Father.
Teach us to welcome it in our spouse.
Praised be God!

The light of life. Reflection for marriages. Saint John (1:1–18)

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Gospel of the Day
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint John (1:1–18)
In the beginning was the Word,
the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things came into being,
not one thing came into being except through him.
What came into being in him was life,
life that was the light of men;
and light shines in the darkness,
and darkness could not overpower it.
A man came, sent by God.
His name was John.
He came as a witness,
as a witness to speak for the light,
so that everyone might believe through him.
He was not the light,
only a witness to speak for the light.
The Word was the true light
that enlightens all men;
and he was coming into the world.
He was in the world that had its being through him,
and the world did not know him.
He came to his own domain
and his own people did not accept him.
But to all who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to all who believe in the name of him
who was born not out of human stock
or urge of the flesh
or will of man
but of God himself.
The Word became flesh,
he lived among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father,
full of grace and truth.
John appears as his witness. He proclaims:
“This is the one of whom I said:
He who comes after me ranks before me
because he existed before me.”
Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received—
grace in return for grace,
since, though the Law was given through Moses,
grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God;
it is the only Son, who is nearest to the Father’s heart,
who has made him known.

The light of life.
Today the Word of God—God Himself—becomes Man and is born in a humble stable. He is life, He is the light of the world, and He wishes to give that life and that light to each one of us. And if I receive Him—if we receive Him—He gives us the great power of becoming children of God.
He wants to be born in my heart, to divinise me, to make me another Christ! And if I allow Him, I shall see His glory. The whole of God wishes to come to me, and He asks my permission to enter my heart.
And I, Lord, say yes. Come to me—but first cleanse my heart; work in me according to Your will. I want to be that poor stable which You illuminated!

Applied to Married Life
Charles: I absolutely love Christmas!
Susan: I do now as well. Before, it overwhelmed me—an endless list of tasks, huge expenses, and family gatherings that were not always pleasant.
Charles: That’s true—but how God has changed our hearts! Isn’t it wonderful?
Susan: It really is. Now we truly live the mystery of God’s birth. He comes into our hearts to give us eternal life. And it shows—in us, in our marriage, and in our family. Everything is different. Even the children are happier.
Charles: I’m so full of joy—and I love you so much! I even love singing carols now.
Susan: Of course! Everything is for His glory, even if we sing out of tune! [laughs]
Charles: Oh, you silly thing—we do it beautifully because we sing with our hearts! [laughs]

Mother,
Thank You, Mother, for giving us Jesus.
We want to receive Him as you did:
with purity, humility, and devotion.
Give us a heart like yours.
Blessed and praised be Jesus!

Wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Reflection for marriages. Saint Luke 2:1–14

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Gospel of the Day

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Luke (2:1–14)
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.
This first enrolment took place when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem—since he was of David’s house and line—in order to be enrolled together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the place where travellers lodged.
In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to keep watch over their flock by night. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said,
“Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace to men who enjoy his favour.”
Wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger
Dear Jesus, how many times I have contemplated this scene, and yet it never ceases to amaze me! The angel announces that the “Saviour, the Messiah, the Lord” has been born. One might imagine a castle, acclamations and splendour… and yet “the sign is a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” How can this be? The Messiah a baby, wrapped in cloths, in a stable?
What a lesson, Lord—how different Your plans are from what I might imagine! Your message is clear. You Yourself set the example: the path to Salvation passes through becoming small and vulnerable, through giving everything, emptying oneself, welcoming circumstances even when I do not understand them, and giving one’s life. There is no other way. You said it very clearly: whoever wishes to follow You must “deny himself and take up his cross each day.” This is what Joseph and Mary did. Nothing unfolded according to their plans, yet they trusted in the Father. He knows more; He can do all things. Their task was simply to seek to do His will.
My good Jesus, help me to deny myself, to flee from my own reasoning, so that Your Love may fill my heart and I may love as You love.
Applied to Married Life
Miriam: I am so deeply moved by the fact that God came into the world as a baby, in a stable…
Joseph: Yes, what a lesson in humility and total detachment. And how beautiful it is to pray with the way Joseph and Mary lived everything. Humanly speaking, it seems senseless. Yet it could not be more beautiful, nor a greater sign of total love.
Miriam: How I long to welcome whatever circumstances may come, just as they did! They must have made their plans, yet they received with peace whatever came. They knew that their own judgement did not count, that they had to welcome each situation by trusting in God, giving everything to Him and loving.
Joseph: I am praying a great deal to be able, in every situation, to do His Will—even when I do not understand it. For this, I must never try to do my own will. My will must never be the criterion. By my own strength it is impossible, but with God’s grace—through prayer, the sacraments and sacrifice—I know I will succeed.
Miriam: It already shows that you are achieving it. It is a joy to see how you now carry what used to cause anger.
Joseph: Thank you so much, my love. It shows in you too. We are very weak, but God can do all things. Thank You so much, Lord!
Mother,
Help us to welcome Your Son and to give ourselves—to give everything—as you did. May this holy night be the beginning of my total self-giving to the Lord.
Blessed and praised be God!