Become like a child. Reflection for married couples. Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

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GOSPEL OF THE DAY

From the Gospel according to Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

The disciples approached Jesus and said,

“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”

He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,

“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,

you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.

Whoever becomes humble like this child

is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones,

for I say to you that their angels in heaven

always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.

What is your opinion?

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,

will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills

and go in search of the stray?

And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it

than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.

In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father

that one of these little ones be lost.”

The gospel of the Lord

 

Become like a child

God’s Word is so rich that we can always contemplate countless teachings within it. But this time, let’s focus on Jesus’ invitation to become like children. What did the Lord mean when He asked us to become small? There are many more reasons than we can list, but here are a few:

Children know they are small—they are humble. They don’t rely on their own strength, but on their father’s. They know that where they fall short, their father does not. The little ones don’t get overwhelmed or anxious; they sleep peacefully and trustingly, knowing their father will provide everything. They love their father and know they are loved by him—and that is the rest their hearts need. They ask without tiring, never doubting the Father’s love: “If Dad does it, it must be for a reason.”

Jesus asks us to have this attitude to enter the Kingdom of Heaven: surrender, humility, trust, and love. Let God be your Father—by becoming small.

Applied to married Life:

Charlotte: John, in a year my contract at work ends, and I don’t think they’ll renew it. I’ve overheard some comments… I hadn’t told you, but I haven’t been sleeping.

John: What are you saying, Charlotte? Why are you so anxious? Don’t you know we have a Father in heaven who cares for us? What do we have to fear? You know not even a hair falls from our heads without His permission. Why are you distressed?

Charlotte: I think I’ve been going through all this alone, relying only on my own strength… and that’s why I feel this way.

John: Rest in Him. Don’t be overwhelmed. Place it in His hands, trust Him, and let’s ask that His will be done. He is our Father and always wants what’s best for us. Shall we go spend a little time adoring Him in the Eucharist?

Charlotte: Yes, my love. I really needed to hear all this.

John: Become small and trust in Him.

Mother,

You always lived abandoned to the Father, even when you didn’t understand. Help me be like You—to have your trust and your faith.

Blessed are you forever!

Obedience to God’s Plan. Reflection for married couples. Matthew17:22-27

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GOSPEL OF THE DAY

From the Gospel according to Matthew17:22-27

As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee,

Jesus said to them,

“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men,

and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.”

And they were overwhelmed with grief.

When they came to Capernaum,

the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said,

“Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?”

“Yes,” he said.

When he came into the house, before he had time to speak,

Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon?

From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax?

From their subjects or from foreigners?”

When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him,

“Then the subjects are exempt.

But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook,

and take the first fish that comes up.

Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax.

Give that to them for me and for you.”

The gospel of the Lord

 

Obedience to God’s Plan

What must Peter’s face have looked like when Jesus told him to cast a hook into the sea, catch a fish, and take the coin from its mouth to pay the temple tax? Couldn’t it have been easier? The apostles probably thought the same when Jesus explained how our salvation would unfold. Not understanding or accepting God’s plan led them to become “very sad.”

Many times, we don’t understand why the Lord allows difficult or confusing situations in our marriage. But like Peter, we must be docile to God’s plan, no matter how absurd it may seem. Only He knows what we need for our marriage to become what He intended.

 

Applied to married Life:

Peter: Ugh, I’m exhausted. It’s been a terrible day at work. I hope dinner’s ready. Wait—have you not put the kids to bed yet?

Marian: Well, don’t come in here making demands. It’s been a terrible day with the kids too. Sarah has a fever, and I had to take all three to the doctor… Two hours in the waiting room. So no, dinner’s not ready.

Peter: I’m so tired, I just want a shower.

Marian: Fine then. Kids! Everyone to the shower—your father can’t bathe you. I’ll make some sausages for dinner…

(Two hours later, during their couple’s prayer)

Peter: Lord, even when You’re weary, You still care for everyone with such detail. I’ve been selfish tonight. I didn’t see all that Marian did, and I didn’t help her.

Marian: Lord, I didn’t see how Peter works hard to support this family, and I haven’t thanked him enough.

Peter: Forgive me, Marian, for often leaving you alone with all the work of caring for the children, for focusing only on myself and my needs, and not seeing all the good you do for us.

Marian: Forgive me too, for not valuing you. We’re in a challenging season of life, and we need to be united and trust in the Lord.

Peter: That’s right—let’s trust in Him, in His plan for us, even when it feels hard. Let’s take

 

Mother,

Teach us to do God’s will at all times—when it’s easy and when it’s not—and thus give glory to God always.

Praised be You always, Lord!

Watch Where Your Treasure Lies. Reflection for married couples. Luke 12:32-48

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GOSPEL

‘You also must be ready.’
Luke 12:32-48

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with money bags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
  ‘Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service, and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’
  Peter said, ‘Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?’ And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, “My master is delayed in coming”, and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.’

The Gospel of the Lord

Watch Where Your Treasure Lies
In these verses, Jesus uses parables to show us a way of life built on complete trust in God, lived with responsible and watchful love. His opening words are: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
It is a call to place our trust in God the Father, to rest our worries in Him, and to shift the centre of our lives from our own heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
He invites us to live with responsible love towards the spouse blessed by Christ, echoing His words: “Blessed is that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.” It is worth asking myself: if the Lord came today, would He call me blessed for the way I am caring for the love I give my spouse—faithfully, in action, in thought, and by avoiding sins of omission—and prudently, always seeking what pleases them and the Lord?
The Gospel calls us to live in constant vigilance: “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds watching when he comes.” Am I constantly seeking my spouse’s holiness? Do I guard my actions so as not to lead them into sin? And if my spouse does sin, do I give myself for them as Christ gave Himself for His Bride, the Church?

Applied to Married Life

Mary: Kevin, our mentored couple called—they’ve asked if you could help them assemble some furniture in their new home.
Kevin: Mary, you know I’ve barely got any time. I need to finish these orders so we can earn the money for the car—you know it’s broken down.
Mary: How about we pray about it tonight before answering them?
Kevin: Good idea, Mary—that way I won’t just act on my first impulse.
(That night, during their couple’s prayer…)
Kevin: Mary, in today’s Gospel the Lord is calling me to trust Him more, and to let His will guide me rather than my own self-interest. If the Lord has given me this gift, how could I withhold it? And remember what the Gospel said: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” So, if you also think it’s right, I’ll go and help them over the next few days.
Mary: I do feel sorry about the car, Kevin, but I’m sure the Lord will use this to purify us from clinging to certain worldly securities.
Kevin: Thank you, Mary, for helping us to stay in the truth by persevering in our couple’s prayer. I feel that every time we pray together, we grow closer to Christ.

Mother,

Thank you for carrying us in your Immaculate Heart to the Sacred Heart of your Son, keeping us both trusting and watchful. Blessed and praised be the Sacred Heart of Jesus!

An Alert Heart. Reflection for married couples. Matthew 25:1-13

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GOSPEL

‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’
Matthew 25:1-13

At that time: Jesus told his disciples this parable, ‘The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, “Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise answered, saying, “Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.” And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterwards the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he answered, “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.” Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.’

The Gospel of the Lord

An Alert Heart
One thing is certain: we do not know the day or the hour.
This simple truth should keep us constantly aware that our hearts must be ready for the coming of the Bridegroom—with a capital “B”. That readiness begins now—today, this very moment—through the purification and conversion of the heart. This purification involves our effort in the small acts of daily life—acts of self-giving and welcome—and turning to the grace of God through prayer and the sacraments, since it is He who transforms us.
Husbands and wives, let us return to the grace of our Sacrament of Marriage, through acts of love and mutual offering, to prepare ourselves for the coming of the true Bridegroom.

Applied to Married Life

Claire: Hi Liam, I’m home!
Liam: Hey Claire, welcome back.
Claire: I was thinking on the drive—maybe we could spend a few days at the seaside with the kids. It’s been ages since the four of us had some proper time together. (Liam pauses, frowning slightly.)
Liam: The beach? You know I can’t stand the heat… Honestly, why don’t you take the kids and go without me? It’s only a few days—we’ll see each other again soon enough. (A few hours later, after Mass)
Liam: Claire… I’m sorry for brushing off your idea earlier. The truth is, I really don’t fancy the beach. But you’re right—it would be good for us to have that time together. And I know it would mean a lot to you.
Claire: Oh Liam, thank you! I know this is a big effort for you—and I really appreciate it. It’s such a generous act of love for me and for our family. Maybe we could mix things up—some beach, some pool, so it’s not quite so hot? You know what? I’ve been noticing lately—since we’ve been going to Mass together more often—the Lord really is doing something beautiful in our hearts.
Liam: He truly is… I’ve felt it too.

Mother,

Take us by the hand and teach us how to prepare our hearts for the day when the Bridegroom comes. Praised be the Lord!

The Three Conditions. Reflection for married couples. Matthew 16:24-28

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GOSPEL

‘What shall a man give in return for his soul?’

Matthew 16:24-28

At that time: Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.’ Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’

The Gospel of the Lord

 

The Three Conditions
Jesus speaks to us today about three essential conditions for being His disciples: denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him. To deny ourselves means to fight against our disordered desires—the ones that prevent the Holy Spirit from acting in us. To take up our cross means being willing to carry the weight of another’s sin. And to follow Him means working for and towards the salvation of others. We contemplate a God who became flesh—who willingly limited Himself. He lived over thirty years in a finite body, one that suffered as a result of sin, that grew tired… and He did it all for you and for me. How deeply He loves us!
To participate in His mission as a disciple is the greatest privilege we could ever be given.
Applied to Married Life

Richard: Here we are, enjoying summer—but still kind of stressed… Beach bar, cold beer… The kids splashing around like they’re not even ours. Can you imagine living like this forever, Sophie?
Sophie: Richard, think about it seriously. A few days like this to rest and recharge—perfect. But a whole life centred only on comfort? We’d end up completely selfish. Our lives would lose meaning. We wouldn’t grow, and we wouldn’t build anything lasting.
Richard: You’re right. I didn’t mean it, really. I thank God for this break, but I’m also grateful for our everyday life—with all its messiness. That’s where we grow the most: in generosity, humility, service, compassion… It’s within our own limitations—and each other’s—that God purifies us and helps us mature as we work for Him in our family.
Sophie: Praise the Lord, who invites us to share in His Cross.
Richard: Praise be to Him. By the way, Sophie, have I told you how much I love you today?
Sophie: Nooo… It’s been a while!
Richard: I love you to bits.
Sophie: Oh, you big softy. Come here and give me a kiss.
Mother,

I thank God that He has called me to be His disciple. His mission is so great—so incredible—that He would want to share it with us. To help Him save others, starting with my spouse… There is nothing more valuable. Nothing more fulfilling. Praised be the Lord, who counts on me. Amen.