At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

Applied to Married Life

Charles: Again? All this… like this? I honestly can’t cope with the chaos. I get home after a whole day’s work and seeing the house like this… I just feel like turning around and walking back out.
Beth: Charles, I’ve been on my own with the children: homework, baths, dinner… And that’s the first thing you choose to say to me? Besides, you get home when they’re already in bed.
Charles: Beth… I’m sorry. I’ve come back carrying so many worries, tensions and fears. And instead of rejoicing to see you, I let all that spill over onto you. I let myself be led by my “self”, by that egoism that hides in my heart and hurts us so much.
Beth: I want to say sorry too, Charles. The tiredness and pressure of the day made me defensive instead of welcoming you with affection after the long day you’ve had.
Charles: Beth, it’s so easy to let ourselves be carried away, isn’t it? Sometimes it’s not the mess, or the children, or the work. It’s what we are carrying inside our hearts — that becomes our real enemy.
Beth: Charles, the words of Jesus come to my mind: “Watch and pray.” I think that’s exactly what we need—watch over our hearts before speaking or wounding each other… and pray together.
Charles: Beth, shall we pray our conjugal prayer now?
Beth: Of course, Charles. Yes—let’s do it.

Mother,

guide us to safeguard our hearts, to order our desires, so that nothing may extinguish our love and so that prayer may always sustain us. Glory and praise to You, Lord, for ever.

At that time: Jesus told his disciples a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.’

Applied to Married Life

Isla: Peter, I think we really should go to Mass together.
Peter: I think so too, but Isla… it’s so difficult at the moment.
(Later that afternoon)
Isla: Peter, I’m going to Mass. You do as you wish, but I’m going.
Peter: I can’t today. Go on your own.
Isla: Well, suit yourself… but if you don’t come, that’s on you.
(On her return from Mass)
Isla: Hello, my love. You know, during Mass I was thinking about what we prayed in last week’s catechesis with our Marriage Project group: that the Lord died on the Cross, shed every drop of His Blood, and remains with us in the Eucharist to establish our sacrament. And by speaking to you so harshly… I was despising that gift and trampling upon it. Forgive me, Peter.
Peter: No… on the contrary, thank you, Isla, for reminding me how important the Eucharist is—and how going together always helps us live it better and deepens our communion.
Isla: Well, perhaps we can plan it out—maybe we could go together on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, since you work from home those days.
Peter: That sounds perfect, my love. I thank God for you—because you always help me refocus on what truly matters.

Mother,

Show us your Son, Jesus—blessed fruit of your womb. May His will be done here on earth, so that we may live His Kingdom now. Blessed and praised be the Lord forever!

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfil all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
  ‘And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it, therefore, in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and sisters, and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.’

Luke 21:5-11

At that time: While some were speaking of the Temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, Jesus said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.’ And they asked him, ‘Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?’ And he said, ‘See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am he!” and, “The time is at hand!” Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.’
  Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.’

The Gospel of the Lord

Mother,

We long to follow in your footsteps, to discern what really matters, and to remain firmly on the path of holiness. Glory to the Lord who makes it possible!