My good Jesus, when I hear these words of yours, so harsh and challenging, at first I don’t feel that they apply to me. I’m not like that, I tell myself. But when I look deeper, when I truly listen, this question rises in my heart: what are You trying to tell me here, Jesus?
And suddenly, I see that part of me that does what is expected, that apparently does the right thing, yet deep down “overlooks the love of God”. That part of me that is unable to love truly, to love in the midst of weakness, to love when I don’t like the way I am treated…
I also see that part of me that still likes to have the best seats, to be praised for what I do well. Forgetting that whatever I do well is thanks to You. You alone deserve my thanks for it. I must not take the credit for my successes, because without you, Lord, I can do nothing. Without you, I make a mess of things.
And I see that part of me that places unbearable burdens on others. I make demands of my wife, my children… taking for granted that they should have gifts you may not have given them. I forget all my own weaknesses and shortcomings, and take for granted, without thanking you, the gifts you have given me.

Lord, help me to give of myself without demanding anything and without judging. Teach me to love as you do.

Brought into married life:

Mary: John, this is so unfair! We’re late again because of you! I’m working myself to the bone, and what have you done?
John: But I haven’t stopped for a second! And don’t speak to me like that in front of the children!
Mary: You don’t help me at all!
(That evening, after their prayer together as husband and wife.)
Mary: John, please forgive me. I was so unfair to you this morning. I gave in to temptation. I spoke terribly to you and didn’t put myself in your shoes…
John: Thank you, Mary. I really do try to be as efficient as possible at times like that. But I don’t come anywhere near doing everything you do. Forgive me; I’m so clumsy.
Mary: You’re so sweet! You have such a big heart. I expect you to do the things that come easily to me, and I forget that what I need to do is learn from your patience and kindness. The Lord has shown me that, in those moments, I should turn to you for help and look to you as an example of how to do things patiently and gently. And if we arrive a little late, at least we’ll have done so with love. That’s a thousand times better!
John: Mary, thank you so much for everything. I love you so much.
Mary: And I love you just as much! Thank goodness we persevere in prayer. Otherwise, we wouldn’t see any of this.

Mother,

Help me to give myself completely, to lay down my life without asking for anything in return. As you do, and as your Son does.

Blessed and praised be God, who loves us with infinite love!