From the Gospel according to Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by,

he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post.

He said to him, “”Follow me.””

And he got up and followed him.

While he was at table in his house,

many tax collectors and sinners came

and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples,

“”Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?””

He heard this and said,

“”Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.

Go and learn the meaning of the words,

I desire mercy, not sacrifice.

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.””

The gospel of the Lord

 

The day I stopped charging you

How many times do we ask ourselves what’s going wrong in our marriage? We argue about house chores, every decision to be made, our children’s upbringing, what we do and what we don’t do. Then we enjoy two days of peace… only to fall back into the same cycle.

Maybe it’s because we’re unknowingly sitting at a tax collector’s booth—there I am, demanding compliments, collecting what I believe are my rights in front of my spouse: attention, an apology, a return for all I’ve given and haven’t received… And all the while, sadness, pain, and despair eat away at my heart, convincing me that there is no solution for us.

But then Jesus passes by, looks at me with love, and calls: “Get up and follow Me!” He wants to lift us from that booth—a prison that keeps us from moving forward on the path of Love, which is the exact opposite of collecting and demanding. Love means giving freely and not keeping score. Be like Matthew—rise, stop charging, and follow Him.

Applied to married life:

Eva: Juan, I feel physically and mentally exhausted. I was giving so much, and during prayer, I realised I was judging you again—measuring what you do.

Juan: Wow… thank you so much for sharing that with me, Eva. Honestly, I admit I sometimes let myself off the hook.

Eva: You give in ways I don’t, but it’s as if all your efforts just disappear from my sight—and I only focus on my own sacrifices, expecting a reward in return. Anyway… here I go again, starting over. What a relief it is to see how the Lord cares for us and reveals the truth of what’s really happening. I was putting all the blame for my sadness on you.

Juan: You’re so beautiful, my sweet Evita. I thank God for you and ask Him to help me see your sorrow more clearly, so I can give myself more fully to you.

 

Mother,

Let me always say with you: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for He has looked upon the lowliness of His servant. Praised be He forever.