32nd Sunday of the Year

THE COUPLE THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

 November 12th – 18th 2023  

Stay awake

Jesus said to the crowds: “Stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour.” These words of Jesus are usually heard as a warning about being prepared for death and, no doubt, they are that. But they are also a call to be prepared for life!  It is so easy to get used to even the most wonderful gifts of life and love and take them for granted. Our call is to be alert to these and to celebrate them daily, especially in our love relationships of marriage and family life and also within the community of faith. We miss out on so much joy and happiness with each other. Husbands and wives get so busy that they have no time to be with each other and to enjoy their marriage. Parents are so focused on giving their children as much as possible that they can neglect the most important thing of all, the gift of themselves. And in the faith community we can be so intent on doing our duty that we neglect to enjoy what we are doing.

Morning Prayer, when together

God of power and mercy,

protect us from all harm.

Give us freedom of spirit

and health in mind and body

to do your work on earth through our marriage.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

During the day, when apart

God of mercy and love,

through our love in marriage we proclaim your love.

Accept our gifts and help us to follow your way.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Evening/Night Prayer together

Lord, we thank you for all your gifts to us.

Pour out your Spirit upon us as a married couple

and keep us single-minded in your service.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Questions for Action for the week

For your marriage: How could you be more attentive to the needs

of your wife/husband this week?

For others: Think of some group that is working for adult education in the faith.

How could you support them this week?