3rd Sunday of Lent

THE COUPLE THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER.

 Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

 March 3rd – 9th 2024

 Christ, the Wisdom of God

Jesus said: “Stop turning my Father’s house into a market.” Isn’t it amazing how we human beings can miss the point of even the things we treasure most. The Jewish people saw the Temple as the greatest treasure they had in their life of faith and yet they developed a system of abusing that sacred place in the very name of their religion. We do the same: when we call marriage a Sacrament and then have little care for the couple relationship except when it is in trouble; when we call our homes the Domestic Church and treat them as if Christ did not live there among us; when we talk about our parish as a community of faith but do very little to build community; when we are fed on the Body and Blood of Christ and yet refuse to love and respect many members of the Body of Christ. We do it when we allow ritual to become more important than people.

Morning Prayer, when together

Father, you taught us to overcome our sins

by prayer, fasting and works of mercy.

When we are discouraged by our weakness

give us courage in your love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

 During the day, when apart

Lord, by the grace of Christ in us

may we who need to ask your forgiveness

be ready to forgive one another.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

 Evening/Night Prayer together

Lord, we share your love in our Sacrament of Marriage.

May we receive your forgiveness

for the many ways we fail to love fully

and be brought together in unity and peace.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Questions for Action for the week

For your marriage: Have you a favourite place to walk as a couple? Go there this week together and enjoy it.

 For others: Try this week to thank and encourage someone you see is bringing God’s love to others.