The New Creation
Jesus said to his disciples: “I give you a new commandment: love one another; as I have loved you, you also must love one another”. It is said that familiarity breeds contempt. Maybe contempt is too strong a word when we apply this statement to the command of Jesus; it is more likely to be indifference. We hear it and leave it. But this commandment, if it were to be lived out by us, would revolutionise the world. The most obvious place for living it is in marriage and family life. There continues to be far too much mediocrity in marriage and family relationships and this spills over rather than the passionate love of Christ. This power of love is to be lived in our faith community. But again mediocrity is more the flavour of our community than joy and gladness. And the love of Christ, lived by us his followers, knows no bounds but is destined to reach the ends of the earth to heal the divisions of humanity.
Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.
Morning Prayer, when together
God our Father, look upon us with love.
You redeem us and make us your children in Christ.
Give us true freedom
and bring us to the inheritance you promised.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
During the day, when apart
Lord God, by our sacrament of marriage
you share with us your divine life.
Grant that everything we do
may be directed by the knowledge of your truth.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
Evening/Night Prayer together
Merciful Father may your love for us
give us new purpose in our love for one another
and bring us to a new life in you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Questions for Action for the week
For your marriage: How could you bring greater freedom to your love making this week?
For others: How could you bring hope and confidence to someone this week?