7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
THE COUPLE THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER.
Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.
Sunday February 23rd 2014
The Lord is compassion and Love
Jesus said to his disciples: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be children of your Father in heaven”. In this statement we have the ultimate commandment and challenge of Jesus. It is the call to love at least as much when things are not going well as we love when everything is good. This has all kinds of implications for us in the three important relationships of faith: marriage, family and faith community. In marriage it is so important not to let things fester but to sort out any difficulties immediately. The temptation is to keep a row going and hurt one another even more. In family life it is so easy to let our feelings dictate how we relate to other members rather than make a decision to love them and to get over any differences we might have with them. In the wider community we also are called to see the good rather than the not so good in those with whom we worship.
Morning Prayer, when together
Father, keep before us the wisdom and love you have revealed in your Son. Help us to be like him in word and deed. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
During the day, when apart
Lord, as we offer our married love to you may we live our lives in Spirit and truth and so come to eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Evening/Night Prayer together
Almighty God, help us to live the example of love that is given to us in Jesus your Son. May we come to its fulfillment in your presence. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord.
Questions for Action for the week
For your marriage: In what ways could you contribute more to your sexual relationship with your wife/husband? Talk about that this week
For others: Think of some group that is engaged in reconciliation of any kind. How could you help them this week?