Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

THE COUPLE THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER.

 Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

 June 25^th – July 1^st 2023

Do not be afraid

Jesus said: “Do not be afraid.” In the Scriptures, fear is identified as the single greatest enemy of life and love. That statement “do not be afraid” is spoken 365 times in the Scriptures. The greatest fear that grips people is of what it is going to cost to really believe, to love, to enjoy. Fear of the cost can make us set limits to our love. And fear can make us set limits to our willingness to let God into our lives. As always, we need to think about this word of Christ in terms of the relationships of our lives and our faith. In every community very many people don’t get involved in anything other than the minimum. This doesn’t mean that these people are bad natured but it is mostly because of this fear. Men particularly are afraid of developing the intimate relationships of marriage and family life for the same reason – they are afraid of the cost to themselves and they miss out on the rewards. Listen to Christ’s word this week.

Morning Prayer, when together

Father, guide and protector of your people,

grant us an unfailing respect for your name,

and keep our marriage always in your love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

During the day, when apart.

Father, receive the offering of our love for one another.

Purify us in mind and heart

and make us always eager to serve you.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Evening/Night Prayer together.

Lord, renew your life within us.

Help us to be ever more generous in our married love

so that we may know the wonder of your gifts.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Questions for Action for the week.

For your marriage: What fears do you have in your married and family life?

Share those this week.

For others: Think of some group that is promoting lay missionary activity.

How could you encourage them this week?