THE COUPLE THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER.
Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.
November 2nd – 8th 2014
The Faithful Departed
Jesus said: “Yes, it is my Father’s will that whoever sees the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and that I shall raise them up on the last day.” Remembering our dead is very important for various reasons. First of all, many of us have very affectionate memories of our loved ones who have died and it is good for us to call that to mind in a formal way at least once a year. Secondly, remembering our dead puts our own lives in context. All that we have has been given to us by others. This is particularly true of the gift of our faith and the values by which we are to live our lives. Can we look them in the eyes and know that our lives are in accordance with their expectations? Thirdly, remembering our dead puts us in touch with our own mortality. Death is part of the lives of each of us. But it is not our destiny. That destiny is eternal life. How are we preparing for that destiny now by the way we love in marriage, in family life, in our service to our faith community and to the world?
Morning Prayer, when together
Merciful Father, hear our prayer and console us.
As we renew our faith in your Son whom you raised from the dead
strengthen our hope that all our loved ones who have died
will share in his resurrection.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
During the day, when apart
Lord, we are united in the sacrament of marriage
through the love of Jesus Christ.
Accept the gift of our love and receive
our loved ones into the glory of your Son
We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
Evening/Night Prayer together
Lord God may our sacrament of marriage
and the love we share, bring the faithful departed
into the peace of your eternal home.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
Questions for Action for the week
For your marriage: Plan a romantic evening together this week.
For others: How could you reach out this week to someone who has given up going to Mass?
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