September 15.  24th Sunday Year B.  Week 4 of marriage reflections. Carrying one’s cross is unconditional love. Is. 50:5-9a. Mk 8:27-35,

When Fr Peter brought in a large cross the congregation didn’t realize at first that the feast of the Triumph of the Cross occurred at this time and that the readings spoke of a cross too. He reminded the congregation that undoubtedly every individual, couple and family has their cross to bear, large or small. It may be a personal weakness, a disability or something in the other person, in particular a spouse. Are you able to acknowledge the crosses in marriage, recognise them even as gifts to accompany Jesus, but that there is triumph awaiting us at the end of the journey? Married life can be compared to sharing in the Paschal Mystery with him.

Questions for SHARING AND ACTION  – for those who are married, couples, individuals or groups

Share lovingly what your particular cross is at this time, how you are coping with carrying it and what your feelings about this are.  The intention is to share this and focus on the communication rather than put pressure on the spouse to do something about it. Change may come with deeper understanding.

For others in the community.  Discuss the crosses that are common in marriages and pray for all couples for the strength to continue on the journey.    Conclude with a moment of prayer.                               

Pope Francis: (Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows)  Mary, the mother who cared for Jesus, now cares with maternal affection and pain for the wounded world.  She now grieves for the sufferings of the crucified poor and creatures of this world laid waste by human power. LS241.