September 22.   25th Sunday B.  Week 5 of marriage reflections.  Peace begins in the Home.   Jas 3:16 – 4:3.     Mk 9: 30 – 37

Fr Peter posed a question, ”What is worse, a jealous wife or a jealous husband?”  He spoke to everyone not only to couples but stressed that emotions like jealousy and ambition are constant challenges in marriage. Jealousy may manifest itself first as a feeling of rejection, a natural reaction to a situation and feelings are not good or bad, right or wrong.  The action that results from that feeling, resentment acted out, recriminations, judgements or criticisms do become wrong and harmful to the relationship. He stressed  too that feelings are not always easy to share but it is really important that for there to be true peace in the home, a sense of tranquility and contentment rather just an absence of conflict should exist. Couples and families should learn to share their feelings and accept each other’s feelings. ’Why not play a feelings game some time, a charade or role play acting out how you feel.  That is a nice way to start sharing on a feeling level that should be continued too.’” 

Questions for SHARING AND ACTION  – for couples, individuals or groups

Peace is something active not a passive non-action.  Understanding and acceptance are required to build peace.  As a gift to yourselves take time each day to share the strongest feeling you have experienced. Listen carefully and remember to thank each other for this gift. Then share how you have been able to build peace in the home.

For others.  Consider what you can do to facilitate communication between couples and pray particularly for peace and joy in their marriages.   Conclude with a moment of prayer. 

Pope Francis: peace  Pope Francis: When we can see God reflected in all that exists our hearts are moved to praise the Lord for all his creatures and to worship him in union with them as St Francis did. LS 87.  

Eco-tip and prayer:  As a family make a commitment to pray St Francis hymn of praise of creation regularly, sometimes out in nature. (google and download) “ Praised be you my Lord with all your creatures, especially Brother Sun, through whom you give us light  sister moon and the stars, in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful, brother fire through whom you light the night and sister water who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste……………  Reflect and share.