September 29.  26th Sunday B. WEEK 6 marriage reflections. Taking stock. Are we being a good example? Mk 9:38-48

“If you want to know what kind of example married couples are for those around, you have to ask their children” Fr Peter began.   So he called up a few children to ask them, knowing full well that they might not tell the whole truth. He said that children see their parents fight but do they see them make up?  Do they see them expressing genuine love and going out of their way for one another?  In all homes there are areas where couples need to take stock. 

He explained that in Mark’s gospel of the day Jesus condemns in the strongest terms those who give scandal to “these little ones.”  Mark paints a graphic picture saying such a person should be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck, have limbs cut off and thrown into the fire.     

He went on to explain, “As you couples prepare now for the celebration at the end of this time of reflection you could consider how important your influence is on your children; how important your role modelling is for your children’s future.  At the same time consider that it is not the fear of punishment but the love we have that enables us to minister to each other in the family.  This is a good time for a genuine examination of conscience, a desire for repentance and reconciliation and making a new start in marriage. You are invited too to have a time of repentance and reconciliation at home, whether you are both Catholic or not and I will have a simple reconciliation service for married couples after which Catholics can come to confession.  Please take this opportunity seriously.”

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

During this week reflect on and share as spouses and with others in the family how you have failed in being the example you would have liked to be.   Ask for and grant forgiveness to each other and so allow healing to begin.   If possible participate in a parish Reconciliation service.   Consider if some special action or help is needed.

– for others and the wider community. This could be a time to consider how well this important sacrament of the Church has been supported and treated with the reverence it deserves.  What action could be taken?   

Pope Francis:  When we have been offended or let down, forgiveness is possible and desirable but no one can say that it is easy.   The truth is that family communion can only be preserved and perfected through a great spirit of sacrifice.  It requires a generous openness of each and all to understanding, forbearance, to pardon, to reconciliation.   If we accept that God’s love is unconditional, that the Father’s love cannot be bought or sold, then we will become capable of showing boundless and and forgiving others even if they have wronged us.  AL 106-108.