Watch this space for upcoming Lenten suggestions and resources also including from Pope Leo’s message.

15 February.  Sunday 6A.  SEE:  Having read the scripture passage of the day Jock felt called to share his own experience. ”Family conflict and feuds are not uncommon.  There may be issues between siblings, even adult siblings that cause a complete break. The strains and stresses of marriage and of their own busy lives can cause a rift between spouses.  When we do not feel loving, we may consider the marriage over. In such situations another man or woman may seem particularly attractive, and we may be open to looking for another partner or respond to or turn to another person.  This can start and progress from a response to a need, an attraction, a temptation, adultery, or lead to a marriage breakdown.  I thank God that he saved me from the greater evil of adultery.  I admit I was tempted but just at the appropriate time my wife and I were invited to experience a programme for troubled marriages.  We genuinely rediscovered our love was not dead, and, at the same time, neither were my relationships with my brothers. “ 

JUDGE, reflect and share.  Scripture:  You have heard it said, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go first to be reconciled to your brother. You have heard that it was said, “you shall not commit adultery, but I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5: 17-37.  Pope Francis: Among the causes of broken marriage are unduly high expectations.  Once it becomes apparent that the reality is more limited and challenging than one imagined, the solution is not to think quickly and irresponsibly about separation but to come to the sober realization that married life is a process of growth in which each spouse is God’s means of help the other to mature. AL221   Pope Leo: The contrast between darkness and light is not only a biblical image describing the labor pains of a new world being born; it is also an experience that unsettles us and affects us amid the trials we face in our historical circumstances. In order to overcome the darkness, it is necessary to see the light and believe in it. This is a call that Jesus’ disciples are invited to live in a unique and privileged way; yet it also finds its way into every human heart. Peace exists; it wants to dwell within us. It has the gentle power to enlighten and expand our understanding; it resists and overcomes violence. Peace is a breath of the eternal: while to evil we cry out “Enough,” to peace we whisper “Forever.”  Message of Peace for January 1.    

ACT AND PRAY:  Decide on possible appropriate action around peace in the home and beyond.    Conclude with prayer. The Marriage Praer is still approriate. 10 couples are just completing their Retrouvaille weekend. May their journey ahead be blessed.

ACT AND PRAY:   A World Marriage Day Prayer for couples.   Father, as we celebrate today we thank you for your tremendous gift of the Sacrament of Marriage. Help us couples  to witness to its glory by a life of growing intimacy. Teach us the beauty of forgiveness so we may become more and more One in Heart, Mind and Body. Strengthen our communication and help us become living signs of your love. Make us grow more in love with the Church so that we may renew the Body of Christ. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Brother. Amen.

A World Marriage Day Prayer for the whole Church.   Father as we celebrate today the gift of the Sacrament of Marriage to the Church we thank you for the couples who are called to be your witnesses and signs of your love to us all.  Bless them with intimacy and the openness they need for deep, true and honest communication as they grow to become one in heart, mind and body.  Teach them the beauty and power of forgiveness   and reconciliation for their own sake, for their children and for renewal of the Body of Christ, the Church as the Family of God.  Amen