December 16, 2017
Today’s Gospel: Matthew 17:9A, 10-13As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Today’s Gospel reminds us that prophecy from Sacred Scripture was fulfilled when St. John the Baptist came to announce the Messiah. Not only did Elijah come again in St. John the Baptist, but the Messiah did come and is now here - Jesus! While that is an absolutely amazing revelation, there is also something else that should be astounding for us in our faith: God keeps His promises. God is in the business of staying true to His word. We have a Father who loves us and He demonstrates that love by staying faithful to His promises. Since we have such a loving God, we can and should put our trust in Him.
Ponder Together: Advent is a reminder that God makes awesome promises and that He fulfills them - He promised a Messiah, and He sent His son, Jesus. While we wait for the fulfillment of the promise of His Second Coming, trust in God’s will and plan for you and for your marriage. Do not lose this hope no matter how difficult things may be, whether in good times or in bad, in sickness or in health, all the days of your life. May you stay true to God, true to your spouse, and hold fast to the hope you have in Him.
Pray Together: “O Lord, we ask for a boundless confidence and trust in Your divine mercy, and the courage to accept the crosses and sufferings which bring immense goodness to our souls and that of Your Church.Help us to love You with a pure and contrite heart, and to humble ourselves beneath Your cross, as we climb the mountain of holiness, carrying our cross that leads to heavenly glory. May we receive You with great faith and love in Holy Communion, and allow You to act in us as You desire for your greater glory. O Jesus, most adorable Heart and eternal fountain of Divine Love, may our prayer find favor before the Divine Majesty of Your heavenly Father. Amen” - by St. Pio of Pietrelcina
Plan Together: While we can come to a deeper understanding that God keeps His promises, we can also come under attack to this truth during difficult times. When things are tough and it feels like God is far away from us, holding on to that hope can be a hard thing to do. One of the great gifts of marriage is that God has given us someone to be our support in the faith. We should constantly be interceding on behalf of our spouse, making prayers, offering up sacrifices, and fasting for the spiritual strength, grace, and support they need. Thank your spouse today for the help they have been to you in your faith journey. Ask them today for something specific that they can lift up for you in prayer.
