Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

First Friday of the Month

Saints: Saint Clotilde (475-545)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:49-50

Mass: Tobit 11:5-17; Resp Ps 146; Mk 12:35-37

Praise the Lord, my soul!

SAINT JOSEPH, PILLAR OF FAMILY LIFE,

PRAY FOR US.

In light of our continuing journey through the Book of Tobit, today with Tobiah bringing his new wife Sarah home to meet the family so to speak, and our saint of the day Saint Clotilde, a married woman with children, and our immersion in the Year of the Family, it is time to include the Pope's June prayer intention. The full text of the intention may be found in several sources, here the report from Vatican News.

Is it true what some people say-that young people don't want to get married, especially during these difficult times? Getting married and sharing one's life is something beautiful.

It's a demanding journey, at times difficult, and at times complicated, but it's worth making the effort. And on this life-long journey, the husband and wife aren't alone; Jesus accompanies them. 

Marriage isn't a "social" act; it's a vocation that's born from the heart; it's a conscious decision for the rest of one's life that requires specific preparation. Please, never forget this. God has a dream for us-love-and He asks us to make it our own. Let us make our own love which is God's dream for us.

And let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience. Because a great deal of patience is necessary in order to love. But it's worth it, eh?

I am thinking today of at least one young person who says he doesn't want to get married. And I remember two young couples, both expecting their first child. At the same time I remember the parents of a long-time friend who will celebrate 64 years of marriage this year, and then dear friends who were married for 65 years, the wife is burying her husband tomorrow. Something to keep in mind is this, we are all united in faith and prayer. We pray for each other and support each other in our respective God given vocations. May we all grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.

May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. 

SAINT CLOTILDE,

SAINT JOSEPH, HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY,

SAINT JOSEPH, PATTERN OF PATIENCE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Wild iris this time.

© Gertrude Feick 2021