Marriage Matters Reflections Year C

A Reflection from Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk) for the Feast of St Joseph

Saint Joseph (2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16;  Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22;  Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24; or Luke 2:41-51)

Together we can…

Without Joseph’s choices the salvation story would have been very different. Like Mary, his ‘yes’ reflects that his highest priority was responding to God’s will. Joseph’s behaviour sets a good example for husbands. Stretching our imagination a little, we could conclude that because of this couple’s decision to say Yes, in faith to God, the course of history powerfully changed.

A Reflection from Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk) for this Sunday

Second Sunday of Lent (Genesis 15:5-12. 17-18;  Philippians 3:17-4:1;  Luke 9:28-36)

A real presence through listening

Jesus was transfigured and was in communion with His Father, and His companions were overwhelmed, hearing the Father’s voice. We can hear the voice of Jesus now – but can we listen to Him? Let’s start by listening to each other, not just ears, but eyes, hearts, our whole being, becoming really present to each other, ‘a real presence’, every day.

A Reflection from Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk) for this Sunday

First Sunday of Lent   (Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13)

We seek each other

Today’s Gospel reminds us that there is more to our life as married couples than we see. Our desire for each other has a deeper yearning – to be loved and accepted for who we are. In this season of Lent let us be led by the Spirit to resist the temptation to lead individual and separate lives within our marriages.

A Reflection from Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk) for Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday (Joel 2:12-18;   2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2;   Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18)

When making efforts in our marriage, motivation is the key

Jesus makes it clear in Matthew’s Gospel that whatever efforts we make, motivation is the key. It is not “to win human admiration” or help us feel better. Paul says “We are ambassadors for Christ”, so whatever we decide for this joyful season of Lent regarding putting each other first,  it needs to be directed toward giving glory to God.

A Reflection from Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk) for this Sunday

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Ecclesiasticus 27:4-7; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58;  Luke 6:39-45)

Praise and Thanksgiving

Actions speak louder than words! As married couples we rely on each other for help and support but sometimes we are not listening or paying attention.  The Gospel today reminds us that to accuse each other is hypocritical, whereas when we encourage one another, we help each other to build up ...‘that store of goodness in her/his heart’.

A Reflection from Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk) for this Sunday

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (1 Sam 26:2,7-9,12-13,22-23; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38)

An unconditional way of life

Today’s Scripture sets out a blueprint for life: love enemies, bless those who curse you, turn the other cheek, give without expecting anything in return, don’t judge or condemn. When marrying and promising ‘to have and to hold’, ‘for better for worse’, we said yes to this way of life: an unconditional acceptance of one another without counting the cost!

A Reflection from Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk) for this Sunday

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Jeremiah 17: 5-8; 1 Corinthians 15: 12, 16-20 Luke 6: 17, 20-26)

Our calling is to love one another

Does ‘the world speak well of me’?  God wants us to use our talents to fulfil His plan, not for our own glory.  His plan for marriage is that we love each other before everything else, which means listening deeply. When I focus on doing any job I need to ask: ‘How do you need to be loved just now?’

A Reflection from Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk) for this Sunday

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Isaiah 6: 1-8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11)

Follow your dream

`Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. His glory fills the whole earth.’ Isaiah was sustained by his vision of God in glory; Paul by his vision of Jesus. On our wedding days, we had a dream for our future together. The grace of God has sustained that vision through many struggles. Let’s always seek to follow our dream.

A Reflection from Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk) for this Sunday

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19; 1 Cor 12:31-13:13; Luke 4:21-30)

We reflect God’s love

Through our marriage we become a living flesh and blood sacrament of our Church!  Saint Paul says ‘be ambitious for the higher gifts’.  Our love isn’t just a warm feeling but an action; it flourishes in being given attention to and nurtured. In this way we become a sacramental ‘sign’ of God’s love for our children, family, friends and Church.

A Reflection from Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk) for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

The Presentation of the Lord (Malachi 3:1-4 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2: 22-40)

Lighting candles

All religions use candles. In the home, candles can create intimacy, and help us to celebrate. Jesus called himself ‘the light of the world’. His words and actions shone the light of truth on the darkness of sin. At our children’s baptism we were called to be a ‘light’ for them. May our couple love be light in the world?