Today’s First Reading from Ephesians 5:21-33 sometimes comes with confusion about the husband, wife and marital roles in society. However, often overlooked is Paul’s reminder that the husband and wife are called to be subordinate to one another. Paul’s advice is for married couples especially; yet those whom God has called to any vocation are likewise called to offer their service in Christ.
A challenge in the Christian life—whether in marriage or otherwise—is to subordinate our will to God’s. By loving God first and foremost (see Matthew 6:33), our love for neighbor follows. Marriage, and every relational dynamic, is not about each “side” giving “50/50” but about our giving “100%”!
All Saints’ Day nears on November 1, so be saintly toward your spouse and neighbor for eternal reward!
When I read this passage from St. Paul, I always think of the one city on this planet with no divorces. The divorce rate among Catholics is around 50%. Siroki-Brijeg, 30,000 population, & not a single recorded case of divorce in living memory! Located in Bosnia-Herzegovina. You would think everyone would want to know their secret. The story is long, but is located in the book, 33 days to Eucharistic Glory, Day 17.
Very interesting! What I find, “So, what is it that keeps these couples together? It is the fruit of a fixed attitude of free and complete submission to Jesus Christ, Whose Cross unites at the deepest level every aspect of their lives. So that, for all the differences dividing them, they nevertheless remain deeply committed to a life of mutual self-giving love. In short, it is a life centered entirely upon Christ and His Cross, on which He freely chose to hang for the world’s salvation.” ♥️
Thank you Joe for today’s reflection on marriage which is often a difficult one for some to hear. It does not often come easy for two people with distinct personalities and different upbringing to meld their differences and” become one.” It requires a strong love for each other and a willingness to listen and compromise. After 64 years of marriage I can truly attest to the possibility, with the help of our God, of success in doing so and the absolute joy of sharing life and our faith in the peace that only He can bring. Two quotes come to mind with this Scripture: one is: “We’re walking each other home.” And the other is “In marriage we are called to help each other get to heaven.” I think that kind of sums it all up.
Thank you Justin for your words today....Joe, may our Lord continue to bless you for this wonderful work you are doing....Salina, Jessi is now facing life's lessons to prepare her to handle any situation in the future... she's got this... have a great day LFF
So many men today are not subordinate to anyone - their aging parents, their spouses, their God. Seven out of every ten families we serve in our ministry for homeless children and their families are single moms— 175 of the 250 so far this year. And many of the rest come from families without a father being present. So many young men are becoming fathers without any idea of how to be a father. So many teens are killing each other and neither killer or victim have fathers at home to help their working mother to restrain them. I thank God every morning for my father and grandfathers who were role models. I am talking to my pastor this morning about starting a ministry in our parish for experienced fathers to serve as mentors for young men who will be or are already fathers. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will lead the way. As the psalmist prayed,”May your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
What a great idea for a new ministry Joe. I would volunteer for a program like that if it were to come to my parish or city. Too many men have abdicated their roles and responsibilities as fathers, that needs to change.
Results of the mixing confusion of feminine movement and women's rights movement :-( *** Give credit where credit is due (based on merit)...not because credit is due so give credit equally across whatever :-(based on equity)
*** I pray for my girls' future spouses to be "servant leaders!" with Jesus as an example and that they know Jesus as their Savior and Lord PERSONALLY having daily connections with the Holy Spirit ✝️ *** If you ask me, I think I have the easier job being the wife :-) Giving up my life for the wife Vs submission to the husband!!! *** Either way, it is the first commandment (Love God with all that I have and am) before and prerequisite the second commandment (Love my neighbor as myself) ******* Paul understood that this marriage thing using the Church (the bride - wife) and Christ (te groom - husband) as an example can be a mystery in Ephesains 5:32-33, "This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband!" *** Genesis 1:27, "So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them." *** God created women to help the men because they need help :-) in Genesis 2:18, "Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” *** 1 Peter 3:5, 7, "This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands... In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered!" ******* Did you get that...if the husband doesn't treat the wife as God said, thier prayers will be hindered!!! That's why I said, "I think I have the easier job being the wife :-)"
Thank you for my loving husband of 42 years so far. I thank God for this gift every day. My husband is my best friend and my life. Without God we would have nothing. Please watch over him everyday of his life, I pray. He is such a good man and father. We are blessed.
Thank you to my wonderful wife who, with God's help of course, has supported, guided and coached me through a year of serious medical issues.
Thank you Justin. Marriages require re-commitment tot he 100% on a regular basis. In my thoughts this a.m. I was thinking about Working Mother and her family. God, be with them. Allow them to feel your commitment to them and their health. Just back from Maine and it was a lovely fall weekend. Thank you Lord. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
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50/50 Is a contract, where each give their 50%. Marriage is a Covenant 100% on each partners part. Each partner sustains relationship even when the cannot "give". Love is to give with no thought of return; otherwise it is an exchange. Like is to receive. You can like food; but you cannot really love "it". Love people and use "things". People can communiacte this; "Things" cannot. Weddings take about 1/2 hour; Marriages, a lifetime. Your daily devotions are joys in our lives!!!