World Marriage Day

This weekend is the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time and we have some powerful readings for the Mass. Listen to them and let us take the time to reflect on them and pray that we always live the commandments of God. Also this weekend, you might hear prayers and maybe a message for World Marriage Day. Whenever I talk about vocations I always mention the three that God can call one to: Married life, Single life, Priesthood or Religious life. Even though my focus may be on priesthood or religious life, we cannot forget that these other vocations are important. God calls each of us to live a specific vocation. This way we can share the love of God with one another. It is appropriate that the theme of World Marriage Day is, "Love One Another." A couple shares the love of God with each other and that is also the example that they show to the world. Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a wonderful experience for any couple trying to renew and enrich their marriage. There is a wonderful connection between the Sacraments of Service: Marriage and Holy Orders. Married couples can provide an example to priests and religious and we can provide an example to married couples. It is about sharing the love of God with one another and being faithful to our commitments. Here is a prayer from Worldwide Marriage Encounter that I would like to leave with you and ask our married couples to pray: "Heavenly Father, we thank You for your tremendous gift of the Sacrament of Marriage. Enable us to grow in our intimacy with You and with each other. Teach us the beauty of forgiveness so we may become more and more one in heart, mind, and body. Strengthen our communication with each other, and help us become living signs of your love. Help us to be examples of commitment, love, and service to our families and children. Make us a sign of the unity which Jesus prays for at the Last Supper. We open ourselves to the guidance of your Holy Spirit, who empowers us to love in Jesus' name and walk in His footsteps. Amen" (WWME). Have a blessed weekend!