“The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them
even as thou hast loved me.”
– John 17:22-23
Meditation
The mysteries of marriage and family life hidden in the Holy Family are truly incredible! One mystery in particular, the call to perpetual virginity of Mary and Joseph, can teach us an important truth: physical union is meant to be an expression of a deeper spiritual union. In an approved apparition in Brazil, St. Joseph stated, “We lived a Trinitarian love, but it was a love united in the act of offering to the Eternal Father. Our hearts melted into the purest love as though becoming one heart living in three persons.” In Christ, all marriages are called to this spiritual union! If we miss spiritual union, we miss the most important aspect of the marital union. May we ever grow closer in our love for one another and in our love for God the Father.
Live It! Practical Tip of the Week: Be closer to your spouse spiritually than you are physically. Pray with your spouse and for your spouse every day. Be one in heart for love of God the Father.
Prayer
St. Joseph,
Mystery hidden from the wise and learned,
But revealed to the little ones.
Take me to Nazareth and train me in your ways.
Reveal to me Christ’s hidden face present in my children.
Unveil for me the love of the Holy Spirit present in my spouse.
Teach me to manifest for them the Father who is rich in mercy.
Help me to exclude all evil from my heart and my home,
So that we might find union with God,
And experience his love, peace and joy.
Amen.
– By Steve Bollman