5th Sunday in Lent

THE COUPLE THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

March 17th – 23rd 2024

Our Forgiving God

“Anyone who loves her/his life loses it; anyone who hates her/his life in this world will keep it for the eternal life.” At first glance that statement from Christ in this Sunday’s Gospel is hard to take. But it is God’s wisdom and we must listen to it. It’s really about our priorities. If our priorities are all just about the here and now and our own gratification we will lose everything. If we set our sights on what God wants for us we will gain far more than we ever imagined possible. And what God wants for us is love, peace, joy, freedom, full life – all of which can only be gained by giving ourselves fully to one another. Marriage and family life are the two great schools for learning self-giving. In marriage each person has to deliberately choose what is good and best for their life together. In family life parents especially have to constantly give of themselves. That is how people grow to maturity.

Morning Prayer, when together

Father, help us to be like Christ your Son,

who loved the world and died for our salvation.

Inspire us by his love,

guide us by his example.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

During the day, when apart

Almighty God may our love for each other

bring us happiness in this life,

bring your special blessings on our family and friends,

and lead us closer to you in eternal life.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Evening/Night Prayer together

Almighty Father may we always remain one

with your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through our sacrament of marriage

may we give glory to your name

and bring hope to our world.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Questions for Action for the week

For your marriage: Finish the sentence: I like it best when you ………………………

Bring a smile to each other’s face often this week.

For others: Do you know someone who has recently been bereaved?

How can you bring comfort to that person this week?