17th Sunday in Ordinary time

The Couple that Prays Together Stays Together.

 Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

17^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

        The Treasure We Have Found

“The farmer sells everything he owns and buys the field.” In the Gospel reading of this Sunday, Jesus is calling on us to look at our priorities and set them straight. And that’s easier said than done! How do we know what our priorities are? The first test is what we spend our time at. If, for example, a couple want to make their marriage a priority, each one must be willing to invest time in their relationship.  his time needs to be regular, good, creative time. Many couples do not give that time to each other. The same is true of family life. Time is the first and greatest gift of parents to their children. The second test of priorities is what we are passionate about. There are many sports widows in our country because this is what so many men are passionate about rather than their sacred commitments to marriage and family life. We can also look at this in relation to our faith commitment and the time and energy we give to those with whom we worship God.

Morning Prayer, when together

Lord, be merciful to your people.

Fill us with your gifts

and make us always eager to serve you

in faith, hope, and love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

 During the day, when apart

Lord, bring us closer to salvation

through our love for each other this week.

Bless our love with happiness and peace.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

 Evening/Night Prayer together

Merciful Father, give us a new sense of purpose

in our love for each other

and bring us to a new life in you.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Questions for Action for the week

For your marriage:

What special surprise could you give your wife/husband this week?

For others:

Think of someone who is housebound. How could you help that person this week?