Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time

THE COUPLE THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER.

 Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

 3rd – 9th November 2024

 Christian faith. 

One of the scribes came up to Jesus and put a question to him: “Which is the first of all the commandments”? On the face of it, this looks like a very good question. And it is. However, a lot depends on how it is asked and on the kind of answer is being looked for. In our minds we can consent easily to the answer that Jesus gives but in how we live our lives it is often different. Jesus teaches us that the only way to full human living is to love God with our whole hearts and to love one another as God’s family. It is difficult to hold with this even in the intimate relationships of marriage and family life because other things become more important to us than our love of God or one another. It is even more difficult when we move out to the areas of social and work life to really live a life of love. This week we are asked to commit ourselves again to this way of life of love and to make that our first priority.

Morning Prayer, when together

God of power and mercy, only with your help

can we offer you fitting service and praise.

May we, as a married couple, live the faith we profess

and trust your promise of eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

During the day, when apart.

God of mercy

May the offering of our married love

help to bring salvation to the world

and a sense of peace to our lives.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Evening/Night Prayer together.

Lord, you give us new hope every day.

May the power of your love in us as a married couple

continue its saving work among us

and bring us the joy you promise.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Questions for Action for the week.

For your marriage: How do you use the gift of touch in your general communication? Talk about that to each other this week.

For others: Think of a group that is working for the renewal of the Church.

How could you support them this week?

Couple Prayer:   How to use it 

•  See it as a little weekly programme for living and growing your marriage  
• On Friday evening or Saturday, take a half hour or so to talk together about your marriage in the light of the Scripture reflection.  This is always taken from the Sunday Mass, so it is also a couple preparation for this celebration of the Eucharist.
• During this half hour spend some time answering the two questions, firstly by writing your own personal response to them and then, as appropriate, sharing your answers with each other
• From Sunday to Saturday practice the short prayer for your marriage, Morning and Evening when together, and during the day when you are on your own.  These prayers are based on the prayers that are special to each Sunday Mass
• If possible, meet occasionally with other married couples to share your reflections and to support one another