Gospel of Luke 6:17, 20-26

Jesus came down with the Twelve
and stood on a stretch of level ground
with a great crowd of his disciples
and a large number of the people
from all Judea and Jerusalem
and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon.
And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said:
            “Blessed are you who are poor,
                        for the kingdom of God is yours.
            Blessed are you who are now hungry,
                        for you will be satisfied.
            Blessed are you who are now weeping,
                        for you will laugh.
            Blessed are you when people hate you,
                        and when they exclude and insult you,
                        and denounce your name as evil
                        on account of the Son of Man.
Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!
Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.
For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.
            But woe to you who are rich,
                        for you have received your consolation.
            Woe to you who are filled now,
                        for you will be hungry.
            Woe to you who laugh now,
                        for you will grieve and weep.
            Woe to you when all speak well of you,
                        for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”

Luke 6:17, 20-26

World Marriage Day | Called To The Joy Of Love

This week, in the spirit of World Marriage Day , I wanted to discuss couples counseling and the need for strong relationships.  Valentine’s Day can be very difficult for some couples due to unmet expectations, the realization that there are problems, and disappointment. 

If you are experiencing problems in your relationship, breathe easy- you are not the only one.  Every relationship has rocky periods and no one has a perfect relationship.  Couples counseling is intimidating and can be very awkward at first since discussing and describing the intimate details and problems in a relationship is daunting.  However, in my experience, couples often find themselves much more relaxed and open by the end of the first meeting.  Couples counseling simply tries to give couples better communication skills to know each other’s hearts more fully. 

You might feel hopeless in your relationship, but that is solely the Evil One talking.  Couples resolve past trauma, learn new skills, and often say at the end of counseling that their relationship is the strongest it has ever been.  It is also important to remember that the earlier you go to counseling when problems arise, the better.  When years of pain and suffering have occurred, it often takes a lot of work to right the ship.  You did not get into this situation overnight, so you are likely not going to get out of it overnight.  If you feel like couples counseling might be for you, please contact me or another therapist to discuss the matter and get the help your relationship needs and deserves.

Reflection Questions For This Week

For Married Couples:

1. Make a list of some of the strengths and weaknesses of your marriage.
2. Take time to discuss and pray about couples counseling. Could this help your marriage?
3. What is your favorite thing about being married?
4. What do you love most about your spouse?

For Those Who Are Single:

1. How are you praying about your vocation? Make a commitment to spend a few minutes in prayer each day asking the Lord what He has in store for you.
2. What charecteristics are important to you in your future spouse?
3. How can you best serve God today?

Prayer For World Marriage Day | February 13, 2022

Father, as we prepare for World Marriage Day, we thank you for your tremendous gift of the Sacrament of Marriage. Help us to witness to its glory by a life of growing intimacy. Teach us the beauty of forgiveness so we may become more and more One in Heart, Mind, and Body. Strengthen our dialogue and help us become living signs of your love. Make us grow more in love with the Church so we may renew the Body of Christ. Make us a sign of unity in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Brother. Amen.

– Fr. Bill Dilgen, S.M.M.

This reflection originally appeared at www.sacredheartcleveland.com.

Photo by Sean Stratton on Unsplash