Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
United With Christ: Becoming Sowers of Peace and Joy
Reflection:
“Couples should be convinced that they are really and truly called to take part in the fulfillment of God’s plan for the salvation of all men. For this reason, there is perhaps no better model for a Christian couple than that of the Christian families of apostolic times: the centurion Cornelius, who obeyed the will of God and in whose home the Church was made accessible to the gentiles; Aquila and Priscilla, who spread Christianity in Corinth and Ephesus, and who cooperated in the apostolate of St Paul; Tabitha, who out of charity attended to the needs of the Christians in Joppe.
“And so many other homes and families of Jews and Gentiles, Greeks and Romans, in which the preaching of our Lord’s first disciples began to bear fruit—families who lived in union with Christ and who made him known to others; small Christian communities which were centers for the spreading of the Gospel and its message; families no different from other families of those times, but living with a new spirit, which spread to all those who were in contact with them.
“This is what the first Christians were, and this is what we have to be: Sowers of peace and joy, the peace and joy that Jesus has brought to us.”
Lord Jesus Christ, You will that our marriage be truly apostolic, that is, a relationship so loving and joyful that we naturally reach out to others in order to share what You have given us. Grant us true joy in You; grant us true joy in each other; grant us Your peace. Then we will more fully live the sacrament of holy matrimony, the more we draw souls to You by the witness of our married love, which is a true reflection of the surpassing love that You have for Your bride, the Church. Amen.
For the Engaged
Lord Jesus Christ, You call us to live a life of Christian witness in the world, reflecting the joy and peace that comes from belonging to You and to Your Church. Grant that our married love may radiate outward to many souls, inspiring them to come to You and to the Church. May we prepare for this by living authentically Christian lives right now— lives of generosity, self-restraint, and purity—so that by our example, the light of the Gospel may shine brightly before all. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
OR
Novena Prayers for Marriage and Family – Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most lovable Mother Mary, our Father in Heaven created you with delight.
You are His creature whom He made worthy to become the holy Mother of His Son.
You were born into a family of Saints. Pray for me today that my joy in your Son will increase and that my family may become more holy. Amen
(Mention your request here…)
Say 1: Our Father… 10: Hail Mary… 1: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
