Greetings Prayer Warriors,
The vocation of marriage is a very special one as the mystery of God is reflected through this communion of persons through which offspring come forth, reflecting the love of God. Thus we collectively pray for marriages, since anything that reflects God's image and likeness is a target of Satan.
The most difficult part of marriage is when you feel you are being faithful to God’s plan in big ways and in small, and then out of nowhere, all the good comes crashing down, and issues arise with your finances, your children, and/or your health. I am reminded of St. Teresa of Avila, who said to Jesus after she slipped down an embankment into the mud during one of her journeys home to her convent, “If this is how you treat your friends, no wonder you have so many enemies.”
Even Moses had his doubts and queried the Lord:
“Why do you treat your servant so badly?” Numbers 11:11
With us, it can be much the same.“ Lord, why are you causing so much pain, grief, and hardship in our marriage, in our family? Are we not faithful?!!”
Yet, I derive the most inspiration from Job, a faithful, upright, and very wealthy man (land, herds, children, etc.). His sons would host feasts and then Job would offer the Lord sacrifices on behalf of each one of them. Then one day, out of the blue, all of his herds, servants, and children died. (Read the book of Job). While the response of most might be more in line with Moses or St. Teresa, Job’s response remained pious:
“Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!”
What is even more remarkable, is that Job had no idea of why the Lord did this to him, nor did he question it. (See Job 1). Do we have the faith and trust to respond to our hardships as Job did?
Lord, you know we are very weak, even when we think we are strong. When our faithfulness feels like it is being punished rather than rewarded, grant us the piety and trust of Job. May we accept all you desire to bestow on us, be it hardship or blessings. Increase our faith, open our hearts, and conform our will to Yours. May we find joy in You as our constant companion, for we never walk alone. St. Job, pray for us! St. Teresa de Jesus, pray for us!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Encourage and support others in their marriage. Pass it on!
