Sunday 16th November – 33rd Sunday of the year

Reflection: Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31

THE PERFECT WIFE

For those who do not consider the vocation to priesthood or religious life, the desire to get a life partner and build a home seems to come by default. Yet the number of failed and unhappy marriages can scare us as we look forward to having good and happy homes ourselves. Does God have anything to say to us with respect to this?

Today’s first reading gives a litany of wonderful attributes found in the “perfect wife” or “virtuous woman”. These are attributes many young women would desire to possess and many young men hope to find in their wives. These attributes are however not acquired by desiring them or simply praying about them. We must take a step further to develop a deep friendship with God as it is His presence in our lives that brings about great beauty of character. In addition, a commitment to self-development especially as adolescents and young adults is essential if we desire to fit into the picture of the virtuous woman.

As we desire the best of wives as young men, you must bear in mind that our ever faithful God will not take His wonderful daughter, who is striving to be a truly virtuous woman and give her to a young man who is not himself striving for holiness. The Psalmist tells us today that the man who fears the Lord will be blessed with prosperity, happiness, a good wife and lovely children. (Psalm 128: 1-5). Let us in our youth, make it an everyday desire and aim to please God; growing in love for Him and living holy lives. Then, we can be confident that He will bless us with good spouses.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please help me to build a deep friendship with you with a commitment to pleasing you with my life. Make me a good spouse to the person you have in store for me and help me to trust you as I make the choice of a life partner. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 267 – What should be done if a Catholic wants to marry a non-Catholic Christian?

Church approval must be obtained for the wedding. This is because a so-called “mixed” (that is, interdenominational) marriage requires from both partners a special fidelity to Christ, so that the scandal of Christian division, which has still not been remedied, does not continue in miniature and perhaps even lead to giving up the practice of the faith.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.” Psalm 128: 1-2 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Psalm 128: 1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6; Matthew 25: 14-30