October 1, 2023

Jesus challenges the chief priests and scribes in today’s Gospel with the parable of the two sons. In what areas of your life do you have difficulty accepting the Lord’s will? Pray for the grace to follow His call wholeheartedly – remember, it is always better late than never.

September 30, 2023

Conflict is inevitable in every relationship, but how you approach a conflict will either help or harm your marriage. Look for common ground and do your best to listen and understand your spouse’s point of view.

September 29, 2023

Today we celebrate the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the presence of the angels in our daily lives. Pray for their protection and guidance for your family.

September 28, 2023

“What some people love is not a person but the experience of being in love. The first is irreplaceable; the second is not.” ―Fulton J. Sheen, Three to Get Married. Take a moment to reflect on the irreplaceable, unique person who is your spouse. Then, tell your spouse something you love about who they are as a person.

September 27, 2023

Don’t complain about anyone or anything today, even if it’s legitimate. A non-complaining/whining spouse is nicer to be around. Maybe you can hold off complaining for two days…

September 26, 2023

“Not only do I love my son’s mother, I exalt her as a queen.” (Rosario Slack) Do your children hear how much you esteem your spouse? This goes both ways, for both husbands and wives.

September 25, 2023

“All things have their season, and in their times all things pass under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). What seasons has your marriage been through? How has God shaped you, your marriage, and your family through these different seasons?

September 24, 2023

“Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Mt 20:16) In order for your marriage to be first, you must often put yourself last. In what areas of your life are you putting yourself before your marriage in a way that is detrimental to your spouse and family?

September 23, 2023

Can social media harm your marriage? Set clear boundaries when it comes to using technology in your home. Instead, make time for quality time with your spouse.

September 22, 2023

“What were you arguing about?…If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last.” (Mk 9:33, 35) This teaching of Jesus parallels the perennial marital argument about who is right. Arguments can often be shortened if you can give up the need to be right – every time.

September 21, 2023

(Reader’s Tip) The best advice I was given at our wedding was, “Your children will learn how to love not by the love you show them but by the love you show each other.”

September 20, 2023

“I wish to speak of the love which God lavishes upon us and which we in turn must share with others” (Pope Benedict XVI). Choose a person today to lavish love on who may not appear to deserve it.

September 19, 2023

Mutual receptivity is an important part of every healthy relationship. Practice listening to your spouse with an open heart. When you show love in this way, you may find your spouse listening to you with receptivity as well!

September 18, 2023

Some pregnancies are a surprise, but no baby is a mistake. During your fertile years, cultivate an attitude of generosity and knowledge. Generosity can teach acceptance of the unknown. Natural Family Planning can help you to know the best times to conceive.

September 17, 2023

“Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.’” (Mt 18:21-22) Forgiving someone who has hurt you – even siblings, parents, a spouse – can be a long process. Today, pray for the grace to forgive someone who has wounded you.

September 16, 2023

(Reader’s Tip) Are your grown children starting to think about marriage? Pray that God will lead them to the right person. Encourage them to pray, too.

September 15, 2023

“Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:28) You may not need this Scripture right now, but you’ll need it sometime. Hang on to these words of comfort when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Be Jesus’s comfort to your spouse.

September 14, 2023

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16) God’s love is a sacrificial love. Are you willing to make sacrifices for your spouse?

September 13, 2023

“Who do people say that I am?” (Mk 8:27) Just as our public persona does not always reflect our true self, spouses are privy to the hidden truth/weaknesses of each other. What do you know about your beloved that perhaps no one else does? Honor this privileged information.

September 12, 2023

Take some time today to cultivate the love you have for your spouse. Small, daily gestures of love and appreciation will bear great fruit in your marriage! 

September 11, 2023

“The families of migrants, especially in the case of manual workers and farm workers, should be able to find a homeland everywhere in the church.” (Familiaris Consortio) Does your family know any migrants from another country? Find one or two and invite them to dinner.

September 10, 2023

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt 18:20) Did you gather in Jesus’ name today? Believe that Jesus is with you in every moment of your marriage. Ask for His help to know that He is always with you.

September 9, 2023

(Reader’s Tip) My husband and I take turns planning our anniversary each year. Sometimes the plans are a total surprise to the other spouse, sometimes it’s a coordinated effort, but it’s always fun.

September 8, 2023

Today the Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary always trusted in the Lord and His plans for her life, even when it was difficult to comprehend. Rest in the knowledge that God has a plan for your marriage and family, even when it is difficult to understand! 

September 7, 2023

“Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith?” (James 2: 5) Do you know anyone who is really poor? Look around you. What can you learn of faith from those you see?

September 6, 2023

“Even if we are not called to sell all that we have (Luke 18:22), we probably are called to not buy everything that it is possible to buy” (Susan Vogt). What do you expect to spend money on today? Some items are essential but is there one purchase that you can skip?

September 5, 2023

Experiences from families of origin affect married lives. What are some blessings and challenges that have arisen in your marriage because of your or your spouse’s family of origin?

September 4, 2023

Do you show appreciation for the work your spouse does inside the home? Take a moment to say thanks for something he or she does on a regular basis, such as cooking, lawn care, or laundry.

September 3, 2023

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mt 16:24) We never have to carry our crosses alone. Turn to Christ, and allow your spouse to help you carry your cross as well.

September 2, 2023

Children sometimes criticize and make fun of others; so do adults. Check yourself against these three criteria when criticizing your spouse (or anyone): Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If not, it’s probably fault-finding or gossip.

September 1, 2023

An ache or a pain, an angst, or an annoyance. What to do? Offer it up. This traditional spiritual practice of offering up our troubles as a prayer can redirect our energy from our own gloom to the good of another. For whom can you offer up today’s problems?