March 1, 2019 Friday of the 7th Week of Ordinary Time-C

Sirach 6:5-17

Psalm 119

Mark 10:1-12

A faithful friend is beyond price… Sir. 6:15

“So they are no longer two but one flesh.”  Mk.10:8

Lord, the marriage bond shows so clearly how much you love us.  The commitment of a man and woman to each other for life reflects your commitment to us.  This was the divine plan from the beginning.   The family was the very first relationship you created.  It continues to be the fundamental unit of our society.  A faithful, life-long spouse is truly a great gift from you.  First, I pray for my own commitment to marriage.  A successful marriage starts with each one working within your grace to be the loyal and steady husband or wife that they can be.  Being married is hard work and requires constant attention and openness to the needs of the other.  Selfishness has no place in the family.  Lord, I lift up to you all marriages.  Nurture those that are healthy and heal those that are troubled.  Help young people to embrace marriage and to recognize there are no shortcuts or substitutes for the happiness of being joined together by God.  Be present in all human relationships and fill us with the grace needed to live out the eternal plan of the Father.  Amen