Feast of Saint Lydia

Good morning. Every marriage has its fair share, and not so fair share, of challenges. And some situations will likely challenge our faith. It is hardly possible to get through this life without having our faith tested. Hopefully we are able to respond as the woman did in today’s Gospel, and that Jesus responds with “Great is your faith!” Part of the problem many couples face today is that we live in a culture which suggests that if we run into struggles in our marriage then perhaps it just means we made the wrong choice, just like shopping at Kohl’s you just return the merchandise no questions asked. I recall a conversation with my grandma many years ago where I had asked her how she and my grandpa had managed to remain married for almost sixty years. Grandma’s response was, “You just do it.” She acknowledged that those nearly sixty years had not always been a honeymoon, they had after all endured the Great Depression, World War II, the loss of a son, and certainly a fair share of letdowns of their own creation. I know from numerous stories that it was not sixty years of drudgery, there were far more joyful times than not, and all for the most part from their doing those things which were good for their marriage and all as a result of their faith. Lucille and Carl ate together, talked together, and knew how to have fun together, and they prayed together. Yes, they were people of great faith and determination. Faith and commitment are the key to marital success. Just as the woman in today’s Gospel was healed as a result of her determination and faith, so too with our marriages; if we remain committed and if we believe that God will not leave us, our marriage will endure. It sometimes seems difficult, if not impossible for marriage to endure all that we are challenged with, and yet with God’s grace we can. Just as God does not leave us, we are likewise called to love and commit ourselves as God does, with enduring and lasting love. Make a great day!

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and works of Saint Lydia. She offers helpful words for married couples, the words of invitation offered to St. Paul and his followers: "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home." Acts 16:13-15