super relationships
"The two shall become as one." —Mark 10:8
The Lord has taken the relationship of marriage and raised it to a supernatural level. "They are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore let no man separate what God has joined" (Mk 10:8-9).
Moreover, the Lord has raised the relationships of friendship, brotherhood, and sisterhood to a supernatural level. In our new life, through grace, faith, and Baptism, we have become more than friends and more than natural brothers and sisters. In the old covenant, the Lord graced people with faithful friendships, which were "sturdy shelters," "treasures," and "life-saving remedies" (see Sir 6:14-16). However, these beautiful friendships were rare (see Sir 6:6). In the new covenant, the Lord has given us a hundred times as many brothers and sisters than we had before we left everything to follow Jesus (Mk 10:29-30). Moreover, these relationships are deeper than humanly possible. By God's grace, we can love our brothers and sisters to the point of laying down our lives for them (1 Jn 3:16). We can be one with them as Jesus and the Father are one (Jn 17:21). We can have Trinity-unity.
Live the new, supernatural relationships of the new life in Christ.
Prayer: Father, may all my relationships be in You. May they be pure, loving, and holy.
Promise: "A kind mouth multiplies friends, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings." —Sir 6:5
Praise: Herman was too shy to even greet people during the sign of peace at Mass. A friend wrote him a letter telling him to let his light shine, for no one lights a lamp to be put under a bushel basket (Mt 5:15-16). Jesus instantly changed his heart. Twenty years later, Herman has ministered the light of Jesus to thousands of people.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 9, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 15, 1996