In Sunday’s second reading, Paul details the virtues we must cultivate: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and above all else, love and gratitude. This reading presents a good examination of consciousness with regard to family life. When have we taken a harsher stance over kinder ones? In what moments have we neglected to express our gratitude for the things others do for us throughout the day?

In Sunday’s first reading we hear about the house of God. God says it is not in our hands to build, but that He will give us a living temple. The true house of God, the place where he lives, is none other than Mary, the blessed mother. It is Mary who opens the door for the coming of God to the world and who received the son of God. In some ways, when we accept the presence of God in our lives, we also become a home for God and open the door for His presence in the world. In spite of our doubts, hesitations, and fears, if we say yes like Mary, we will facilitate the coming of God to a world that is in need of salvation, peace, and forgiveness.