Day 3: Love is not jealous; Love is not pompous; Love is not inflated.

The humble person never claims glory for himself to God for anything good that he does. The humble person accepts that he is not perfect on his own and is dependent both on God and on other people. Humility is important for spouses because it keeps them exactly where they are needed the most: in their home, raising their children, and in the workplace, providing for their family. The opposite of humility is pride, which can lead parents to abandon their families in pursuit of their own “fulfillment.”

Daily reading of Scripture helps us increase in virtue. “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Reading the Word of God daily makes us humble as we meditate on God’s great goodness to us.

Saints Zelie and Louis Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, exemplified many virtues in their marriage. Before marriage, Louis, who was 34 when he met and married Zelie, considered religious life, and when that was not found to be his calling, threw himself into charitable work, prayer, and Catholic social activities. Zelie spent her single years praying for her future spouse.  After their marriage, they lived modestly, reaching out to the poor and needy, and led daily prayers in their household. Their saintliness was apparent to their children, five daughters who all entered the religious life. St. Therese wrote of them, “God gave me a father and mother who were more worthy of heaven than of earth.” (https://ewtn.co.uk/article-married-saints-model-hope-for-todays-families/)

Dear Holy Spirit, through the intercession of St. Zelie and St. Louis Martin, please grant to (names) an increase in the virtue of humility. Help them to follow the example of St. Zelie and St. Louis Martin in their daily lives, accepting their dependence on God and on one another, never allowing jealousy or pride to come between them. Help them to grow in virtue until their love is as close as humanly possible to Your love for them. Let this love for each other expand to include all those around them, especially those in our care. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 4