Strengthening Relationships through God’s Love During Easterside
Day 23: Reflection on Increasing Closeness in Relationships
Theme: Strengthening Bonds through Vulnerability and Trust
First Reading:
Acts 18:1-8
“Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with all his household; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul became believers and were baptized.”
Responsorial Psalm:
Psalm 98:1-3
“The Lord has made his salvation known.”
Gospel:
John 16:16-20
“You will have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice.”
Reflection:
In Acts 18, Paul’s vulnerability in sharing the Gospel opens the hearts of many to God’s message. Similarly, in our relationships, increasing closeness happens when we are willing to be vulnerable and share our lives authentically. Trust is the foundation of closeness. When we allow others to see our hearts and accept theirs, we create deeper, more meaningful bonds.
In the Gospel, Jesus promises that sorrow will give way to joy, reminding us that closeness in relationships often involves embracing vulnerability. Just as He shared His heart with His disciples, we too must be willing to share our hearts with those we love.
Action/Practice:
Today, focus on building closeness with someone by sharing vulnerably. Allow your authentic self to be seen, and invite the other person to do the same.
Daily Goal:
Practice vulnerability today by sharing something personal with someone you trust, and foster a deeper connection through openness.
Journaling Prompt:
“How can I deepen the closeness in my relationships? What does vulnerability look like in my connections with others?”