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Have you ever listened to an orchestra when one of the instruments was out of tune? Even to the untrained ear the sound is unpleasant. Every instrument must be perfectly tuned and playing the same musical creation for the listener to hear the beauty intended by the composer. All things must be in harmony. Well, just as musical instruments played skillfully in a good concert are pleasing to the ear, the prayers of two or more people in agreement of hearts, desires, and voices are pleasing to the Lord.

Jesus has assured us—and our own experience tells us—that there is strength in the prayers of many. But even if only two people harmoniously agree on a certain prayer request, God gives it special attention. It is not the number of people who pray for something, but the strength of their unity and love that is effective.

Imagine the possibilities if, today at Mass, we could all agree to forgive each other, to repent of our sins, and to sincerely offer one another Christ’s peace. What if we could agree to place Jesus at the head of our lives and to praise and honor him, not just during our communal worship, but throughout the week to come? What if we could agree to love God and each other more than we love ourselves?

There is much to do in God’s kingdom—far too much for any of us as individuals. But together we can make a difference. If we can agree on our common mission as disciples of Christ, the meaning and purpose of our faith will become clearer and will deepen within us. It will happen almost naturally because in reaching agreement, we will have already examined who we are as a people and come to some powerful conclusions.

As you prepare to celebrate the Eucharist today, prepare a list of those areas of faith in which you can “agree” with one or two others at Mass. Together, offer your “agreements” up in prayer and expect God to respond.

“Loving God, grant to us unity of spirit and mind so that the prayers we lift up to you may be as one offering, unified by your love.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In the first reading, the Lord tells Ezekiel that he has appointed him to be a “watchman” for his people, to warn them of their wickedness. As a Christian man, in what way has the Lord called you to be a watchman to speak out against wickedness in our society? Do you do this? Why or why not? How can you and the men in your group do this together?

2. The response to the responsorial psalm is, “If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart.” How easy it is for us to ignore the many words of Scripture we hear at Mass or in our times of prayer and Scripture reading. What steps can you take to be more alert to the Lord’s words to you through Scripture or his promptings during your day?

3. In the letter to the Romans, St. Paul writes that all the commandments can be summed up with one command, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” What do you think Paul meant by these words?. How can you better live these words out in your own life?

4. The Gospel speaks of brothers holding each other accountable for their actions. Do you feel the Lord may be calling the men in your group to be more accountable to one another? Why or why not? In what ways can you take some small steps to increase this accountability?

5. The meditation reflects on Jesus’ powerful words in the Gospel on what happens when two or more agree in prayer or are gathered in his name. This reflection includes the following words, “It is not the number of people who pray for something, but the strength of their unity and love that is effective.” The meditation goes on to say: “There is much to do in God’s kingdom—far too much for any of us as individuals. But together we can make a difference.” What are some ways you can increase the unity and love in your men’s group, and make a greater difference?

6. Using the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point, take some time to pray for one another and for the needs of others that you are aware of.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen