Relationship with In-Laws

The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Glenn Paul Gomez SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City

Wednesday 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

Filipinos consider relationships with in-laws very important. Unfortunately, a content analysis of studies published in family and relationship journals reveals that less than 1% examined in-law ties.

We could only surmise that many husbands may not always be in good terms with their mothers-in-law. St. Peter, in today’s Gospel, showed his good relationship with his mother-in-law. He invited Jesus to her mother-in-law’s house to cure her. In return, she served Jesus and her son-in-law when she got well.

Every time I accompany Filipino pilgrims to the Holy Land, a visit to the house of St. Peter’s mother-in-law is part of the itinerary. There, I pray in a very special way for married couples and their parents-in-law. Family life will be in more blissful state if in-laws are in good relationship with each other.

Let me end with this point: According to a newly released study, men who are in good terms with their wives’ parents are more likely to enjoy a long-lasting marriage than those who struggle to get along with their in-laws.