GOD INSTITUTED MARRIAGE – 02/25/22 (Friday)

Mark 10:4-6,9

4 They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to put her away." 5 But Jesus said to them, "For your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, `God made them male and female.'

9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder."

For the full readings, click here: 

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

Blessed Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time! The Pharisees were testing Jesus on marriage. They asked whether it's permissible for a person to be divorced and have another family. Jesus clarified to them that divorce was allowed by Moses before because of the hardness of the hearts of the Israelites. But, our hearts need to be open first to God's truth. Then, it will be purified as we seek to become faithful to God's design of marriage. God, not the culture, instituted marriage. He established it and defined it when He created Adam and Eve. Marriage is exclusive between man and woman, and marriage is indissoluble.

In our culture today, many people are struggling with the firm teachings of Jesus on marriage. There are people with same-sex attractions whose wounds are deepened because of insults they receive, problems within their families, wrong ideologies promoted in the media, and many more. There are also some people who want to support the idea of divorce and remarriage because of their wounds, whether it's physical, mental or emotional, due to their spouses and due to other reasons as well. Unfortunately, they think that only by opting for same-sex marriage or divorce, they can be healed from the wounds of their hearts. In reality, their wounds will simply deepen. Engaging in a relationship that is not in accordance to God's intention will keep people farther from Him. At the same time, divorce is problematic on the basis that a valid marriage in the eyes of God is binding for life, hence a spouse who enters into new relationship will be committing adultery. This is unlike annulment where the conditions for marriage are not fulfilled by the spouse at the time they consented. What can only heal us is the merciful love of Christ that is obtained by being faithful to all of His teachings. The teachings of Jesus on marriage are not arbitrary commands. 

Marital love is a reflection of Divine Love. Our Lord Jesus is the Bridegroom and the Church is the Bride. This is an imagery of how marriage is between a man and a woman. As members of the Church, even if we committed sins, this is not a justification to not be faithful to Christ. Jesus is still inviting us, as members of His Mystical Body, to persevere in being united to Him amidst our sufferings, trials and temptations. Likewise, all spouses are called to persevere in their relationship with one another that reflects the indissolubility of marriage. There may be some times when it's necessary for the spouse to be protected such as when physical or emotional abuse arise. Still, entering a new relationship is not a solution because this is adultery. Rather, they can find help through spiritual counselors, spiritual directors, and other people who will aid them to experience true freedom in Christ. We can find the truth in His Word. True happiness is found in God alone. 

What are your thoughts on marriage? Do you find the teachings of Jesus difficult? Let's pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for the gift of openness to accept the teachings of our Lord. For people who are bearing their crosses in relation to their marriage and family, this is an opportunity to ask for the grace of perseverance to be united to Christ. May we also pray for the conversion of people who are wounded and who support definitions of marriage that are not in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic