Friday of the 19th week in the ordinary time of the year
Theme: The bond of marriage
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus teaches his audience some important things about the bond of marriage and the reason why divorce should not be an option. Jesus’ words should come as words of encouragement to married couples. There is no marriage that is perfect, it is the couple that decides the type of marriage they want to have as they get into the union. The fact that no individual is perfect, should always help the couple to work for peace and love in their union. The marriage institution in our own time is going through a lot of challenges that needs personal effort and also the intervention of the Divine. The marriage vows seem not to mean much in our time, going by the number of divorce cases that keeps coming up by the day. One thing that should be a source of great strength to all married people is the fact that we still have couples who have worked and continue to work had to make their marriages work. The effort to make the union to work must be done by both parties and should not be left to either the man or the woman. The assertion of Jesus in the gospel of today is that, divorce should not be seen as an option in any marriage union.
In view of this, he explained to the disciples the fact that everyone has the opportunity to make the choice of life he or she wants to live. Thus, when you embrace the marriage choice, you have to do all within your power to make it work; with the help of God. It is important to note that Jesus is not saying that the marriage institution must succeed because it is an easy one, he is simply say that amidst all the difficulties that is encountered, you can come out of it stronger and better when there is love, understanding and the presence of God in your union. Dear friends in Christ, don’t allow what you hear give you the impression that there is a perfect marriage; there is non-anywhere. The couple work hard to make their marriage what they want it to be; a lot of sacrifices are made and God has a place in such unions. Why not resolve to make your marriage work, and work to make it happen, while you also give God a chance in your union. Your understanding and love towards each other and also the presence of God will make a lot of difference.
May God continue to bless the marriage institution in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.