Friday of the 7th week in ordinary time
James 5: 9-12 Mark 10: 1-12
Theme: Indissolubility of marriage
With the challenges facing the marriage institution in recent time, the teaching of Jesus today is very important and a necessity. The marriage institution is for better and for worse, till death separates them. By implication, no matter the situation one finds himself in the union of man and wife, they must work towards resolving their differences. This is because according to the teaching of Christ, there is no room for divorce in the union. Like somebody once told me, this is a very difficult teaching. Truly it is difficult, but people are doing it, so it is possible with the help of God.
However, everybody in the family has a role to play, to ensure the peace and unity of the family. We must learn to accommodate each other and be humble enough to say I am sorry when you offend the other person. We are all humans and imperfect beings, and we must be humble enough to accept our mistakes and say I am sorry when we offend the other. Remember, it is only the strong who can humble themselves and say I am sorry when they offend somebody; the proud and arrogant cannot do it.
From the very beginning of the union of man and woman, they must ensure that they make a place for God in their marriage. This is very important, because the presence of God in the union will go a long way to ensuring the success of that union. The saying that a family that prays together stays together is very true. Prayer is a necessity in every family; let us make effort to be a prayerful family. This will go a long way to enthrone Gods presence in the family, and there will be love, peace, unity and tranquillity.
Let us resolve today to make our family like that of the Holy Family. We have all it takes to make it a reality. May God bless the marriage institution, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.