Daily Reflection – 8/16/2024
Sacred Scripture
And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, `For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?” He said to them, “For your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another, commits adultery.” The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.” But he said to them, “Not all men can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it.” (Matthew 19:3-12)
Reflection
The Pharisees, attempting to trap Jesus, questioned Him about divorce. Jesus, with divine wisdom, grounded His teaching on God’s original plan for man and woman. He said, “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6). Jesus boldly upholds the sanctity of marriage, emphasizing that Moses permitted divorce only as a concession due to the hardness of human hearts, not as part of God’s perfect design.
We often hear or read of celebrity couples and even friends and family members who are separating and getting divorced. It seems that a mindset has evolved that views marriage as disposable—if it’s not working as desired, it’s time to move on. While it’s true that in cases of abuse, anger, or unhealthy behaviors, separation may be necessary for the well-being of those involved, we must also recognize the pervasive influence of our disposable culture.
Too often, committed relationships, responsibilities toward children, and caring for family members are often viewed as conditional, important only if they work out conveniently. When difficulties arise in a marriage, friendship, or family relationship, the temptation to walk away can seem easier than staying and working through the challenges.
Jesus calls us to take our personal relationships and commitments very seriously. True, deep, and loving commitment is the most precious gift we can offer another person. Yes, there will be mess-ups and difficulties, but a loving and enduring relationship—whether in marriage, friendship, or within a church community—can be the greatest gift we receive in our lifetime.
Take a moment to reflect on the people in your life who have loved you, forgiven you, supported you, laughed with you, and celebrated precious moments with you. Imagine your life without them. Undoubtedly, there have been difficult times, but knowing these individuals love you and will support you makes all the difference. Today, give thanks for their presence in your life. Appreciate the many gifts and love they have shared with you. Perhaps even take the time to personally thank them for the gift they continue to be.
Both marriage and the single life are calls from God to live a consecrated life. Our lives are not our own; they belong to God. He gives strength, joy, and blessing to those who seek to follow His way of holiness in their state of life. Whether married or single, we are called to live as individuals who belong not to ourselves but to God.
Prayer of The Day
“Jesus, give me the faith and confidence to believe with all my heart that your grace is enough for me. Teach me to believe that your commands are always supported by your grace and that I can live as a new person in you.”
Daily Note
Jesus affirms that a loving and faithful marriage is a manifestation of the kingdom of God. This being said, it is God’s faithfulness in accompanying us as human beings which is the ground on which any of our human faithfulness may be built. Be it living out our commitment to God within a religious community, within a searching or dedicated single life, or with our beloved, we all draw upon the inexhaustible spring of God’s love and mercy. This living water gives us what we need to thrive, to hear the call to fidelity in our own circumstances, and to respond generously how we can.
