Married life can be hard. It can be hard for 21st century Americans, and it could be hard for 1st century Judeans. If it weren’t, the Pharisees wouldn’t have pressed Jesus on the subject of divorce, as they did in today’s gospel. In response, Jesus explained that marriage was intended by God to be permanent. Yet to some then and to some now, this seems to be an unreasonable standard, because marriage can indeed be so hard.
Jesus spoke of husband and wife becoming one flesh. This refers to much more than a physical union. Instead, it’s a call to an intimate union of two persons which requires personal change, self-sacrifice, honest communication, openness to new life, and a desire to meet one another’s needs, heal each other’s hurts, and help one’s spouse become the person God intended him or her to be.
To do this is hard, and God knows it. He knows our selfishness, our neediness, and our fear of conflict. And God knows that it’s tempting for us to run away from problems instead of facing them head on, and to imagine that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
This is precisely why God designed marriage the way he did. It takes a permanent commitment for marriage to flourish and grow, instead of it being crushed by our “hardness of heart.”
Readings for today’s Mass: http://www.usccb.org/nab/022511.shtml
Thank you. It is also fair to assume that God knew the effects of promiscuity on society, cultural development and thus the suffering of children.
It is an unfortunate thing that when the family breaks down, the vast larger flock of humans known as “society” tends to feel it`s effects. When people no longer cares for their own family or children, what care have they to give to their neighbours? Modern society has become a war between the sexes.
Their main question has become “what`s in it for me?”
“Can I do better?” “Why don`t we have a Porche?”
And “if I am to get out of this marriage I better hurry, before the botox wears off.”
Oh how I love my church. The one true cornerstone of mankind.
Steadfast through the Millenia.
Thank you.
My 8 year old daughter told me one day: “I am not marrying a celebrity. They are surrounded by beautiful women and they might fall for them. I just want to marry a nice guy.”
I found this cute and amusing and was about to say: “You have it made girl, just don’t sign a pre-nup!” I stopped myself because I did not want to corrupt her but was rather surprised by my thoughts!
What can I say? You have Ivana Trumps famous quote: “Don’t get angry, just get everything!” or Camille Grammer reportedly 40 million dollars divorce settlement from Kelsey, who left her for a 29 year old flight stewardess.
We will be communicating about human relationships and marriage for a long long time. Wish me luck!
FA
Gabriel: You’re welcome!
FA: Good luck. And should your daughter marry, let’s hope it’s to that “nice guy!”