TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR B
Gen. 2:18-24; Ps 128
Heb. 2: 9-11; Mk 10:2-16
IT WAS NOT SO FROM THE BEGINNING
Today Jesus speaks to us about something that is essential and fundamental to our lives; Christian marriage.
The gospel from Mark 10:2-16, presents us with a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees. They came to him to trap him by questioning him whether it was lawful to divorce. This question is a trap because, the Pharisees were very strict in their interpretation of the law, so they wanted to get him to contradict the Torah. Secondly, John the baptized was killed by Herod for opposing him in taking his brother’s wife. So, if Jesus also speaks like John the Baptist, his life could also be in danger.
Jesus responded by asking what Moses commanded. They responded in the affirmative that Moses allowed divorce. To pose the question “what did Moses command?” was to help them answer their own question, whether it was lawful to divorce. By their response, their question was answered; that per law it was lawful. Since Moses was the symbol of the Law, to ask what Moses commanded, was to ask what the Law was.
This is important, because as Jesus taught, what is lawful is not always the truth or the right thing to do. The permission Moses allowed was one of concession rather than of intention. The problem of the Pharisees was not a lack of understanding of the law of divorce, but about the law and nature of marriage. Jesus then went ahead to teach them about marriage.
“God made them male and female…”
Marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman who have committed themselves to a life long relationship as husband and wife. This implies biological male and female and not merely saying one feels or identifies with male or female. It is important for those who desire the marriage vocation to pray for their marriage and partners. They should find a partner they would be committed to and trust for a life time. Marriage is one of the most important decisions a person can make. It should therefore be made in all sincerity, honesty and truth.
“…they are no longer two but one flesh.”
In marriage the man and woman are no longer merely members of their families, but have become one family. This is why in the Ghanaian culture, marriage is seen as union of two families. The point of union is the marriage of the man and woman.
Becoming “one flesh” through marriage is a kind of a new creation. They are yoked together to go the same way in having a new life, a new family and a new experience. The marriage bond is stronger than that of other relationships. Marriage is an exclusive relationship between two people committed to building a new life, family in love and trust.
An important element therefore, in building this new life together, is freedom. Anyone who wants to marry should freely choose who to marry and marry.
“…what God has joined together no human being must separate.”
Clearly from rabbinic teaching, divorce is allowed but also places the marriage relationship under the control of the man. This means that it is the man who can initiate the divorce if he (husband) is unhappy with the woman (wife). But Jesus teaches that it is God who is in control over the marriage relationship. By placing the marriage relationship under God, He indicates that no man or woman has control over it any longer. God is the authority behind it. He is the one who joins the man and the woman so that they become one flesh.
Therefore, the man and woman whom God has joined together in the bond of marriage have entered a covenant that should last their lifetime. No one, not even those in the relationship should seek to separate it. God intended marriage to be indissoluble. It is not for a particular period.
Those who desire marriage then must understand this fully and pledge their lives to people they can live with their entire life. They must conduct themselves in a way that would not injure the marital union and bond. Their friends and families should also help to keep and preserve their marriage. Any action or behaviour that seems to threaten the marriage is an action that stands against the Gods who is the authority behind the marriage.
Those who want to marry must not rash or be rushed into it. They must do so freely after much prayer, reflection and thinking. It is also important to note that, marriage is not for everybody. Single life is also a gift of God.
We must hold on to this teaching of Jesus, live it and teach it to our children. This is important, especially today when we are confronted with so many false paradigms and concepts of marriage. This aspect of marriage as taught by Jesus must be cherished, preserved and honoured.
Today, let us pray for all those who desire marriage. Let us pray for families and marriages in difficult situations.
Let us resolve to spend more time with our wife or husband, family and children.
Let us resolve to love each member of our families unconditionally.
And may God bless all families of the world.
God bless you.
BY Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
