27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME B
SPEAKING OF DIVORCE
MK 10: 2-16
MESSAGE
The topic of divorce is a normal and accepted one all over the world. But in the Philippines, it remains a very controversial issue. For due to cultural, political, and religious reasons, our country is the last remaining country (not including the Vatican State) that officially bans legalized divorce. Lately though, there is a crescendo of clamor for divorce, both from lawmakers and from the ground.
Most of the time, this puts the spotlight on the Christian faith that solidifies marriage as an sacred and inviolable institution. People turn to the church and ask: “What do you say about this? Why do you say that? Why are you very conservative, outdated, and indifferent to the modern situation of couples and families?” But the church does not invent its answer. From the beginning, it holds on to the word of Jesus, the same words proclaimed today: “What God has joined together, let no man separate.” So is Jesus to blame for the strong stance against divorce?
The Lord Jesus surely was not adamant in keeping the marriage bond even in the face of violence, loss of dignity and respect, and even when he knew that the flames of love have fizzled into useless ashes. The Lord wanted to emphasize that entering marital union needs an awareness, preparation and decision to love, fidelity, commitment, and sacrifice. It is a challenge to truly discern and plan, guided by faith. It is a call for a man and woman not only to focus on the excitement of the proposal, the wedding, and the honeymoon, but on the life after that, which may not always be “happily ever after.”
The words of the Lord are not meant to be used as a weapon against the arguments for divorce. It is a teaching and a call for men and women, for parents and educators, for the church, to assist those preparing for married life and those struggling to remain in it to understand that it is a life of blessings and challenges, of roses and thorns, and that it is through these all that blessings “come through raindrops, and healing comes through tears.”
REFLECT
Today, let us pray for married couples to remain faithful to their vows. Let us pray for struggling couples to find healing and reconciliation. Let us pray for failed relationships that God will give them a future of hope and restoration.