Jesus addresses the topic of divorce to both the Pharisees and his disciples. As painful as the topic is today, we acknowledge that it has been a challenge throughout human history, reminding us to do all that we can to foster marriage as well as help those who suffer when marriage fails.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 19th Week of the Year
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St. Jane Frances Chantal, pray for us!
Here are some of the main themes in the readings for the 27th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm – 128:1-6
2nd Reading – Hebrews 2:9-11
Gospel – Mark 10:2-16
Mass Readings – 27th Sunday of the Year
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Here some of the key themes that surface in the readings for the 21st Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Joshua 24:1-2a,15-17,18b
Psalm – 34:2-3,16-21
2nd Reading – Ephesians 5:21-32
Gospel – John 6:60-69
Mass Readings – 21st Sunday of the Year
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The pain of divorce is a part of our human experience, and our response can be guided by faith, wisdom and a compassionate heart. May the Lord’s teaching today in the Gospel of Matthew help us to support one another.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 19th Week of the Year
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Saints Pontian and Hippolytus…pray for us!
The creation account continues in Genesis with a focus on God’s goodness and our need for relationships, particularly in the context of marriage. May the beauty of marriage inspire us to help all marriages foster and grow.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 5th Week of the Year
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The topic of divorce surfaces in an attempt to trap Jesus, giving us an insight into an issue that has been part of the history of humanity from the very beginning. It’s a tender topic that invites us to do what we can to strengthen marriage, while also helping people heal when the relationship is broken.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 19th Week of the Year
Jesus speaks about the reality of divorce in the Gospel of Matthew. As we deal with divorce in our lives today, we constantly work to build up marriage even as we walk with those wounded when it doesn’t work out.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 19th Week of the Year
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The discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees shows the reality that marriage and divorce have existed from the dawn of human history. As we recognize the challenges of these relationships we do what we can to help build strong marriages as well as help those who have suffered from divorce.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 7th Week of the Year
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The Lord’s answer to the question of divorce reminds us that this issue has been with humanity from the dawn of time. Our response through healing, community and engagement helps those who struggle with divorce to find new strength and direction.
Mass Readings – 27th Sunday of the Year
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Study: Reflect on the strongest marriages you know. What are the qualities and behaviors that you see in these couples?
Pray: Who do you know is struggling with divorce? Ask the Lord to give them guidance and strength.
Serve: Are there couples you can support in their marriage? Are there people wounded by divorce in your life? How can you help them today?
Mass Readings – 27th Sunday of the Year
In our current culture you would be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t been touched by the reality of divorce in either family or friendship. Divorce is part of the landscape of our lives, and we find ourselves confronted by a real challenge:
The sacrament of Marriage proclaims a fundamental reality that has both earthly and heavenly dimensions. On earth we recognize the union of a man and woman as part God’s plan which fosters intimacy, love, and the possibility of new life. Sexual expression within marriage becomes a blessed event, whereby the two become one.
This sense of unity that is present in marriage echoes the complete unity we have with the Lord. Jesus Christ is the bridge that joins us to the Father; God the Son took on our human form so that we could be reunited with the Father. Sin no longer divides us.
Yet division is part of our human experience, and nowhere is this more evident than in the reality of divorce. Life is messy, awkward, and challenging – and we all know that there are times when situations melt down and relationships unravel. We regret it, we lament it, we wish it could have been different…and we recognize that there is real pain and loss – but we have to find a way to deal with it.
So how do we foster marriage and at the same time help those who experience divorce? While there are several essential elements, I suggest a few key points:
But perhaps most importantly of all – we reach out to one another: walking with those who are single, supporting those who are married, and helping those who are divorced. We need each other, and when we are united we are vastly stronger than when we are isolated.
Take time this week to consider the people in your life. How can you help them follow Christ? How can your life bless others in their vocation as they strive to live it? How can you be a healing agent who strengthens marriage and helps those wounded by divorce? We need each other, and we call upon the Lord for grace as we remember the words of the Psalm Response:
May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.
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Note: This post was first published on September 29, 2015.
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