Genesis 2.18-24・Psalm 128.2+3a 3b+5+6a・Hebrews 2.9-11・Mark 10.2-16
Today we come to touch on a very topical and sensitive issue in the society and in our church. A question on divorce was a controversial question even in the time of Jesus with the Pharisees who questioned Him about its permissibility. Jesus later explained that because of people`s hardness of hearts Moses permitted the (in the Old Testament narration) husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss the wife. He (Jesus) further explained that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. They are no longer two but one flesh. In the present Church`s life, we understand the mind of Jesus in the context of the sacrament of marriage.
Indeed divorce is one of the many painful realities in life especially for us Catholics. Moreover the degree of its controversy in our time has decreased primarily because a civil divorce can now be granted more convenient and easier.
As to why couples who decide legally to separate and terminate their marriage permanently are increasing, we are all called to a more sincere and honest reflection. May this timely reflection on the dignity of marriage be well founded in the healing compassion of Jesus who came to save and not to condemn. As members of one Church founded by Jesus let us renew our commitment to promote the dignity of marriage. While the Church continues to insist that men and women intending to get married must undergo a comprehensive pre-marriage course, no one knows what is upcoming in married life. No matter how one wishes to keep a couple`s relationship, we have to face the reality and the truth that marriage relationships can and do run into trouble. Even after marriage is not it important too that the Church together with experienced married couples provide an after-marriage follow-up to assist give support and counsel. On the other hand a couple must be humble enough too to seek advice and accept support.
Let us continue to pray then for each one who finds humility, sacrifice and commitment becoming more difficult nowadays. We also pray for couples though still civilly married, their life has become completely separate.