“This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of ‘her man’ this one has been taken.” (Genesis 2:23-24) In today’s Gospel, when the Pharisees approached Jesus to ask if it is lawful for a husband to divorce his wife, His answer was clear: what God has joined together should not be separated by any human laws.
Brothers and sisters, this Sunday’s readings remind us of the deep importance of marriage. They convey an important message: before entering into a relationship, one must be fully aware of the consequences and responsibilities involved. One needs to understand the life that he/she is committing to, as he/she will be the ones most affected by the choices made.
The Gospel teaches everyone that marriage is a partnership. It is not sufficient for one spouse to bear all the burdens while the other simply receives love; rather, it requires a balanced effort from both partners, it is complimentary. Each person must support and uplift the other, nurturing an environment where love and respect can prosper.
Furthermore, these readings serve as a reminder to the youth of today to think critically before entering into relationships. With the rise of online dating apps, it’s easy to form connections based on curated social media profiles and photos. However, the youths must remember that true love cannot be based solely on digital appearances or digital interactions. The youth of today, must be vigilant and discerning about the people they choose to surround their selves with, especially those they hope to share their lives with. It is essential that we should not be decisive and should not let our emotions drive our decisions.
Finally, once we grasp the significance of relationships especially marriage, we must be steadfast in committing to be faithful. As Jesus said, “What God has joined together, no human being must separate.” Let us commit ourselves to nurturing our relationships with love, understanding, and a firm commitment to uphold the sacred bonds we make.
I urge you to reflect on these truths and to approach your relationships with both heart and mind, recognizing the sacredness of the vows we make and the commitment we undertake. May we strive to build partnerships that reflect God’s love and intention for our lives.
