The spelling of marriage is forever

Listening to the Spirit

Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Word
so that all your people may know and love You more
and understand You better.

As I go about my day may I not forget
the scriptures you have opened up for me.
Help me to recognize how You want for me
to apply Your Word to my daily life.

Holy Spirit, guided by Your Word,
may You enlighten my mind
and enkindle in my heart
a greater love for You and for others
in my family and in the world.

Amen.

Listening to the Word

Mark 10:2-16

The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

Reflection

There is a famous Tagalog saying that goes, “Ang pag-aasawa ay hindi parang kaning isusubo na iluluwa kapag napaso.” Like hot rice that cannot be easily spat out, marriage requires patience, sacrifice, and endurance. There will be times when the relationship is tested, and it may feel painful or uncomfortable, but marriage calls for perseverance. This profound saying reminds us of the seriousness and permanence of marriage. Marriage is not something couples can easily give up on when things get tough. It is a lifelong commitment, just as God’s love for them is eternal and unwavering.

Marriage is a covenant, not just between two people but also with God. It is a sacred bond where two individuals vow to love and cherish one another, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. These vows are not just words; they are promises meant to reflect the love and faithfulness that God shows them. Just as God “sticks to them” no matter how often they fail, marriage calls for them to remain faithful and committed to one another, even when challenges arise. It is not a relationship that can be discarded when difficulties arise, just as God does not abandon them in their weakest moments.

The spelling of Marriage is Forever. Marriage is forever because it reflects God’s eternal commitment to married couples. As He sticks with them through every trial, they are called to remain faithful to one another, trusting in His grace to sustain and deepen their love. On this 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, let us remember all married couples for the grace to always stay true to the vows they make, and may their marriages reflect the enduring love that God has for each one of them. Amen.