Gospel 

Mt 19:3-12

Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?" He said in reply, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, 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, man must not separate." They said to him, "Then why did Moses command that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?" He said to them, "Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery." His disciples said to him, "If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry." He answered, "Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it."

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s Gospel reading presents us with a challenging teaching from Jesus on the nature of marriage and commitment. The Pharisees approach Jesus, testing him with a question about divorce, and Jesus responds by taking them back to the beginning, to the creation story of Adam and Eve.

Jesus reminds them that from the start, God intended for man and woman to be joined together in a union that is indissoluble, a union that becomes "one flesh." He emphasizes that what God has joined together, no human being should separate.

The Pharisees push back, citing Moses' allowance for divorce, but Jesus clarifies that this was a concession due to the hardness of their hearts. He then drops a bombshell: whoever divorces and remarries commits adultery.

The disciples are taken aback, and some might even say that Jesus' teaching is too demanding. "It's better not to marry," they say. But Jesus explains that this teaching is not for everyone; some are called to renounce marriage for the sake of the Kingdom.

So what can we take away from this challenging passage?

Firstly, we are reminded of the beauty and sacredness of marriage. Jesus' teaching highlights the importance of commitment and unity in marriage.

Secondly, we are challenged to reflect on our own commitment to our spouses, to our communities, and to our faith. Are we willing to work through difficulties and hardships, or do we give up easily?

Thirdly, we are reminded that our choices have consequences. Divorce and remarriage can have serious consequences, not just for individuals but for families and communities.

Finally, we are encouraged to consider our own calling and vocation. Are we called to marriage, or are we called to renounce marriage for the sake of the Kingdom?

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves:

- Are we willing to work towards unity and commitment in our relationships?

- Are we willing to accept the challenges and difficulties that come with commitment?

- Are we willing to consider our own calling and vocation, and to follow Jesus' teaching accordingly?

May we be guided by Jesus' teaching, and may we strive to build strong, committed relationships that reflect the beauty of God's original plan. Amen.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

We come before you today, reflecting on the challenging teaching of Jesus on marriage and commitment. We ask for your guidance and wisdom as we seek to understand and live out your plan for our lives.

Help us to cherish and honor the beauty and sacredness of marriage, and to work towards unity and commitment in our relationships. Give us the strength and courage to persevere through difficulties and hardships, and to never give up on each other.

Forgive us for the times we have failed to live up to your ideal, and help us to learn from our mistakes. Show us the consequences of our choices, and guide us towards making decisions that reflect your will.

As we consider our own calling and vocation, help us to discern whether you are calling us to marriage or to renounce marriage for the sake of the Kingdom. Give us the grace to follow your teaching, and to trust in your plan for our lives.

May our relationships be a reflection of your original plan, and may we always strive to build strong, committed relationships that bring glory to you.

We ask this in Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

Additional prayer requests:

- For strength and courage in our relationships

- For guidance and wisdom in discerning our calling and vocation

- For forgiveness and healing from past mistakes

- For the grace to follow Jesus' teaching on marriage and commitment

- For the beauty and sacredness of marriage to be reflected in our lives.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ