This week’s readings are very powerful indeed. The actual readings are used in two separate Sacraments. Our first reading from Genesis is often used at weddings, as it tells us how man and woman become one flesh. There is something I would like you to note here: Notice that the woman was created from the rib of the man. Where is the rib located? It is on the side. The woman was not created from the man’s foot that he should walk upon her, nor from his head that she should be above him. She was created from the side of the man that together they should be each other’s partners, side by side if you will. Together they should be help mates and nourish, strengthen and uplift each other and then unite as one flesh to bring life into the world. It is truly beautiful if you think about it.
In the Gospel passage, the question of divorce comes up and our Lord tells the people that a decree of divorce was permitted under Moses because of the “hardness of their hearts”, and that this was not so back in the “beginning”. Our Church has always held up the Sanctity of marriage, because it is a man and a woman becoming one flesh. When one tries to pull apart or separate flesh, it causes pain and hurt and often leaves others wounded as well. I know we live in an age where divorce is rampant. That is why our Church, like a loving parent asks couples to take classes and prepare for something that is holy and beautiful, the Sacrament of Marriage. If we put God at the center of our relationships, we are much more likely to succeed. “The family that prays together stays together”. This is true it is not just a bumper sticker. Try it and see.
Lastly we have a reading in the Gospel of Mark that is used in the Sacrament of Baptism. Our Blessed Lord Jesus has children around Him and He embraces them, teaching us to have faith like these children. We need to have unconditional trust, faith and love in our Lord, just as children do. Often times as adults I believe we make a real mess out of our lives. If we would just trust in God and put Him at the core of our lives, things would be much, much better. So, this week let us all pray for our families, our loved ones, the sanctity of marriage and even those little ones in their mothers’ wombs, and perhaps all of us will appreciate life a little more… Something to think about…May God richly bless all of you…
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