Ecclesiasticus 6:5-17
Psalm 118(119):12,16,18,27,34-35
Mark 10:1-12
In today the current gospel passage, Jesus addresses the theological and ethical dimensions of marriage. He emphasizes that the sacrament is intended for a single partner and is meant to be a lifelong commitment, thus elucidating that this model alone is sanctioned by divine authority.
This becomes particularly evident when a group of legal experts attempts to entrap Him in a theological debate regarding the Mosaic Law. Historically, adherence to Moses had been seen as foundational for moral discernment. However, with the advent of Christ as the incarnate Word, a profound transition in understanding the divine law occurs—He does not nullify the Law but rather fulfills and perfects it.
Jesus articulates that the provisions regarding divorce originally permitted by Moses were only a concession to human obstinacy. Instead, Christ presents a more refined paradigm—one characterized by a transformed heart and life imbued with grace and holiness, enabling a participation in and reflection of God’s love. He references Genesis to affirm the constancy of God’s intention for marriage: an inseparable union established at creation.
This union entails two critical dimensions. Firstly, it necessitates mutual self-giving between spouses, facilitating a deeper understanding of themselves and leading each other into greater love. Secondly, this union must be indissoluble, a stipulation essential for the well-being of offspring.
The love shared in marriage symbolizes the unwavering and indissoluble love that God holds for humanity, as well as that which Christ embodies for the Church. In a Christian context, spouses are called to manifest God’s love towards one another, thereby serving as exemplars of that love’s transformative power to others. The principles of unity and indissolubility in marriage are not ecclesiastical constructs but rather one aspect of the ‘natural law’—they resonate with a deep-seated understanding of human nature instilled by the Creator.
Furthermore, the intrinsic link between the unity of marriage and its inherent fruitfulness, exemplified by the presence of children, is likely a consideration of Saint Mark in his gospel narrative. Notably, this passage is one of the rare instances where Jesus exhibits indignation; His disciples rebuffed individuals bringing children to Him, possibly perceiving them as distractions from His mission.
Despite their earnest intentions, the disciples substantially misinterpreted the situation, failing to grasp the significance of Jesus’s prior teachings: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives not me but him who sent me.”
In conclusion, we should implore divine blessings upon couples who are married, particularly those undertaking the challenging role of child-rearing. May the Holy Spirit guide parents in cultivating their children’s moral sensibilities, allowing them to grow in alignment with the ethos of Christ—one that embodies compassion and love.
Fr Joseph Osho