Marriage is a lifelong union
Saturday 2nd October 2021
Jesus was being asked by the Pharisees, (Mark 10.2-16), where he stood concerning marriage and divorce. He left them in no doubt about his position emphasising that marriage is a state of life created by God himself. It is a lifelong union between one man and one woman kept together by a pledge of love and loyalty made in the presence of God. It is a union that cannot be undone, so when a couple marry there is no power on earth, short of death, that can free them to remarry. 'What God has joined together man must not separate.'
We reflect on the dignity of marriage and on the permanence of the marriage commitment. This is a question that surfaces more and more in today's church as Christians are subjected from all sides with the worldly view that life long marriage is unacceptable. Life is described as a journey and marriage is two people making that journey together in partnership. The wedding day is the starting point when the church blesses the couple, and family and friends gather to celebrate their departure to wish them good luck for the road ahead. The couple's pledge is an acknowledgment to the community that their lives have taken a new direction through the power of love. It demands mutual respect and trust of each other. Together they go forward to meet the rough and smooth of life that even true love cannot escape.
A good marriage must be created. Little things are the most important, like speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget which means never going to sleep angry. A married couple cannot stand together and face the world unless their union is based on love. Love is what binds that relationship together for life. It is a hope and a trust that has to be lived down the years through good times and bad times. Love can be easily abandoned and then marriage fades away and dies. The solemn pledge to love each other for better or for worse, will always make its way to a happy and profound union.
Stay safe and well always.
God bless you all.
Fr. Arsenio