Readings: Ezekiel 16:1-15,60,63, I Isaiah 12, Matthew 19:3-12
“Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect because of the splendour I had bestowed on you, says the Lord God. But you trusted in your beauty, and played the whore because of your fame, and lavished your harlotries on any passer-by.” (Ezekiel 16:14-15)
Even though the Prophet Ezekiel, in today’s first reading, spoke to the city of Jerusalem at that time, this passage mirrors today’s Christians. We have been very unfaithful to God; our worship is shallow, and we run after idols. That notwithstanding, the passage concludes with the assurance of God’s mercy: “I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord, that you may remember and be confounded, and never open your mouth again because of your shame when I forgive you all that you have done, says the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 16:62-63).
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus is asked for his opinion on divorce. At this point, the disciples were still trying to fully grasp the weight of his teaching on forgiveness— “not seven, but seventy times seven times.” Jesus explained that there is no room for divorce in God’s mind. From the beginning, God created marriage to last as long as the couple is alive.
Reading this passage in English, it is easy to assume that Jesus gave an exception for divorce: “except for unchastity.” However, the Greek word used here refers to “illegal marriage,” not “adultery.” Jesus is saying that the only way a couple can be divorced is if the marriage never took place in the first place.
- In a culture where women were treated as property and a man could afford to “use and dump” at will, Jesus’ teaching on marriage sought first to restore the dignity of women as well as press the reset button as far as marriage is concerned. It is not surprising that, to this day, mankind is struggling to accept Jesus’ teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. Jesus’ disciples asked him: “If that is the case, then isn’t it better not to marry?” Jesus responded, “Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given.”
- Celibacy is not a mere ecclesiastical rule but a gift, a special calling. One not given this special gift will have difficulty living out the call. The celibate life is not an escape route from the challenges of marital commitment. It is as difficult or perhaps more difficult than marriage.
- Since there are no perfect humans, and Jesus says divorce is not an option, how can couples find joy in marriage? The answer is forgiveness. Forgive quickly. St. Paul would say: “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27). If couples learn to forgive each other seventy times seven times, marriages would be blissful. In today’s first reading, we learn that God has not given up on us yet. If, despite our unfaithfulness, God still gives us a second chance, why should we give up on each other?
- Now, you may wonder. What happens if the spouse’s life is at risk? In such cases of violence, the church recommends separation to save lives and facilitate a process of reconciliation. Separated couples are not divorced. The marriage bond lasts throughout their lives as long as they are validly married.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to forgive others just as you forgive our trespasses. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 19 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ezekiel 16:1-15,60,63, I Isaiah 12, Matthew 19:3-12).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu