The True Meaning of Marriage

Twenty-seventh Sunday

in Ordinary Time

03 October 2021 

 

First Reading: GN 2:18-24

Responsorial Psalm: PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: HEB 2:9-11

Gospel: MK 10:2-16 or 10:2-12

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

When God created the earth, He gave man the freedom to decide the names of the animals. "Whatever the man called each of them would be its name." This is one of the first manifestations of co-creation when God lets man take a big part in His creation. God always listens to what man has to say, and let man use his freedom to decide things for the good of the whole creation. But even with this, only God knows what is good for His creation. When none of the creatures proved to be the suitable partner for the man, God created the woman out of the man's flesh. This is how the very first marriage came to be.

God Himself is the author of marriage. It is a natural law created ever since the beginning when man was created according to the image and likeness of God. Marriage has always been indissoluble, and in accordance with procreation. While marriage has always been one of the most beautiful creations of God, it has also been tainted with sin ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Humankind took the freedom to decide on its own, even though it will break the natural law. But even though man continues to choose to "cross the line", God will always pursue us to bring back the beauty and sacredness of marriage, just like in the beginning.

During the time of Moses, divorce was permitted because of the hardness of the Israelites' hearts. Even today, there is still hardness in the hearts of humankind that continues to stain and even change the true meaning of marriage.

Divorce did not come from God. It was only allowed since the time of Moses because of couples are not anymore able to "work out" their relationship. But the rule of divorce has always been the same - one cannot divorce his or her spouse for the purpose of marrying another. In today's generation, it seems this rule does not matter. Divorce became an option, even when one is not yet married, for the reason that "the couple may find out that they are not meant for each other." This perception takes away one of the most important things that marriage requires - commitment. I remember a part of the homily during my friend's wedding when the priest shared, "There is something about commitment that changes the consistency of relationships, and that is not simply at the mercy of uncertain things yet to come." This commitment is affirmed during the exchange of vows when the couple promises "to be true to each other, in sickness and in health, to love and honor each other for the rest of their lives." But why is it that these words are easily overtaken by setting an option to "bail out" whenever one realizes that they are not meant to be? The perception of marriage, and the value of it, has evolved into something like a goal for couples when things are blissful but easily set aside in difficult times.

Jesus healed the tainted meaning of marriage. He continues to restore in us the value of this sacrament by reminding us that no human being must separate what God has joined together. Jesus also explained that divorce is only a physical separation of spouses, but they will remain husband and wife before the church. Marriage will always be indissoluble and commitment is one of the essential things needed to preserve it. People may think that this is difficult to achieve, and this maybe the reason why some are open to divorce. But by the grace of God, who for a little while was made lower than the angels and understands everything about being human, marriage is a wonderful journey that is worth every moment of a couple's life. Through Jesus Christ who consecrates, those being consecrated are constantly reminded and brought back to the true meaning of marriage.

 

Prayer

 

Lord, help us to truly understand the meaning of marriage so that we may continue to give utmost importance to this sacrament. Seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.