2024

27th Sunday of Year B

October 6, 2024 Introduction

INTRODUCTION

HOLY SEE

HOMILIES

MUSIC

CHILDREN

PRAYERS

COMMENTARY

BRANT PITREFR. O'MAHONYFR. MARTINHECTOR MOLINAFR. PLANT

SOURCE: The Mass Readings Explained

Marriage is a sacred and unbreakable union established by God, symbolizing the profound unity between a man and a woman.

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

00:00 God created woman from man to signify their unity, as reflected in the language, emphasizing that a man leaves his parents to be joined with his wife.
01:17 Marriage is a divine institution established by God at creation, emphasizing the profound unity of two becoming one flesh.
01:58 Marriage is a divine union established by God that cannot be undone by human actions.

SOURCE: Hearers of the Word

Jesus’ teachings in Mark 10:2-16 emphasize the sanctity of marriage, the complexities of divorce, and the importance of childlike faith, highlighting the need for sensitivity in understanding these issues within both biblical and contemporary contexts.

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KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

00:00 Jesus' teachings in Mark 10:2-16 on marriage and divorce highlight the complexities of relationships, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in discussions about divorce and its implications in biblical and contemporary contexts.
- Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce in Mark 10:2-16 addresses contemporary issues of divorce and same-sex relationships, requiring careful and sensitive interpretation.
- Marriages can be both fulfilling and challenging, requiring sensitivity when discussing related gospel teachings, especially in the presence of those in second relationships or facing difficulties.
- The presentation examines the biblical context of divorce, focusing on Old Testament teachings, Jesus' views, and their reception in early Judaism and the Greco-Roman world.
- Divorce in this context allows a man to issue a certificate to his wife, but she cannot remarry her first husband after being divorced, leading to broader implications for divorce practices in Judaism.
05:13 A man who falsely accuses his wife faces punishment, reflecting the patriarchal restrictions on divorce aimed at protecting women and the historical context of marital fidelity in post-exilic Israel.
- A man who falsely accuses his wife of not being a virgin will be punished by the elders, who will impose a fine and compensate her father for the slander.
- In a patriarchal context, divorce is restricted to protect women, as men cannot divorce their wives or those they violate, highlighting the complexities of marital stability and societal norms.
- Ezra and Nehemiah led a movement to divorce foreign wives and their children, emphasizing the obligation to restore faithfulness to God in post-exilic Israel.
09:32 Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage, stating that divorce stems from human hard-heartedness, not God's intention.
- Rabbinic discussions on divorce present three interpretations of Deuteronomy 24:1, ranging from strict grounds of unchastity to lenient reasons like dissatisfaction with a spouse's cooking or finding someone more attractive.
- Jesus emphasizes the original intent of marriage from Genesis, highlighting that divorce was allowed due to human hard-heartedness, rather than being part of God's design.
12:06 Jesus teaches that faithfulness in marriage is paramount, addressing divorce's prevalence and its implications for both men and women, while reflecting on early church teachings.
- Jesus' teaching on divorce, rooted in Malachi's prophetic message, emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage rather than providing legalistic rules.
- Divorce was prevalent and problematic in the Greco-Roman world, prompting Mark to extend Jesus' teachings on adultery to include women who initiated divorce, despite it being uncommon in Jewish tradition.
- The discussion covers the early church's teachings on marriage and divorce, focusing on the Pauline and Petrine privileges and the Matthean exception.
16:53 Wives should not separate from husbands, believers married to unbelievers should not divorce if the unbeliever stays, and divorce is permitted for faith reasons or unchastity, with varying interpretations.
- Wives should not separate from their husbands, and if they do, they must remain unmarried or reconcile, while believers married to unbelievers should not divorce if the unbeliever consents to stay, as the believing spouse sanctifies the marriage and their children.
- The Pauline privilege allows divorce for faith reasons, while the Matthean exception permits divorce only for unchastity, with interpretations of "unchastity" varying in meaning.
- The patron privilege in Catholic canon law allows the pope to dissolve a valid marriage between a baptized and an unbaptized person for the sake of salvation, similar to the Pauline privilege for non-baptized individuals.
20:46 Jesus teaches that marriage is a permanent divine union intended by God, with divorce allowed only because of human hardness of heart, and emphasizes the importance of childlike faith in receiving the kingdom of God.
- Jesus teaches that divorce was permitted due to hard hearts, but God's intention from creation is for marriage to be a permanent union.
- Jesus teaches that divorce leads to adultery, emphasizes the importance of welcoming children, and highlights the necessity of receiving the kingdom of God with childlike faith.
- Jesus emphasizes that marriage is a divine union meant to be unbreakable, established from creation, and that divorce was permitted only due to human hardness of heart.
25:10 Divorce is condemned as adultery, while Jesus highlights the need to welcome children and embrace the kingdom of God with childlike openness.
- Divorce is condemned as adultery, with teachings adapted for both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts regarding women's rights to initiate divorce.
- Jesus emphasizes the importance of welcoming children and receiving the kingdom of God with childlike simplicity and openness.
27:32 Jesus emphasizes the significance of children and the original ideal of marriage in Mark 10, advocating for biblical understanding of human identity.
- Jesus blesses children, highlighting the importance of understanding human identity through biblical teachings, particularly in Genesis.
- Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce in Mark 10 emphasizes upholding the original ideal of the union between man and woman rather than creating legislation.

SOURCE: A Word Proclaimed

Jesus’ teachings in Mark 10 underscore the sanctity of marriage as a divine union that fosters deep connections with God and emphasizes the importance of loyalty, trust, and community life, while addressing the complexities of divorce and its implications.

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

00:00 Jesus' teachings in Mark 10 emphasize the importance of marriage, children, and community life, drawing from Genesis and addressing how to resolve conflicts within the community.
01:43 Jesus responds to the Pharisees' question about divorce by highlighting that Moses allowed it under specific circumstances, not as an endorsement.
03:21 Marriage requires loyalty and trust, reflecting a divine bond that should not be broken, while those not called to marriage find fulfillment in serving and connecting with God.
04:49 Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of familial boundaries, highlighting that God created man and woman to be united as one flesh.
06:41 Marriage symbolizes unity and stability, reflecting the deep connection between humanity and God, as emphasized in biblical teachings against incest.
09:05 Marriage is a mystical union designed by God, emphasizing the deep connection of love and humanity that should not be separated.
10:40 Marriage is a sacred sacrament that fosters a deep connection with God, despite life's distractions and challenges.
12:18 Divorce and remarriage are seen as adultery, highlighting the sanctity of marriage and the negative impact on culture and human connections.
- Divorce and remarriage by either spouse constitutes adultery, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the importance of children as a gift from that union.
- Divorce and its consequences contribute to a godless culture, leading to widespread confusion and a lack of authentic human connections.

SOURCE: A Walk in the Word

Jesus emphasizes the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage as a divine covenant, teaching that divorce contradicts God’s original design and highlighting the importance of childlike faith in understanding His kingdom.

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

00:00 Jesus teaches that divorce contradicts God's design for marriage while emphasizing childlike faith as he approaches his final journey to Jerusalem amidst opposition from the Pharisees.
- Jesus teaches that divorce is contrary to God's intention for marriage, emphasizing the unity of husband and wife as one flesh.
- Jesus emphasizes the importance of receiving the kingdom of God with childlike faith as he begins his final journey to Jerusalem, where he will face betrayal and crucifixion.
- Jesus travels from Galilee to Judea, emphasizing the significance of geographical context in salvation history as he prepares for his final Passover.
- Bethany beyond the Jordan, significant for its connection to John the Baptist's ministry, is where he baptized and clarified his role in relation to the Messiah.
- Jesus returns to Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist ministered, and is questioned by the Pharisees as he teaches the gathered crowds.
- The Pharisees conspired with the Herodians to entrap Jesus by questioning the lawfulness of divorce, highlighting their ongoing opposition to him.
10:38 Jesus confronts the Pharisees' differing views on divorce, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage while navigating the political dangers reminiscent of John the Baptist's fate.
- Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees about the lawfulness of divorce, reflecting the common practice and differing interpretations of Mosaic law in first-century Jewish society.
- The debate between the conservative school of Shamai, which allowed divorce only for adultery, and the liberal school of Hillel, which permitted divorce for any reason, highlights differing interpretations of Mosaic law regarding marriage and divorce.
- John the Baptist's bold preaching on the sanctity of marriage and condemnation of Herod Antipas's adulterous relationship ultimately led to his imprisonment and death.
- The Pharisees questioned Jesus about the lawfulness of divorce to trap him, highlighting the sanctity of marriage.
- The Pharisees cunningly question Jesus about Herod Antipas's marriage to provoke a response that could lead to his arrest and execution, similar to John the Baptist's fate.
- The Pharisees cunningly approached Jesus in Judea to test him by asking if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife.
18:06 Jesus clarifies that while Moses allowed divorce due to human hardness of heart, God's original intention for marriage is a lifelong union.
- Jesus responds to the Pharisees' question about divorce by referencing Moses' command regarding divorce certificates, highlighting differing interpretations of the law.
- Moses, in Deuteronomy 24, addresses marriage and divorce, allowing for divorce under certain conditions as he presents the law to the next generation of Israelites preparing to enter the promised land.
- The Pharisees challenge Jesus on the interpretation of "indecency" in divorce, hoping to trap him between the opposing views of the strict Shamai and the more lenient Hillel schools, while also seeking to provoke Herod Antipas against him.
- Moses' laws on divorce, often seen as unfair, were intended to protect women from injustice in a context where their rights were vulnerable.
- Jesus emphasizes that divorce was permitted due to human hardness of heart, but God's original intention was for marriage to be a lifelong union.
- Jesus highlights that Moses' commandment on divorce was a concession due to the Israelites' hardened hearts, contrasting it with God's original intent from creation as described in Genesis.
27:21 Jesus teaches that marriage is a sacred, lifelong covenant that should not be broken by divorce, emphasizing its indissolubility and God's original intent.
- Jesus emphasizes the indissolubility of marriage, stating that it is a sacred union that should not be broken by divorce, even in cases of adultery.
- Jesus teaches that divorcing a spouse and remarrying constitutes adultery for both men and women, shocking the Pharisees and confusing the disciples.
- Jesus emphasizes that marriage is a lifelong covenant intended by God, warning that what God has joined should not be separated by man.
- Jesus emphasizes that divorce was permitted due to human hardness of heart, but God's original intent for marriage is a lifelong covenant.
- God's intention for marriage is a lifelong covenant, and He hates divorce, as emphasized in both the Gospel and the Prophet Malachi.
- Jesus emphasizes the sacred union of marriage as intended by God in Genesis, stating that what God has joined together should not be separated by man.
35:46 Rejecting God's will jeopardizes marriage and family, which are vital for society, as the Church upholds their sanctity against ongoing challenges.
- Rejecting God's will threatens the flourishing of humanity by undermining marriage and the family, which are essential to society.
- Marriage is under attack, undermining the family and society, and the Church has consistently defended its sanctity and indissolubility despite facing significant opposition.
- The church steadfastly defends the sanctity of marriage as a divine sacrament, rooted in Christ's teachings, despite ongoing criticism and challenges.
- Jesus emphasizes the importance of welcoming children, stating that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child, contrasting this with the disciples' rebuke of those bringing children to him.
41:10 Jesus teaches that humility and childlike acceptance are key to understanding God's kingdom, linking this to the sanctity of marriage and the blessings of a God-fearing family.
- Jesus emphasizes the importance of receiving lowly individuals, like children, by equating their acceptance with receiving Him, which shocks the disciples who still fail to understand this message.
- Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and childlike acceptance of God's kingdom, linking it to his radical teaching on marriage as a sacrament.
- God's commands are true and holy, as reflected in Psalm 128, which portrays a happy and fruitful family blessed by the Lord.
- Fearing the Lord and following His ways leads to a happy, prosperous, and fruitful life.
46:58 Marriage is a divine, indissoluble bond essential for individual and societal well-being, requiring fidelity and support amidst cultural challenges.
- Marriage, established by God, is a fundamental institution rooted in the nature of man and woman, essential for individual and societal well-being despite cultural variations.
- Marriage between baptized persons is an indissoluble bond established by God, reflecting His original intention and guaranteed by divine fidelity.
- Jesus elevates the dignity of marriage, condemns divorce as destructive, and emphasizes the importance of fidelity to God's teachings for a happy family.
- Marriage and family are vital institutions that require active witness and support from both the church and its members amidst societal challenges.
52:31 Support the podcast through Patreon or buymeacoffee.com to help continue spreading the gospel.

SOURCE: Fr. Geoffrey Plant Homily Presentations

Discipleship involves self-denial and service, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage as a divine union that reflects God’s love, while challenging legalistic interpretations of divorce.

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

00:00 Discipleship demands self-renunciation, service to others, and prioritizing God's kingdom with childlike trust, especially towards the weak and powerless.
02:36 Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of marriage over the permissibility of divorce, challenging the Pharisees' legalistic views.
- Jesus addresses the Pharisees' question about the lawfulness of divorce, highlighting that while the Torah permits it, the focus should be on the sanctity of marriage.
- In first-century Palestine, only husbands could initiate divorce, requiring a writ of dismissal for their wives to remarry, while rabbinical debates focused on the acceptable grounds for divorce.
- Two rabbinical schools had opposing views on divorce, with Shammai advocating strict conditions and Hillel allowing trivial reasons, leading to widespread divorce.
- Jesus responds to the Pharisees' question about divorce by highlighting the deeper implications of their inquiry, suggesting it is a trap rather than a straightforward legal matter.
08:07 Jesus clarifies that divorce was allowed due to human stubbornness, amidst the backdrop of Herodias' tumultuous marriage and John the Baptist's tragic fate.
- The complex Herodian family dynamics involve Herodias divorcing Herod Philip to marry his half-brother, Herod Antipas, following John the Baptist's confrontation about their marriage.
- John the Baptist was imprisoned and ultimately beheaded by Herod Antipas after Herodias' daughter Salome requested his head as revenge for John's condemnation of her mother's marriage.
- The Pharisees questioned Jesus about divorce to trap him, but he explained that Moses permitted it due to their stubbornness and lack of spiritual understanding.
12:27 Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriage as a divine union, rooted in Genesis, where God created male and female to be one flesh, emphasizing that this bond should not be broken.
- Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of marriage by referencing Genesis, stating that God created male and female to become one flesh, and what God has united should not be separated.
- The two creation stories in Genesis serve as theological reflections rather than literal accounts, highlighting the ancient Israelites' understanding of God's act of creation.
- God creates the world through His word, emphasizing the functional aspects of creation, such as the distinction between light and darkness, which establishes the concept of time.
17:46 God’s creation narrative culminates in the Garden of Eden, where human relationships, especially marriage, reflect the divine love between Christ and the Church.
- God's creation narrative describes the formation of realms—time, space, and habitat—followed by their populating with celestial bodies, creatures, and humans, culminating in God's rest on the seventh day.
- The creation story in Genesis depicts the Garden of Eden as a primordial temple where God resides, symbolizing His divine presence and authority among His people.
- Human beings, created in God's image, are called to be icons of God and preside over the worship in the temple of creation.
- The love between a husband and wife reflects the profound relationship between Christ and the Church, symbolizing God's unfailing love and serving as a model for their children and the world.
24:00 Genesis offers a unique creation story of a single, benevolent God, contrasting with the violent, chaotic myths of other cultures.
- The Genesis creation narrative contrasts sharply with the Babylonian Enumah Elish, which depicts a violent struggle among gods leading to the creation of the world and humanity from the defeated goddess Tiamat.
- Genesis presents a creation narrative where God is the sole creator, contrasting with other myths that depict humans as slaves to indifferent gods.
27:30 God creates woman from man's rib to fulfill his loneliness, symbolizing the deep connection in marriage.
- God creates man from the soil, but despite naming the animals, the man feels lonely as none of them truly connect with him.
- God's creation of woman from man's rib symbolizes the deep connection and completeness found in the marital relationship.
30:28 True wholeness and fulfillment in marriage is achieved through deep communion between partners, reflecting God's original design for unity.

Clipart by
Fr. Richard Lonsdale

Unpacking the Texts

Outlines of Readings

1ST READING: Creation of Eve and the Establishment of Marriage in the Garden of Eden

Creation of Eve and the Establishment of Marriage in the Garden of Eden

I. God's declaration on Adam's need for a companion

Gn 2:18 - God declares it is not good for Adam to be alone.
Gn 2:18 - God plans to create a suitable helper for Adam.

II. The creation of animals and search for Adam's companion

Gn 2:19 - God creates animals from the ground.
Gn 2:20 - Adam names the creatures but finds no suitable companion among them.

III. The creation of Eve from Adam

Gn 2:21 - God causes a deep sleep to come over Adam.
Gn 2:21-22 - God forms Eve from one of Adam's ribs.
Gn 2:23 - Adam acknowledges Eve as his flesh and the suitable helper God had promised.

IV. The institution of marriage

Gn 2:24 - The text explains that a man leaves his family and becomes united with his wife to form a new family.
Gn 2:24 - The two individuals become one flesh, establishing the first marriage.

2ND READING: Jesus' Suffering and Glory in Relation to Humanity

Jesus' Suffering and Glory in Relation to Humanity

I. Jesus' temporary humbling through suffering

Heb 2:9 - Jesus was made lower than the angels for a short time.
Heb 2:9 - Jesus tasted death for everyone through God's grace.

III. God's purpose behind Jesus' suffering

Heb 2:10 - God leads Jesus to perfection through suffering.
Heb 2:10 - Jesus' suffering serves as an example of God's righteousness.

IV. Jesus as the source of salvation for humanity

Heb 2:10 - Jesus' perfecting through suffering qualifies Him to be the pioneer of salvation.
Heb 2:11 - Jesus and those He sanctifies share the same source, indicating unity.

V. Jesus' connection to humanity

Heb 2:11 - Jesus calls those who are sanctified His brothers and sisters.
Heb 2:11 - Jesus' unashamed association with His followers underscores His connection to humanity.

GOSPEL: Jesus' Teachings on Divorce, Children, and Wealth

Jesus' Teachings on Divorce, Children, and Wealth

I. Jesus' teaching on divorce

Mk 10:2-3 - The Pharisees question Jesus about the legality of divorce.
Mk 10:4-5 - Jesus responds, citing God's original plan for marriage as a permanent union.
Mk 10:6-9 - Jesus explains that divorce was permitted due to the hardness of people's hearts but upholds God's original intent for marriage.
Mk 10:10-12 - Jesus clarifies that divorce and remarriage constitute adultery.

II. Jesus' interaction with children

Mk 10:13-14 - People bring children to Jesus for Him to touch and bless them.
Mk 10:14 - Jesus becomes indignant when His disciples rebuke the people for bringing the children.
Mk 10:15 - Jesus declares that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like children.
Mk 10:16 - Jesus embraces the children and blesses them.

III. Jesus' encounter with a wealthy man

Mk 10:17-18 - A wealthy man approaches Jesus and inquires about inheriting eternal life.
Mk 10:19 - The man claims to have kept all the commandments.
Mk 10:21 - Jesus challenges the man to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him.
Mk 10:22 - The man becomes disheartened and leaves.

Clipart by Fr. Richard Lonsdale

Gospel Greek Lexicon

ἐξεστιν (exestin): IS IT LAWFUL

Etymology

The Greek word "ἔξεστιν" (exestin) is a combination of the prefix "εξ" (ex), meaning "out of," and the verb "εἰμί" (eimi), meaning "to be" or "to exist."
Together, they form a compound verb meaning "it is permissible," "it is allowed," or "it is lawful."

Definition

The word "exestin" is used in the New Testament to express the idea of something being permissible or lawful, often in relation to religious practices or moral conduct.
It can also convey the sense of possibility or ability, indicating what someone can or cannot do in a particular context.

Key Occurrences in the New Testament

Matthew 12:2 - The Pharisees accuse Jesus' disciples of doing what is "not lawful" on the Sabbath.
Mark 10:2 - The Pharisees ask Jesus if it is "lawful" for a man to divorce his wife.
Acts 16:21 - Paul and Silas are accused of advocating customs that are "not lawful" for Romans to accept or practice.

Theological Significance for Catholics

Additionally, the word serves as a reminder that Christians are called to live in conformity with divine law, while also recognizing their limitations and dependencies on God's grace.

The concept of "exestin" is important for Catholic theology, as it emphasizes the relationship between divine law, moral conduct, and human free will.

In the context of moral theology, it underlines the importance of discerning what is permissible or lawful according to God's commandments and the teachings of the Church.

ἀπολύσῃ (apoluse): TO DIVORCE

Etymology

The Greek word "ἀπολύσῃ" (apoluse) comes from the verb "ἀπολύω" (apoluō), which means "to set free," "to release," or "to divorce."
The verb itself is derived from the prefix "ἀπό" (apo), meaning "away from" or "separation," and the root "λύω" (luō), which means "to loosen" or "to untie."

Definition

The primary meaning of "apoluse" in the New Testament is "to divorce" or "to separate."
It refers specifically to the dissolution of a marriage bond between a husband and wife, typically initiated by the husband.

Key Occurrences in the New Testament

Matthew 1:19 - Joseph considers divorcing Mary quietly after learning she is pregnant.
Mark 10:2-12 - Jesus discusses the topic of divorce in response to a question from the Pharisees.
1 Corinthians 7:11 - Paul instructs that a woman must not be separated (or divorced) from her husband, and if she does separate, she must remain unmarried.

Theological Significance for Catholics

The concept of "apoluse" holds significant theological implications for Catholics, as it deals with the sanctity and permanence of the marriage bond.
Catholic theology emphasizes the indissolubility of marriage, stressing that divorce goes against God's original plan for the union between a man and a woman.
However, the Church acknowledges that in certain circumstances, such as when a marriage is not validly contracted, an annulment may be granted, which differs from divorce in that it declares the marriage null and void from its beginning rather than dissolving an existing valid marriage.

μοιχάσθαι(moichasthai): TO COMMIT ADULTERY

μοιχάσθαι (moichasthai): TO COMMIT ADULTERY

Etymology

The Greek word "μοιχάσθαι" (moichasthai) is derived from the noun "μοιχεία" (moicheia), which means "adultery" or "unlawful sexual intercourse."
The term has its roots in the concept of "pollution" or "defilement," emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of the act.

Definition

The verb "moichasthai" refers to the act of engaging in sexual relations with someone other than one's spouse, thereby violating the marriage bond.
It encompasses the idea of unfaithfulness and betrayal, both in a physical sense and in relation to one's commitments and obligations.

Key Occurrences in the New Testament

Matthew 5:27-28 - Jesus teaches that looking at a woman lustfully is equivalent to committing adultery in one's heart.
Mark 10:11-12 - Jesus states that divorcing one's spouse and marrying another constitutes adultery.
1 Corinthians 6:9 - Paul includes adultery in a list of sins that will prevent people from inheriting the kingdom of God.

Theological Significance for Catholics

Furthermore, the condemnation of adultery serves as a reminder that Christians are called to live chaste lives, respecting the dignity of the human person and the sacred nature of marriage.

The concept of "moichasthai" is central to Catholic moral theology, as it emphasizes the sanctity of the marriage bond and the importance of fidelity.

Catholic teaching holds that adultery is a grave sin that not only violates the Sixth Commandment but also damages the unity and indissolubility of marriage.

Sunday Planner

by Fr. Lawrence Mick
2018 Column

If the preacher decided to focus only on the second reading today, he might avoid the topic of marriage, but the assembly is sure to be thinking about marriage after hearing the other two readings and the psalm. Some might even find a reference to marriage in the second reading’s words about becoming “perfect through suffering.”

In an age when many feel that marriage is under attack (and many young people no longer embrace marriage though they live as couples), it can be tempting to focus the liturgy this week on issues like pre-marital sex, divorce and gay marriage. That is not likely to be a very fruitful effort, however. It may be more successful to lift up marriage and encourage people to see the positive rather than the negative. An old adage says you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!

Our first reading presents marriage as a remedy for loneliness, but it also reminds us that true marriage forms an intimate union that is unbreakable. The two become one flesh. This might be a good day to lift up examples from among couples in the parish who have shared one life for many years. Perhaps, one or two such couples could offer a short witness talk at announcement time (or even within the homily).

In the Gospel, Jesus does reject divorce rather strongly, but the real point is that those who marry should be united so deeply that divorce becomes unthinkable. That does not mean we cannot talk about divorce, but in doing so, we must recognize that some marriages are not tenable (e.g. when domestic abuse is rampant) and that many of those who are divorced became so through no real fault of their own.

The call to permanence in marriage is important but it needs to be tempered with recognition that not all who are divorced were at fault. Pray for those who are in difficult marriages and those who have experienced divorce but do not condemn.

This would be a great Sunday to recognize any parishioners who have celebrated silver or golden anniversaries this year. Many dioceses have such a celebration each year, but the parish should also encourage all married couples to aim for such stability. The Book of Blessings offers several options that could be adapted for this weekend. The blessing prayer at #111 can be used for all married couples with a simple modification in the second sentence to read: “Look with favor on (those) whom you have united in marriage.”

In the petitions today, pray for lasting marriages, but also pray for troubled marriages, for those who have experienced the pain of divorce, for those preparing for marriage, etc.

SOURCE: Fr. Mick’s column was originally published in CELEBRATION, the pastoral and worship planning resource which served readers from 1972 until 2019.