Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.”

But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”

In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the king of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.”

Reflection:

Our gospel for today is from Mark 10:2-16 which is all about relationships. This month of October, we should not forget that it is month of Holy Rosary. It is the time that we should consider praying for our families.

In Mark 10:2-16, Jesus continues his teaching and healing ministry. Jesus’ teachings are all about relationships. Jesus converses with the Pharisees about the sanctity of marriage. He reminds the words of Genesis when he confirms that in marriage a man leaves his family (as does the woman!) to be one.

In Mark 10:2-16, Jesus reminds us the unity and love of a happy marriage and that it is very important. As a man and woman submit themselves into marriage, it means they are ready for it. They leave their families and become one and create their own family. With marriage, both know their roles and responsibilities to carry.

Jesus is the light that guides all families. It means if a couple is near to God, they will stumble but not break. In most cases, in our recent situation many submit into marriage but ends up in divorce. In countries where divorce is legal, it is very easy for them to change partners. In Philippines where it is still not legal, many couple still separate and cheat on one another.

To reflect within ourselves, let us remember that in every action that we have our kids suffer a lot. As a married couple myself, we are trying our best to stand guard the relationship that God has gifted us. We may not be a perfect couple and we are struggling a lot with many things but one thing is for sure, we have God as the center.

Marriage is a blessing from God that will be with us for a lifetime. A couple’s goal is to nurture it so that love and commitment grow and foster. – Clea | Helpline PH