Friday, 28^th February – Friday of week 7 of the year

Reflection: Mark 10: 1-12

GOD’S PERSPECTIVE ON MARRIAGE

We live in a world that has tried to redefine marriage, using it to refer to a union between two persons, male or female. A world in which the standards set up by God have been overlooked, resulting in a majority of unhappy marriages and a divorce rate of up to 50% in some places. Indeed, so many are merely “coping” with their marriages.

Marriage was instituted by God Himself. In order to enjoy the joy and fulfillment that should come with marriage; we must turn our backs to worldly standards, ideas and teachings and go back to God, the very originator of this Sacrament. Jesus reminds us in today’s reading that God designed marriage to be a union between a man and a woman who enter into a covenant that makes them one indivisible flesh. A union that gives no room for divorce.

Dear friends, it is at this stage of our lives, as young people, especially if we are unmarried that we can decide what we really want for ourselves in marriage. Let us begin to view marriage the way God does – as a Sacrament, an avenue for salvation. Just as Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Penance and other sacraments lead us to salvation, so also should matrimony. Let us make efforts as young people to live in chastity, take out time to study God’s word about marriage as outlined in Scripture, to study the teachings of the Church on marriage and sexuality and to pray intensely concerning our relationships.

Let us build relationships on openness, honesty and chastity and godliness. It is only in this way that we can prepare ourselves to receive the best that God has for us in marriage, with no option of divorce.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please open my heart and mind to that which you desire for me in marriage. Please bless my future and make my marriage and family a source of salvation.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 263 – Why is marriage indissoluble?

Marriage is triply indissoluble: first, because the essence of love is mutual self-giving without reservation; second, because it is an image of God’s unconditional faithfulness to his creation; and third, because it represents Christ’s devotion to his Church, even unto death on the Cross.

…To be married in the Church means to rely more on God’s help than on one’s own resources of love.

HIDE A TREASURE: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mark 10:9 RSV-CE

Readings for today: James 5: 9-12; Psalm 103: 1-4, 8-12; Mark 10: 1-12