In the liturgy for this Sunday, we hear about obstacles that interfere with our relationship with God and with each other.
There is a particular emphasis in the Gospel and the first reading on the nature of marriage. In Genesis, we find that as God created man, He also created woman not only as a suitable partner, but also as an equal partner. “The man said: ‘This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.’… That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body” (Genesis 2:23-24).
In the Pharisees, Jesus saw the hardness of heart that can disturb or even destroy the vital bonds our Creator intended for all His people – especially, married couples. As with so many aspects of the human condition, we often fall short of God’s plan for us. Still, we need to do the best we can, to make mature and appropriate choices for our families and – always – to entrust our lives to our Lord’s encompassing mercy. God embraces us as His very own sons and daughters. And He encourages us to treat one another with the respect, dignity and love we want for ourselves. Let us start with those closest to us.
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