Word to the Wise
Friday, February 28, 2014 - Friday in the 7th Week in Ordinary Time
[Jas 5:9-12 and Mark 10:1-12]"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 long two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." [Mark]
These words form the foundation of traditional Christian teaching about the sanctity of marriage. It is a part of God's creation. It is good. In Catholic tradition, these words also form the basis of Catholic belief that marriage is a "sacrament," - an encounter with Christ. It is a sacred bond and part of God's plan of salvation. No matter how society or secular legislation may define "marriage," the sacrament of matrimony takes place between a man and a woman who commit themselves for life to one another with the intention that they will have children. That much is clear in Catholic tradition.
It is also very clear that our society has grave difficulties living up to the teaching of Christ in this matter. The pressures of individualism and careerism push against the "one flesh" reality and the commitment to children. Catholics are not exempt from these pressures. The divorce rate for Catholics is only slightly below the general percentage. When I am invited to celebrate the sacrament of matrimony for a couple, I do the best I can to help them prepare spiritually and morally for this sacred commitment, but I know that some will ignore the warning signs that might make them reconsider in some cases. Once the engagement is in place, it's like a freight train!
The intention of God from the beginning and the mercy of God in our failures has to come together in some way that honors the integrity of God's plan and the compassion of God's mercy. Pope Francis has called a "special synod" of the bishops to reflect on the family and the challenges. We should all pray for some enlightenment to help us find a way to live with God's plan and find mercy when we fail. AMEN