Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63,
Psalm: Isaiah12: 2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
Matthew 19:3-12) Full Readings
The Two Vocations
In today’s first God reminds us of all he has done to bring us to love him but we are too stubborn and disobedient to care. However, God’s love is so strong that not even our sins can diminish it. The power of God lies in his ability to forgive sins and so let us always respond to this love. In the Gospel, Jesus is talking about two vocations, marriage and celibacy. Marriage is modeled to reflect this love of God that forgives and endures. This love thinks first of the good of the other person. This love inspires compassion because it understands other people’s mistakes and weaknesses. This love sees the good in others and does not give up on them. Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe is remembered today for this same love because he died like Christ by choosing to die in place of a man with family.
Jesus deals with the issue of divorce by taking his hearers back to the beginning of creation and to God's plan for the human race. In Genesis 2:23-24 we see God's intention and ideal that two people who marry should become so indissolubly one that they are one flesh. That ideal is found in the unbreakable union of Adam and Eve. They were created for each other and for no one else. They are the pattern and symbol for all who were to come. Jesus explains that Moses permitted divorce as a concession in view of a lost ideal. Jesus sets the high ideal of the married state before those who are willing to accept his commands.
What is God's intention for our state in life, whether married or single? Whether married or single - be consecrated for the Lord. Jesus, likewise sets the high ideal for those who freely renounce marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Both marriage and the single life are calls from God to live a consecrated life, that is to live as married couples or as singles who belong not to themselves but to God. Our lives are not our own, but they belong to God. He gives strength, joy, and blessing to those who seek to follow his way of holiness in their state of life. Therefore, brethren, whatever way of life, they are all blessed by God and through them we serve God with all our strength.
Reflect today on your vocation. Are you being faithful to your vocation? Married people are you faithful to each in love and fidelity. Pray for the Holy Spirit to always help you to be faithful to your vocation.
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus Christ, your call to holiness extends to all in every state of life. Sanctify our lives - as married couples and as singles - that we may live as men and women who are consecrated to you. Make us leaven in a society that disdains life-long marriage fidelity, chastity, and living single for the Lord.
Be blessed
God bless my vocation
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