Saint Louis of Toulouse
The Two Vocations
Jesus, today, is talking about two vocations, marriage and celibacy. Marriage is modeled to reflect the love of God that forgives and endures as we sing in today's responsorial psalm. The long and everlasting love and fidelity that should exists between a man married a woman who are in marriage is shown by the love and fidelity that God had for his people Israel. The first reading tells us all the wonders and good things that God did for His people right away from slavery in Egypt until he settled them in Canan, a land of milk and honey. This love of God should that which exists in our vocations whether married or single for the Lord. 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.
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.
Does this look difficult? Yes, without grace, it is very difficult. Our feeble human minds cannot arrive at the high calling of charity by itself. It is only by grace that we will understand that selfless living is not only best for those whom we are called to love, but it is also best for us. And in the context of married life, parenting, other vocations and every other situation in life, if our love is always focused upon the good of the other, and if our lives imitate the total sacrifice of Christ, then we will see God do great things through us. As He does, we will also see God do great things in us. The bottom line is that we only become who we were made to be when we live like Christ. And He lived a life that was unconditionally sacrificial and selfless.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment