Today, we gather around Scripture that speaks profoundly to the nature of love, covenant, and the sacrament of marriage. As we reflect on the readings from Ezekiel and Matthew, we can recognize a pattern that underscores the deep mystery of commitment that God has with His people, reflected in the commitment that husband and wife are called to embrace with one another.
In Ezekiel 16:59-63, God, through the prophet, speaks to the people of Israel about the seriousness and sanctity of the covenant He made with them. He acknowledges their failure to uphold their side of the covenant – their unfaithfulness – but He also emphasizes His unwavering commitment to restore that covenant. This deeply illustrates for us God's nature as a lover who seeks not to abandon His beloved but to redeem and renew. God desires a relationship with us that is intimate, enduring, and merciful.
In the context of marriage, this notion of covenant speaks to us profoundly. Marriage is not merely a contract; it is a binding covenant between a man and a woman that God Himself ratifies. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1601), we read that "the matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring." This covenant reflects God's own covenantal love, which is faithful, unconditional, and eternal.
Turning to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reaffirms the original intention of marriage: "For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh" Matthew 19:5. Here, marriage is presented as much more than just a human institution, but a divine mystery where two distinct persons unite to become one in a profound way – a reflection of the unity of the Trinity. When we recognize this truth, we must also recognize the gravity it brings to marital commitment.
Jesus addresses the Pharisees questioning Him about divorce. Their inquiry reveals a tendency within humanity to seek loopholes to escape commitment. However, Jesus' response underscores the permanence of marriage. He defines marriage as something that should not be separated by human intervention. In Canon Law (Can. 1056), we find that "the matrimonial covenant, by its nature, is ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring." This highlights that marriage is a sacred institution and not a transient arrangement.
But we must recognize the context in which we live. In an age where divorce rates are distressingly high and relationships often end in heartache, we are called to elevate our understanding of the marital covenant. Just as God speaks to Israel with a promise of redemption and renewal, so too does He invite married couples to seek healing and restoration in times of difficulty.
Furthermore, the disciples' reaction to Jesus’ teaching serves as a reminder of the many emotions involved with the reality of marriage. "If that is the case... it is better not to marry" (Mt 19:10). This sentiment reflects an awareness of the challenges inherent in committed relationships. Yet, it is precisely in facing these challenges that couples can grow stronger in love and faith.
In conclusion, let us remember that the sacrament of marriage is a beautiful reflection of God's covenantal love for humanity. Couples are called not only to nurture their love, but also to bear witness to the grace that flows from a Christ-centered union. If you are a couple preparing for marriage, the Church stands ready to accompany you with resources, guidance, and community support as you navigate this gifted journey orchestrated by God himself; “What God has brought together, let no man tear asunder” Matthew 19:6.
So I encourage all of you, married or preparing for marriage, to embrace the fullness and richness of this sacrament. Trust in God's unwavering commitment to you, and may your love be a sign of His eternal covenant with us, knowing that he is with you each step of the way. Amen.
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