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Commentary of the Gospell for August 16, 2024
The Pharisees, like on other occasions, try to test Jesus with a question about divorce. Maybe they were trying to have a theoretical discussion about a doctrinal issue, or maybe one of them was trying to find the perfect excuse to get out of a bad marriage. Jesus’ answer is clear-cut: it’s about understanding God’s original plan. Man and woman, created in his image and likeness, are destined to be one flesh. It’s what’s written: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Today’s Gospel doesn’t say whether there was any comment from those who asked the question, but it does mention that the disciples were taken aback by such a demanding statement and thought it might be better not to marry. They shared the customs and culture of the time, which were clearly more advantageous for men. Jesus Christ comes to affirm the essential equality between man and woman. And also to announce a path, marriage is a calling from God but not the only one because there are those called to “be eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven.” Not everyone is made for marriage. Each one must choose according to the gift received. Each choice involves renunciations and sacrifices but also its own beauty and joy.
This ideal has not always been fully achieved by Christians. The human condition, being sinful, is exposed to temptation and falling. However, in society, there was a prevailing awareness of what is virtuous and worthy.
That awareness has almost disappeared in our developed Western society. It seems that what is worthy of applause and admiration is the “sexual liberation” of the 20th century. And among many of us who believe we are followers of Jesus Christ, what predominates is not a firm and bold affirmation of his Word but rather a cowardly silence or a resigned acceptance because “things have changed”… And we have to blend in with the landscape.
At least on our path as married people or celibates for the kingdom, may the splendor of the vocation received shine, and let us ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us to choose according to the heart of Christ.