Matthew 19: 13-12 (Friday, August 17, 2007)

Today’s gospel affirms the sacredness of the married life and a life of celibacy. The teaching does not diminish any of the vocations. Married life is as good as celibacy. Both vocations are a gift from the Lord. You do not become a priest or nun because married life is difficult but you embrace this life because you have been called to do so.

Marriage as with any vocation is not something you try and if it does not work out, you abandon it, but it is a vocation you embrace with love. As Christians, marriage is a permanent life long commitment that must be lived in charity and love. It is a union in which two persons (male and female) become one. It is the two in oneness. This oneness is never to be broken. That was the divine plan and Jesus reaffirms this teaching. Christians are called upon to uphold this teaching in a world that attacks the institution of marriage and family life. As we go out today, let us continue to pray that God strengthen married couples to live their vocation in a radically Christian way.

Prayer
Lord, bless all married couples. Strengthen them in their marital union. Deepen their love each day for their spouses and may you keep far away all things that will lead them to divorce and help them to be patient, understanding and charitable to each other.