7th Week in Ordinary Time (Year B) : Friday 24th May 2024

In the life of ancient Israel, marriages were without vows. Divorce was widely accepted in Jewish society of the time. It was not uncommon. Most Jews took divorce for granted. So, marriage was a difficult calling when either parties could not fulfill their basic social obligations!

When the Pharisees questioned Jesus on the convenience of divorce, Jesus redirected their attention to the account of Creation in the book of Genesis in order to expose the Creator’s Will about union. Jesus said, (v6) “From the beginning of creation God made them male and female” (Genesis 1:27). Seen as an intended complementarity and fidelity in God’s design, Jesus further quotes: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh (Gen 2: 24)’”. Hence, a new sense of responsibility and fidelity is highlighted, not just a mere generation of offspring. For ‘flesh’ is not merely the physical body but the whole human being as present in the visible world. A husband and wife becoming one flesh is more than the bodily expression of a union at the deepest level. The bond of husband and wife creates, therefore, not merely a partnership agreement, but an eternal unity in the birth of a new life! In James’ epistle, the expression is brought to a new level: have no grudge against one another!

Lord Jesus, may our pledge of fidelity and love mirror the responsibilities entrusted to us.