14 Husband and wife no longer two

August 14

Gospel

Matthew 19:3-12

Husband and wife are no longer two, but one body

Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and to test him they said, ‘Is it against the Law for a man to divorce his wife on any pretext whatever?’ He answered, ‘Have you not read that the creator from the beginning made them male and female and that he said: This is why a man must leave father and mother, and cling to his wife, and the two become one body? They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.’

They said to him, ‘Then why did Moses command that a writ of dismissal should be given in cases of divorce?’ ‘It was because you were so unteachable’ he said ‘that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but it was not like this from the beginning. Now I say this to you: the man who divorces his wife – I am not speaking of fornication – and marries another, is guilty of adultery.’

The disciples said to him, ‘If that is how things are between husband and wife, it is not advisable to marry.’ But he replied, ‘It is not everyone who can accept what I have said, but only those to whom it is granted. There are eunuchs born that way from their mother’s womb, there are eunuchs made so by men and there are eunuchs who have made themselves that way for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.’

Reflection:

In this Gospel, Jesus speaks about the sacredness and unity of marriage as part of God’s original design. “What God has joined together, let no one separate” reminds us that relationships are not merely human agreements but are meant to reflect God’s faithful and enduring love. Jesus also acknowledges that living out commitment and self-giving love requires sacrifice and grace. This passage invites us to value faithfulness in all relationships and to recognize that true love is rooted in God’s plan, not in convenience or emotion alone.

Reflection Question:

How can I grow in faithfulness, commitment, and selfless love in my relationships today?

Short Prayer:

Lord Jesus, teach me to love with faithfulness and sincerity as You love us. Strengthen marriages and relationships that are struggling, and help us to honor Your design for love. Fill my heart with patience, humility, and a spirit of commitment. Amen.

Comments

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