FRIDAY- 19^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Matthew 19:3-12: You were so unteachable that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives; it was not like this from the beginning.

I Reading: Ezekiel 16:1-15.60.63: You were perfect in beauty because I had clothed you with my own splendour; and you have made yourself a prostitute.

The Sanctity of Marriage, Mt 19:1-12

The questions regarding marriage and divorce are always burning questions, extremely controversial within societies heavily influenced by Christian teaching. Opinions vary and interpretations differ. Divorce is never allowed by God no matter the cruelty and meanness that may exist. If divorce is allowed between a couple will cause more damage than good in the family life. Jesus Christ spoke up and taught about the issue; and the issue was a controversial in His days as it has been in succeeding generations.

1.     A contrast between two attitudes toward Jesus (v.1-3)

a.     Jesus left Galilee and entered Jordan

b.    Attitude 1: seeking help by the large crowds

c.      Attitude 2: testing and questioning by the religionists-questioned him about marriage

2.     There is the creation of male and female (v.4)

3.     There is a creation of a new family (v.5)

4.     There is a creation of one body (v.5-6)

a.     God joins the two bodies into one body

b.    Man is not to separate the body of marriage

5.     There is the ideal of permanence in marriage (v.7-8)

a.     The question of legal divorce

b.    Divorce was only a concession (

c.      The cause: hard hearts

d.    Divorce was never intended by God

6.     There is the allowance for divorce: Marital unfaithfulness (v.9)

7.     There is the supernatural power needed for marriage (v.10-11)

a.     Disciples questioned the hard and fast life

b.    Christian replied: only believers can receive this truth

8.     There is the highest ideal in marriage: Total devotion to God’s kingdom (v.12)

Thought: The spouses are the ones whom God joins together. A civil contract does not bind people together, neither does embracing and neither does sex. Only God can bind a couple together spiritually, because they were obedient to Him. He rewards and blesses obedience, not disobedience.

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