Fr. Gerald Musa Homily for Friday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II (2)

Fr. Gerald Musa Homily for Friday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II

Theme: Two Become One

By: Fr. Gerald M. Musa

Homily for Friday February 25 2022

Wise people say “Getting married is nothing, it’s assuming the responsibility of marriage that counts.” One of the greatest challenges of marriage is fidelity, which is remaining together till death. The Pharisees asked Jesus “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” (Mark 10:2).

Jesus reminded them of God’s original plan regarding marriage. He said a man and woman who “are married are no longer two but one flesh and “What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder” (Mark 10:8-9). This simply means that in marriage the husband and wife become one (Unity) and the marriage cannot be dissolved (Indissoluble) by any individual or Church. The church may declare a union null where some essential elements required for a valid marriage were lacking from the beginning. For example, the Church can nullify a marriage if the marriage was based on deception, where any of the marriage partners was previously married and hid this fact, or if one of the parties was forced into the marriage. Nullifying the union is another way of saying there was no marriage originally because of deception or compulsion (lack of consent). Besides, when there is a threat to life, the church may allow temporary separation with the hope that the couple will come together again when the matters are resolved. A happy and successful marriage requires prayers, patience, forgiveness, selflessness, and understanding. Do we remember that slogan which says “A family that prays together stays together?”

Mark 10:1-12; Friday, 7th Week.