27th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR B 24

27th SUNDAY, 06 OCTOBER 2024: GEN 2. 18-24; HEB 2. 9-11; MARK 10. 2-16 Focus: Dissension and hurt are the order of the day and family life too is badly affected by the same ill fate. We need to rediscover the missing elements 1. The Word of God strongly focuses on one of the hallowed and crucial institutions and pillars of the society. It is marriage. Today, this is cracking and crumbling. Family conflicts are increasing. Joy of married life is missing. Divorces are ever on hike. Jesus addresses this issue and invites us for a right perspective. 2. Jesus categorically rules out divorce. The most obvious and valid reason is it is against God's will and design. God wills and designs that a married man and woman remain together life long. There is no question of breakage or separation. The church too, in tune with Jesus' teaching, does not sanction divorce. 3. Some may argue that this is not fair. Times are changing. Problems are varied and complex. We cannot apply the same age old rules . If one of the partners is not good, if the married life is joyless and frustrating, how can we be so heartless to keep them together? Rules are ultimately for the good and happiness of the human persons. 4. We do not undermine the validity of these arguments. But our focus is not so much about divorce or no divorce. Our concern is something deeper. It is to see the missing links in the bond of marriage and family. It is to honestly see what exactly goes wrong with the present marriages and families. In which way, we can restore and regain the lost beauty and happiness? 5. The basic problem is a problem of perspective and mindset. For many today, marriage is no longer something divine or holy. It is more a social arrangement, a cultural tradition. The obvious reasons are such as convenience, the establishment and maintenance of family, a legitimized physical union for sexual satisfaction and procreation and begetting of children, assurance of social and financial security, et cetera. 6. Certainly this is more practical and useful. But, this can drastically reduce the aspect of stability, durability and bindingness of marriage bond. It cannot work merely on the principle of "As long as it works". The operating principle must be not usefulness alone but faithfulness. 7. It is here the teaching of Jesus and church becomes vital and directing. Marriage is not merely a social contract but a spiritual covenant. It is not merely a cultural tradition but a mutual devotion. It is not merely a useful agreement but a meaningful commitment. 8. For the Catholic church, the value of marriage is forcefully safeguarded by understanding it as a "Sacrament". It is a relationship with God and with each other. It is not like any other relationships. It is deeply intimate, holy and committed. God Himself is the author and designer of it and He continues to be its sustainer and fulfiller. It is not time-bound suiting to one's convenience but permanent. In other words, it is "indissoluble". 9. This understanding need not be tied or bound to religion. It is valid and highly recommendable to all irrespective of religion. Because it can serve as a timely and appropriate remedy and antidote for the present crisis in marriage and family. It brings out very powerfully the sanctity and fidelity in marriage. In fact, the sense of holiness and commitment is the most missing link in the chain of marriage. Nothing else like education, money, position, intelligence, competence can substitute for it. 10. And only such a sense of sanctity and fidelity can enhance a married life of love, humility and responsibility, in patience and perseverance. Only such a rediscovery of the beauty and value of marriage can rebuild married life on faith in God and commitment to mutual good. In fact, this holds good for any walk of life, even for the consecrated life. Direction: Fidelity to God and fidelity to each other can recapture the lost dignity and joy in married life, and for that matter any consecrated community life.