Readings: Josh 24:1-13; Mt 19:3-12
Today’s readings speak about the sacred relationship which exist between God and people. In the first reading, we see God, who delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, makes them to reflect over his relationship with them by saying “I gave you lands which you have not tilled, cities which you did not build but in which you now live. I gave you vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant but from which you now eat.” God remained faithful in his loving relationship with the Israelites.
In the gospel reading, Jesus points out the sacredness of marital relationship. He made it clear that in marriage there is a sacred covenant between the couple and God. Therefore, a permanent relationship based on divine love must be established.
Pope Francis in his exhortation, “Amoris Laetitia” says, “Marriage is a precious sign, for when a man and a woman celebrate the sacrament of marriage, God is, as it was mirrored in them; he impresses in them his own features and the indelible character of his love”.
Therefore, the couple vow to help each other in preserving the sacred relationship which manifests the character of God’s love. Gospel also points out that those who renounce marriage for the sake of the kingdom of God are expected to serve God diligently as a sign of their authentic relationship with him.