A reading from the gospel according to Mark 10:1-12:

1 Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them.
2 The Pharisees approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him.
3 He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?”
4 They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.”
5 But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment.
6 But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.
7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,
8 and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh.
9 Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
10 In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this.
11 He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her;
12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Reflection: One Flesh

Not all marriages are made in heaven. Some are forced marriages and others are loveless marriages. Imagine a married couple who fights each other day and night or another couple with a third party or even fourth party who becomes a constant thorn in couple’s relationship. What an unhappy life the parties have! So the question of divorce comes up every time even in a Christian environment.

The immediate consequence of a broken family is broken relationship of its members. Although we can see happy faces even after a divorce, the wound of division is still carried on especially among children who are the first victims of a broken family. Perhaps this is the ultimate reason why Jesus is opposed to divorce.

Brokenness in the family mirrors our broken relationship with God. Jesus explains that Moses allowed divorce due to the hardness of the heart of the people. It is the same hardness of heart that prevented a lot of people from listening to the prophets and to Jesus Himself. It is very much the same reason why people nowadays do not listen to the gospel message of love and repentance.

Perhaps if couples learn to listen to each other and more importantly to God, the problem of divorce may not even be discussed. If they understand the meaning of being in one flesh and they maintain their oneness, the whole of humanity will be a real family with God as the one Father of all. Let us continue to pray for the survival and happiness of every family.

In this gospel passage, Jesus teaches us about the sanctity and commitment of marriage. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the profound bond that marriage represents. Jesus’ words emphasize that marriage is not merely a social contract but a divine union, established by God from the beginning of creation. He reminds us that in marriage, two individuals become one flesh, inseparable and united in purpose and love.

This message transcends the context of marriage alone. It speaks to the deeper principles of commitment, unity, and faithfulness in all our relationships and endeavors. When Jesus teaches that “what God has joined together, let no one separate,” He is urging us to honor and protect the sacred bonds in our lives, whether they be marital, familial, or friendships.

In a world where relationships are often tested and commitments can waver, Jesus’ teaching calls us to a higher standard. It challenges us to be steadfast, loyal, and nurturing in our connections with others. The commitment to love, support, and uplift each other mirrors the divine love that God has for each of us.

Reflecting on this passage, we are inspired to approach our relationships with reverence and dedication. It encourages us to build our lives on the foundation of love, respect, and mutual support. Just as a strong marriage can withstand the trials of life, so too can any relationship grounded in these values.

Let us embrace the spirit of this teaching, striving to be unwavering in our commitments and faithful in our love. By doing so, we honor God’s design for our lives and relationships, creating a world where love and unity prevail. In every aspect of our lives, let us remember that we are called to be reflections of God’s enduring love, steadfast and unbreakable.

For further reflection, go here.