Gospel
Mark 10:2-16 or 10:2-12
The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?" They were testing him. He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?" They replied, "Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her." But Jesus told them, "Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery." And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.
OR:
The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?" They were testing him. He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?" They replied, "Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her." But Jesus told them, "Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel reading presents Jesus' teaching on marriage, divorce, and family. The Pharisees test Jesus, but He reveals God's original plan.
God's Original Plan:
Jesus quotes Genesis:
- God created male and female (Genesis 1:27)
- Marriage unites two into one flesh (Genesis 2:24)
Marriage and Divorce:
Jesus teaches:
- Moses permitted divorce due to hardness of hearts
- But God's intention is lifelong union
- Divorce and remarriage constitute adultery
Children and the Kingdom:
Jesus welcomes children:
- The kingdom belongs to the childlike
- Humility and innocence characterize God's kingdom
Implications for Us:
- Honor God's design for marriage
- Cultivate childlike faith and humility
- Prioritize family and relationships
- Recognize the sacredness of marriage vows
Conclusion:
May we embrace God's plan for marriage, family, and the kingdom.
Reflection Questions:
1. How can you strengthen your marriage or relationships?
2. What does childlike faith mean to you?
3. How can you prioritize family and loved ones?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help us honor Your design for marriage and family. Grant us childlike faith and humility. May our relationships reflect Your love. Amen.
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we pray for marriages, families, and relationships.
Help us honor Your original design.
Grant us childlike faith, humility, and love.
May our relationships reflect Your unity and compassion.
We pray for:
- Strong, lifelong marriages
- Nurturing families
- Humility and childlike faith
- Protection for vulnerable relationships
In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.
Prayer for Marriage:
Lord, bless our marriages with love, unity, and strength. May our relationships reflect Your divine plan. Amen.
Prayer for Families:
Heavenly Father, nurture our families with love and compassion. Grant us wisdom and patience. May our homes be havens of peace. Amen.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJw