Friday February 25, 2022

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 Three themes stood out for me from today's readings: - Persevere and trust in God's loving plan for my life, - Avoid unnecessary promises, - Marriage as a holy covenant.

In the first reading, the Apostle James reminds his readers to persevere without complaining, to avoid God's judgement. They are to take the prophets and Job as their model of reliance on God's compassion. (Jas 5,9-12) The reading ends with a call to say "yes" if we mean yes and "no" if we mean no. We are to steer clear of swearing by this or that, as we will be held to such promises; better to avoid them altogether.

Psalm 103 is one of my favourites. It is David's hymn of praise to the compassion and forgiveness of God. Jesus is the full revelation of everything this psalm proclaims. He is the Father's infinite compassion and forgiveness. His preaching, healing, forgiveness and Self-offering on the cross restored us full "members of the household of God" (Eph 2:19) and heirs to "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." (Eph 1:3)

The Gospel (Mk 10: 1-12) talks about marriage and divorce. Jesus explains that the marriage covenant was in God's original plan for man and woman. Divorce was allowed by Moses due to the people's hard-heartedness. What God unites is holy, and we have no authority to divide it. The Catholic Church upholds this doctrine, recognizing that full knowledge, mature consent and freedom are required for a binding marriage covenant. If these conditions (and sometimes others) were not present when the marriage took place, and the marriage breaks down, a declaration of nullity can be made. This is not divorce. It is the fruit of a careful process involving multiple interviews to discern the presence or lack of conditions required for a valid and binding marriage commitment.

All Christian vocations require a daily willingness to die to oneself with Christ-like love for the good of the other. The Apostle James calls us to patience, and cautions us against unnecessary vows that become burdens. David reminds us in Psalm 103 that God's compassion and forgiveness uphold us despite our sins. The Gospel reminds us that Jesus wants us to be wise, mature disciples who will fulfill God's plan with open and sincere hearts.

Thank You, God my Father, for calling me from the foundation of the world to serve You in freedom and love. Your compassion and forgiveness are beyond all imagining. Give me the wisdom, courage and perseverance to live out Your call each day with simplicity, trust and love. I make this prayer to You in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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