Marriage in God’s Original Intent
In this Sunday’s gospel (Mark 10:2-16) we can read Jesus’teaching on the controversial issue of divorce.
With the intention to put Jesus to the test, the Pharisees asked him, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” If Jesus answers no, then he would contradict Moses who seemed to allow divorce in the Jewish society of his time (see Deuteronomy 24). If, on the other hand, he answers yes, then he would be accused of condoning something that destroys families and brings untold hardships and pains to its members, especially the children.
And so Jesus answers the question with another question, ”What did Moses command you?” The Pharisees replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss here.”
At that juncture,
Jesus did not deny the Old Testament
Scripture that his testers cited, but did two things: (1) explain the background for such a permission, and (2) reiterate the original intent of God in marriage, and thus invoke a higher (in fact, highest) authori t y.
Jesus told them,
“Because of the hardness of your hearts
Moses 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. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
While it is true that Jesus recognized the appearance of divorce in Mosaic writings, he clarified that divorce in the Old Testament context was a mere concession made by Moses because of man’s sinfulness. However, it was evident that Jesus’ coming was meant to restore the original order of things which was made ugly by the devil, including marriage. What he taught was very clear: the unity of the husband and wife in marriage; “the two shall become one flesh,” and the indissolubility of the marriage bond, “what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
For most of the world, this is a hard teaching to accept. In fact, as of2018, there are only two countries on earth where divorce is not allowed –the Philippines and Vatican City. Yet hard is not synonymous with impossi bl e.
God does not command anything without providing the grace that is sufficient to fulfill it. To be sure, not all marriages are ideal; some are rocked by problems and stormed by difficulties. The Christian response to victims of these dysfunctional or failed marriages must not be one of legalistic condemnation, but a compassion to bring restoration and healing to those who suffer.
In times of trials, and they are many, couples can always take courage from the words of St. Paul, “No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Only with the help of God can any marriage be successful. Assuredly, husbands and wives cling to the Lord and enthrone him on the foundation and center of their families can always rely on God’s affirmative answer to the prayer sang in this Sunday’s Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 128), “May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.”
Marriage is a priceless gift from God. Lived according to God’s will, it brings untold happiness and joy to its partakers. It bears fruit in children who, together with their father and mother, experience the loving care and protection of God who loves families beyond all telling.