In today’s First Reading the Lord describes his relationship with Israel as that of discovering an infant abandoned at birth and marrying her when she came of age and showering every finery on her, only to have his love rejected by her adultery and insensitivity to all he had done for her. The Lord responds to this infidelity by promising to take her as his spouse not just while she lives, but forever: his response to her lack of love is an everlasting and forgiving love, a love so unbelievable that it would throw her into shame and confusion over how she had mistreated him.
In today’s Gospel the Pharisee’s are looking for ways to send away a wife, not how to save a marriage. Sadly today for many divorce seems to be the only option because what your spouse has done or failed to do seems unforgivable. That is the moment to show your love. While the Lord promised this forgiving and everlasting love in the First Reading, Jesus showed it on the Cross. We have a love to imitate and a love to strengthen us when love and forgiveness seems impossible: the love of God.
Every spouse promises unconditional love the day of their wedding. Let’s pray that when that unconditional love is put to the test can be kindled again with Our Lord’s help for both spouses through forgiveness.
Readings: Ezekiel 16:1–15, 60, 63; Isaiah 12:2–3; Matthew 19:3–12. See also 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B and 19th Week in Ordinary Time, Friday.