SAVING MARRIAGE

“They are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore let no man separate what God has joined.” –Mark 10:8-9

The name Jesus means: “Yahweh saves.” We need Jesus to save us not only from sin and death but also from the impossible dilemmas of marriage. For example, human beings are social and sexual. Therefore, we want to be with others and are attracted to have sexual relations with some of these people. Human beings also want to be loved deeply and forever. We do not want to be used, “dumped,” and rejected. Therefore, we are made to seek a permanent commitment of love, which is often expressed in marriage. However, because of our stubborn, fallen human nature (see Mk 10:5), we aren’t able to be close to people for a long time without hurting them badly and being hurt by them. Consequently, our nature has deep-seated needs which can’t be fulfilled. We are doomed. Marriage is doomed. Therefore, Moses permitted divorce in an attempt to limit the bad effects of being married in our human condition.

Jesus announced that divorce was no longer necessary. He is God and is able to change our human nature so that we can fulfill our legitimate needs. Baptized into Jesus, we can love deeply and forever. The life and marriage we want are now possible. Christ’s salvation and our Baptism into Him makes divorce obsolete and matrimony holy, not harmful. Accept Jesus as the Savior of your marriage and your life.

PRAYER: Father, I will live my new marriage and my new life in Jesus.

PROMISE: “Let it be ‘yes’ if you mean yes and ‘no’ if you mean no. In this way you will not incur condemnation.” –Jas 5:12

PRAISE: St. Bernardine was called “The Apostle of Italy.” He served plague victims before becoming a priest.