6 October 2024

6 October 2024 - 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Transcript

Reading:  

Mark 10:6 and 9

Write:  

“But from the beginning of creation… what God has joined together, no human being must separate." 

Reflect:   

Here is something I had not thought of before: Jesus was referring to a more ancient code of conduct than the Mosaic law. The Pharisees were calling on the law of Moses, but Jesus was going back to the beginning of time. I think this is… very significant!

Apply:   

And in our modern society where we have so many people who have suffered from divorce, this becomes a difficult issue to try to speak about. However, I think it is a mistake to not speak about this issue by pushing it to the side.

Let me start from the perspective of those who are in a divorced situation. Civil divorce, first of all, is not in and of itself a problem. Where the problem is created is when there is a remarriage. This has still – amazingly – caused some people some confusion. People who have gotten a divorce and have not gotten an annulment are still considered married by the church. There are many reasons why someone may choose to step out of a marriage. The church acknowledges that sometimes – for safety reasons, for example – there needs to be a separation and maybe even a civil divorce.

However, when people begin to think about divorce, they need to consider very carefully what Jesus is calling people to recognize. There is great significance in the eyes of God when someone makes a vow, or in the case of a diocesan priest makes promises when he is ordained. These types of personal dedications to marriage or the priesthood or religious life are extremely important.

From a purely secular view, take a look at the oaths that are made when someone enlists in the military. Once you raise your right hand and swear that oath, you are bound to your terms in the military.

But marriage and the priesthood are not temporary or time limited types of vows. They are not a temporary assignment to an agreed-on term of service. No. These are for life.

So, what is the purpose in an annulment? It is not a Catholic version of divorce. It is a declaration that something was flawed in the vows taken from the very start. There are too many reasons for an annulment to be granted for me to go into at this time. But they are outlined in Canon Law – the law of the church.

Let’s set all that aside. I think we have a very important obligation to support people who have made vows or promises before God. Unfortunately, we cannot save all of the vows and promises that have been made. Take, for instance, Jeff Lorig who has chosen to no longer serve as a priest. He has petitioned Rome to be released from his promises to serve as a priest. I know many of my brothers who have served as priests who have chosen to simply walk away. Every one of those hurts my heart.

It should be the same anytime we hear of someone choosing to get a divorce. But our modern society says it’s no big deal. And remarriage is barely anything different. In fact, there are all kinds of jokes about men who pursue a “trophy wife,” as though this is some sort of a pinnacle of success. This is part of the sickness of our society.

But let me turn it a little different. I know of a man who has only been married once. He counts his wife as a trophy wife because of what she has done. She has given him a number of children, sacrificing her body for the sake of the children. He counts that as the most beautiful part of who she is. Guys. Stop to think about that. What has your wife done in sacrificing herself to bring children from your marriage into the world? Ladies. Stop to think. What has your husband done in sacrificing himself for your family?

Let me remind you again of my mom and dad. My dad had a great saying that I am sure I have said before. It was something he addressed to his children regarding his wife – our mother. He used to say, “you may end up hating my guts, but by God you’re going to respect your mother!” He loved his wife far more than being concerned about how he was perceived by his children. That was dedication to his vows.

So I return to my first point. Jesus’ comments about what God has joined together stand as a shocking reminder to our society of the call to holiness that sets us apart from the rest of the world. I do not believe it is possible to remain faithful to vows and promises without the assistance of God. There are differences in the way people in religious life or in the priesthood are called to pray in comparison to married couples. In some ways, it is actually easier for someone in my state of life to pray. It is much harder for married couples to learn to pray together.

I do not now remember the priest who said it, but one of his main slogans was, “the family that prays together, stays together.” The reality is that prayer is hard. I think this is something we need to work on here at Midtown Catholic. The disciples asked Jesus at one point, “Lord teach us to pray.” I think this is a project that we need to take on. How do we develop prayer in the home for each one of us?

My hope and prayer is that we can develop of vibrancy in prayer in the homes of all parishioners. Over the next several weeks, I want all of you to think about what you do in your families for prayer. I would like us to gather together in some format to reflect on these different prayer initiatives in the family and see what we can create for a community of prayer among all of us. And… if it looks like I have forgotten this… remind me. Let’s save our families through prayer.

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