Responding to our unique vocation (HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 18TH AUGUST 2023

Responding to our unique vocation-HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Joshua 24:1-13; Ps.136; Matthew 19:3-12

Responding to our unique vocation

“Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” By this question, the Pharisees in today’s gospel, sought for an exception to the law of indissolubility of marriage; such that the bond of marriage will no longer be permanent. Probably one or two problematic marriage experiences may have informed this question of the Pharisees; even though they were testing Jesus. In fact, today, some couples tend to regret the day they vowed to remain one for the rest of their lives.

Jesus’ answer was simply to reiterate the indissolubility of marriage. When man and woman become one, we cannot talk about divorce without destruction. Thus in stressing the unity of marriage, Jesus was calling for perseverance. There will be many factors and situations that will threaten the peaceful co-existence of married people. In all, they must learn to overcome.

As soon as a man and a woman validly exchange consent, God recognizes the bond between them. This means that they can only find meaning in life within the context of that union. Dear married people, do all within your power to preserve your union while relying on the grace of God. Many things and people out there may seem more attractive than your matrimonial home, but I tell you most solemnly, whatever God has not given to you, cannot give you true and lasting happiness. Marriage works out when both parties are ready to work it out and are ready to persevere. Never stop giving each other another chance to get it right. Learn to forgive again and again.

However important marriage is, it is never compulsory. The fact that one does not feel called to the Priesthood or religious life does not automatically mean that the person must get married. Marriage itself is a vocation just like the Priesthood and the religious life. This means that for one to get into marriage, he or she has to be called too. When one is not able to assume the duties of marriage, such a person cannot (validly) and should not marry.

However, God have given some persons the grace to remain unmarried namely: a Catholic Priest, a Consecrated person, a widow or widower (who refuses to remarry after the death of the spouse) and so on. Even a young boy or a young girl not belonging to any other of the above mentioned groups, may decide not to marry. None of these do anything wrong. If they are faithful to their state, while not negating the Sacrament of Matrimony, it is grace that is at work in them. Thus, whether married or not, faithfulness to one’s vocation is the common denominator.