Homily: Nineteenth Friday of Ordinary Time
Nineteenth Friday of Ordinary Time (Mt 19:3-12) “Where Do Justice and Mercy Meet?”
Divorce has always been a thorny issue for religious denominations. If we want to wade into controversy, then we can start to talk about marriage policies in a religious context.
The Scribes and Pharisees always seem to be trying to trip Jesus up, so what better way than to have him comment on divorce and remarriage. How does one uphold the permanency of marriage while allowing for the reality that some marriages do not last?
Jesus gives a very nuanced answer. On the one hand he reminds his audience that marriage is a divine institution. What did he mean by that? He means that the general concept of a man and a woman uniting for life and raising a family is something that is reflected in the story of creation. God brought Adam and Eve together and they stayed together throughout their long life. As God said, “It is not good for human beings to be alone in this world.” Intimacy is a human need like food, water, and shelter.
But Jesus also would say that marriage laws are needed to govern the institution of marriage. Jesus did not think the marriage laws in force in his world were fair. Women had very few rights and were treated like property. Men could divorce easily and leave their wives destitute.
Jesus was all about mercy and fairness. For that reason, he said a man should not divorce his wife. He wanted to make sure that a man could not just walk away from his wife and children.
Stability and fidelity are good in a marriage. But if a marriage breaks apart, fairness and mercy are important values as well. Jesus asked the question we all should ask when we are applying religious law, which is, where do justice and mercy meet?
Reflection Questions:
- Is it good to be a black and white person when it comes to morality? Are all marriages meant to be forever?
- The churches laws are meant to be applied pastorally. Does that mean that everybody can do whatever they want, or does it mean something else?
Dear Parishioners,
During the last couple days our internet has been out. Everything now depends on the internet so our Facebook feed for Mass and our phones and our computers were all on vacation. Even our doorbells did not work. This happened when the last storm blew through. I thank you for your patience if you were inconvenienced in any way.
I ask parishioners to pray for the repose of the soul of Cecilia Nache. She was killed in a terrible car wreck early on Sunday morning. Cecilia was only 48. She is the daughter of Refugio and Esther Nache. Please pray for her and her three children.
May our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark