First Reading - Ezekiel 16:1-15,60,63
Gospel - Matthew 19:3-12
The first reading narrates the most elaborate and explicit use of the figure of Israel as the unfaithful spouse of the Lord. The image of the unfaithful spouse was introduced into prophetic speech in Hosea; but here the tragedy of infidelity is increased by the depiction of the Lord’s loving care and attention ever since the spouse’s childhood. We encounter, in the passage, the contrast of choices between the choice of the people of Israel and the choice of God. The people of Israel were so much cared and loved by God but they chose to desert Him but on the other side, despite the infidelity of people, God chose to love and forgive His people.
The gospel of the day branches out into two important themes: the issue of divorce and the choice of consecrated life. As regarding the first case, the Pharisees turn up to Jesus with the question of divorce - whether it's lawful or not? The answer of Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriage and the original plan of God regarding the marriage; the sanctity of marriage is kept intact by discouraging divorce. Jesus affirms that the purpose of marriage, as willed by God, is not to promote division but unison of two souls that complement each other. Therefore, the marriage is a choice of two souls and is blessed by God.
(However, Jesus addes "exception clause" which is found only in the gospel of Matthew. The exception mentioned by Jesus in the gospel refers to the Matthean community that had an aberration of marriage that existed within the close blood relations (consanguinity). Jesus underlines that this is to be avoided. Therefore, the point of Jesus is not to promote divorce anyway but to abolish the relationship that is contrary to the sacrament of marriage. Thus, the emphasis of Jesus is to accept the original plan of God of the marriage.)
In the second case, Jesus explains with a crude example of eunuchs about the consecrated life. The consecrated life is a choice more than the imposition. It's a choice of an individual to consecrate oneself to God completely by forgoing marriage. This is a gift from God and the reward for the gift is the kingdom of heaven.
Dear friends, we know that the choices that we make are often directed to one's benefits. The choices that we desire to make, we expect, should be convenient and better for us. Whether It's regarding our work, food, clothing or entertainment etc., the primary aim is our comfort and happiness than of others. The readings invite us to examine our choices that we make; do they deviate us from God or draw us close to God? The first reading stands out as an example for us of wrong choice. The wrong choice can always lead us away from God. Jesus reminds us today that our choices should be geared to fulfill the will of God. Let's examine our choices that we make everyday; do they conform to what God expects from us? Let our moments of examination of conscience challenge us to gear our choices to conform to the will of God. Let's also remind ourselves that the life we have chosen; marriage life, consecrated life or any state to life, are we able to make choices and decisions in accordance to our call conforming to the will of God?
May God become our choice of life.
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