💖 HOMILY - AUGUST 16 💖

First Reading - Ezekiel 16:1-15,60,63

Gospel - Matthew 19:3-12

We make numerous choices every day, from the beginning of the day to the end. The choices we make remind us that we are free to choose for ourselves and are equally responsible for them. Today's readings invite us to evaluate the choices we make: do they conform to what God expects from us?

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 in prophetic speech by Hosea, but here the tragedy of infidelity is heightened by the depiction of the Lord’s loving care and attention since the spouse’s childhood. In this passage, we encounter the contrast between the choices of the people of Israel and the choice of God. The people of Israel were greatly cared for and loved by God, but they chose to desert Him. On the other hand, despite the infidelity of the 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. Regarding the first case, the Pharisees approach Jesus with the question of divorce—whether it is lawful or not. Jesus' answer affirms the sanctity of marriage and the original plan of God regarding marriage; the sanctity of marriage is preserved by discouraging divorce. Jesus affirms that the purpose of marriage, as willed by God, is not to promote division but the unison of two souls that complement each other. Therefore, marriage is a choice of two souls and is blessed by God.

(However, Jesus adds an "exception clause," which is found only in the Gospel of Matthew. The exception mentioned by Jesus refers to the Matthean community's concern about marriage within close blood relations (consanguinity). Jesus underlines that this should be avoided. Therefore, Jesus' point is not to promote divorce in any way but to abolish relationships that are contrary to the sacrament of marriage. Thus, the emphasis of Jesus is on accepting God's original plan for marriage.)

In the second case, Jesus uses a crude example of eunuchs to explain the consecrated life. The consecrated life is a choice rather than an imposition. It is an individual's choice to consecrate oneself entirely to God by forgoing marriage. This is a gift from God, and the reward for this gift is the kingdom of Heaven.

Dear friends, we know that the choices we make are often directed toward our own benefit. The choices we desire to make, we expect, should be convenient and better for us. Whether it’s regarding our work, food, clothing, or entertainment, the primary aim is our comfort and happiness rather than that of others. The readings invite us to examine the choices we make: do they draw us closer to God or lead us away from Him? The first reading serves as an example of a wrong choice. Wrong choices can always lead us away from God. Jesus reminds us today that our choices should be geared toward fulfilling the will of God. Let us examine the choices we make every day: do they conform to what God expects from us? Let our moments of examination of conscience challenge us to align our choices with the will of God. Let us also remind ourselves that in the life we have chosen—whether married life, consecrated life, or any state of life—are we making choices and decisions in accordance with our calling and conforming to the will of God?

May God become our choice in life.