SAINTS PONTIAN, POPE, AND HIPPOLYTUS, PRIEST, MARTYRS (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. 

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 19:3-12), Jesus speaks about the mystery and grace of a sacramental marriage in which a man and a woman “become one flesh” (Matthew 19:5). It’s a gift that God gave to us “from the beginning” (19:4, 8). Yet we have all known the tragedy and heartbreak of divorce, whether we’ve seen it in our own family or among friends or perhaps even experienced it ourselves. Because of the effects of sin in the world, relationships—including marriages—sometimes fail.

But God never fails us. If you have been through a divorce or if you are in a difficult marriage, the Lord wants you to know how much he cares for you and your situation. He wants you to experience his compassion, his encouragement, and most of all, his healing love. Know that he has not left you alone to untangle any sense of failure you might have. He is walking with you and longs to help you heal from the wounds left by a broken relationship or betrayal or abuse. He longs to free you from worrying about what other people think of you. God is always by your side. He will never abandon you.

If you’re not going through a divorce or experiencing difficulties in your marriage but know someone who is, try to reach out to that person. As a brother or sister in Christ, you can radiate the love and mercy of Jesus as you accompany that person through their trials. Try to give them a listening ear without being judgmental of them or their spouse. You might also want to encourage that person to meet with their pastor for help and advice. If they are already divorced, a wise and compassionate priest can be a source of healing and can guide them if they want to seek an annulment.

Today, let’s pray for all who are in pain over a divorce or broken relationship. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and God loves them deeply. Let’s also lift up all married couples. May the Lord be with them and sustain them through all the ups and downs of life.

“Lord, help all who are facing marital challenges. May they experience your comfort, your presence, and your wisdom.”

Joshua 24:1-13
Psalm 136:1-3, 16-18, 21-22, 24
Matthew 19:3-12

WORD AMONG US