At first glance, today’s readings are about marriage, but as we listen with our spirit’s ears, it becomes a deeper message relevant to our whole life. The First Reading reveals that marriage was God’s idea and not something figured out by humans for their own pleasure. We were not meant to live lonely lives. The Triune God is the epitome of companionship and oneness, while being Three Persons. Man had no part to play in designing what the woman should be. Yet when he accepts his wife and vice versa, from the hands of God, and become one in spirit, mind, and body, they allow a new creation to emerge in their family. For this to happen, man/woman leaves what is familiar and comfortable, namely their own parents and family, and unite with their spouse, thus becoming a new creation. Our family life is not supposed to be a carbon copy of that of our parents.

The Creator God never runs out of creativity, and this trust and knowledge should empower us to be open to the new thing God is doing in our marriage despite our individual differences. I remember the wise words of Brother Lalith Perera, when we were praying for our children’s marriages. He said, “Don’t think that they should find “matching” partners, rather the one that God has in mind for them, because with God 1+1 is not 2, but any number that God wants it to be!” And God is faithful. The Gospel proclamation, through the words of the Lord Jesus, reveals how God sees marriage.

There is a way God sees every aspect of our life, not just marriage. We need to be open for the Spirit to reveal his mind to us, so that gradually we too will be able to see situations in our life through His eyes. It is easy to be judgmental towards those who have failed in marriage, and to feel self-righteous. Yet, as we read between the lines, and particularly in the encounter that Jesus had with the woman caught in adultery, (John 8:3-11), we realise that our Heavenly Father sees deep into people’s hearts and not legalistically.
After Jesus speaks on marriage, the Gospel mentions children. While the disciples felt that children should not “disturb” the Master, Jesus not only welcomed children, but also made it a teaching moment about discipleship. As a child trusts the parents, we too are invited to leave our agendas and submit to the will of God. The good news is that Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters. He has enabled us also to be made perfect through what we suffer, to do God’s will. The Psalmist beautifully outlines the rewards for those who obey God.

Prayer: Abba Father, give us the heart of a child, to look to You in everything, and see, hear, speak and love as You do. Amen.