Gospel for October 3 2021 – Mark 10:4-16
Gospel Reflections for October 3 2021
Adam & Eve get married
I am away this weekend at the annual meeting of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher, a Vatican organization that supports the Catholic Church in the Holy Land.
I am glad to help keep the Church alive in the land where today’s First Reading and Gospel messages about marriage were first proclaimed.
I always have the best place at every wedding! I stand right in front of the Bride and Groom and can also see every face in the Church as well.
I also see all the guests as they arrive. Non-Catholics look around a lot, perhaps their first time in our Church. Others talk quietly with friends or spend time in prayer. Some think only of the reception!
I also see almost everyone do the exact same thing at the same time. They stare straight ahead and their eyes tear up. When is that? It happens when the Bride and Groom say their wedding vows.
The guests are hearing the most amazing words anyone can ever say to another person. No other combination of words says as much as the Catholic marriage vows. “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, I will love you and honor you …all the days of my life!” God designed us to be inspired by that total commitment …and it shows on every face.
Both Bride and Groom say the same vows so they are equal in the marriage. One is never the boss of the other, but must work out arrangements out of authentic love and mutual respect. Each knows them self well …and offers their own unique talents for the happiness of the other.
Love is not about taking, but freely giving. Jesus reaffirms your purpose in today’s Gospel …to know your own life well …and then offer it for the authentic happiness of another.
Certainly, your safety or the threat of violence are valid reasons for a legal divorce. Our faith helps here too. (See my article, Divorce and Remarriage).
We always hope wedding vows will last, but just in case you need help, Jesus designed a reminder every week …at Mass, when He affirms His commitment to you in words that are identical to your wedding vows.
“This is my Body and Blood, (my entire life that I know well) and it is given for your lasting happiness!”
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Father Dave,
As you know, my wife Merlene and I have been married over 55 years and we’re still happy for the reasons your comments today address.
What I didn’t know until now is how by the words at every mass Christ commits to us completely in words identical to our wedding vows! I’ll never forget it – Thanks!
Larry,
Yes, every Mass is a “School of Love!”
Fr. Dave.
Thank you very much for your wise words and reminders of how much God wants our happiness.
My oldest daughter Alana got married this August.
Although it was not a Catholic ceremony I tell my new son – in law Zack that the only thing I will ever try to try to impress on him is Happiness & God’s love.
God Bless
Enjoy your trip to the Holy Land.
Rosa & I will be praying for for happiness.
Jane
Thank you!
This is an especially beautiful reflection. Maybe my favorite. You were there when David and I married and also when our daughter was married in the Carmel Mission. Our family feels blessed by your commitment to us!
I remember both ceremonies well. Beautiful!
Love your beautiful visionof marriage in Christ’s love!!!Who knew a girl from Rapallo would meet a cute seminarian from Saint Johns and they would fall in love ,marry have 5 beautiful children and be blessed with a beautiful life in Jesus!!! And in time Dick would become a Deacon and he has retired after 42 precious years and so loved those years!! And you, our loving Father Dave performed the precious marriage of our Gina and they have beautiful Gemma who is attending Stella Maris Academy, a beautiful catholic school in La Jolla!! You are a beautiful part of our life Father Dave Beautiful memories,enjoying the Holy land with you, teaching about our beautiful Blessed Mother in your University series, and your being a precious part of my book about our beautiful Blessed Mother, and loving your Masses and precious homilies!! We so love you for you touch everyone with our precious Jesus and our Mary;s love!!!!!! especially us!!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and Dick
Thank you!