From the Gospel acclamation: “Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but, as it truly is, the word of God.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 19:3-12)
His disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.”
Jesus teaches the disciples about the sacredness and validity of sacramental marriage. As a sacrament, God joins male and female so that they become one flesh. “Therefore,” Jesus says, “what God has joined together, man must not separate.” While divorce may be permitted in certain circumstances, it is not in line with God’s original plan for marital unity. He challenges believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to approach it with commitment and seriousness. In response to the disciples, Jesus tells them that celibacy is not for all but—in the same way as marriage is—granted by God.
God, you are merciful beyond measure. In Jesus there is the perfect model of justice, compassion, and forgiveness. When I find in myself a tendency toward hardness of heart, come to my assistance, Lord. It is not I who forgive but Christ in me. The sacrament of marriage is yours; you made us male and female, and through you man and woman become one flesh. Not all are called to marriage, and Jesus acknowledges this yet does not abandon them. You call all of the human family into your kingdom. You are our God; we, your people. Grant me the grace, Lord, to see the dignity you call us to in every vocation. Saint Stephen of Hungary, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.