Reflection on Mt 5:32
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.
At the time of Jesus, marriage was not yet a sacrament, which is why, as we know, for example, King David had several wives. In this verse, which refers to the indissolubility of marriage, Jesus points to the Old Testament practice where it was said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce. But Jesus says: But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.
What does the Catholic Catechism say? What is the sacrament of marriage?
The sacrament of matrimony is a sacrament that sanctifies the indissoluble union between a Catholic man and woman and entitles them to special graces for the due performance of marital duties.
Who instituted marriage?
Marriage was instituted by God in Paradise, and the Lord Jesus elevated it to a sacrament for the baptized.
How is the sacrament of matrimony conferred?
The sacrament of matrimony is conferred as follows: Those who receive this sacrament 1) listen to the priest’s admonition to live together in love, fidelity and conjugal harmony until death; 2) make a solemn vow in the presence of their parish priest and two witnesses that they marry each other; 3) join their right hands together and receive a priestly blessing.
What are the duties of married people?
The duties of married people are: 1) to live together in love, fidelity and conjugal harmony until death; 2) to bring up their children in the fear of God and also take care of their earthly well-being.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify her.” (Eph 5:25-26)
Always remember: Marriage was instituted by God Himself in Paradise and the Lord Jesus elevated it to a sacrament. So marriage is something sacred. Therefore, think of marriage and its duties as sacred! These are serious, difficult and responsible duties.
SACRAMENTAL MARRIAGE IS INDISSOLUBLE
How did Jesus forbid divorce?
Jesus forbade divorce when He said: “What God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mt 19:6)
What does the Apostle Paul say about divorce?
“Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.” (1Co 7:10-11)
A Catholic Christian is bound in conscience by the indissolubility of sacramental marriage.
The eyes of too young people see only roses but not thorns. When they then experience disillusionment in everyday life, it is usually too late. So take your time; it is a decision for life, either happy or unhappy.
Additional commentary: Modern people are exposed to extremely strong pressures aimed to cause the break-up of families. Christian spouses must pay special attention to following sound life principles, primarily including family prayer. We recommend the Holy Hour from 8 to 9 pm. Without family prayer, the family becomes like a hotel without personal relationships. Everyone has their own computer or smartphone, and devotes all their free time to it. It is therefore necessary to turn everything off at least for an hour, if not to solve the problem of addiction to these means of manipulation. Apart from praying together, the couple also need to talk together about their problems, learn to forgive one another and admit their mistakes. Moreover, it is very important for men in particular to have meetings for fellowship, where they can draw strength and wisdom for themselves and their families. Similarly, women should meet together for prayers at least once a week to give God their problems and the problems of their children and the whole family. A marriage without a living faith can hardly endure today. It was thanks to the life of faith itself that marriage used to be a family stronghold and a source of support for children, as well as the basic cell of the Church and society.
Download: Reflection on Mt 5:32
