Daily Readings - Fri Feb 28 2025
Mark
1And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.2And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.3And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?4And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.5And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.6But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.7For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;8And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.9What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.10And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.11And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.12And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the essence of meaningful relationships through the lenses of friendship and marriage. The Book of Sirach praises the virtues of true friendship, describing a loyal friend as a treasure beyond material wealth. Such a friend stands by you through all life's challenges, embodying faithfulness and harmony. This passage, part of wisdom literature, offers practical advice on cultivating virtuous relationships, emphasizing the importance of trust and fidelity.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus discusses the sanctity of marriage, highlighting its indissoluble nature as intended by God. He teaches that marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman, meant to be unbroken. This conversation with the Pharisees underscores the seriousness with which we should approach relationships, reflecting God's original design for unity and love.
Both readings converge on the themes of commitment and fidelity. Whether in the deep bond of friendship or the lifelong vow of marriage, these relationships mirror God's faithful love. They remind us to nurture our connections with care and dedication, recognizing the sacred trust they entail. As we navigate our own relationships, let us strive to embody the loyalty and love that God exemplifies, fostering bonds that endure through life's joys and trials.