Friday of the 19th Week: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Theme: TO MARRY OR NOT TO MARRY: THE TWO SACRED VOCATIONS
(Matthew 19:3–12)
The question asked by the Pharisees concerning divorce led Jesus to elaborately give an undiluted teaching on the sacrament of Matrimony. On a second note, Peter considered it better not to marry, Jesus used the opportunity to teach also about those meant not to marry. In this second class of people, the Western Church, for some years, have seen a lifestyle and discipline for those who choose to enter into the sacrament of Orders and the consecrated life.
The two Sacraments; Holy Orders and the Holy Matrimony are precious gifts from the Lord. They are Sacred and should remain unsoiled, uncontaminated, holy and undefiled. Through the Sacrament of the Holy Orders the Church is nourished spiritually, the spiritual family thrives. Through the Sacrament of Matrimony, we are blessed with new life, the biological family blooms.
These two Sacraments are vocations. One is either called to be married or not to marry. Both are gateways to heaven. Vocation is a life one is called to live here on earth in order to find fulfilment and eternal life hereafter.
One is not better than the other. One is expected by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to find the one that will help him to live better. Discernment is indeed important in matters of vocation.
Be that as it may, Jesus Christ tells us that marriage is indissoluble, but this is not what the world wants to hear today. We want to hear: ‘Alujuo can go’, the world even wants to hear: man can marry man, woman can marry woman, but these are not the will of God.
On the other hand, the celibate life is to be received by those who are able to receive it. May God help us to face the challenges of our chosen vocations.
LET US PRAY
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of the Sacraments of the Holy Orders and the Holy Matrimony. We present those in these sacraments into Your able hand. Most of them are facing a lot of challenges. These sacraments are under attacks by evil forces. Grant that we may all gain eternal life through our vocations through Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless your Friday (19th Week, Ordinary Time)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh