Friday, August 14, 2020 - 19th week of Ordinary Time - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 19, 3-12 - Accept the word of God: for what it really is: not the word of men, but the word of God.

Jesus' answer to the Pharisees who had trapped him with the question: "Is it lawful for a man to send his wife away for any reason?" What are they getting at? To the act of adultery, a transgression of God's commandments; but the Pharisees did not make it clear. There can be many reasons for adultery, but what Jesus is talking about today is specifically about the relationship of the couple, which can be disrupted and can lead to separation or substitution.

Dear Christians, divorce has existed since time immemorial, i.e. in the Old Testament era, and still exists today, and it seems to be on the increase today. Divorce can be the result of not respecting the vows that the couple has taken. Thus, when a husband and wife do not have a good relationship with God, love becomes fragile and the relationship between them can deteriorate. Lord Jesus, help those who have received the sacrament of marriage to live and honour love and to respect their consent until their death. Amen.