Daily Prayers

Prayer is Love, I want to Love

Jesus On Marriage And Divorce

Jesus’ Life: Chapter 12 – Jesus’ Ministry In Judea

Have you been to a wedding recently? Do you recall the vows made by the bride and groom?

The words used were probably similar to these:

Couple wearing wedding rings

I, take you, to be my husband/wife.
I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad,
in sickness and in health.
I will love you and honour you all the days of my life.

Some Pharisees tried to test Jesus. They asked, “Is it lawful to divorce a wife for just cause?”

Jesus answered, “From the beginning, the Creator made them male and female and said, ‘For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and will be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh,’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate”.

Then they asked why Moses allowed them to dismiss and divorce a wife.

Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hard hearts, but from the beginning, it was not this way. Now I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another commits adultery”. (Matthew 19:1-12, Mark 10:1-12, Luke 9:51, Luke 16:18)

Thought

Love is patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence and is not resentful. (St Paul to the Corinthians)

Reflection

Lord Jesus, guide and protect all married couples. Blessed Virgin Mary and St Joseph keep them in your prayers. Amen.

Prayer: Marriage Prayer (Extracts – Mary Fairchild)

Thank you for this life, the gift of love, and the blessing of our marriage. We give you praise for the joy you’ve poured into our hearts through this love, the contentment of family, and the happiness of our home. May we always treasure the experience of loving each other in this Holy union. Help us to remain ever committed to our vows, those we made to each other, and to you, Lord.

Holy Spirit, guide us through the difficult moments of life and comfort us in our grief. May our lives together bring glory to you, our Saviour, and testify of your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.