Today’s readings lead us into a profound understanding on marriage and covenant of love—not just as a human institution, but as a divine calling. Whether you're married, single, divorced, or widowed, this message is for all of us because, ultimately, it points to how we’re called to live in love, unity, and relationship with one another, just as God desires for us.

The Original Design: Unity

In Genesis (2:18-24), we see a foundational truth about human relationships. When God created the world, He saw that everything was good. But there was something incomplete: Adam was alone. God said, “It is not good for man to be alone,” and so He made Eve, not just as a companion, but as a partner, an equal, someone to walk alongside Adam.

This passage isn’t just about marriage; it speaks to the core of who we are as human beings. We are made for connection—with God and with each other. Whether in marriage, friendship, family, or community, God designed us for unity and togetherness. Isolation goes against God’s creative plan. When we disconnect from others, we step away from His design.

And what does God say about Adam and Eve? “The two become one flesh.” This is much more than romantic sentiment; it’s about deep unity, a bond of heart, mind, and spirit. It’s a picture of total self-giving love. Marriage is not just a contract; it’s a covenant—a sacred, unbreakable bond that mirrors God’s love for us.

Jesus and the Hard Truths about Marriage

Now, let’s fast forward to the Gospel (Mark 10:2-16), where the Pharisees ask Jesus about divorce. They’re trying to trap Him, of course, but Jesus doesn’t fall for it. Instead, He takes them back to the beginning—back to the Genesis passage we just heard. “From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female...what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”

This can be a tough passage for many of us, especially in a world where divorce and broken relationships are so common. But notice what Jesus is doing: He’s calling us back to God’s original design. He’s not giving us an impossible law to follow; He’s showing us what God intended for marriage—a lifelong, faithful, loving union.

That’s a high calling, and yes, it’s hard. But that’s why it’s not meant to be done alone. The sacrament of marriage is filled with God’s grace—grace to forgive, to endure, to love sacrificially, and to grow together through the challenges. And for those whose marriages have broken down, God’s mercy and healing are always available.

Marriage as a Reflection of God’s Love

Marriage, at its best, is a reflection of the love that Christ has for the Church. It’s a love that is sacrificial, forgiving, and unifying. Think about the Eucharist: every time we come to this altar, we celebrate the greatest act of love—Christ laying down His life for His Bride, the Church. That’s the model for all of us, not just for married couples, but for everyone. We are called to love like Christ, to give ourselves for others.

Broader Lessons for All of Us

But what if you’re not married? Does this Gospel still speak to you? Absolutely! Whether single or married, we are all called to relationships that reflect God’s love. We are called to live in community, to build unity, to seek reconciliation where there is division, and to love as Christ loves.

If you’re single, this might mean investing deeply in friendships or serving others selflessly. If you’re married, it might mean asking yourself how you can better reflect God’s love in your relationship. For those of you who have faced brokenness, remember that God is always about restoration. He can take our brokenness and bring healing, sometimes in ways we never imagined.

A Call to Deeper Love

So today, the challenge for all of us is to ask: how are we living out God’s vision of love in our lives? Are we seeking unity, or are we stuck in division? Are we giving of ourselves, or are we holding back? Are we reflecting Christ’s love in our relationships?

Let’s pray today for the grace to live out this calling, whether in our marriages, our friendships, our families, or our community. May we remember that we are never alone—God walks with us, and His grace is always enough. Let’s build relationships that reflect the love of Christ, a love that is faithful, sacrificial, and eternal.

Fr. Simon.