By Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: Gen 2: 18-24; Heb 2: 9-11; Mk 10: 2-16
Today, as I went through the gospel passage, I imagined Jesus surrounded by people and trapped by the Pharisees to speak about marital life. Specifically, it is about a man divorcing his wife under specific conditions which was an accepted practice among the Jews during the time of Jesus. Jesus could have very well said to them to go and follow the law.
Yet, Jesus turned their wrong ideas into a creation story using scriptures and made them realize God’s original intention which was defeated by human stubbornness. His clear message to them was ‘what God has joined together, let not man separate’.
As I further read the gospel, the final part is about Jesus blessing the children. I realized that Jesus is highlighting the importance of family, where raising children in faith is important. Separation in families is becoming more common in present times due to misunderstanding or emotional issues.
Sometimes, even children are left unguided which leads them to be possessed by gadgets and social media. Today’s reflection is a reminder for us to realize our mistakes and come back to understand each other in our families where all are equal and children are raised in love and faith by taking the Holy family as a role model.