Love is as beautiful as it is complicated. When two people grow in love with each other, they want to spend the rest of their lives with each other in marriage. Jesus affirms this truth in today’s gospel, stating that ‘two become one’ (Mt. 19:5). For some, this union then becomes a vehicle on the road of happiness. For others, it becomes a nightmare that is lived in frustration, stress, and pain as couples stay together for the sake of the children. The reality of separation and divorce, and the question of same-sex attraction, all impact our approach and understanding of marriage. When God loved us into existence, He entered into an eternal covenant with us, one that was sealed by the blood of His Son. This covenant of love, this “I do” by God, is one that guarantees God in our lives, loving us beyond our faults, providing for our daily needs, and doing everything for our present and future happiness. As limited human ‘spouses’ of God, we will not have the total solutions to the complications of struggles in a marriage, the act of divorce or same-sex attractions. All we can humbly do is look to God, trust in His love, and do what we can to imitate His ways in our lives. Loving Father, You are the source of real and true love. Pour Your Spirit upon us, so that as we embrace Your presence, we may live as instruments of love in this world. Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Howie

READINGS

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081420.cfm