Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
Divorce is never easy or pleasant. I don’t know of anyone who honestly and sincerely enters into marriage with the intention for it to end in divorce. And yet, it is a reality of our humanity since at least the time of Moses. Today’s readings are not easy or pleasant either, but as I reflected on them I became aware of God’s faithfulness to us, no matter what.
As I read today’s gospel passage from Matthew regarding marriage and divorce, something occurred to me. I was reminded that Joseph, when first learning of Mary’s pregnancy, which he initially presumed to be the result of infidelity, planned to “divorce her quietly” as was allowed by Jewish (Mosaic) law. In fact, Mary could have been stoned to death if she was found to have committed adultery. These were the laws and teachings that Jesus was raised with. The ideal is “what God has joined together, (hu)man must not separate,” but we know that is not always the reality.
Today’s first reading from the prophet Ezekiel (especially the longer version), describes Jerusalem as like a harlot or prostitute for her unfaithfulness to God and God’s covenant. The Prophet details how God saved Jerusalem and raised “her” up like a baby girl that had been abandoned. How, as she grew, God lavished her with fine clothing and jewels only to have her become self-absorbed and basically cheat on God with “every passer-by.” And yet, even in God’s anger, Ezekiel tells us God says, “I will remember the covenant I made with you...when I pardon you for all you have done.”
There is a lot here, and I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I believe these readings are reminding us that we are all called to be faithful to God, our Creator, no matter our path of life. As a model, we know that Mary was not being unfaithful to Joseph; rather, she was being faithful to God who remained faithful to her. And even in our humanity and sinfulness, no matter if we are single, married, religious, or even divorced, we are called to be faithful to God who remains faithful to us.
~Eileen Miller