The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the profound mystery of marriage and the unity it creates, where "the two shall become one flesh" (Mk 10:8). This union is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, reflecting God’s unwavering love and faithfulness. Jesus emphasizes the sacredness of this bond when He teaches that "what God has joined together, no human being must separate" (Mk 10:9).
As I reflect on these passages, I am reminded of a challenging period in my life that shaped my understanding of God’s plan for relationships and family. When my parents divorced during my high school years, it was a time of deep pain and confusion. The family structure I had known was suddenly fractured, and I found myself struggling to make sense of it all.
In my search for understanding, I turned to any community I could find, desperately seeking comfort and belonging. Unfortunately, the people I found during that time were not those who called me to greatness or led me toward healing. Instead, they offered temporary distractions, and I became entangled in relationships and activities that didn’t align with the person I truly wanted to be.
This period of my life was marked by a deep longing for something more, even though I couldn’t quite articulate what that was. I sought to fill the void in my heart with things that only deepened my sense of emptiness. I remember turning to God in desperation, questioning why He would allow such pain to enter my life. It was in this turmoil that I began to grasp the deeper meaning of today’s Gospel.
Jesus’ words remind us that God’s original design for marriage is one of unity and love, a partnership that reflects the perfect love He has for each of us. Even though my parents’ marriage ended, this experience led me to a deeper conversion and a greater understanding of God’s steadfast love. I came to see that, even in the midst of life’s challenges, God’s love is unwavering and His plan for us remains rooted in goodness and mercy.
Sometimes, I still feel the pain from that fracture. The hurt doesn't simply vanish, and there are moments when the effects of that brokenness resurface in my life. Yet, even in those moments, I hold on to the hope that I have found in God. The love that endures, the love that is everlasting, is always found in the Father. It is His love that sustains me, reminding me that even when human love falters, His love remains a constant, unshakable foundation.
The reading from Hebrews speaks to this truth as well, telling us that Jesus, "for a little while...was made lower than the angels" so that He might "taste death for everyone" (Heb 2:9). It goes on to say that He was made "perfect through suffering" (Heb 2:10). My own suffering, though difficult, brought me closer to Jesus, helping me to understand that He is with us in our trials, using them to draw us closer to Him and to perfect our faith.
As we meditate on these readings, let us remember that God’s design for marriage and relationships is one of love, unity, and faithfulness. And even when we face the pain of brokenness, we can trust that God is with us, guiding us toward healing and wholeness. Through His grace, we can find hope and strength, knowing that His love never fails.
Please pray with me that we are all encouraged by that knowledge and given the grace to receive it freely, totally, and faithfully.
Chenele Shaw is a former youth minister, theology teacher, and current young adult trying to live her life for Christ, frequent her therapist, and eat all the cheese! She desires to be her authentic self and help others as well. You can find her watching reality tv, going to confession, and updating her Spotify playlists. Follow her on Instagram and say hey!