(Optional Memorial for Saint Jane Frances De Chantal, Religious)
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| “The Mystic Marriage of St Catherine” by Annibale Carracci, 1585-87 |
Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63
Commentary on Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63
Ezekiel once more calls the people of Jerusalem to repentance. In this discourse, he describes God’s relationship to the people as an allegory to a marriage. He begins by reminding them of their origins. Jerusalem was first established by Canaanites, and was conquered by the Israelites under Joshua. When King David established Jerusalem as the center of Judaism, he brought the Ark of the Covenant to the temple there. Solomon, in his turn, made her beautiful, adorning her with all manner of riches. But the people were not faithful. They “played the harlot” adopting pagan rituals (see also Hosea 4: 13-14 and 2 Kings 21:1-18). Because of this, she was captured and despoiled, but even so, Yahweh gives her pardon and extends his hand of forgiveness.
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Or: Ezekiel 16:59-63
Commentary on Ez 16:59-63
In this shorter form, the Prophet extends the hand of forgiveness as he speaks with God’s voice. Continuing the allegory of an unfaithful wife who is cast out by her lover, he tells the people of Jerusalem that in spite of all they have done, God will re-establish his covenant with them. God forgives them (an act that, because of their shame, they cannot understand).
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Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
R. (1c) You have turned from your anger.
Commentary on Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
This hymn of praise is a profession of faith: “My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior.” It also does something interesting in that it challenges those who profess their faith in the Lord to proclaim it in the world: “…among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.”
This canticle emphasizes the peace and confidence found in his servant, enjoying the salvation of God. He sings his praise to God and exhorts all of Israel to praise him as they see his constant presence among them in the blessings they receive.
CCC: Is 12:3 2561
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Gospel: Matthew19:3-12
Commentary on Mt 19:3-12
This passage from Matthew’s Gospel is foundational to our understanding of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Here we find Jesus challenged by Pharisees (possibly being asked to take sides in an argument, but more likely to be tricked). Jesus' comments on the origins of marriage and its sanctity are refuted by the Pharisees, again using Mosaic Law. The Lord responds by going back to the Father’s intent but does give an out, “unless the marriage is unlawful,” that is, the sacramental bond did not exist from the beginning.
The discourse then switches to one between Jesus and his disciples, as they discuss the idea of living the celibate life. Again the Lord tells them that this is not for everyone, but “only for those to whom that is granted.” The Gospel links the call to marriage and celibacy, both are gifts from God.
CCC: Mt 19:1-12 2364; Mt 19:3-12 1620; Mt 19:3-9 2382; Mt 19:4 1652; Mt 19:6-12 2053; Mt 19:6 796, 1605, 1614, 1644, 2336, 2380; Mt 19:7-9 2382; Mt 19:8 1610, 1614; Mt 19:10 1615; Mt 19:11 1615; Mt 19:12 922, 1579, 1618
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Reflection:
The Gospel passage from St. Matthew is so important that volumes have been written about its implications to the Sacrament of Marriage and Holy Orders. It is interesting that these two sacraments are joined even in scripture.
Central to our understanding of the sacramental bond celebrated in both sacraments is the idea of indelibility. If a sacrament exists it cannot be broken, it cannot leave. Jesus, in this passage, speaks the words used in the Sacrament of Marriage to describe the permanent nature of the bond (“what God has joined together, man must not separate”).
It is the understanding of the Church when it witnesses the Sacrament of Marriage, or when a Bishop confers Holy Orders, that they cannot be undone. Rather, if, at a later time, it is found that the call to the Sacrament of Marriage is untenable or not present, or if laicization of one in Holy Orders is necessary, a mistake was made at the outset, and the sacraments were not present in the first place (although actions that have taken place under the auspices of that bond or those faculties are presumed valid). This is the reason for the existence of the Marriage Tribunals and the mechanisms of laicization at the Vatican to make certain the mistake was made, and it is something not taken lightly. God’s instruments of grace are not to casually understood.
Today we thank God for the gift of Marriage and the gift of Holy Orders. We ask the heavenly Father to strengthen the gifts of grace provided in these sacraments and pray that those so called will be faithful to their callings.
Pax
[2] The picture is “The Mystic Marriage of St Catherine” by Annibale Carracci, 1585-87
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