Mass Readings: August 12

First: Joshua 24:1-13
Resp: Psalm 136:1-3,16-18,21-22,24
Gospel: Matthew 19:3-12
Reprinted from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community

MY DIVORCE

"Because of your stubbornness Moses let you divorce your wives." –Matthew 19:8

Jesus considered a culture that permitted divorce to be stubborn, although divorce was permitted in the Law. What does Jesus think about our culture, which is so permissive toward divorce, even in the light of the New Testament?

Jesus not only accused the divorced of stubbornness, but also the religious leaders and the whole culture. Often the divorced are more sinned against than sinning. All of us must take the blame for divorce and the breakdown of family life. So many of us have passionately promoted a self-centered attitude and a pleasure-seeking lifestyle. We have helped brainwash millions into this un-Christian and anti-Christian way of life. We have ignored, and even rejected, the cross of Christ in everyday life.

Therefore, most people in our society have a mentality that is incompatible with the long-suffering which is inescapable in a marriage. The divorces in our society call for all of us to repent in a radical and practical way.

PRAYER: Jesus, You are the most divorced Person Who has ever lived. Your love is repeatedly rejected. Jesus, have mercy on us.
PROMISE: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever." –Ps 136:1
PRAISE: St. Jane endured great interior temptations and darkness, but persisted in her faith and trust in her God