Faith Daily | 10 June 2022

PRAYER of the DAY - APBA p 522

O God, who taught the hearts of your faithful people

grant us by the same Spirit

to have a right judgement in all things,

and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort;

through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour,

who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the same Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen

GOSPEL for the Day: Matthew 5: 27-32

27 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” 28But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.* 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.*

31 ‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” 32But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Angela Back

Jesus is very definite, and obviously concerned that people are serious about marriage. The thought did flit through my mind as I looked at the word as if for the first time… ‘adult-ery’, what people do as adults. But maybe rather when people are a bit childish, wanting their own way. Bored?

The apostle Paul encouraged us to look deeply at the astounding truth that our bodies are the Temple of God. Having the Spirit making His home in us, enriching us and enabling us, is both humbling and uplifting. And Paul warns against dishonouring our sexuality.

Paul would have known the minor prophets, and must have been influenced by Hosea who presents the bond with God as being like a marriage. God was seen as a grieving husband. The people of Israel, like an adulterous wife, did what they wanted, flaunted their independence and walked away. And we can ask ourselves, single or married, are we unhappy with God, wanting something better? Are we behaving childishly in many different ways? Maybe because things we can touch, use or accumulate seem better than God’s gifts which we have to be aware of as we reflect with him in the silence of our hearts. His gifts multiply as we enjoy His loving care. But we stamp a foot, metaphorically, because prayers are not answered. The seduction of wanting to be in control of our lives reduces God to being the hired help. Having a loving relationship with God is serious, and takes a life time to learn.

Certainly a marriage.

FINAL PRAYER

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name,

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.