Jesus quotes the Genesis account, which we hear from in the first reading, to clarify that His Father’s intention for marriage from the beginning was that “man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” The point He was making is that “one flesh” can only be divided by the sword, or in death.
   In our Scriptures today, we can see that the union of man and woman in a permanent union has always been part of God’s divine plan, not a human construct. The Church’s understanding of the love of spouses as witnessing the love that Christ has for His Church is quite beautiful. As we see Christ opening his arms on the Cross out of love for the Church, so too the sacrificial love of spouses, in which they die to themselves for the sake of the other, is a witness to authentic love in the world today. May your marriages be a great witness to Christ love! Please continue to pray for the sanctity of marriages throughout the world.
   If you are married civilly and wish to be joined in a sacramental bond, please call to make an appointment and we can discuss your situation. We would be overjoyed towalk with you on this beautiful journey.
   If you are divorced and have questions regarding an annulment or have other pressing questions, please call to make an appointment. It would be a great joy to enter into this discussion with you.



God bless,