First Reading (James 5,9-12)
Reading of the Letter of Saint James.
Brothers, do not complain about one another, lest you be judged. Behold, the judge is at the doors. Brothers, take as a model of suffering and firmness the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord. Note that we consider those who persevered to be blessed. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and you know the success that the Lord gave him – for the Lord is rich in mercy and compassionate.
Above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other form of oath. Rather, let your yes be yes, and your no be no. Then you will not be subject to judgment.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (Mark 10,1-12)
— PROCLAMATION of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, Jesus went to the territory of Judea, on the other side of the Jordan River. The crowds gathered again around Jesus. And he, as usual, taught them.
Some Pharisees approached Jesus. To put him to the test, they asked whether it was permissible for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus asked, “What did Moses command you?” 4The Pharisees replied, “Moses allowed us to write a divorce certificate and fire her.” Jesus then said, “It was because of the hardness of your heart that Moses wrote this commandment to you. However, from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. Therefore, a man will leave his father and his mother and both they will be one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man put asunder!”
At home, the disciples asked questions again on the same subject. Jesus replied, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, the readings bring us profound lessons about patience, honesty and the sanctity of marriage. These are lessons that challenge us to live by the principles of God’s Kingdom in our daily lives, no matter what circumstances we face. Let’s reflect on these passages and how they can transform our hearts and our actions.
James advises us in his letter: “Brothers, do not complain about one another, lest you be judged. Behold, the judge is at the door.” He calls us to patience and honesty, reminding us that our words carry weight and that we will be responsible for them. In a world where it is easy to fall into the temptation to judge and criticize, especially on social media, James urges us to cultivate patience and be careful about what we say.
To illustrate this message, let’s think about a garden. Plants don’t grow faster because we get impatient or complain. They need time, care and attention. Likewise, our relationships and our faith need patience and care to flourish. When we complain or criticize, it is as if we are placing stones in the soil, preventing the roots from growing freely.
James also reminds us of the importance of being people of our word: “Above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth, or by any other oath. Let your ‘yes’ be yes, and your ‘yes’ no, no, lest you fall into condemnation.” He invites us to live with integrity, where our words and actions are aligned. In a world where promises are easily broken, where truth can be distorted for convenience, we are called to be different, to be faithful and honest in everything we do.
In Mark’s gospel, Jesus tells us about the indissolubility of marriage: “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” Jesus reminds us that marriage is a sacred covenant, a union that reflects God’s love for us. It is a commitment that requires loyalty, love and mutual sacrifice.
Let us think of marriage as a journey of two pilgrims. They begin the journey together, facing rough terrain and difficult paths, but also enjoying the wonderful landscapes and moments of joy. For this journey to be successful, both partners need to be committed to walking side by side, supporting each other, even in difficulties.
In our society, where the value of commitment is often minimized, Jesus calls us to value and protect the sacrament of marriage. This means working together to resolve conflicts, being patient and compassionate, and always remembering that true love is a reflection of God’s love for us. It is a love that is not selfish, that seeks the good of others, that forgives and that perseveres.
Now, brothers and sisters, how can we apply these lessons to our daily lives?
First, let us cultivate patience and avoid destructive criticism. When we feel tempted to complain or judge others, remember the words of James and the importance of creating an environment where patience and understanding can grow. Let us be like careful gardeners, nourishing our relationships with love and patience.
Second, let us be people of our word. In a world where integrity is often forgotten, let us be an example of honesty. May our ‘yes’ always be ‘yes’, and our ‘no’ always be ‘no’. Let us live in such a way that our actions confirm our words.
And finally, let us value and protect marriage. If we are married, may we renew our commitment to love and support our spouse. If we know couples who are struggling, let us offer our support and prayers. Let us remember that marriage is a sacred calling, a journey of love that reflects God’s faithfulness and love.
Let’s now have a moment of silence. Let us close our eyes and ask God for the grace to live these lessons in our lives. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen us to be patient, honest and faithful.
Lord, we thank You for today’s lessons. Help us to live with patience and avoid judgment, to be people of our word and integrity, and to value and protect marriage. May we be light in the world, reflecting Your love in every action and word. Amen.
My brothers and sisters, as we leave here today, let us take with us the hope and determination to live as true followers of Christ. May God’s grace accompany us and may we be instruments of His peace and love in the world. Remember, we are called to live patiently, honestly and faithfully. May we shine and flavor the world with God’s goodness, justice and love. Amen.
