27th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Sunday 6th October 2024

The verse, “it is not good for man to be alone” applies to everyone. The innate desire for generative relationships says it all – we need community; we need one another. As we look at the violence, hatred, and division in the world today, we are reminded that we need to learn to care for one another. In other words, treating others as kindly as we would like to be treated. Kindness goes a long way – in fact, it keeps our world going. Is this value being transmitted in the family, schools, and public places? What can we do each day to include others and make them feel loved?

We look at Jesus who is one of us – he took on the human condition voluntarily and with love. And, because of this, he is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters. If that is so, how much more we should show the same attitude towards others. When Jesus forbade divorce, he was not trying to lay an intolerable burden on the people. He was protecting marriage – for marriage is far more than a business arrangement, and people should not be dismissed on mere whim. However, life and human nature often intervene, and in Matthew’s version of this story, he softens it a bit. Marriage is sacred and should be safeguarded, but all situations must be tempered with much mercy and compassion. The well-being and salvation of the human person is always the highest law.

Lord, let kindness bloom in our hearts to care for one another.