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Men of Epiphany will be meeting this Saturday, October 7th, 6:30 a.m. in the Hearth room. We are planning on reviewing the Christopher West material on Theology of the Body, however, here is the study nonetheless.

Knowing and Living Gods Plan for Marriage

Sunday, October 8, 2006
Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 128:1-6
Hebrews 2:9-11
Mark 10:2-16

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

In the Gospel reading, once again, we see Jesus’ enemies using the same old tactics: Find what they think is an apparent weakness or inconsistency in his teaching, and use it to destroy him. This time, they focused on divorce.

In giving his answer, Jesus moved the question from Deuteronomy, which was the basis for his accusers’ argument, to Genesis, where God’s intention for marriage is first laid out (Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Genesis 2:24). In so doing, Jesus also shifted the appeal from Moses’ authority to God’s authority. He also shifted the question from what is permitted under the law to what is intended under God’s plan.

Isn’t it amazing how noble-minded Jesus is? He holds out hope that every married couple will put aside all their differences or grudges and reach together for a very high vision: that they would love each other as completely as Christ loves his church. Jesus believes that it is possible for every marriage to be a bright and shining light to the whole world, a sign that unconditional love is possible even in the darkest corners of the world.

What do you think? Was Jesus just talking in unrealistic ideals? Not really. That wasn’t Jesus’ way. More than anyone else, he knew what was in the hearts of men and women. But at the same time, he also knew that the Holy Spirit has the power to fill and transform any marriage if only the husband and wife would turn to him.

So if you are married, set your sights high. Do your best each day to strive for unity, forgiveness, and mutual love. Pray with your wife. Try to attend Mass together. Seek to love without counting the cost. If you do, you will find your love extending far beyond your own marriage. You too will become a light to your neighbors, drawing them closer to God himself!

“Jesus, give every married couple overflowing grace so that they can become witnesses, showing people just how much you love the church.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.     In the first reading, we hear that God’s plan for marriage, from all eternity, was a call to unity (“one flesh”) in love. This is a unity of teamwork and intimate personal relationship where deep emotions are shared and personal dignity is upheld. What steps this week can you take to improve unity with your wife, deepen your relationship, and deal better with anger or conflict?

2.     In the Responsorial Psalm, the Lord promises marriage blessings for those who fear him and “walk in his ways” (Psalm 128:1). As a Catholic man, what do you think it means to walk in the Lord’s ways? How can you as men, help one another in your group to do this?

3.     The second reading says that Jesus “is not ashamed to call us brothers (Hebrews 2:11). Reflect on the magnitude of this statement. How does the truth of it impact you? The reading also speaks of God’s plan from all eternity that we together are all brothers in Christ. What does it mean to you that the men in your group are brothers in Christ with you?

4.     In the Gospel, we are again reminded of the great importance God places on the Sacrament of Marriage, which has always been part of his eternal plan for men and women. We all know that because of human weakness and sin, marriages can often be beset by many difficulties, and couples often need healing and forgiveness. Jesus reminds us constantly in Scripture how much we need forgiveness, and how often we are to forgive (70 x 7), since he has forgiven us. Are there any areas of unforgiveness between you and your wife, or other members of your family? If so, what steps can you to take to offer forgiveness even if you believe that you are the one who was wronged?

5.     In the meditation, we hear these words: “Jesus believes that it is possible for every marriage to be a bright and shining light to the whole world, a sign that unconditional love is possible even in the darkest corners of the world.” The meditation goes on to say, “More than anyone else, he knew what was in the hearts of men and women. But at the same time, he also knew that the Holy Spirit has the power to fill and transform any marriage if only the husband and wife would turn to him.” Do you believe this? Why or why not? Take some time at the end of your meeting to pray for your marriages, that they would truly be a light and a sign of God’s love to others. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the stating point.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen