"They are no longer two but one flesh."

Liturgical readings


Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 128
Hebrews 2:9-11
Mark 10:2-16

"They are no longer two but one flesh."


Christ's love for the Church is the basis for the indissolubility of the sacramental bond of marriage. Just as Christ was faithful until the end, so the Church calls all married couples to root their marital life in Christ's example of fidelity. Faithfulness is not an easy virtue to practice. It is in fact a difficult virtue to practice in any state of life. But with the grace of God, it can be done. And it will not certainly be always difficult. Fidelity in marriage between man and woman is very important to any society, because it is the living cell that stabilizes relationships in any society. It is also the nursery of vocations to the Church. It is the ideal we need to uphold so that the moral standards of society will not degenerate and completely break down.


In one of her meditation recordings, Sister Joan Chittister (an American Benedictine), reflects on the meaning of fidelity and commitment. She says commitment is very costly, and there will be times when we experience only the "will to commitment, instead of the joy". There will also be doubts and times of distance, but all these are part of it. In such times, Sr. Joan counsels us not to run from difficulties but to work through problems - patiently enduring what needs to be done. We will certainly receive encouragement from family and friends, and to look at situations from fresh new angles. More than these, those whose commitments are tried and troubled need not forget to seek counsel from professionals, and most of all from the old and the wise, who have definitely seen and experienced more to life than younger generations.


Many Saints in their writings give spiritual counsel for fidelity and commitment. They teach that meditating on the life of the Lord - especially His Passion and Death on the Cross - is very helpful. Reflecting on the Lord's suffering can teach us self-denial, patience, forbearance, humility, perseverance, mercy and love - important virtues that help anyone in the commitment to marriage. It will open anyone's eyes to see how the example of the Lord's fidelity can give not only meaning, but also the strength to persevere in the commitments of married life. Though couples may experience infidelities (in its many forms), at one or more times in their marriage, God is merciful. He always gives an opportunity to renew the ties that bind. He has given us His Son (in the Sacraments) to heal the wounds caused by infidelities, and to continue once more in the vocation of marriage - a vocation rooted very much in Jesus' love for the Church.