B oth marriage and the single life are calls from God to live a consecrated life, that is to live as married couples or as singles who belong not to themselves but to God. Our lives are not our own, but they belong to God. He gives the grace and power to those who seek to follow in his way of holiness in their state of life.

Memorial of St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe
Joshua 24:1-13
Psalm 136:1-3, 16-18, 21-22 and 24

W hat is God's intention for our state in life, whether married or single? Jesus deals with the issue of divorce by taking his hearers back to the beginning of creation and to God's plan for the human race. In Genesis 2:23-24 we see God's intention and ideal that two people who marry should become so indissolubly one that they are one flesh. That ideal is found in the unbreakable union of Adam and Eve. They were created for each other and for no one else. They are the pattern and symbol for all who were to come. Jesus explains that Moses permitted divorce as a concession in view of a lost ideal. Jesus sets the high ideal of the married state before those who are willing to accept his commands. Jesus, likewise sets the high ideal for those who freely renounce marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Both marriage and the single life are calls from God to live a consecrated life, that is to live as married couples or as singles who belong not to themselves but to God. Our lives are not our own, but they belong to God. He gives the grace and power to those who seek to follow in his way of holiness in their state of life. Do you seek Christ and his grace for your state of life?

"Lord Jesus Christ, your call to holiness extends to all in every state of life. Sanctify our lives – as married couples and as singles – that we may live as men and women who are consecrated to you. Make us leaven in a society that disdains life-long marriage fidelity, chastity, and living single for the Lord."

S upplementary Reading

Unexpected Opportunities by Robert H. Schuller
 
 

Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path. – Proverbs 23:19

The morning news comes on. An unexpected phone call interrupts. A conversation takes place that results in a new idea—and your priorities bend to accommodate it.

Providence has a way of challenging our carefully planned day with uninvited and unexpected fresh possibilities. So make a new priority list every morning. You'll be surprised at how frequently your priorities can and should be urgently, wisely, and even compassionately revised.

Choose to accept today's uninvited interruptions and unexpected opportunities as a bouquet of fresh possibilities.