Teaching about adultery and divorce
Gospel reading: Mt 5:27-32
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.
“It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
REFLECTIONS
You shall not commit adultery
Jesus reaffirms the validity of the sixth commandment. He requires the disciples to do more than the letter of the commandment. They are not to look at women with lust or regard them as sex objects.
Jesus is aware of the reasons why some people commit adultery. People do not use their eyes, hands, or bodies properly, which then become instruments of sin. Jesus says that it is better to discard those body parts that occasion sin than to go to hell bodily intact.
Married disciples are to be faithful to their spouses. Jesus does not approve of divorce and remarriage.
Many family problems arise from adultery that adversely affects not just the couples themselves but also their children. We must support family life movements that help persons to become mature and to make lasting commitment.
“We must be grateful that most people do value family relationships that are permanent and marked by mutual respect,” says Pope Francis. “They appreciate the Church’s efforts to offer guidance and counseling in areas related to growth in love, overcoming conflict and raising children” (Amoris Laetitia, 38).
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