Divorce and Remarriage

Divorce and Remarriage : A Catholic Reflection:

"Paul mentioned another occasion, after a divorce is initiated by the unbelieving spouse, when divorce and remarriage is allowed (1 Cor 7:15). Paul also stressed that the believing spouse should do all in his or her power to preserve the marriage (1 Cor 7:16). Although these are two exceptions, Jesus hates divorce (Mal 2:16). However, remarriage without being granted an annulment by the Church is more of a problem than divorce. Jesus loves the divorced and will heal, save, and love them.
No matter what your situation, turn to Jesus. He is 'close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves' (Ps 34:19).
PRAYER: Father, may divorced people accept Your order in their lives and receive Your love."

Praying for all in these situations and their families and friends(one marriage disolved effects everyone)...especially the children.

Focus on the good.

USCCB - (NAB) - May 23, 2008: "Jas 5:9-12

Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another,
that you may not be judged."

This is a really hard one. Everywhere we turn these days there seems to be reason for complaint...and no where more then within our own families. God give us the strength necessary today to focus on the good that is all around us...beginning in our own homes with our spouses and children.

Prayer for Marriages(Sean Cardinal O'Malley)

Heavenly Father, through the intercession of the Holy Family,
Help us to treasure the gift of marriage that reflects the love of Christ for the Church,
where the self-giving love of husband and wife unites them more perfectly and cooperates in your plan for new life created in your image.

Help us support men and women in their vocation of marriage, especially in difficult times when they join their sufferings to the Cross.

Help us uphold the institution of marriage in our society as the place where love is nurtured and family life begins.

Help us to acknowledge that our future depends on this love and on your providential care for us. Amen.

Gospel
Mk 10:1-12

But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
So they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together,
no human being must separate.”