Scripture reflection for June 13, 2008

Scripture: I Kings 19:9.11-16. Psalm 27:7-8,8-9,13-14. Matthew 5:27-32.
Lectionary # 363:
The Beatitudes in Matthew are central to Jesus' sermon on the mount
which opens up the rest of the great sermons Jesus will share with us in
this Gospel. There are five of them as we well know and Matthew is clear
when one ends and another begins. Today the beatitude that tells us
"Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8) helps us
to understand the sayings Jesus has about marriage. In his culture,
marriage was expected of everyone and this message is addressed to those
who are married. We know how important the sacrament of marriage is and
how it is not merely a contract between two individuals but rather a
covenant that is to be permanent. The Presence of God within it and the
sacrament covenant is what makes this possible. The beatitude helps us to
see that in marriage this singlemindedness of heart is mutual between the
husband and wife. The precautions Jesus gives are meant to help the couple
realize the spiritual as well as physical gift that marriage is for those
called to this way of life.The sacraments are founded on the Scripture both
explicitly as in Baptism and the Eucharist and by way of the living out of
the tradition of scripture the other sacraments are likewise founded on
God's word.
Jesus is not speaking to celibates except implicitly here when it
comes to the beatitude. Religious and priestly vocations usually come from
good families and the wholesomeness of the parents is passed on to the one
choosing the single state or religious life. Even the early fathers and
mothers of the Church taught that good family living is a source for the
religious calling. The callings or vocations in our Church are intimately
related to one another and are of mutual support when lived out in the
spirit of the beatitude of singlehearted commitment.
We know that Jesus cites the law of Genesis and the Mosaic law to
support what he says about marriage. He goes to the heart of the matter
and helps us to understand it as the prophets did when they compare God's
love for us to that of a husband for his spouse. It is a divine covenant
of love and Paul who did not marry is not afraid to see the image of the
Church and Christ best expressed through the marriage covenant. Let us
remember that those called to the priesthood and/or religious life are
strengthened by the love of their parents who support them in their choice.
Their call likewise is of great support to the parents. Both calls or
vocations demand that the choice demands singlemindedness where the center
of one's love is concerned. Amen.