May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives. — Psalm 128 (see 5)

Mass Readings: Genesis 2:18-24 / Hebrews 2:9-11 / Mark 10:2-16 or 10:2-12 

Marriage 101 

Before I got married I had an idealized view of what marriage would be. I’d studied Pope John Paul II’s teachings on the theology of the body, and was eager to experience the fruits of married love. I had no idea how hard it would be for “two to become one,” and in the more trying moments, I began to sympathize with the people in today’s Gospel who were looking for Jesus to endorse a way out of marriage. 

However, I’m thankful that Jesus upheld His teaching that marriage is a holy, blessed, and lifelong commitment. I now know that in working through the rough patches, in learning how to sacrifice self for another, I begin to participate in love in its purest, most unselfish, and divine form. 

Prayer: Author of Love, teach me how to love fully.