Krysallis

The readings today talk about the love between a man and a woman.

Of course, in this day and age, we recognize other relationship possibilities and what I have to say can be extended there as well.

The Gospel focused particularly on fidelity to a commitment.

A lot has changed in society, particularly in recent generations, and we no longer can look at things as simply black and white. Life and relationships have become more complex and change is more fast paced than ever.

However, there remains, over all these variations and variabilities, one constant: The Liberating Love of God.

The full extent of that love is indicated by the second reading from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews: God “lowering” of self through Christ in Christ’s suffering and death.

God liberates humanity through a radical and unconditional love. And we “sacramentalize” God’s love by our commitments to one another. Marriage is one means to sign forth, in both a public and personal way, the liberating love of God through our relationship. But it isn’t the only way. The celibacy practiced by Catholic clergy is one other way. It is perhaps a more radical and possibly more public way of acknowledging and proclaiming the radical and unconditional love of God for God’s people.

Dedicating ourselves and our relationships letting the liberating love of God shine forth in a designated relationship can well be a life commitment. Particularly when we explore the fidelity of God to God’s people over and over again in the Scriptures.

In an age of change and confusion, in an age of shifting relationships, there remains one constant: the love of God, which is unconditional, radical, faithful and liberating. We still strive to reflect that love in our relationships through hard work, daily attention, adaptation, and the grace of the One who loves us.