DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE - One Bread, One Body, 5/23/2008

The May issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:

Remembering Pope John Paul II: Sign And Witness Of Risen Christ
Educational Crisis Challenges All
In Defense of Life: Marriage: Under Attack
Media At The Crossroads Between Self-Promotion And Service
Christians Face Education Crisis With Faith And Hope

http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Friday, May 23, 2008

James 5:9-12, Psalm 103, Mark 10:1-12
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/052308.shtml

DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE

"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery." —Mark
10:11

Jesus' condemnation of divorce is shocking. His disciples questioned Him
about this and so should we (Mk 10:10). Jesus said, "Whoever divorces his
wife (lewd conduct is a separate case) and marries another commits
adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery" (Mt
19:9). "Lewd conduct" is often interpreted to mean adultery. However, this
is probably not the meaning of the passage. A study of the Greek word for
"lewd conduct" and of parallel and related passages shows that "lewd
conduct" probably means an incestuous union, not uncommon among pagans.

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.

Promise: "You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and have seen what
the Lord, Who is compassionate and merciful, did in the end." —Jas 5:11

Praise: Jane and Thomas celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary
by publicly renewing their vows.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Marriage" on audio AV 47B-1 or
video V-47B.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2008 through May 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 23, 2007

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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