It's a mystery

‘Understand this today, therefore, and take it to heart: The Lord is God indeed, in heaven above as on earth beneath, he and no other. Keep his laws and commandments as I give them to you today so that you and your children may prosper and live long in the land that the Lord your God gives you for ever.’

Deuteronomy 4:39 - 40

One could sum up the entire Old (or First) Testament with the word ‘faithfulness’. This word describes God’s response to the covenant he made with his people. In the wonderful story of the minor prophet Hosea, his unfaithful wife Gomer, becomes a metaphor for Israel, God is the faithful companion.

Despite the fanfare about Harry and Meghan's marriage yesterday, I really do hope that their vows of fidelity were well understood. Faithfulness is at the heart of what a relationship is. In marriage it is absolutely central. We have enough data about how many marriages fail and the effects it has on families. Marriage is about love, faithfulness and plain hard work. When was the last time, if ever, that you have asked another couple, ‘What makes your marriage a success?’ Or has anyone ever asked you? A successful marriage is a partnership where there is give and take, where tasks are shared equally (that includes shopping, cooking, child care, cleaning …), where, if both have work outside the home, both jobs are seen as important – not just for the income, but for social and professional contact, personal development. Decision-making in such a partnership is fully shared, the other is always consulted. Your partner has to be your best friend, your favourite companion. You need to be flexible. The balance will occasionally shift when there is illness or when one of you is studying or if one of you is playing high level sport. Faithfulness ensures that the balance returns as quickly as possible.

If this is faithfulness, then unfaithfulness is much easier to define than breaking a marriage vow. We cannot look at each other as if we are chattels to be owned. Marriage is a most sacred bond, it is sealed in loving fidelity, in the presence of the community. It is sacramental. That is – marriage is an ongoing, everyday sign of God’s presence in our world. That is why it is also a sign of his faithfulness to us, a part of the covenant made with our first parents, and part of the new covenant made by Jesus in his ultimate sacrifice.

Few families have been spared from collapsing marriages, none of us is perfect. Failure to be perfect is to be human. But we cannot make our humanity an excuse for not trying.We have a firm belief that God will always walk with us, will always love us, will be faithful to us to the end of time. Let him be our stronghold and our rock when times are tough and dark.

Marriage is a mystery. As we approach the great Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, we recall the utter mystery that is marriage, and in some way see Christian marriage as a metaphor for the Trinity, an intimate, sacred and awesome mystery.

This coming Sunday remember his presence in your life as God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Peter Douglas

$h*t Jesus Says: “These Are Not People, They’re Animals” Edition

by Erin Wathen

Truly I tell you, these immigrants you see before you are not people. They are animals. 

You have heard it said, “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, it is probably fine to take TWO teeth, or three, if the person is an illegal immigrant. Because these are not people, they are animals. 

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…unless they are immigrants, in which case they are not people, they are animals. 

In everything do to others as you would have them do to you…unless they are poor, in which case you should build a bigger fence to keep them out. Because they are animals. 

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house in the proximity of a really excellent border wall. 

Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me…and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward. But if the thirsty child is undocumented, then do not give them that cup of water. Instead, take them from their parents, and put them in a prison camp. You know, just in case. 

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Unless you are a person of color and do not have the proper paper work. In which case, we’re totally deporting your ass. 

Because mostly these are not people, they are animals.

They are animals. 

–-from the gospel of Matthew-ish 

Just kidding, Jesus didn’t say this shit.

But these guys did.

“I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; ³⁷ for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”–actual Jesus. Actual gospel of Matthew. 

Click here to see original - published on 17 May 2018