DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. – Mark 10:9

This phrase, used by Christ in a discourse on marriage and divorce, could it possibly be applied in other aspects of life?  What God has joined together, let no one separate?

Possibly.  If so … might it apply to vows made at baptism or at the joining of a congregation?  Might it apply to even a larger community?  A church denomination or a nation?  Our relationship with Christ or our commitment to His teachings?  What indeed has God joined together?

I reckon all this pondering of implications is about the matter of sacred vows.  Sacred vows … those we make with holy intention … those we make in partnership with the Lord.   Are sacred vows in truth inviolate?  Are we accountable for the sacred vows we make?

Oh, it is all very complicated with so many factors to consider.  I believe it may be one of those Divine-human matters that one finds difficult to codify in all the many variables and circumstances.  But I do believe that the sacred vows we make are to be reverently respected, cherished as being an aspect of the Holy Life.  Yet … I have witnessed an erosion of the sacredness of vows during my lifetime, an erosion into lesser and lesser significance.  We find ourselves in a culture where lying is merely what everybody does.  And as those sacred bonds of trust are broken … we grow more and more distrusting of each other.

Loved Ones, be thoughtful in making sacred vows … and when entered into … be trustworthy no matter the gain or loss.

Always in Christ’s Service,

Fr. Charitas de la Cruz