Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
(James 5:9-12; Mark 10:1-12)
The two readings today bring up difficult issues in Church
practice. In the first reading, which
echoes what Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount, James forbids oath-taking. Then, the gospel relates Jesus’ prohibition
of divorce. Again, Jesus’ teaching in
the Sermon on the Mount is reiterated.
Theologians as great as John Chrysostom have held to a
literal interpretation of Jesus’ and James’ prohibition of oath. Yet the majority over the centuries have
understood the dictum as a ban on frivolous and insincere oaths. After all, the name of God should always be
held in esteem. St. Paul is cited as
using a kind of oath in his letters. It
is best that we use oaths sparingly and never carelessly mention God’s name.
Moses allowed divorce as do many Christian churches and
faith communities. When a marriage
breaks down in the Catholic Church, one of the partners often seeks an
annulment. This legal decree states that
there was not a valid marriage from the beginning. It is often difficult, however, to
distinguish valid and invalid marriages, especially when the basis for judgment
is a state of mind. Couples
contemplating marriage should be encouraged to look honestly at themselves and
one another. If there are serious compatibility issues, they should be
dissuaded from marrying. In some cases
it may be better to refuse them the Sacrament.
