Newlywed Couple

God's Original Plan for the Family

by Father Brian J. Soliven on Sunday October 6, 2024

Jesus touches on one of his most controversial teachings in today's Sunday Gospel -- divorce and remarriage. He tells the Pharisees when they ask, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?" He responds, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."  (Cf. Mark 10:11-12). Ask any priest, this topic of divorce and remarriage occupies many of our meetings with parishioners who come to our office with heartbreaking stories. We have to balance fidelity to Christ's clear teaching and the unique circumstances of each family. It's rarely easy or smooth. To help us understand, we must go back to God's original plan for the family in the book of Genesis.