Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 28 February ‘25
Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – Friday
Sirach 6:5-17. Psalm 119. Mark 10:1-12
Marriage and friendship
As human beings, we are created for relationships. Forming relationships is a defining characteristic of humanity. Our relationships shape, refine, and enrich us. There are three types of relationships that are closest to us: Blood relationships – parents, children, siblings; Marriage relationship – husband and wife; Friendship – companionship based on trust and support.
Today’s readings focus on two of these relationships:
(a) Marriage Relationship
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about marriage in the context of divorce. The Pharisees test Him by asking whether divorce is lawful. Jesus responds by pointing out that Moses permitted divorce only because of human hardness of heart, but God’s original plan for marriage was an unbreakable union:
“A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
According to Jesus, divorce opens the door to adultery. Even though two people may be physically united in a relationship, they remain separate bodies because true marital unity is absent.
Jesus highlights commitment in marriage. In today’s world, pre-marital relationships, extramarital affairs, and casual partnerships distort the sacredness of marriage. True self-giving love is essential for a lasting marital relationship.
(B) Friendship
In the first reading, Ben Sirach categorizes four types of friends:
Self-seeking friends – those who stay only for personal gain.
Friends who turn into enemies – those who leave when things go wrong.
Fair-weather friends – those who remain only in good times.
Trustworthy friends – those who remain loyal in all circumstances.
It is important not only to analyse the type of friendships we have, but also to evaluate the kind of friend we are to others.
Final reflection
Both marriage and friendship require one key virtue: self-giving commitment.
Do we approach relationships with sincerity and dedication?
Do we build trust and faithfulness in our friendships?
Do we honour the sacredness of marriage as God intended?
When commitment and self-sacrifice are present, both marriage and friendship become life-giving relationships that reflect God’s love.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
Leave a comment