DIVORCE
Marriage in the Catholic Church is a sacred sacrament, a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, reflecting the love of Christ for his Church (Eph 5:21-33). The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, showcases the evolving understanding of marriage and divorce throughout history.
THE OLD TESTAMENT AND DIVORCE
Early Jewish tradition, as referenced in Genesis 1:28, emphasized marriage as a duty for procreation. However, Deuteronomy 24:1 outlines a seemingly simple divorce process, highlighting the vulnerability of women in such situations.
Moses and the Rise of Divorce
Due to the prevalence of divorce and its hardship on women, Moses established a formal separation procedure with a written record. This aimed to curb impulsive divorces and protect the rights of divorced women to remarry.
Interpretations of Divorce
While the cause for divorce was unclear, interpretations differed. The school of Shammai held a stricter view, allowing it only for adultery. Conversely, the school of Hillel offered a broader interpretation, permitting divorce for various reasons. This ambiguity led to potential abuse by husbands.
JESUS AND THE DIVINE PLAN FOR MARRIAGE
The Pharisees questioned Jesus on the legitimacy of divorce (Mt 19:3). Jesus emphasized God’s original plan for marriage as an inseparable union, quoting Genesis 2:24: “a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh” (Mt 19:5).
Hardness of Hearts and Tolerance
Jesus acknowledged that Moses, “because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives” (Mt 19:8). This implies that divorce was not God’s intention but a concession to the people’s shortcomings.
Jesus’ Reform: The Indissolubility of Marriage
Jesus aimed to restore marriage to its original sanctity. He emphasized the permanence of the marital union, stating, “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mt 19:6). This teaching underscores the importance of commitment and forgiveness within marriage.
The Exception: Adultery
The sole exception Jesus mentioned for divorce is adultery (Mt 5:32). This stems from the breaking of the marital covenant by infidelity.
The Catholic Church’s Teaching
The Catholic Church upholds the teachings of Jesus on the indissolubility of marriage. Following Pauline teaching (1 Cor 7:10-11), the Church encourages reconciliation and discourages separation. However, in rare instances, an annulment may be declared if the marriage was not valid from the beginning due to lack of consent or other factors.
REFLECTION
Marriage is a gift from God, a call to love and support one another. Challenges inevitably arise, but the Church offers support through counseling and guidance. By drawing on the teachings of Christ and the strength of faith, Christian couples can navigate difficulties and strive to live out their vows, building a strong and lasting marriage. As Christians, we are called to reflect God’s unwavering love and commitment in our marriages, fostering relationships grounded in mutual respect, patience, and forgiveness.