August 14, 2026
St. Maximilian Kolbe
Gift of a Sacramental Marriage
Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.
Matthew 19:6

The Gospel today may make many of us squirm. Catholics divorce at about the same rate as the general population. And if we are not divorced, likely we know family members or friends who are. Keep in mind that Jesus was affirming the importance and significance of marriage, describing it as part of God’s plan going back to Genesis. He also rejects the idea that the wife is “property” that could be so easily dismissed from a marriage by the husband. As St. Paul reminds us, husbands are to love their wives. (See Ephesians 5:25.) Yet, the Church does recognize that, in some cases, marriages may be annulled, or more properly, offered a Decree of Nullity. (See Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1628-29.)

Let us pray for all who are married, that their relationships continue to grow closer spiritually. And pray for those who are separated or divorced, that the Spirit helps them in their challenges.

Holy Spirit, help all of us appreciate more profoundly the gift of a sacramental marriage.

- Greg Erlandson

Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63 ✚ Isaiah 12:2-6 ✚ Matthew 19:3-12
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Comments

freeter
August 14, 2026 at 10:43 AM

Amen.

Scott
August 14, 2026 at 10:30 AM

The teaching this morning is one of the harder sayings of Jesus to understand. Marriage is a sacrament, it is important to know that through life's journey when it comes to marriages, two people come together to be together through the challenging times, sharing the joyful times and the times of sorrow and hurt. Through all this people are joined to know forgiveness, love, being thankful and joyful sharing and rejoicing in the presence of God always.

Debbie H
August 14, 2026 at 04:50 PM

Yes, Scott. Amen.

Norm
August 14, 2026 at 10:24 AM

Please pray for my marriage.

Patrick
August 14, 2026 at 10:16 AM

Amen Greg, as you said when Jesus is put on the spot by the Pharisees regarding divorce He turns to the Book of Genesis where God’s original vision was for a husband and wife to become one in love, faithful to each other all the days of their lives. ——— It is a wonderful vision for married life yet we all know situations where that it is not always the case. ——— Jesus has a desire for all our lives, whether we are married or single; it is that we would love one another as he loves us. We don’t...
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Scott
August 14, 2026 at 10:27 AM

Thank you, Greg, for your response to the devotional. The gospel lesson is always one of the challenges for me to teach/preach on. I appreciate your words at the end because I know in my heart that all faiths have the same teaching of loving God with all heart, soul, strength and mind. The second loving people as you do yourself. For me that is respecting/accepting all people no matter where they are in life's journey.

CBR
August 14, 2026 at 09:38 AM

Amen Amen Amen

Gary
August 14, 2026 at 08:56 AM

Amen!

ADV
August 14, 2026 at 08:28 AM

AMEN!

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