Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

 Year A

Marriage, Celibacy and the Action of Divine Love

The Catholic Church have seven Sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and they are divided into three groups; Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation), Sacraments of Healing (Penance, Anointing of the Sick), and  Sacraments of Community Service (Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony).

Yesterday we were given the opportunity to reflect on the Sacraments of Healing(Penance and Anointing of the Sick), today we are given the opportunity to reflect on the Sacraments of Community service (Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony).

In the first reading, the nuptial relationship between God and Israel reminds us of our relationship with him through the redemption of the Cross.  On the Cross where the Second Adam like the first was in a deep sleep and a lance pierced his side and water and blood flowed and it is through this two elements that we are initiated into Christianity and the Church; the water symbolizing Baptism and the Blood symbolizing the Eucharist, we are made the bride of Christ like how Eve who was taken from the side of Adam became his bride. 

The Church is the bride of Christ (Revelation 19:8), the priest share in the priesthood of Christ who is head of the Church and the bride's groom.  Today's gospel tells us why some people do not marry.