Daily Reflections on Mk. 10:7-9 (One plus one equals one)

For the first time in a long time divorce statistics are on the decline. That would be good news except the cause of the decline is that more people are foregoing marriage and just living together. As Judge Judy says, "They're playing house." Gone is the commitment to long term relationships. Virtually every couple that comes to me to get married are either living together or might as well be. I always asked the question, "So why get married?"

On the eve of Father's Day I can't help buy contemplate the instruction of these verse. God said it wasn't good for a man to be without companionship so he made Eve, husband and wife. God intended for Adam and Eve to be lifelong companions and if you remember Adam lived to be over 900 years. Some sly commentators have noted that God didn't make Adam and Fred. But God also didn't make Adam and Eva and Felicity and Marsha.

God's intention was that a man and woman commit themselves to one another in marriage for a lifetime. Man (woman too) leaves father and mother joins with his wife (husband) to create a new family. Husbands, Dads, God calls you to cling to your wife. The ultimate responsibility for the long term growth of a marriage and family is the man's. I know it takes 2 to make a marriage; wives have their responsibilities too. But Husbands are the one who is "head" of the house. Headship means responsibility. It means greater service and giving up more rights. Husbands are to love their wives like Christ loves the Church.

Isn't it interesting that guys, who are notoriously known for their lack of relational skills, have the responsibility for the health of the marital relationship and family development? Husbands, Dads are called to set the love quotient in the family.

God, help me to be the pacesetter of love in my home. Help me to help my wife feel secure and wanted and loved and nourished. Allow her to feel my commitment to her now more than ever; to know I value her. I want to leave a legacy of what it mean for a husband to really love his wife for my kids.