October 3.   MARRIAGE DAY.  27th Sunday.  God created them male and female to become one.  Fr Peter said, “On this particular Sunday, especially if you have taken time for reflection, preparation and reconciliation it is good to celebrate the special and unique gift that marriage is for couples and for the Church.  So I have asked this couple, appropriately called Adam and Eva to share this homily time with us all.”  They started a little nervously but as they continued they spoke with warmth and conviction.  “Both the first reading and the gospel speak of man and woman being created male and female and called to become one body.  Marriage is a sexual sacrament, celebrating most deeply and most uniquely God’s gift of sexuality.  Through our sexual expression we, as spouses, are the sacramental sign of Jesus to each other and the world.  This is true as we celebrate the complete self-giving in our own relationship and in our life-giving and co-creation with God of our children as the fruit of our love.  Sexuality is common to everyone  but we have come to appreciate the ultimate expression of sex that belongs in marriage and makes marriage essentially different from every other human relationship. We thank God for this gift and that we are able to celebrate his love for us in this way.” Fr Peter added, “Is it not also true that male and female creatures exist almost everywhere in creation and this form of procreation has been designed for the ongoing continuation of almost all life-forms.”  The Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Gen 2:18.  “From the beginning of creation God made them male and female.” Mk 10:4:12.  Pope Francis:  God himself created sexuality which is a marvellous gift to his creatures to be cultivated and sexual desire is not to be looked down upon.  AL:150 

Questions for SHARING AND ACTION  – for couples, individuals or groups

Reflect on and share what the words, “This is my body, given for you” mean to you in this context of marriage. 

For couples the words describe the gift from Jesus and from your spouse.  Renew your commitment to each other by renewing your marriage vows.  

As a community celebrate the gift of the Sacrament of Marriage for the Church and pray a Family Commitment Prayer.

ECO-TIP AND PRAYER:  An understanding and appreciation of the process of reproduction is a subject of ongoing scientific research in all forms of life. Pray that science is used wisely and not abused.