Reflection for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time by Bro. Justine Andrei Sagun from Young Faith in Action Movement

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” These words from Jesus are known around the world. Today’s readings revolve around the idea of how God unites us, bringing us together despite our differences.

In the first reading, we see God’s compassion and love. He created the animals and the birds of the air, but when He saw they were not a suitable partner for man, He created woman from man’s rib. God does not want us to be alone, and He gave us the gift of love. Had God not created a partner for man, we would never have experienced the profound gift of sharing love. This reading highlights the deep connection between man and woman. When man says, “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh,” it signifies the unity of man and woman. It reminds us how they become one flesh in marriage because they were originally one.

In the second reading, we hear of Jesus Christ, who was made “lower than the angels.” The Son of God came into the world to save us. God’s love for us is so immense that He sent His only Son to unite humanity. Jesus endured immense suffering to bring us salvation, yet He is not ashamed to call us His brothers, even though He is the Son of God.

This calls us to reflect on our present time. If Jesus, the Son of God, can confidently call us “brothers,” why can’t we do the same? Wars rage across the world, countless lives have been lost, and many grieve for loved ones. Even beyond wars, violence is rampant and occurring daily.

If Jesus can call us brothers and love us for who we are, why do we continue to harm one another? Why can’t we work toward peace? We are humans, and our lives are a gift from God.

We must ask ourselves: Is it right to use this precious gift to cause pain to others? The beautiful gift of life that God has given us—are we using it to spread love, or are we allowing hatred to grow?

The Gospel reading today deepens the message of love by emphasizing the sacredness of marriage. When the Pharisees question Jesus about divorce, citing Moses’ allowance for a bill of divorce, Jesus refers back to creation. He explains that God made man and woman from the beginning, and when a man leaves his parents to be with his wife, the two become one flesh, never to be separated.

In today’s world, there is much debate about divorce. It remains a contentious issue, with arguments for its legalization in various places. But today’s readings call us to reflect on the permanence and sanctity of marriage. Jesus emphasizes that marriage is a sacred union, not to be dissolved by human authority. Divorce brings pain and suffering—not only to the couple but also to their children, who must bear the emotional toll of separated parents.

Divorce cannot be seen as a solution to difficulties in marriage. It often leads to deeper wounds and more suffering. If we truly love someone, how can we support the idea of divorce? Marriage is a lifelong commitment, a promise sealed with the words, “Until death do us part.” These vows are not spoken lightly; they represent a bond that only death can break.

In a world already filled with pain and hatred, we are called to spread genuine love. Let us reflect on today’s readings and remember that God unites us in love. Let us strive to bring true peace into the world, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and to uphold the sanctity of marriage as a sacred and permanent gift from God.