Today's readings:

1. First reading: Ezekiel 16:59-63
2. Gospel: Matthew 19:3-12

Today we are reminded of God’s covenantal love and the sanctity of marriage. The reading from Ezekiel is a vivid portrayal of God’s relationship with Israel, depicted as a husband who cares for, adorns, and loves his wife despite her unfaithfulness. The passage emphasizes God’s mercy and His willingness to forgive and renew the covenant despite Israel's infidelity.

In the Gospel, Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage, teaching that from the beginning, marriage was meant to be a lifelong union. His response to the Pharisees challenges the practices of his time, calling for a return to the original intent of marriage as a permanent and sacred bond. Jesus’ words also acknowledge the difficulty of this teaching, noting that the call to lifelong commitment and even celibacy for the sake of the kingdom is a special vocation, one that not everyone can accept but is embraced by those to whom it is given.

Saint Stephen of Hungary, whose optional memorial is celebrated today, exemplified a life of faithfulness to God’s covenant. As the first king of Hungary, he worked to establish Christianity in his kingdom, embodying the principles of justice, mercy, and devotion to God.

Today's readings and the example of Saint Stephen of Hungary encourage us to honor our commitments, particularly in marriage, and to trust in God’s mercy and covenantal love. They remind us that God’s grace is available to help us live out these challenging teachings, whether in marriage or in a life dedicated to the kingdom.