Universal Utterings®
for August 16, 2024

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08-16-2024 Matthew 19 V-0312 Two Become One Flesh

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The Book of Matthew 19 v-3 thru 12

3 Some Pharisees approached him, and tested him, saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?” 4 He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” 7 They said to him, “Then why did Moses command that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss [her]?” 8 He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.9 I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.” 10 [His] disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 He answered, “Not all can accept [this] word, but only those to whom that is granted. 12 Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.”

In Matthew 19:3-12, Jesus addresses the topic of marriage, emphasizing its sacredness and the divine intention behind it. When the Pharisees questioned Him about the lawfulness of divorce, He pointed back to the creation narrative, stating, "What God has joined together, let no one separate." This profound statement underscores the belief that marriage is not merely a human contract, but a covenant established by God.

For my wife, Toni and me, this understanding of marriage inspired us to join our last names and become Cruz-Wiggins, symbolizing our unity in Christ. By adopting a hyphenated surname, we reflect our commitment to each other and to God, indicating that we are two individuals who have become one entity in faith and love. This act represents not only our personal bond but also our shared journey in living out the teachings of Christ together.

Moreover, this passage also sheds light on the commitment required of those who enter into a life of service to God, such as Catholic priests. Jesus articulates that some choose celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, thereby dedicating themselves entirely to God’s service. This reflects the belief that their calling allows them to focus fully on their spiritual duties without the distractions that come with marital life.

In essence, the teachings in Matthew 19 highlight the sanctity of marriage, illustrating how it is designed to be a reflection of God’s love. As Cruz-Wiggins, we strive to embody this divine calling in our partnership, while recognizing and respecting the unique path chosen by those who serve God through celibacy. Through our union, we aim to honor both our commitment to each other and our shared faith in Christ. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

08-16-2024 Matthew 19 V-0312

**Two Become One Flesh**

In the heart of sacred scripture, a question unfolds,

Pharisees seeking wisdom, their intentions bold.

"Is it lawful to divorce?" they boldly inquire,

But Christ speaks of oneness, igniting love's fire.

"What God has united, let no one divide,

In the bond of true marriage, let hearts abide."

From the beginning, in Eden's embrace,

He crafted two souls, a divine interlace.

Cruz and Wiggins, our names now entwined,

In the tapestry of love, our spirits aligned.

A symbol of unity, we take on this name,

Reflecting the covenant, igniting the flame.

For some choose to serve, to give all they are,

In the footsteps of Christ, they shine like a star.

With hearts dedicated, their lives set apart,

In the silence of prayer, they find their true heart.

Yet love in its fullness, a beautiful call,

In the laughter and tears, through the rise and the fall.

As we walk hand in hand, in faith we will stand,

Bound together in Christ, forever His Command.

So let us remember, in joy and in strife,

The sacredness of marriage, the beauty of life.

With hearts intertwined, we journey as one,

In the light of His love, our new life’s begun. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 16, 2024 @ 05:59 AM EST

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